I guess I'd have to say I'm a fanatic. My father read me The Hobbit when I was six years old and then continued with the LOTR. I still have the paperback Ballentine editions of all of those that were read to me nearly 5 decades ago and just finished reading them again for probably the 25th time. I used to correspond with a friend of mine in the Navy in the Feanoran Tengwar script and just installed the wonderful fonts for Tolkien's languages that are available now on my computer.
I am fascinated with the dynamic geography of Arda and my search on the web for more information lead me to this wonderful website. I had never seen the connection between the Second and Third age Arda so well, but your collection of map images helped me visualize this connection.
I am also fascinated by the deep familiarity that these archtypal characters had to me, even the first time I encountered them. There has always been that lingering sense that Tolkien's history of the world is "true" in some parallel-universe that is so near as to be present like a song at the edge of memory.
I look forward to hearing from others who have been profoundly affected by this amazing world that Tolkien has created.
Gil-Celeb, Welcome to The Tolkien Forums. This site is loaded with topics very Tolkien specific. Certain topics go back for years. But no matter what the date on the post is please don't hesitate to post a comment, or opinion, or even a question. We love re-opening threads and heartily enjoy new perspectives. I think you will enjoy being part of other "fanatic's" Tolkien world.
You are certainly most welcome. While I am just a member here I would still be glad to answer any questions about how to move around the site, PM's, the Chatbox, or anything else. I am not the resident expert ... just a person who was welcomed and encouraged when I began.
I loved the part of your post about your father reading the hobbit to you. I did the same with my daughter ... now 28 y/o and making her own way in life and still enjoying Tolkien's writings. (She is even into D&D)
It still amazes me as a "dad" and "depth psychologist" how much we influence others by simply reading and/or listening to stories. I really appreciate your comment about the archetypal characters and their impact ... both in fantasy literature and in the course of life.
Just to get to know you ... Who was your favorite character? Have you seen the movies?(what did you think) What have you read of Tolkien's works? Are there any scholastic supplements you have read? (like "The Tolkien Reader" or "The Tolkien Companion")
Again,
Welcome to The Tolkien Forums!
Bear an Elf-Friend
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Vocatus atque non vocatus, Deus aderit Called or uncalled, God is present
My father was also a psychologist. I myself am an astrophysicist, but grew up surrounded by books by Jung, Freud and others. I found that Jung's ideas were the most congruent with my own inner life and I've absorbed (probably without fully comprehending) many of his books.
My favorite characters have changed a lot as I have aged. Initially, I would have said Gandalf, without hesitation. As I explored Tolkien's world more I was fascinated by the deep past and the iconic figures of Feanor, and Thingol and the high-elves of Beleriand and Eldamar. I find now that the more accessible, down-to-earth hobbits have incredible appeal and might even choose Samwise as my favorite.
There is one part of the entire work that continues to enthrall me when I read it: the flight of Frodo, Sam and Pippin accross the Shire. I believe that we are given a real glimpse of Tolkien himself in those chapters and I imagine we are seeing his own youth as he tramped accross England. Those chapters have a realism and immediacy that truly make me believe one could live in that world.
I have seen the recent, live-action movies (as well as the older animated Hobbit and Ralph Bakshi's attempt at doing the LoTR). I certainly never expected this story to become the media phenom that it has. I can tolerate the movies as providing some fantastic visuals and appreciate the daunting task of reducing this story to a limited format. I certainly would have made other choices in how to do this, but I was not asked . My two biggest beefs are the mangling of Faramir's character and leaving out "The Scouring of the Shire". Oh well.
My reading boyond what I've already mentioned extends to the Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales. I also have the old Ballentine Guide to Middle Earth, as well as Frodo's Travels, and The Languages of Tolkien's Middle Earth. I have read a book called "Tolkien's World" and another book on the Jungian psychology of Middle Earth called "The Individuated Hobbit". I think, long ago, I read "Farmer Giles of Ham", but I'd have to re-read it to remember much about it.
I am looking forward to discussing this amazing world with other fanatics. I've already made a few tentative (hopefully not too provocative) posts on a couple of forums. I'm open to all ideas about this world and am fascinated how rich it is and how it can mean many different things to many different people. I expect to have a host of 'fireside' discussions and will imagine us all bellied up to the bar at the Pony or the Green Dragon on a rainy night when the best thing to do is listen to tales of the Elder days. (You can see my Hobbit side coming to the fore .
As depth psychology has a base in Jungian psychology I think we may share quite a few ideas in common. I think you will have a chance to see both "The Self" and " the Shadow" here. But mostly I hope you see "just the fun"!
It sounds like you are well versed in Tolkien's works and have integrated some academic and scholastic resources into your readings. I would say your reading level is more comprehensive than a few folks here, but perfect for participation in all the threads. Please jump in anywhere ...
I think I would follow the evolution of "favorite character." I find it interesting that we graduate from magic and power to friendship and simplicity ... (might be a little "developmental theory" thrown in there.)
I'm with you on the short-comings in the films ... the parts left out hurt the film ... and so did the stories added ... (like the Arwen piece.) I can't believe PJ has cut Beorn and added Radagast ... and cut this short book into 3 different films. My fingers are crossed but I have to admit ... my expectations of what kind of film "The Hobbit" will be is low.
Soon others will extend welcome,
Bear
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Vocatus atque non vocatus, Deus aderit Called or uncalled, God is present
I echo Laurelin and Bear's offerings on what this site is all about.
If you notice, upon venturing into a thread, that most of the topics began years ago but are currently active. The members of this site continue to breathe life into these topics, which is but one of the reasons I call this site "Home". Many new members excite and stir up the pot, so to speak, which only serves to restore everyone's fervor for Tolkien's inspiring works! So have at it!
Reading you introduction really made me feel like you would do exceedingly well here and I can't wait to see what's in store. I have been a member here for a little over a year and I dig it! It's fun, challenging and the members here have such individualism that its a joy to see them light up the boards in their own particular...idiom (LOL! That word always reminds me of Lancelot and Patsy from the Monty Python's The Holy Grail)!
See you in the threads! And again: Welcome and well met!
. My two biggest beefs are the mangling of Faramir's character and leaving out "The Scouring of the Shire". Oh well.
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