Middle earth comes to Russia

Russian Orthodox Church has warned of dire consequences if the art group proceeds with construction of all-seeing ‘Eye

Fans of The Lord of The Rings series have a reason to rejoice as the fantasy-series is about to become reality. Throughout the series ‘The Eye’ is the symbol mostly associated with Sauron. The Eye of Sauron will now become a part of the skyline of Moscow city reported the website for the Russian news network, RT.

The Hollywood Reporter Russia further stated that fans of the film and book series would be installing ‘The Eye’ to commemorate the release of the final film in Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy, The Battle of the Five Armies, in Russia.

According to RT, this wild installation is the brainchild of the Russian art group, Svechenie, as a tribute to one of the greatest film sagas. The art group believes the installation of a real life Eye of the Dar Lord of Mordor will enable ‘millions of fans’ to visit Middle-earth where The Lord of The Rings Trilogy is set.

The idea, however, has not been well received by everyone with the Russian Orthodox Church warning of dire consequences if the art group proceeds with plans to build the all-seeing evil eye in Moscow.

“This is a demonic symbol,” said the head of public affairs of Russian Orthodox Church, Vsevolod Chaplin.

He further reasoned against the installation of The Eye of Sauron commenting that, “Such a symbol of the triumph of evil is rising up over the city, becoming practically the highest object in the city. Is that good or bad? I’m afraid it’s more likely bad. Just don’t be surprised later if something goes wrong with the city.”


British publication, The Guardian, reported that a construction company’s plans to place the famous eye in Moscow city’s skyline revolves around the installation of a one-metre (3.3 foot) sphere on top of a 21-storey building. In order to create a three dimensional effect, a light show will be projected from behind the sphere stated Polina Murova, a spokeswoman for the property company.

The spherical object, which will be switched on Thursday, will remain lit for seven hours. Murova insisted that the project was ‘not a promotion’ for the film but that the designers involved were just fans of the series.

A major obstacle the property company is faced with pertaining to the installation of the object was overcoming the weather forecasts. Murova stated that weather forecasts were threatening the project.

The Battle of the Five Armies, which is the last movie in Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy, had its premiere in London, United Kingdom on December 1. The film stars Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins alongside actor Ian McKellan, Lee Pace, Evangeline Lilly and Richard Armitage.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 11th, 2014.

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