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J.R.R. TolkienDouglas Charles RapierArticlesA 'brief' article wherein the author relates a conversation with a friend who is not a fan of Tolkien's Middle-earth sagas. Middle-earth: Myth, Legend or Tale? Part two in a series examining Tolkien’s Middle-earth stories and appraising their value as myth, legend and tale. Myth, Monomyth and Middle-earth This month’s article should be considered the preface to an on-going examination of the value of Tolkien’s Middle-earth writings. Bingo Baggins, Frodo Took and a Hobbit in Wooden Shoes Wherein the author speaks of Tolkien's decades-long struggle in writing his masterpiece, 'The Lord of the Rings'. A reverie on the relevance of "The Valaquenta and "The Ainulinde" to a broader appreciation and deeper understanding of the saga of Middle-earth. An examination of the significance of the commonality of Tolkien’s ‘Mother-less Heroes’. A look at the relationships Tom Bombadil and the Ents had with their partners. Cry 'Havoc!' and Let Slip the Wargs of Fandom! An analysis of how Peter Jackson's movies portray Middle-earth, and how the film-maker uses compression to squeeze in as many details as possible. Tolkien's vision of the Uruks, the black Orcs from Mordor and Isengard, followed a very unconventional path from conception to publication. Why did he feel compelled to create a new race of goblins, one which possessed none of the weaknesses of the older race of goblins? Taking another look at Celeborn, we find he is not quite so cut-and-dried as his detractors would have us believe. But is what Tolkien told us about Celeborn nearly as important as what he implied? Something Wicked This Way Comes How could Sauron have returned to life and established himself on Dol Guldur without someone noticing? Even if his resurrection occurred in secret, Greenwood the Great could not have become Mirkwood overnight. So, what happened? Tolkien may have left clues about his thoughts on Hobbit history and roots in the Shire place-names and family names. Rohan's linguistic ties to other lands such as Dale and the Shire may also be hidden in simple names like Upbourn and Westfold. Was The Silmarillion really the only unwritten chapter left in the history of Middle-earth, or have we all overlooked another project, just as broad in scope, which Tolkien left unfinished at his death? J.R.R. Tolkien learned about philology and mythology through the study of Greek literature. What does Middle-earth owe to his lifelong interest in the Classics? How did he bring classical and medieval literature and poetry together to create a modern literary tradition which he so uniquely defines? A look at how the Stewards of Gondor compare to historical families which rose from stewardship to kingship, and why the Ruling Stewards never made themselves kings. And Now, For the Rest of the Poem What was the key event which led to the publication of The Lord of the Rings? Was it really the publication of The Hobbit, or should we look to something else entirely? The answer may be as surprising as any revelation in the history of Tolkien's world. Mountains on the Left, Ruins on the Right Tolkien Enterprises recently moved to protect its trademarks in the gaming marketplace. Can they really prevent the gaming community from exercising its imagination, or are they just delaying the inevitable? Tolkien's vivid mythology captures the imagination with a careful retelling of supposedly ancient stories which were long forgotten. But just exactly what were the imaginary sources for Tolkien's imaginary sources? Middle-earth's undiscovered literature evokes a wheels-within-wheels mystique, much as real literature draws upon older sources to build up its own power ... Legolas, You're Just So Darn...CUTE! Orlando has bloomed in the role of Legolas, and he has set off an avalanche of server crushing Web traffic. The latest teenage heart-throb deserves another look, because he may have a significant impact on online Tolkien fandom. Who's Afraid of the Big, Bad Purists? A review of Peter Jackson's 'The Fellowship of the Ring' which offers praise, criticism, and a very necessary and much-needed rebuke. Life Imitating Art in The Lord of the Rings Guest writer Michael Siminski focuses on the uncanny parallels which occur between J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and Peter Jackson's attempt to bring the book to the silver screen. Do Elves Dream of Eclectic Sleep? What does it mean to be an Elf? The answer to that question changes with the passing of the ages, and eventually an Elf must choose between sorrow and uncertainty. The growing burden of Elvish regret