The four books mouth of sauron requested and a chance to have a drink and smoke under his favorite tree... "If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold it would be a merrier world." - J.R.R. Tolkien
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Vocatus atque non vocatus, Deus aderit Called or uncalled, God is present
Maybe there is hope that more books will come about in future. After all Christopher Tolkien will name somone else in the immediate family as his 'heir' after he dies, I suppose? And they can carry on his good work in furthering Middle-earth into new books.
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Utúlie'n aurë! Aiya Eldalië ar Atanatári, utúlie'n aurë! Auta i lómë! Aurë entuluva!
I would like to hear about the other two wizards that went off to the east. What was their plight? Did they fall to the treachery of Saruman? What was Saruman's original purpose in the east and why didn't they (the other wizards) ever return as he did from the east? I feel that there is a whole well of untapped history and knowledge there. It could spurn on a whole new series of Tolkien books. Did the Wizards abandon their original purpose and become twisted by their thirst for power? Or did they find themselves embroiled in deeper matters concerning the emissaries of Mordor; I disbelieve that Sauron would not seek to rule the open lands to the east as well as the west. I think he just had a long standing blood feud with the men and elves of the west as well as the other peoples therein. Did one of the Blue Wizards become D&D's most famous Wizard Mordenkainen. Who knows? But I do believe that it should be handed over to the most proven student of Tolkien's style with close observation from Christopher Tolkien and/or any he would name as a Tolkien scholar successor, (If no one in the family can proficiently bear the torch).
An account of the blue istari would be amazing. Along with the four books MoS mentioned. I too hope we get some of these dream books in our future. However, I think if every single bit of tolkien's world was revieled then that would in some ways lessen the magic of it all. The mystery behind every race, place, character, ect. Would be availible and we would have nothing to discuss besides our refferences. Nay, to much information would not be as fulfilling in the end to me.
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But no wizardry nor spell, neither fang nor venom,nor devil's art nor beast-strength, could overthrow Huan of Valinor;
I also enjoy them Bear. forums or no. But as much as I enjoy the reading of tolkien's great works I also love conversing with others about his works. He has had such an influence on me over my life and a lot of that was the incredible mystery behind every turn. Id just hate to see that mystery dissapear.
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But no wizardry nor spell, neither fang nor venom,nor devil's art nor beast-strength, could overthrow Huan of Valinor;
Huan, I think I understand what you mean ... I like steak. I like baked potatos. And I like steak and baked potatos. But I enjoy them even more when I am sharing steak and baked potatos at a backyard cookout with my friends ...
Have I got it???
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Vocatus atque non vocatus, Deus aderit Called or uncalled, God is present
I'd hate to play devil's advocate here...but here we go:
Do you think that The Silmarillion would have been compiled by Christopher Tolkien and released if a demand hadn't been created by the fallout from the success of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings? What of The Children of Hurin? Was that also a book Professor Tolkien planned to deliver to the masses? Or did he create the story for the sole purpose of supporting LOTR never meaning to release it? (I'm sure you guys can name more subsequent works than I). Maybe Tolkien didn't plan on following the Blue Wizards or the exploits of Saruman in the East at all, and if there are no known notes for that, then I think we are at a definite dead end.
I am with you guys when it comes to enjoying the books. As a matter of fact, I enjoyed them so much that I desired to delve into his works head on and learn all I can about them (still learning by the way) and according to the extreme knowledge every one on this site produces, I don't think I am alone. To liken to Bear's post: I like the steak and potatoes (all Tolkien's existing works) too and now I look for the dish in all my favorite restaurants (Or book sources) and I haven't grown tired of the recipe; especially when it comes to sharing it with friends at backyard cookouts (this very Forum).
I hope this does not come off as combative. It was not meant to be. I have plenty of respect for everyone here and have learned much by following these threads featuring many of your comments. Tolkien inspired me to dig and imagine. Maybe he's created a monster The Spirits of Middle Earth have Got me!! I guess I was projecting on a personal wish list for my libraries. Anyway, Cheers!