I discovered this course back in 2022, and listened to it before Rings of Power Season 1.
I just went through it again in 2024 to prep for RoP S2.
It I discovered this course back in 2022, and listened to it before Rings of Power Season 1.
I just went through it again in 2024 to prep for RoP S2.
It is a wonderful overview of Tolkien's life and inspirations, especially if you are someone interested in this context but maybe not ready to read a full Tolkien Biography yet. Dmitra Fini is clearly very knowledgeable on not only Tolkien but the mythology that inspired him. She is also very easy to listen to.
There are ten lectures, each around 30 minutes in length, and I found them all fairly fascinating.
If you are a fan of Middle Earth, this course is for you!...more
The Silmarillion is, in my opinion, a staggering work of literature and mythology.
It is the entire history of Middle Earth, as created by JRR TolkienThe Silmarillion is, in my opinion, a staggering work of literature and mythology.
It is the entire history of Middle Earth, as created by JRR Tolkien over many decades, and compiled and posthumously published by his son Christopher Tolkien in 1977.
It is both beautifully crafted and incredibly dense.
It is insightful, intriguing, and (at times) boring.
It is a book, in summary, that will not be for everyone.
While I can most certainly appreciate it, I would be lying if I said I enjoy all of it. The first two parts, in particular, are not my favorite. However, as we continue on into the First and Second Ages, the story becomes a bit more narrative-driven and dramatic, and I tend to enjoy myself much more.
And then the final part is essentially the opening of The Fellowship of the Ring film in book form, as it chronicles Sauron's rise, the creation of the Rings of Power, the Last Alliance, the entrance of the Istari, and the gradual deterioration of the Dunedain leading up to where we find ourselves in The Hobbit. It is excellent, and a must-read for fans of the LOTR books.
Ultimately, while The Silmarillion is probably only for Tolkien die-hards and purists, I do still think it is worth checking out. The new Andy Serkis narrated audiobook is a great way to try it! ...more
Although aimed at a younger audience, and therefore written in a slightly different style than Lord of the Rings,An all-time classic adventure story.
Although aimed at a younger audience, and therefore written in a slightly different style than Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit is a fantastic tale for readers of any age.
I read this story for the first time when I was 13, at the suggestion of a wonderful English Teacher, and it sparked a love for reading Tolkien (and Fantasy in general) that has never been quenched, decades later.
The writing is beautiful and approachable, the story moves swiftly, and the characters are mysterious, funny, and sometimes even terrifying! And of course, Bilbo is a wonderfully identifiable protagonist.
After not reading it for a few years, I recently rediscovered it due to the release of the Andy Serkis narrated audiobook, and fell in love all over again. Serkis somehow takes the story to an even higher level, and I highly recommend this new audiobook.
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” ...more
Fellowship of the Ring remains my favorite of the Peter Jackson films (and IMO the greatest fantasy film of all-time), but Return of the King is easilFellowship of the Ring remains my favorite of the Peter Jackson films (and IMO the greatest fantasy film of all-time), but Return of the King is easily my favorite of the books. It is a sublime, intoxicating, and powerfully epic ending to this trilogy.
While the 'fellowship' (i.e. Aragorn and company) section of Two Towers sometimes drags for me a bit, I adore that section of RotK: Seeing Minas Tirith for the first time, meeting Denethor and Beregond, the Paths of the Dead, the mustering and final charge of the Rohirrim, Eowyn's stand with Merry, and the assault upon the Black Gate. Tolkien writes with perfect pacing and ends things on a monumental cliffhanger.
And then the final part is of course, unbelievably emotional. Not only the destruction of the ring but also the reunions, the travels home, and the scouring of the Shire! And of course, the Grey Havens.
Sam Gamgee is the greatest hero of them all.
While it is true that this book could not function without the two preceding it, I still consider it one of only a few 'perfect' fantasy books. I would not change one thing.
It is remarkably compelling and moving, and I would recommend it (and the series) to anyone....more
An improvement on Fellowship of the Ring in almost every way, The Two Towers is an incredible adventure that cements Lord of the Rings as a literary mAn improvement on Fellowship of the Ring in almost every way, The Two Towers is an incredible adventure that cements Lord of the Rings as a literary masterwork.
As many will no doubt know, Tolkien separates each LotR book into two parts, for a total of six across the entire saga. One story, three books, six parts.
Two Towers is the first time he uses these parts to follow disparate groups, however, and it is a wonderful move, writing-wise. It adds suspense and mystery.
The first part of TT follows Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli as they search for the hobbits captured by Uruk-Hai, free Theoden and Rohan from Saruman's clutches, and ultimately overthrow Saurman completely. Part Two follows Frodo, Sam, and Gollum's adventures into Mordor.
While the first part is faster-paced and more epic, I often find myself enjoying the second part even more. From Frodo and Sam's friendship, Gollum's potential redemption, Faramir's quality, and the absolute terror of Shelob - it is riveting writing. And of course, the ending is a huge cliffhanger.
Overall, The Two Towers is a wonderful adventure, overshadowed only by the book following it.
If you haven’t yet read Lord of the Rings, what are you waiting for?!...more
Like many of my generation (I was born in 1987), I was incredibly influenced by Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy. It remains my favorite filmLike many of my generation (I was born in 1987), I was incredibly influenced by Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy. It remains my favorite film series of all time and has influenced many aspects of my life. Before watching those films, however, I had not read the books they were based on - and in fact, I did not remedy this until years after the films came out.
I don't know why.
When I finally did read the books in college, I found that while I enjoyed them very much, I struggled to separate them from the films. It wasn’t until reading them recently that I felt I was truly able to appreciate them on their own merits.
What I found is that I love them even more than the films, frankly.
One of the first things that stands out to me about the beginning section of Fellowship is how slow it is. This is not world-shaking news; 99% of reviews will tell you the same. The difference with me is that I relish it.
Tolkien uses this section to help his readers fall in love with the Shire the same way Frodo has and to help us understand why it is ultimately so difficult to leave. This portion is one of my favorite sections of writing in literature.
Of course, like Frodo, we cannot stay in the Shire. Eventually, we learn about the true nature of the Ring and begin our quest. This part of the book is a bit of a whirlwind - Tom Bombadil, the barrow-downs, Bree, and finally Rivendell. Not bad at all, but less enjoyable for me. (Love a good 'Who is Tom Bombadil?' discussion, though!)
After a bit of rest/recovery in Rivendell, the true 'Fellowship' begins and I love this part - it feels like the basis for all future Fantasy work. Who doesn't love a team filled with many differently talented characters on an impossible quest? Could we use a female character or two? Yes for sure. But otherwise what an adventure this part of the novel is. I adore it, especially the ending.
Overall, this is such a wonderful novel and a pillar of the genre. Read it! Read it! Read it!...more
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