Tell me about this book then!
+18
RA
leelee
halfwise
chris63
Orwell
Porgy Bunk-Banks
springstar
Tinuviel
Squach
Saradoc
Pettytyrant101
Ally
Wisey Banks
odo banks
Eldorion
Ringdrotten
Pettytyrant
Kafria
22 posters
Page 1 of 5
Page 1 of 5 • 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Tell me about this book then!
Time for the confession I suppose (and we can't leave this sub forum with no threads in it)
Although I love and re read TH and LOTR, I have never got past the first twenty pages of this (and I have tried repeatedly, I have both this and UT on the bookshelf and never seem to get into them!)
I know it's not good enough, so maybe if you tell me more I'll be able to get on a bit better!
Although I love and re read TH and LOTR, I have never got past the first twenty pages of this (and I have tried repeatedly, I have both this and UT on the bookshelf and never seem to get into them!)
I know it's not good enough, so maybe if you tell me more I'll be able to get on a bit better!
_________________
Never laugh at dragons, Bilbo you fool! - TH
'A novel is a long piece of prose with ,in the eyes of the author at least, something wrong with it - Neil Gaiman, intro to American gods
Kafria- Lady of Dale
- Posts : 1270
Join date : 2011-02-13
Re: Tell me about this book then!
I'd be very surprised if anyone finished LotR picked up the Sil and jumped right in and felt at home. Personally it took a few goes and several years before I finally read it.
Perhaps try listening to it on audio tape first, Martin Shaw does a good reading.
Perhaps try listening to it on audio tape first, Martin Shaw does a good reading.
Pettytyrant- Clue-finder
- Posts : 154
Join date : 2011-02-13
Re: Tell me about this book then!
I've not read any of them either I've only read "Of the rings of Power and The Third age" in Silmarillion, which is great reading. Try to read that part, I think you'll like it
_________________
“The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want for nothing. He makes me lie down in the green pastures. He greases up my head with oil. He gives me kung-fu in the face of my enemies. Amen”. - Tom Cullen
Ringdrotten- Mrs Bear Grylls
- Posts : 4607
Join date : 2011-02-13
Re: Tell me about this book then!
That's not a bad idea - i just have to persuade myself that i don't need to start at the beginning and work my way through!
_________________
Never laugh at dragons, Bilbo you fool! - TH
'A novel is a long piece of prose with ,in the eyes of the author at least, something wrong with it - Neil Gaiman, intro to American gods
Kafria- Lady of Dale
- Posts : 1270
Join date : 2011-02-13
Re: Tell me about this book then!
UT and The Silmarillion are books that don't need to be read from the start to the end, they're excellent for "cherry-picking" as someone called it back on the old forum (was it Odo?)
Edit: I cannot say this for sure, of course, I haven't read them, but I've looked at them and as far as I could tell, they looked very suited for cherry-picking
Edit: I cannot say this for sure, of course, I haven't read them, but I've looked at them and as far as I could tell, they looked very suited for cherry-picking
_________________
“The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want for nothing. He makes me lie down in the green pastures. He greases up my head with oil. He gives me kung-fu in the face of my enemies. Amen”. - Tom Cullen
Ringdrotten- Mrs Bear Grylls
- Posts : 4607
Join date : 2011-02-13
Re: Tell me about this book then!
The Silmarillion isn't a novel, it's a 300-page summary of an entire mythology that rivals the body of Greek myth handed down to us in scope. It would be intimidating and difficult to read in the best conditions, but it's also stitched together from incomplete works composed at various times over a span of 50+ years. I think Christopher Tolkien did a masterful job weaving his father's notes together, but he couldn't make it be truly complete.
With that in mind, I can totally understand how you can read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings but be completely turned off by The Silmarillion. Personally I like it, but it's not everyone's cup of tea. If you do try to read it again, I recommend skipping the Ainulindale and the Valaquenta. The Ainulindale is a creation myth that roughly mirrors the plot of Paradise Lost, and can be summed up as follows. God (referred to as Eru Iluvatar) instructs the Valar (sub-gods, or perhaps angels) in how to create the world, which they do on their own, while Eru stays in his own place. However, the chief of the Valar, Melkor, rebels and tries to create things on his own. Melkor (later called Morgoth) fights the other Valar.