may, in fact, have compelled the Elves to grow beyond their own fears and misconceptions. ... Trick or Treat? Spooky Middle-Earth J.R.R. Tolkien brushed most of the major Western holidays with his imaginary history. It's a shame he passed over Halloween. Or did he? An examination of the role prophecy plays in Middle-earth, and how Tolkien distinguishes between true foretelling and forecasting, and how prophecy may be a tool for compulsion. The Sauron Strategies: One War to Win Them All, Except... The second of two essays examining the strategies Sauron employed during the Second and Third Ages. Striving to be like Morgoth, Sauron took on the world. Perhaps he bit off more than he could chew. The Sauron Strategies: Footsteps into Failure The first of two articles examining Sauron's strategies and objectives. In the Second Age, Sauron proved to be flexible and resilient, but he consistently underestimated his enemies' abilities and resources. Tolkien's Hobbits bear some striking resemblances to the pre-Romanic Celts who spread across ancient Europe. All the King's Horses and All the King's Men... This is the third in a series of articles exploring previously unpublished texts about Middle-earth. The 'Osanwe-kenta' text is closely identified with J.R.R. Tolkien's 'Orcs' essay and 'Quendi and Eldar'. But there may also be a connection with the much later 'Shibboleth of Feanor'. Welcome to the New Middle-Earth, Pilgrim! This is the second in a series of essays analyzing previously unpublished works by J.R.R. Tolkien which have been brought to light by the Elvish Linguistic Fellowship. The Tip of the Iceberg: New Information About Middle-Earth This is the first of a series of essays analyzing previously unpublished works by J.R.R. Tolkien which have been brought to light by the Elvish Linguistic Fellowship. It's All in the Family: The Finweans The second of two articles examining the families of the Eldarin kings. With the publication of The Peoples of Middle-earth, we learned Tolkien's final decisions on who was related to whom, and how. It's All in the Family: The Elweans and Ingweans The first of two essays examines the Eldarin genealogies and whether it is possible to state definitively who was related to whom and how. The Ingweans and Elweans are the royal families of the Vanyar and Sindar. The Good, the Bad, and the Outlawed All the great tragedies of Tolkien's First Age cycle are founded upon the outlaw motif. The loss of community and the moral isolation force his characters to undertake purifying journeys. But the journeys are so arduous that most who tread the outlaw path fail to redeem themselves, or must do so ... In a comparison of Aragorn with barbarian hero archetypes, it becomes apparent that Tolkien appreciated the relationship between the energizing foreigner and the declining civilization as well as any pulp fiction author should have. Is it possible to explain why Tolkien did not write about dragons in the Second Age? Some new twists on old ideas may reveal the truth about where the dragons went and what they were (or were not) up to. It took a miracle to overthrow Sauron, and Iluvatar's intervention in the War of the Ring may have come on the heels of successive pre-emptive moments which served as warnings to Sauron that his time in Middle-earth was about to come to an end. Browsing the Compleat Middle-Earth Library The study of J.R.R. Tolkien's life and works is an ever-expanding field. Here is a road-map for readers new and old to help them navigate their way through the winding paths of Tolkiendom. Tolkien's Time Machine: When Literary Worlds Collide Most readers agree that The Lord of the Rings is a unique book. And though J.R.R. Tolkien is credited with helping launch the modern fantasy literary genre, there are no other books which approach LoTR in quality and perfection. Why? Could it be that Tolkien was pursuing a goal which no ... Could Tolkien have fully visualized the War of Wrath as he provided details for so many other events, or was it necessarily a legend about which little could or should be known? Despite a reputation for evil, Rhudaur may have served a good purpose, both in the early centuries of the history of Arnor and in the last centuries of the Third Age. Simple Hobbits Have Lots of Friends Middle-earth is clearly based on the medieval traditions of Sicily. Tolkien's allegory against the perils of allowing organized crime to flourish in an apathetic society is one of the 20th century's truly underappreciated social commentaries. Scaling the Walls of War in Middle-Earth An examination of how Numenorean architecture may reflect a fundamental aspect of Numenor's imperial