I have to say, this really clarifies for me the many different ancillary LOTR-related texts. I myself am now becoming more and more interested in both The Silmarillion and the History of Middle-earth series. Then there are the expanded Letters of JRR..... Honestly, it's amazing how much stuff exists outside the core novels.
Oh good, so glad to hear that it's helped clarify things some! Yes, it's astounding just how much material there is outside of the core novels that has been published. I think it speaks to both Tolkien's prolific nature as a writer but also the devotion (...approaching fanatical at times haha) of his readers and fandom. That there's even interest in all this material speaks to his impact and power as an author.
highly recommend “on fairy stories” and “leaf by niggle”! they were required reading in a uni english class, and now i go back frequently to reread them both.
Yes! "On Fairy-Stories" is so important if you want to understand Tolkien's approach to storytelling and a lot of what he's trying to do under the surface of his works. It's just plain fascinating on its own too haha. And I love "Leaf by Niggle" both as a story and also as a commentary on how Tolkien viewed his own life's work.
I've loved The Hobbit and LOTR for some time and I'm currently on the audio book version of The Fellowship of the Ring (having started with The Hobbit), read by Andy Serkis. I'm loving listening to his narration of these fabulous books. It's truly a wondrous experience.
That said, I'm yet to read anything else written by Tolkien. I was put off of reading any further by other Tolkien fans who have told me how hard it is to read The Silmarillion. But my recent experience with the audio books has really made me want to take the plunge. So, that is what I shall do once I've finished.
You're welcome! I'm so glad to hear that it's encouraged you!
I'm currently listening to Andy Serkis' version of The Silmarillion! So I can personally recommend it. You're entirely correct that it's a wondrous experience. So excited for you!
Thank you. I expect I'll download his narration of The Silmarillion too, once I've finished The Lord of the Rings. 😁 But I'll still be reading it aswell.
This is very helpful! Thank you. I just started watching the first three films again around Christmastime (because of course they’re Christmas movies) then re-watched Rings of Power and then the Hobbit trilogy. Now if you can believe it circling back to the original trilogy because they’re also good January movies. Anyway I’ve watched the films multiples times in the past, and I cherish the books, but this is really the first time I’ve taken any real interest in the wider lore, like the Silmarillion which probably intimidated me in the past. It’s a fun new adventure and happy to have this article as a guide in taking those next steps. Also really digging the Prancing Pony podcast which has for several years now dedicated each of their episodes to breaking down each chapter in Tolkien’s books, which I think will be particularly helpful with the Silmarillion. Cheers!
So glad to hear it! You're welcome! Glad to hear that it's accomplishing its intended purpose.
Yes, of course they are Christmas movies! Sounds like a wonderful lineup you've had the past few months and still have ahead of you. About to embark on the same journey myself here soon.
Resources like The Prancing Pony podcast episode breakdowns are a great addition here! Glad that you're familiar with them too. Happy reading as you embark on this new journey through The Silmarillion!
I have to say, this really clarifies for me the many different ancillary LOTR-related texts. I myself am now becoming more and more interested in both The Silmarillion and the History of Middle-earth series. Then there are the expanded Letters of JRR..... Honestly, it's amazing how much stuff exists outside the core novels.
Oh good, so glad to hear that it's helped clarify things some! Yes, it's astounding just how much material there is outside of the core novels that has been published. I think it speaks to both Tolkien's prolific nature as a writer but also the devotion (...approaching fanatical at times haha) of his readers and fandom. That there's even interest in all this material speaks to his impact and power as an author.
highly recommend “on fairy stories” and “leaf by niggle”! they were required reading in a uni english class, and now i go back frequently to reread them both.
Yes! "On Fairy-Stories" is so important if you want to understand Tolkien's approach to storytelling and a lot of what he's trying to do under the surface of his works. It's just plain fascinating on its own too haha. And I love "Leaf by Niggle" both as a story and also as a commentary on how Tolkien viewed his own life's work.
Thank you so much for this!
I've loved The Hobbit and LOTR for some time and I'm currently on the audio book version of The Fellowship of the Ring (having started with The Hobbit), read by Andy Serkis. I'm loving listening to his narration of these fabulous books. It's truly a wondrous experience.
That said, I'm yet to read anything else written by Tolkien. I was put off of reading any further by other Tolkien fans who have told me how hard it is to read The Silmarillion. But my recent experience with the audio books has really made me want to take the plunge. So, that is what I shall do once I've finished.
Your guide has encouraged me further.
You're welcome! I'm so glad to hear that it's encouraged you!
I'm currently listening to Andy Serkis' version of The Silmarillion! So I can personally recommend it. You're entirely correct that it's a wondrous experience. So excited for you!
Thank you. I expect I'll download his narration of The Silmarillion too, once I've finished The Lord of the Rings. 😁 But I'll still be reading it aswell.
This is very helpful! Thank you. I just started watching the first three films again around Christmastime (because of course they’re Christmas movies) then re-watched Rings of Power and then the Hobbit trilogy. Now if you can believe it circling back to the original trilogy because they’re also good January movies. Anyway I’ve watched the films multiples times in the past, and I cherish the books, but this is really the first time I’ve taken any real interest in the wider lore, like the Silmarillion which probably intimidated me in the past. It’s a fun new adventure and happy to have this article as a guide in taking those next steps. Also really digging the Prancing Pony podcast which has for several years now dedicated each of their episodes to breaking down each chapter in Tolkien’s books, which I think will be particularly helpful with the Silmarillion. Cheers!
So glad to hear it! You're welcome! Glad to hear that it's accomplishing its intended purpose.
Yes, of course they are Christmas movies! Sounds like a wonderful lineup you've had the past few months and still have ahead of you. About to embark on the same journey myself here soon.
Resources like The Prancing Pony podcast episode breakdowns are a great addition here! Glad that you're familiar with them too. Happy reading as you embark on this new journey through The Silmarillion!
Brilliant!
Excellent intro.
Long live Gandalf.
I found Sons of Hurin and Beren and Luthien ti be fantastic!