The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales
Nov 6, 2010 14:36:39 GMT -8
Post by Elentari on Nov 6, 2010 14:36:39 GMT -8
So, I thought about starting a convo on The Silmarillion and the past times of Middle Earth. For a brief introduction for people who might have not read or heard of these books, The Silmarillion is basically the short history of Middle Earth, right from the creation of the world. It introduces a lot of amazing characters from the original Big Bad Morgoth to Beren and Lúthien. It also enlightens Sauron's past and the making of the rings.
Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle Earth (which is the full title of the book) consists of essays and stories Tolkien wrote but never finished. His son Christopher Tolkien edited them later on and published them. It provides more information on the several points during the history of Middle Earth.
I adore both the books to bits, but I gotta say that The Silmarillion is still my favourite. The book is full of beautiful, captivating stories that I think are equal to the trilogy - all of them have the potential to be just as grand and epic, but sadly we don't get to know them better. I seriously need to read it again soon (whenever I get rid of the exams *grumbles*)!
I still remember when I was reading it for the first time and what a tremendous experience it was - the stories were just so sad and touching, so full of battles and loss yet the glints of light and hope appearing every now and then. It also amazes me just how well it all was weaved together and how no loose ends were left hanging. The history of the Middle Earth is really complicated and you just have to admire the work Tolkien did on it.
I can't really say one favourite character, although I was always intrigued by the story of Beren and Lúthien, and Eëarendil also. Túrin Turambar's story is fascinating one, too. It has a special place in my heart because you can see the influence of the Finnish epic Kalevala (especially the story of Kullervo, son of Kalervo) in Túrin Turambar's story very clearly.
Here are some questions to start the conversation:
Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle Earth (which is the full title of the book) consists of essays and stories Tolkien wrote but never finished. His son Christopher Tolkien edited them later on and published them. It provides more information on the several points during the history of Middle Earth.
I adore both the books to bits, but I gotta say that The Silmarillion is still my favourite. The book is full of beautiful, captivating stories that I think are equal to the trilogy - all of them have the potential to be just as grand and epic, but sadly we don't get to know them better. I seriously need to read it again soon (whenever I get rid of the exams *grumbles*)!
I still remember when I was reading it for the first time and what a tremendous experience it was - the stories were just so sad and touching, so full of battles and loss yet the glints of light and hope appearing every now and then. It also amazes me just how well it all was weaved together and how no loose ends were left hanging. The history of the Middle Earth is really complicated and you just have to admire the work Tolkien did on it.
I can't really say one favourite character, although I was always intrigued by the story of Beren and Lúthien, and Eëarendil also. Túrin Turambar's story is fascinating one, too. It has a special place in my heart because you can see the influence of the Finnish epic Kalevala (especially the story of Kullervo, son of Kalervo) in Túrin Turambar's story very clearly.
Here are some questions to start the conversation:
- What is your favourite part/story of The Silmarillion/Unfinished Tales?
- Is there something you don't like about these books?
- Do you have favourite characters?
- Who is your least favourite character?
- If a movie adaptation was made from The Silmarillion, what story would you like to see filmed (this of course being completely hypothetical)?