strategy and the flaw in Gondor's imperial ambitions. An examination of what Tolkien may have meant in referring to the lords of the Eldar as 'the Wise'. A History of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men, Part 3 Part three of a three-part article examining the causes and events of the War of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men. This section includes the end notes and bibliography of sources. A History of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men, Part 2 Part 2 of an article covering the history of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men. A History of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men, Part 1 First of three parts of a research paper covering the history of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men. Part one covers events leading up the war. Tolkien wrote little concerning the lives and crafts of Cirdan's mariners, but these hearty Elves of the sea fought in all of Middle-earth's great wars. They were also among the last Eldarin people to vanish from the world of men. Is That an Orc in Your Pocket, Or Are You Just Happy to Be Evil? In classic story-teller fashion, J.R.R. Tolkien used good and evil in Middle-earth to reflect human ambitions and failings. Notinole from Babylon to Middle-earth Tolkien researchers haven't overlooked the fundamentals of Tolkien's numerals, but the fundamentals of mathematics in Middle-earth may be easier to discern than previously believed. He Shall Be Like a Tree Planted By the Rivers of Water The trees of Middle-earth reveal Tolkien's deep love for nature's graceful giants. But though the Ents championed the cause of trees in a world of two legged hewers, they seemed to reveal little about themselves. We must magnify Tolkien's words with our imaginations if we are to behold the all the ... Lonely Wanderers and the Tales That Almost Were The story of Earendil changed considerably through the years of Tolkien's life. In a similar fashion, the history of the Lords of Dol Amroth also underwent changes. The promise of both stories was thus never fully achieved. Unwritten Tales of Love and War in Middle-Earth Both the First Age and the Third Age are highlighted by tales of love and tragedy. Yet the Second Age reveals only pieces of what might have been another enchanting cycle of stories of love, heroism, and the long struggle against evil. Of Thegns and Kings and Rangers and Things The fall of the kingdom of Arnor brought about an end to the kingship of the Heirs of Isildur. But an examination of the Rangers and the role they played in Eriador reveals some interesting possibilities about how the Heirs of Isildur may have preserved both their royal authority and their ... The Manly Men of Myth and Middle-Earth How much were Tolkien's heroes like the heroes of the ancient Greeks, Hebrews, and Germans? Did Beowulf really serve as a model for any of Middle-earth's men of action? Tolkien is believed to have revived some of the ancient epic traditions, but his heroes display a surprising humility when compared to ... A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Canon A light-hearted romp through the wordscape of Tolkien canonical arguments. The Over-the-Bree-Hill Gang Rides Again The problem with creating any sequel to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings is that you can't bring in a new Dark Lord. A successor to Sauron invalidates the whole mythology. A Long Time Ago, in a Middle-Earth Far, Far Away... J.R.R. Tolkien's story-telling is steeped in the tradition of fairy-tales and folklore. But he even found time (and room) to drop a few of his own fairy-tales and folk stories into the larger composition. Guess Who's Coming to the Disaster Tolkien is often criticised for not including more romance in The Lord of the Rings. But the romance is scattered throughout his long pseudo-history, and the fate of Middle-earth was more than once decided by a love story. How have role-playing games tried to depict Tolkien's world in the past? With the prospect of a new role-playing game based on The Lord of the Rings facing us, are there perhaps better methods of depicting Tolkien's vision while retaining playability? What foods did people eat in Middle-earth, and how were they prepared? J.R.R. Tolkien probably knew enough about the etymologies behind the names for various foods to be sure of what he was writing about. A few American foods notwithstanding, the Middle-earth menu is very realistic. Trampling the Legacy, Remaking the Myth An examination of how modern fantasy has redefined Tolkien and failed to improve upon the faux traditions attributed to Tolkien. Ithilien rose and fell with the fortunes of Gondor, but when all else was lost, Gondor hung on to Isildur's former home tenaciously. What did this land mean to the people Isildur left behind? Beware That Baker in the Kitchen! What is the nature of evil in Middle-earth, and at what point does it become True Evil? Are the Orcs responsible for their own state of corruption, or are they excusable and redeemable? Who knew about the Rings of Power at the end of the Third Age? It requires some historical detective work to figure out who knew about them in the first place, who learned about them later, and who would have been around to forget about them. Look What They've Done to the Official Web Site, Ma A brief review of the new Lord of the Rings movie official Web site. The Downfall of the Lore of the Rings What have Tolkien scholarship and criticism achieved toward sharing an appreciation of The Lord of the Rings? Are literary analysts exploring Tolkien or their own ideals, masked by a veneer of literary exploration? Magic by Melkor, No Returns Accepted How did magic work in Middle-earth, and was it really as unlimited as some people believe? Where Have All the Dragons Gone? J.R.R. Tolkien's first story concerned a "green great dragon", which he was told was not the correct way to speak of dragons. Years later, the author found the means to speak of dragons in a most compelling fashion. But how great were his dragons, and why did they like gold so ... How many Noldor reached Aman? How many returned to Middle-earth? These questions have annoyed Tolkien fans for years. But though we cannot know what J.R.R. Tolkien intended, we can make some educated guestimates. Moving Sale: Magic Rings and Other Trinkets Half Off The Elves of Middle-earth had many regrets. But were they simply being materialistic when they grieved for lost treasures, or was there something more? Does Barliman Have a Beard? And Other Important Fannish Issues Some of Middle-earth's greatest conflicts are fought among the fans and critics of J.R.R. Tolkien. Who is right? Who is wrong? What will be the next great debate? And who will turn up that long-desired recipe for lembas? Glorfindel has been the subject of much curiosity and discussion through the years despite how little J.R.R. Tolkien actually told us about this character. And yet it wasn't always that way.... A discussion of Tom Bombadil and his importance to J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Should fans hope to see Bombadil in a Fellowship of the Ring Dvd? And Now It's Time to Say Good-bye... Tolkien fandom has experienced its own wild adventure over the past 14 months while waiting for Peter Jackson's 'The Lord of the Rings' movies. The current production will become a legend in its own right. Downloads and Dragons: Look what they've done to Fantasy, ma A review of the Dungeons and Dragons trailer and how it fits into the emergence of fantasy adventure movies as potential top box office material. A look at Tolkien's use of quests in his stories, long and short, and of how role-playing games and more recent fantasy stories have departed from Tolkien's ideas. Why is it that the Hobbits didn't overrun Eriador, and how, exactly, did they end up where they did end up? Their names and the Tale of Years provide a few clues that can provide a greater, if grimmer, picture of Hobbit society and history. If you've ever wondered what was so special about Theoden, there may be an answer to your question. We can study the world in which Theoden lived to learn a little more about him. Have you been to Valinor lately? An examination of the deeper Valinorean mythology which pervaded Tolkien's works. Why do so many critics miss the connections? What was Tolkien really trying to do, if not to convey some deeper meaning or to preserve some ancient storyline? Did Numenorean society follow an inevitable path toward division because the kings retained, respected, and enlarged autonomous traditions? Were the noble families of Numenor able to influence the policies of the kings both directly and indirectly? This article examines the roots of Numenorean politcal power and the connections between that power ... What was Eriador like in the years between the departure of the Numenoreans over Sea and their eventual return? We can extrapolate a few ideas based on things J.R.R. Tolkien said concerning the history of the Dunedain. Seeking the Wayward Children of Numenor How did Arnor and Gondor come to be, and what were the fundamental differences between the characters of the two realms? And what was the contribution of Numenor to their founding? A discussion of the origins of Arnor and Gondor explores the dynamics of Numenorean culture and how it laid the ... Middle-earth had few professional entertainers, and that may be because the greatest entertainers of all had been the Elves, whose magic was still in some ways remembered. Razing Arnor: How real were the Dunadan conspiracies? Tolkien never explained how and why Arnor was divided into three kingdoms. Here are some speculations on possible causes leading up to the traumatic event, and an analysis of its consequences. Looking inside the Sauron Project Most fantasy movie villains turn out badly. As a literary villain Sauron is unusual but successful. So what will it take to bring him to life in Peter Jackson's three LOTR movies, and to make him convincing as a strong, powerful, and terrifying villain? An inquiry into how to establish a canon for Tolkien discussions, which inevitably leads to the question of how or whether the Silmarillion can or should be rewritten, and by whom. Gil-galad was an Elven-king... A discussion of Gil-galad's history and genealogy, and the importance of The Silmarillion in studying Gil-galad. The Captains Crazy of Middle-earth A discussion of the inadequate strategies and tactics employed by the Noldor in the Wars of Beleriand, and the blunders which ultimately led to their downfall. Looking beyond Peter Jackson to...J.R.R. Tolkien A speculation on the impact that Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings movies will have on the fantasy film industry, and the impact Tolkien may have on the 21st century. Middle-earth Connections: Lore of the Rings A detailed examination of the motivations behind the Elves' creaion of the Rings of Power, and some speculations on how the Rings may have been used. An essay written in the style of National Geographic which examines life and history along the historic Baranduin river in Eriador. Oh, the things we do for the things we love... An early report on the Tolkien and Middle-earth fan programming track at Dragoncon. Indiana Jones and the Treasures of Middle-earth A light-hearted romp through possible scenarios that Indiana Jones might face while looking for a Middle-earth artifact. Introducing "Ancanar", A Mid-Summer's Film Fantasy A discussion of the true importance to the world of Tolkien fandom of Elemental Films' recently announced 'Ancanar' project. Online fandom: Have we gone too far or not far enough? Has online fandom overstepped the bounds of propriety in reporting on Peter Jackson's 'Lord of the Rings' movies? Resurrecting Dale, City of A Thousand Untold Stories An examination of the events and peoples connected with the city of Dale, and some of the possibilities Tolkien would have considered had he devoted more time to its history and kings. LOTR Films: Will the scenery steal the show? A discussion of how Middle-earth needs to come alive in each scene of Peter Jackson's movies, to supplement the actors in telling the story. A brief discussion of some of the unanswerable questions about Middle-earth's peoples, creatures, and history. A discussion of the complex history of the Wood-elves, exploring their roots and various cultural sources. Dragoncon will be the Tolkien/SF event of the year! A review of guests, panelists, and planned sessions for the Tolkien and Middle-earth track to be held at Dragoncon in Atlanta, GA, on June 29-July 2. A review of the various tales of horror and dread that Tolkien slipped into the Middle-earth canon. And Now for the Other Love Story An examination of the lifestyles Sam Gamgee and Rose Cotton may have known while growing up, and how their families fit into Shire economics and society. Snoopy Versus the Lord of the Nazgul How J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings might look if some famous American cartoon characters were to take on the key roles in the story. Look what they've done to Middle-earth, Ma An assessment of Peter Jackson's Internet preview for the upcoming Lord of the Rings movies and how it reflects the accuracy (or inaccuracy) of the films in portraying Middle-earth. An examination of the character of Legolas, and the possible clues Tolkien may have left concerning Legolas' age. A discussion of how Tolkien fans have influenced some merchandising decisions, and whether they may be involved in future merchandising projects. It is a dark and stormy movie... A discussion of the emotional impact Peter Jackson's 'Lord of the Rings' movies are having on fandom, and how Tolkien's story evokes emotional responses from the readers. Will Jackson's films evoke similar responses? Are We Ready For Peter Jackson's Aragorn? An assessment of the character of Aragorn and how it should be portrayed in Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" movies. Much ado about Arwen: Elven Princess A profile of Arwen as portrayed by J.R.R. Tolkien, and how the original character may have inspired Peter Jackson to extrapolate abilities she did not display in the book. Introducing Middle-earth Television Entertainment Group... Some speculations about the directions in which Hollywood's television industry could take Middle-earth, as may surely happen once Peter Jackson's movies strike gold and set the innovative minds in the Entertainment Industry to thinking.... Which parts of Middle-earth will we not see? A discussion of several places in Middle-earth which are never seen in either Tolkien's book or Peter Jackson's movies, but of which J.R.R. Tolkien told us much. When is a movie not just a movie? An examination of the ethnic, moral, and historical issues surrounding The Lord of the Rings, which is occasionally embroiled in a controversy alleging that the book is racist. In search of the online Tolkien community A discussion of how Tolkien fans can help build and promote the online fannish community, with references to some valuable resources. Just Whose Middle-earth Is It, Anyway? J.R.R. Tolkien brought us to Middle-earth, but we have never left it since then.... An examination of some of the love stories (some tragic, some idyllic) bound up in Tolkien's long history of Middle-earth. Where the Beornings may have come from, and what they may have been like as a people... Exploring Tolkien's Fourth Age How Middle-earth might have appeared in the Fourth Age, had J.R.R. Tolkien finished writing The New Shadow. Tracking Hobbits Through Space... A review of Pat Murphy's There and Back Again, a science fiction retelling of The Hobbit. Winter holidays the Hobbits celebrated, compared to holidays we celebrate today. Ranger For Hire: Have Horse, Will Travel A discussion of possible locations where Aragorn's people may have lived in Eriador. Hobbit Tales, or Never There And Back Again... A discussion of some of the other stories Tolkien could have told about Hobbits had he explained their history in greater detail. A discussion of Bree's significance and probable history in the Third Age. Them Dwarves, Them Dwarves, Part II A continuation of the discussion of Tolkien's Dwarves: their history, culture, and relationships with other peoples. First part of a discussion about Tolkien's Dwarves. Who Were the Real Heroes of Middle-Earth? An analysis of how Tolkien's relationship with his wife Edith is metaphorically reflected in the relationships he created for his heroes and heroines. A discussion of money and economics in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth through the ages. Development of the Linguistics of Tolkien's Elvish Languages An introduction to print and online resources for the study of J.R.R. Tolkien's Elven languages, Quenya and Sindarin. How did Tolkien actually portray the Rohirrim? A discussion of how Tolkien portrayed the Rohirrim, comparing and contrasting them with the peoples of the Icelandic sagas and ancient Germanic tribes. Tolkien's Middle-earth doesn't look like Medieval Europe A refutation of the medievalist interpretation of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. Would Sandra Bullock be a good Mrs. Isildur? Speculations about Isildur's wife and how her life might be portrayed in a movie. Speculations (some serious, some not so serious) on Gandalf's early movements and career. Where Are the Aragorn and Arwen Web Sites? A discussion of Aragorn and Arwen, how Web sites for them are currently lacking, and what may emerge on the Web as the popularity of these characters and the actors who portray them rises. Hey guys, how's the weather down there? A review of the impact that New Zealand's climate may have on filming the "Lord of the Rings" movies, how Peter Jackson may address issues of climate and geography, and what challenges lie ahead for him. Garn, Garn, It's an Orc's life for me! A discussion of how Orcs are portrayed, could be portrayed, and perhaps should be portrayed in movies, television, and online gaming systems. What Can We Expect From the Upcoming Movies? An initial discussion of what fans can expect from Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings movies. Can Middle-earth survive the commercialization of Tolkien? A discussion of how the commercialization of Tolkien's works may or may not affect the impression new fans form of Middle-earth in years to come. Welcome to Tolkien's Middle-earth...online An overview of the online world devoted to J.R.R. Tolkien and his marvellous creation, Middle-earth. |
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