The Valaquenta is simply a list of the Valar, the chief Maiar (similar spirits but of lesser stature), and the chief enemies of the Valar and Maiar. You might want to refer back to it if you lose track of who is who, but I could see it being dull on a first read-through. At the beginning of the main 'Quenta Silmarillion' there are a couple of slow chapters full of very esoteric mythological stuff, but pretty quickly you get into the epic legendary history. Where the work truly shines, though, is the three Great Tales: Beren and Luthien, The Children of Hurin (also published as a stand-alone novel), and The Fall of Gondolin. This is where the characters come closest to the forefront and they can be quite moving stories. The rest of the book, while still good, is fairly impersonal in its recounting of myth.
If you get through that, reading the Akallabeth and 'Of the Rings of Power...' shouldn't be hard. However, as Ringdrotten mentions, it's not strictly speaking necessary to read it any one order, though it's probably good to have a basic sense of the context of the first few chapters (which are unfortunately some of the dullest) before going on. In any event, even if the main 'Quenta' is too complex, I highly recomment the Akallabeth, which is an excellent into the civilization of Numenor before its fall.
With that in mind, I can totally understand how you can read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings but be completely turned off by The Silmarillion. Personally I like it, but it's not everyone's cup of tea. If you do try to read it again, I recommend skipping the Ainulindale and the Valaquenta. The Ainulindale is a creation myth that roughly mirrors the plot of Paradise Lost, and can be summed up as follows. God (referred to as Eru Iluvatar) instructs the Valar (sub-gods, or perhaps angels) in how to create the world, which they do on their own, while Eru stays in his own place. However, the chief of the Valar, Melkor, rebels and tries to create things on his own. Melkor (later called Morgoth) fights the other Valar.
The Valaquenta is simply a list of the Valar, the chief Maiar (similar spirits but of lesser stature), and the chief enemies of the Valar and Maiar. You might want to refer back to it if you lose track of who is who, but I could see it being dull on a first read-through. At the beginning of the main 'Quenta Silmarillion' there are a couple of slow chapters full of very esoteric mythological stuff, but pretty quickly you get into the epic legendary history. Where the work truly shines, though, is the three Great Tales: Beren and Luthien, The Children of Hurin (also published as a stand-alone novel), and The Fall of Gondolin. This is where the characters come closest to the forefront and they can be quite moving stories. The rest of the book, while still good, is fairly impersonal in its recounting of myth.
If you get through that, reading the Akallabeth and 'Of the Rings of Power...' shouldn't be hard. However, as Ringdrotten mentions, it's not strictly speaking necessary to read it any one order, though it's probably good to have a basic sense of the context of the first few chapters (which are unfortunately some of the dullest) before going on. In any event, even if the main 'Quenta' is too complex, I highly recomment the Akallabeth, which is an excellent into the civilization of Numenor before its fall.
Re: Tell me about this book then!
Ringdrotten wrote:UT and The Silmarillion are books that don't need to be read from the start to the end, they're excellent for "cherry-picking" as someone called it back on the old forum (was it Odo?)
I think I can claim credit for that one, though I was talking about LOTR. I actually find The Silmarillion easier to read because it's shorter, but that's probably just me. The Silmarillion does lend itself to cherry-picking far more than LOTR does though, for the aforementioned reason that it's not a single work but a compilation of myths.
Re: Tell me about this book then!
I enjoyed The Silmarillion, very much, but one needs to be in the mood. When you want Tolkien but are a little over-cooked with TH and LOTR, then try The Silmarillion --- but only when you've got time and space to enjoy it's slow moving beauty.
odo banks- Respectable Hobbit of Needlehole
- Posts : 1487
Join date : 2011-02-14
Location : Rushock Bog
Re: Tell me about this book then!
I think that's some wise advice, Odo (shouldn't Wisey be dispensing that? ). It can be complicated, but I think it all comes together in the end, though you might need time to let it all soak in. It's not for speed-reading, definitely.
Re: Tell me about this book then!
There seem a lot of words in the Silmarillion,
At times it seems thereabouts ten million,
But if you just sit back and let it flow,
You'll sail all the way to Valinor, you know.
Tolkien: "Unheard of Digressions."
Wise Odo
(I just realized I changed my signature or whatever it is. This comes from being a Refugee and the attendant fatigue - especially last night! Also, I want my avatar back - it hurts. I don't feel right).
