just wanted to say hi. i am new to this forum. i read the books years ago, and i am starting to read them again. i just got done watching, "clash of gods" on the history channel. if you haven't seen it, it is a documentary on tolkien's characters and historical folklure similarities. it was okay, but it did not go into great detail. anyway, i am hoping to learn some things about middle-earth and the characters from the books. also, i am hoping to make some great friends. peace.
I have just watched that documentary - was pretty good. I am sure you can flesh out the missing parts using this forum! There are maps and timelines here as well.
aragorn 1353. Welcome to the Tolkien Forums! Folks here are pretty nice and encouraging. I've been here almost two years (April 25th) and have been most welcomed. I'm glad you jumped in with "Clash of the Gods" documentary. You inspired me to dig it up and look at it. So I did... Based on their descriptions and theories I wonder... A.) which books did they read...because they weren't the ones I read. B.) as a clinical therapist specializing in PTSD the "psychologizing" of Tolkien is an affront to Tolkien and the profession of psychology. C.) They did a very good job of tying in the Nordic, Germanic, and Finnish myths. D.) Where was the "shield maiden" roots ... E.) They didn't follow through on all the betrayal themes...Saruman. Boromir, Wormtongue, Ted Sandyman, Denethor...and how could they skip the piece just before the "Crack of Doom" where Frodo, in the possession of the Ring (or the possessing him) tells Gollum if he touches the Ring one more time he will be tossed into the fiery abyss, which we see does happen when Gollum bites off Frodo's finger to gain possession of the Ring.
Michael Drout, the professor from Wheaton College, is a noted Tolkien scholar who among other contributions has given us the "J.R.R. Tolkien Encyclopedia: Scholarship and Critical Assessment" certainly adds credibility to the video. But others are not in touch with Tolkien and their suppositions can only be called "weak."
Still any attempt to boil Tolkien down for TV is bound to raise some eyebrows. And I think this video is a good beginning in exploring Tolkien in depth if...make that a big...IF...someone is there who knows the books and the scholarship and critical assessment... Oh yeah...they have to be a hobbit or and elf.
Again welcome and thanks for the interesting resource and discussion. Bear an Elf-Friend
-- Edited by Bear on Tuesday 6th of April 2010 05:32:05 PM
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Vocatus atque non vocatus, Deus aderit Called or uncalled, God is present
Welcome to the Tolkien Forums. Isn't JRR a true fount of inspiration? Sounds like you are a true fan. Glad you found us and hope you join in the discussions often.
Hi Aragorn. I'm glad you found this forum. I have never seen the depth of knowledge on Tolkiens work's' any where else, in literature or on-line. This forums is warm and deep. Fall into the fellowships and topics and hang on. I have been both intelectually and personally enriched while a member of this forum and love all it's members. Welcome to our diverse family!! You and I are pretty close in age. I'm sure you will appreciate this place. If you need anything or are looking for something specific do not hesitate to ask. With my best wishes!!!
Welcome aragorn. Hope you find your way around the forum easy enough.
Some good points in that post Bear. I think there were a few generalisations in that programme, yet it does seem to raise a few valid points. But it does indeed lack the depth for an avid Tolkien fan, but provides more than enough for a general audience which is mildly interested in Tolkien's myth.
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Utúlie'n aurë! Aiya Eldalië ar Atanatári, utúlie'n aurë! Auta i lómë! Aurë entuluva!
"Suilad" aragorn1353, or in English "Welcome" My name really is Arwen Legolas and yes, my ears really are getting pointier by the year. I am happy you found our little corner of cyber space and decided to join. I am little late because I just moved and for the last 6.5 weeks I been either packing or unpacking. I myself have not seen the documentary, but our more up to date guys have and with Bear having watched it, and he being my friend, I trust his judgment. He certainly raised a few good points with which another one of our resident Tolkien Scholar's agreed. So the next time you watch it, run those through your mind while you watch it. And again, mae govannen.
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Hey dol! merry dol! ring a dong dillo! Ring a dong! hop along! fal lal the willow! Tom Bom, Jolly Tom, Tom Bombadillo!
