Jess (AKA shortstuff)
asked:
I was wondering, is it best to read The Hobbit series first or does it not matter?
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Avwriter
Both are effectively stand alone works, and the introduction in LOTR does a good job of filling in what any reader needs to know. It really depends upon your personality and what you are after. I read the Hobbit years after reading LOTR, and found myself disappointed by the former. The Hobbit is a simpler, shorter work, slanted slightly more toward younger readers. Tolkien's world of Middle Earth was less developed when he wrote it. Thus, while their were a number of enjoyable moments, and some interesting bits background information, I generally felt that The Hobbit lacked the sophistication and level of detail that I had become accustomed to while reading and rereading LOTR.
Ian Cunliffe
Although the Hobbit is a stand alone story, it will help you understand the Lord of the Rings and the characters better.
Nurni (Leave What's Heavy Behind)
I think it's a good idea to read The Hobbit first. It's what I did, and I felt like it was a nice "easy" kind of introduction to the world of Middle Earth. You could read the introduction, but it's just not the same.
Addison Dixon
I read LOTR first and it didn't affect me. But you should definitely read both! (Unless you already planned to).
Dean Anderson
I'd read the Hobbit first. It's a children's book and if you come to it after reading the high-falutin' LOTR you may find it simple. But on its own, it's a delight.
Salome
if you want to understand lord of the rings well than first you have to read hobbit because its where story begins.
IULIA.Stefanie
Yes, it matters!!!!!!
The LORT is a seaquel to the Hobbit no vice-versa.
The LORT is a seaquel to the Hobbit no vice-versa.
Jeffrey
When it comes to Tolkien, read his Middle-earth titles in published order.
Antonella
I was read the Hobbit when I was younger, long before I read the LOTR trilogy, I don't feel that reading either one first is either right or wrong, but it is nice knowing that little bit of information prior to reading the whole trilogy. On top of that, the reading level of both books vary quite dramatically, since the Hobbit was written for his son when he was younger and the LOTR trilogy reads for a higher reading level. What I mean by pointing this out is that reading the hobbit first is a good introduction to his writing style and give you a taste of what you can look forwards to. His writing is beautiful and the world he created is nothing less than spectacular and awe inspiring. I hope you enjoy his stories.
Teancum
You can read either first, However, reading the Hobbit first will give you a better understanding of what happens in the LOTR series.
Ryan Madden
The Hobbit is best read as a kid. I can't read it anymore now. I'm glad I read The Hobbit but the LOTR is way better. Try reading The Hobbit but if you don't like it maybe skip it and try LOTR.
Peekablue
When I first read the books, I read The LOTR before The Hobbit because I didn't think I would enjoy The Hobbit as much. I was able to fully understand The LOTR without having read The Hobbit. When I finally did read The Hobbit, I enjoyed it, however, I still like LOTR better. Whenever I do my annual reread, I usually go ahead and read The Hobbit first. Sometimes, I even read The Silmarillion first, then The Hobbit, followed by The LOTR. I think it's cool to see how Middle Earth and its people change over the course of the stories. It's truly epic.
Jon Gill
The pace of the Hobbit is much quicker (easier to read aloud to kids within their attention span), and it does a more succinct job of *hinting* at the mythology and ancient histories of the peoples without needing to fully delve into them, as LOTR does much moreso. But LOTR is far from dull; it's just much more deep and covers many more stories intertwined. If you like the Hobbit (and you probably will!), then read LOTR afterward to get the *full* experience!
Mike
I recommend reading the Hobbit first simply because the events predate the Lord of the Rings. You also get a clear introduction to Hobbits. If you meet Gimli, Gloin's son at the council of Elrond, it doesn't have the same impact if you haven't traveled with Gloin in The Hobbit.
Marlene
I suggest reading the Hobbit first since it leads into the Lord series. It's also easier reading. The Lord series is long and does get intense.
Sarah
It really depends if you want to or not, but judging from the other answers it seems that they didn't enjoy the Hobbit so much after reading LotR . The Hobbit is a children's books and the writing is quite different to LotR (I've just started reading LotR) but I still enjoy the Hobbit. I first heard the story when I was about nine which is probably the rough age group intended (perhaps a little bit older) and it is still my favourite book (extremely high praise from me because I find it very hard to decide on favourites). Anyway if you read it, enjoy!
Aidan
LOTR is probably my favourite book but personally and maybe quite unusually I did not enjoy The Hobbit that much. I mean one could say it is a good introduction to Middle-earth, especially to children, but it feels undeveloped and the writing style is so different. When I tried to read it a few years back I never actually finished it (getting through to Chapter 7ish I think). The LOTR Prologue will do a fine job as explaining it and the rest of what happened can be treated as another referenced story in the book (like Luthien, Last Alliance etc.), one that opens intrigue and mystery.
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