At times it seems thereabouts ten million,
But if you just sit back and let it flow,
You'll sail all the way to Valinor, you know.
Tolkien: "Unheard of Digressions."
Wise Odo
(I just realized I changed my signature or whatever it is. This comes from being a Refugee and the attendant fatigue - especially last night! Also, I want my avatar back - it hurts. I don't feel right).
Wisey Banks- Chief Forumshire Channeller
- Posts : 257
Join date : 2011-02-14
Re: Tell me about this book then!
must put this on my to read pile!
_________________
Never laugh at dragons, Bilbo you fool! - TH
'A novel is a long piece of prose with ,in the eyes of the author at least, something wrong with it - Neil Gaiman, intro to American gods
Kafria- Lady of Dale
- Posts : 1270
Join date : 2011-02-13
Re: Tell me about this book then!
So must I! After I've finished re-reading "Ringdrotten" again, of course (one of the Norwegian translations of The Lord of the Rings, for those who don't know ). Like I said, though, try reading "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age" first, a great chapter
_________________
“The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want for nothing. He makes me lie down in the green pastures. He greases up my head with oil. He gives me kung-fu in the face of my enemies. Amen”. - Tom Cullen
Ringdrotten- Mrs Bear Grylls
- Posts : 4607
Join date : 2011-02-13
Re: Tell me about this book then!
It's an arduous read, but I often reread my favourite chapters over and over again: Of Beren and Luthien, Of Turin Turambar both great chapters! Of the "Rings of Power and the Third Age" never really read this in detail, maybe because I was so pleaesd that I had nearly finished the book...
Ally- Wannabe Beard
- Posts : 2789
Join date : 2011-02-13
Age : 31
Location : they/them
Re: Tell me about this book then!
Beren and Luthien is just a Great Story. Make a Great Movie in the Right Hands. Funny no one here has suggested it yet?
odo banks- Respectable Hobbit of Needlehole
- Posts : 1487
Join date : 2011-02-14
Location : Rushock Bog
Re: Tell me about this book then!
"Of the "Rings of Power and the Third Age" never really read this in detail"- Ally
One of my favourite parts- I think because I'm getting old and like watching history documentaries- I've often thought you could do the bit about the Gladden Fields as a mock history documentary, Tolkien is so detailed about battle formations and tactics.
One of my favourite parts- I think because I'm getting old and like watching history documentaries- I've often thought you could do the bit about the Gladden Fields as a mock history documentary, Tolkien is so detailed about battle formations and tactics.
_________________
Pure Publications, The Tower of Lore and the Former Admin's Office are Reasonably Proud to Present-
A Green And Pleasant Land
Compiled and annotated by Eldy.
- get your copy here for a limited period- free*
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yjYiz8nuL3LqJ-yP9crpDKu_BH-1LwJU/view
*Pure Publications reserves the right to track your usage of this publication, snoop on your home address, go through your bins and sell personal information on to the highest bidder.
Warning may contain Wholesome Tales[/b]
A Green And Pleasant Land
Compiled and annotated by Eldy.
- get your copy here for a limited period- free*
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yjYiz8nuL3LqJ-yP9crpDKu_BH-1LwJU/view
*Pure Publications reserves the right to track your usage of this publication, snoop on your home address, go through your bins and sell personal information on to the highest bidder.
Warning may contain Wholesome Tales[/b]
the crabbit will suffer neither sleight of hand nor half-truths. - Forest
Pettytyrant101- Crabbitmeister
- Posts : 46837
Join date : 2011-02-14
Age : 53
Location : Scotshobbitland
Re: Tell me about this book then!
One of my favourite parts- I think because I'm getting old and like watching history documentaries- I've often thought you could do the bit about the Gladden Fields as a mock history documentary, Tolkien is so detailed about battle formations and tactics.
That is a nice part, but I think that "The Disaster of the Gladden Fields" in Unfinished Tales does it even better. It combines the history with a personal touch and a fair bit of characterization that is admittedly somewhat lacking in some of Tolkien's older mythic stories. It's one of the most brilliant chapters in an already brilliant book. And "The Battles of the Fords of Isen" goes into even greater detail with regards to military activities in Middle-earth.
Anyway, that's my plug for the day. UT pwns!
