L’s Comments (group member since May 08, 2013)

L’s comments from the Tolkien's T.C.B.S group.

@Melissa ~ great topic!

I am from the United Kingdom and have read both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit in English. I was first introduced to The Hobbit as a child (i think i was about 8 or 9), when my mother read it to me as a bedtime story. I have since continued to explore Tolkien's other works and have re-read The Hobbit many times over the years.

Annia wrote: "I love the music so much.

I've met Howard Shore!

The Royal Albert Hall had a thing a few years back of doing a screening of the films (theatrical editions not extended editions unfortunately) w..."

That is increadible! What an amazing experience and one that any Tolkienite would never forget.

I would love to play the lord of the rings and the hobbit music pieces (from the films) on piano! Sounds fantastic, although we have just a few weeks ago had to sell our upright piano - moving house & no room for it, where we are going :(

Jenelle wrote: "Because I'm curious, and I love a good debate: who thinks the Balrog has wings... and who doesn't... and what do you use to support your theory?

And.... Go! :)"

No, i don't think the Balrog has wings. The obvious answer is because of the image of the Balrog in PJ's film, but also because within literature it is never mentioned.

Supporting evidence to my answer - in the encyclopedia of Arda, it states...

"‘...And Whether Balrogs Have Wings’
Do Balrogs have wings? It might seem a simple question, but (as so often with Tolkien's work) the more we examine it, the harder it is to answer. It's a question, too, that divides Tolkien's more avid readers into two distinct camps - those who believe in Balrog wings, and those who deny their existence.

It's also a question that generates a lot of interest: we get more e-mail on this single topic than from any other article on the site. Accordingly, we've revised and expanded this section to cover the vexed 'Balrog wing' question in a fair amount of detail. If you're a casual browser, or you're not particularly interested in Balrog wings, you'll probably find far more information here than you need! Feel free to 'bail out' whenever you feel like it - this article is really written for those with a determined interest in the debate.

This article does its best to take an objective view, but it does reach a fairly definite conclusion (at least, as definite as the evidence allows). If you're one of those with strongly-held views on this question, then, there's a fair chance that you'll disagree. That's fine, of course - we're not looking to 'convert' anyone! - but at least we hope you'll find something of interest here."

Looking myself in David Day's bestiary, Tolkien encylopedia or robert's A-Z of creatures in Tolkien i have never seen it mentioned that the Balrog has wings.

D.J. wrote: "Lucinda, that looks like a fantastic read as well. I enjoyed your review of it.

I wonder if you (or others) have read anything by Charles Williams. He was not as successful as Lewis and Tolkien ov..."

Thank you for reading my review of this book. It is a very interesting read, and one that i would highly recomend.

It is an impressive creature and the combination of darkness and flame, could be a relfection of Sauron himself ~ fire!

Annette wrote: "Both my sons love the music from the films and will 'sing' it at appropriately dramatic moments in life. However, they both prefer the music from The Hobbit so far."

Being more set towards a child audience, i am not suprised that they love the Hobbit and the music to it. I certainly was humming the 'Misty Mountains' for a few days after watching it!

ღ♣✽Hobbit and Proud✽♣ღ (a.k.a. Johanna) wrote: "The music is beautiful :) It's just as important as the scenery and sets when it comes to transporting you to Middle Earth :)"

I agree. Similarly to many films, like for an example say Harry Potter, if you hear the music you instantly know what the film is. So yes, it is extremely important.

D.J. wrote: "There are several books on the Inklings, none of which I've had the pleasure to read, but there's one with several pictures that I'd love to have on my living room table:

http://www.amazon.com/The..."

This book looks good! I have this copy :

Star Shining Forever wrote: "The LOTR soundtrack is the best!!! B-)"

I have to agree. Personally i love the music for 'The fellowship of the ring' best of all, including the wonderful tune by Enya. The Hobbit film, although good, just didn't quite 'hit the mark' with the music.

Star Shining Forever wrote: "Fun fact: Black Speech didn't have the "E" sound in it because to make that sound, you had to smile ;-)"

*Laughs* good one!

Ralph Bakshi added in some things that Jackson did not, which were linked to Tolkien's work and hence made it more authentic in some ways...but with so many flaws, i can now see why the majority prefer PJ's films.

Keri wrote: "I have The Hobbit on blu ray also, guess I didn't mention it above.

I have seen the animated LotR many, many years ago so I can't remember much about it other than I really didn't like it. I gu..."

Yes, the Viking horns were quite a shock! The fact that it is left unended is a shame...the Orcs and Ringwraith's i found VERY scary with their blood eyes *squirms* and i wasn't sure about the difference between Men and Elves??

A good 1st attempt (concidering the magnitude of J.R.R. Tolkien's book), but not my 'cup-of-tea'.

Similarly to yourselves, i own both the normal DVD's and also the extended versions (which i have seen countless times, as so amazing).
I recently was given a gift ~ a boxset of poster, booklet and DVD of the animated classic "Lord of the Rings". The animated version (1978) is somewhat different to say the least! Has anyone seen it?

Looks like...

Keri wrote: "I have two of LotR, the 50th Anniversary and the Collector's Edition. I also have The Hobbit Collector's Edition.

[boo..."

How beautiful! :)

I have the hardback book of The Hobbit with illustrations by Alan Lee & the Lord of the Rings hardback also with illustrations by Alan Lee ~ which are lovely to read!
[bookcover:The Lord of the Rings|15357] &

Morrosseth wrote: "I own a hardback cover of The Children of Hurin that has it's own case and has full color paintings by Alan Lee inside. I don't know if that counts?
I'm not sure what qualifies as a Special Edition?"

Yes, that certainly does count.

Azella wrote: "Thank you for starting this group! So happy to join the Tea Club and Barrovian Society. The topics look great. Tolkien and his mates would be proud :)"

Thank you Azella, and i am so pleased you have joined this merry group.

It is heartbreaking and so very real. My great grandparents were in WW1 and sadly one of my great grandfather's died in the Somme, as he went over the top ~ there are so many graves in France, we have never found him except listed in a book. My grandparents were in WW2, my grandmother was an artist and did all the maps as she worked alongside Sir Winston Churchill. My grandfather helped build the airoplanes in the war, and luckily both came home.

There is much sadness and loss in Tolkien's life that readers can relate to, especially when looking back on the great wars and battles in history. Much of his life's experiences and emotion is projected into his work, hence making it believeable and adding realism.

Melissa wrote: "i posted a thread about the characters check it under the film section :)"

Thank you! That is great :)

What an interesting blog post! Aragorn is certainly a character whom you could discuss for hours, especially his relationship with Boromir (i.e when exploring the film by PJ).

Jenelle, if you would like to create a character-discussion thread regarding Aragorn, Boromir or both then please feel free to do so. It would make an interesting topic of conversation. x