Re: Tell me about this book then!
I was in error Eldo. It was exactly that bit of UT I had in mind- perfect for making a mock documentary- I've often thought of it as finding somewhere suitable location wise round here is not too hard.
_________________
Pure Publications, The Tower of Lore and the Former Admin's Office are Reasonably Proud to Present-
A Green And Pleasant Land
Compiled and annotated by Eldy.
- get your copy here for a limited period- free*
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yjYiz8nuL3LqJ-yP9crpDKu_BH-1LwJU/view
*Pure Publications reserves the right to track your usage of this publication, snoop on your home address, go through your bins and sell personal information on to the highest bidder.
Warning may contain Wholesome Tales[/b]
A Green And Pleasant Land
Compiled and annotated by Eldy.
- get your copy here for a limited period- free*
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yjYiz8nuL3LqJ-yP9crpDKu_BH-1LwJU/view
*Pure Publications reserves the right to track your usage of this publication, snoop on your home address, go through your bins and sell personal information on to the highest bidder.
Warning may contain Wholesome Tales[/b]
the crabbit will suffer neither sleight of hand nor half-truths. - Forest
Pettytyrant101- Crabbitmeister
- Posts : 46837
Join date : 2011-02-14
Age : 53
Location : Scotshobbitland
Re: Tell me about this book then!
Well I've made a start, Skipped Ainulindale and Valaquenta and started at Quenta Simarillion, Got through the beggining days last night a little better so we'll see!
_________________
Never laugh at dragons, Bilbo you fool! - TH
'A novel is a long piece of prose with ,in the eyes of the author at least, something wrong with it - Neil Gaiman, intro to American gods
Kafria- Lady of Dale
- Posts : 1270
Join date : 2011-02-13
Re: Tell me about this book then!
Good luck! Aule and Yavanna and a few of the other early chapters are a bit dull to me but if you can plow through you'll get to the really neat bits with the Noldor and the Sindar soon.
Re: Tell me about this book then!
It's a mood thing. In the right mood, nothing is dull in the Silmarillion. It's like reading Wuthering Heights or Pride and Prejudice - it's all to do with your mood. You also need an attention span longer than a newt has (or a modern reader).
odo banks- Respectable Hobbit of Needlehole
- Posts : 1487
Join date : 2011-02-14
Location : Rushock Bog
Re: Tell me about this book then!
A vague intrest in Tolkien helps too, I find!
Saradoc- Ringwinner
- Posts : 268
Join date : 2011-02-14
Age : 31
Re: Tell me about this book then!
Well, i have not read TH yet but i am picky with books. if i read the first chapter and i know what will happen, i wont really want to read on. I am fussy.
_________________
I like poking things with sticks. Get over it.
Bouncy bouncy bouncy bouncy
Your mum.
Squach- Princess Of All Things Fashionable
- Posts : 713
Join date : 2011-02-16
Age : 25
Location : Brit-rain. Yorkshire, yo. On the sofa poking Kafria.
Re: Tell me about this book then!
Saradoc wrote:A vague intrest in Tolkien helps too, I find!
The Hobbit is a classic children's story, I proably read it about three times before I'd even heard of Lord of the Rings. While the two books are obviously connected, they remain classics as stand alone books, even if you haven't heard or read any other tolkien!
Ally- Wannabe Beard
- Posts : 2789
Join date : 2011-02-13
Age : 31
Location : they/them
Re: Tell me about this book then!
Even the pickiest would read The Hobbit with delight, so give it a go
_________________
“The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want for nothing. He makes me lie down in the green pastures. He greases up my head with oil. He gives me kung-fu in the face of my enemies. Amen”. - Tom Cullen
Ringdrotten- Mrs Bear Grylls
- Posts : 4607
Join date : 2011-02-13
Re: Tell me about this book then!
A picky person would pick The Hobbit before picking anything else!
odo banks- Respectable Hobbit of Needlehole
- Posts : 1487
Join date : 2011-02-14
Location : Rushock Bog
Page 1 of 5 • 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Similar topics
» First Review of my new Book
» Reading the book
» Book vs. Film
» Other Bad Book Adaptations
» Bilbo's character arc in the Book
» Reading the book
» Book vs. Film
» Other Bad Book Adaptations
» Bilbo's character arc in the Book
Page 1 of 5
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum