The two most depressing words...

Nariel Starfire · 02-20-2002, 03:26 PM

Yes, it's true. I have discovered the most depressing phrase in the world. What is it, you ask? Well, as I was sitting in my dentist's waiting room reading RotK and weeping at the deaprture of Frodo, I came across these two words:

The End

I wept. I cried out "NO!" but alas! The book was over, and I can now say that I have completed what is undoubtedly the most amazing literary saga in all of history.

Play Girl · 02-20-2002, 03:29 PM

Hurrah!
Good for you! Now go back to the start and read it again now that you know whats coming. I was amazed how many things I missed first time around.
luv
Play Girl
xxx

PS I cried at the end too (and mostly all the Sam and Frodo bits form Shelob) *sniff*

Arathorn · 02-20-2002, 03:35 PM

That's ok. Congrats. Try the Silmarillion. If you've done that try Unfinished Tales or one of those History of Middle Earth books for the detail notes.

If that's not you're cup of cappuccino, you can read it again like Play Gril says. It's got more details than 7 viewings of the movie (umm, which I had).

Nameless · 02-20-2002, 06:50 PM

Congratulations! It sounds like you found the journey as amazing as I did.

I agree with Arathorn, read the Silmarillion next. Or at least try to read it. Reading the Silmarillion adds even more depth to all the characters and places in Middle Earth. It is more 'dry' than LotR. But once you get used to the writing style, I think it is very interesting and most enjoyable.

Another good book to read is the Unfinished Tales (which I'm about half way through and REALLY enjoying).

But Play Girl is right. You should re-read LotR. No matter how many times you read it, you will always learn something new each time!

emplynx · 02-20-2002, 07:05 PM

I would recommend not diving right into another Middle-Earth book right away. Take a Tolkien break and read something non-fantasy.

Don't hit me guys, I think this is important to keep people from getting worn out.

Starr Polish · 02-20-2002, 10:41 PM

I agree with Emplynx. Getting burned out on fantasy can almost ruin it for you (along the lines of getting sick frome ating too much of your favorite food)

I left my version of ROTK at school....NOOOOOOOOOOO! Even if Aragorn does have some weird Pegasus/Mercury helmet, I want to read it...sob sob.

Arathorn · 02-20-2002, 11:43 PM

I guess. I was just suggesting some stuff to fill the void... Maybe one round a year, at the maximum.

orald · 02-21-2002, 06:57 AM

Nariel,have you read the hobbit?

cameronkendrick · 02-21-2002, 08:44 AM

I agree with orald-try reading the hobbit again (if you've read it at all). Though it is a little simple, or child-orienated compared to LOTR. I have a college coarse this semester devoted entirely to Tolkien. For the class I read the Hobbit for the third time (my second reading as an adult). Actually I did a paper on the subject of The Hobbit as being both adult/childrens literature. My professor says he's on something like his 40th reading of The Hobbit and still loves it everytime he reads it.

As already suggested you could begin LOTR again. The beauty of that is you don't have to read the whole 1000+/- pages at once. You can break it down into books or volumes and take breaks from it if you want and not lose anything in your reading now. My advice to you is not to force yourself to read it again. To get burnt out on Tolkien is a tragedy.

Nariel Starfire · 02-21-2002, 01:15 PM

I got kind of tired of the Hobbit at Bilbo's party, but I'm trying. I'm also working on the Silmarillion (spending more time in the index of name elements, though) and reading a Star Trek book, plus school work and regular work, and EC activities (can we say burnout?)

***Earniel*** · 02-21-2002, 04:02 PM

The end, indeed seldom read more depressing words. Some things just shouldn't end, they should ent...

***Sister Golden Hair*** · 02-21-2002, 04:05 PM

I would say that if you are terribly hungry for more, then the Silmarillion would be the next book to go for. I know that I never took a break between books on my first time around cause I did want more. I broke away after I finished everything, and I am sorry to say that I stayed away from Tolkien's work for many years. By the time my interest returned, I had forgotten so much. It worked out though, cause every time I have read the books including the Sil, and U.T., it was a pleasure.

Haegondwen · 02-21-2002, 04:47 PM

what axactly are the unfinished tales? i have never heard of them? and are any of those books finished by his son any good?

KGamgee · 02-21-2002, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by emplynx
I would recommend not diving right into another Middle-Earth book right away. Take a Tolkien break and read something non-fantasy.

Don't hit me guys, I think this is important to keep people from getting worn out.

I have to agree....reading it like 12 times none stop probably takes something away from it.
But, I've read the chapter The Grey Havans at least 30 times. I still sob EVERY time....it seriously breaks my heart....where Gandalf talks about how the time of the Rings and the Fellowship of Middle Earth is coming to an end.....AAA!
I'm crying again.
~KGamgee~

***Sister Golden Hair*** · 02-21-2002, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Haegondwen
what axactly are the unfinished tales? i have never heard of them? and are any of those books finished by his son any good?

Unfinished Tales is a collection of stories that have appeared in the Silmarillion, but U.T. elaborates on them, and fills in a lot of gaps. The other books I believe you are refering to are the Histories of Middle-earth. Christopher Tolkien put these works together. It is J.R.R's. work, consisting of some stories, and notes along with commentaries from Christopher. I have only read a small amount of the HoMe, although I have five volumes, but what I have read was very good.

Nameless · 02-21-2002, 06:53 PM

Haegondwen, the UT are literally just Unfinished Tales that Tolkien wrote. They are kind of 'drafts' for the background history to ME. Christopher Tolkien has collected them together and collated an index for each one.

I haven't read all of UT. So far I've picked at different stories. I especially like the stories about how Gandalf came to choose Bilbo to go with the dwarves to steal Smaug's treasure.

I would recommend that you try to read the Silmarillion first, as some of the stories in UT are related to events that occur in this book.

Anyway, the Unfinished Tales are cool, however (like me) you may be disappointed that they are literally unfinished tales!!

Arathorn · 02-21-2002, 08:08 PM

Silmarillion is about those stories and songs they sing about in LotR where you go: "Duh, what are these elves and hobbits talking about?". Unfinished tales is like "I'll tell what really happenned when I when we did so and so but they took my part out".

Haegondwen · 02-22-2002, 01:30 PM

thanks for the info, guys, i really appreciate it -H

Nariel Starfire · 02-22-2002, 03:08 PM

Silmarillion has so much stuff in it, from the creation of the Valar, to Ea, to Stories of the first age. It's so jam packed, that I can't read a whole lot in one sitting. Anyway, I'm trying to get started on THe adventures of Tom Bombadil

Arathorn · 02-22-2002, 09:23 PM

I've got "The Tolkien Reader" it's got many of JRR's poems, essays and short stories. I'm back to reading Farmer Giles of Ham.

02-20-2002, 03:26 PM	#1
Nariel Starfire Elven Warrior Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: La La Land Posts: 309	The two most depressing words... Yes, it's true. I have discovered the most depressing phrase in the world. What is it, you ask? Well, as I was sitting in my dentist's waiting room reading RotK and weeping at the deaprture of Frodo, I came across these two words: The End I wept. I cried out "NO!" but alas! The book was over, and I can now say that I have completed what is undoubtedly the most amazing literary saga in all of history. __________________ It is the failed skydiver who leaves an impression upon the earth. "But what about the R.O.U.Ses?" Yours Truly, The Tisroc -You forgot to say "May he live forever" -That's because I don't want him to live forever! - The Horse and his Boy--C.S. Lewis

02-20-2002, 03:29 PM	#2
Play Girl Elven Warrior Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: If I told you I would have to kill you Posts: 159	Hurrah! Good for you! Now go back to the start and read it again now that you know whats coming. I was amazed how many things I missed first time around. luv Play Girl xxx PS I cried at the end too (and mostly all the Sam and Frodo bits form Shelob) sniff __________________ "Off the Record On the Q-T And very HUSH HUSH" Frodo lives!

02-20-2002, 03:35 PM	#3
Arathorn Bard of Mangled Songs Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: West of Middle Earth...oh alright...Manila Posts: 2,679	That's ok. Congrats. Try the Silmarillion. If you've done that try Unfinished Tales or one of those History of Middle Earth books for the detail notes. If that's not you're cup of cappuccino, you can read it again like Play Gril says. It's got more details than 7 viewings of the movie (umm, which I had). __________________ Power attracts the corruptible. Absolute power attracts the absolutely corruptible. -Missionaria Protectiva, Frank Herbert *Accio, Ash Nazg!* Elennuru s?la lúmenn' omentielvo* (The Death Star shines on the hour of our meeting) - Darth Arathorn Put aside the ranger... Start looking for Mumakil action figures... Last edited by Arathorn : 02-20-2002 at 06:56 PM.

02-20-2002, 06:50 PM	#4
Nameless Enting Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 68	Congratulations! It sounds like you found the journey as amazing as I did. I agree with Arathorn, read the Silmarillion next. Or at least try to read it. Reading the Silmarillion adds even more depth to all the characters and places in Middle Earth. It is more 'dry' than LotR. But once you get used to the writing style, I think it is very interesting and most enjoyable. Another good book to read is the Unfinished Tales (which I'm about half way through and REALLY enjoying). But Play Girl is right. You should re-read LotR. No matter how many times you read it, you will always learn something new each time! __________________ Nameless and Faceless, but not Voiceless - - - Do you hear me?

02-20-2002, 10:41 PM	#6
Starr Polish Elf Lord Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Slow down and I sail on the river, slow down and I walk to the hill Posts: 2,389	I agree with Emplynx. Getting burned out on fantasy can almost ruin it for you (along the lines of getting sick frome ating too much of your favorite food) I left my version of ROTK at school....NOOOOOOOOOOO! Even if Aragorn does have some weird Pegasus/Mercury helmet, I want to read it...sob sob. __________________ “The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.” –Bertrand Russell

02-20-2002, 07:05 PM	#5
emplynx Self-Appointed Lord of the Free Peoples of the General Messages Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 1,214	I would recommend not diving right into another Middle-Earth book right away. Take a Tolkien break and read something non-fantasy. Don't hit me guys, I think this is important to keep people from getting worn out.

02-20-2002, 11:43 PM	#7
Arathorn Bard of Mangled Songs Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: West of Middle Earth...oh alright...Manila Posts: 2,679	I guess. I was just suggesting some stuff to fill the void... Maybe one round a year, at the maximum. __________________ Power attracts the corruptible. Absolute power attracts the absolutely corruptible. -Missionaria Protectiva, Frank Herbert *Accio, Ash Nazg!* Elennuru s?la lúmenn' omentielvo* (The Death Star shines on the hour of our meeting) - Darth Arathorn Put aside the ranger... Start looking for Mumakil action figures... Last edited by Arathorn : 02-20-2002 at 11:47 PM.

02-21-2002, 06:57 AM	#8
orald Enting Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: 2 blocks from Minas Tirith Posts: 59	Nariel,have you read the hobbit?

02-21-2002, 08:44 AM	#9
cameronkendrick Hobbit Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Eastern Kentucky University Posts: 16	I agree with orald-try reading the hobbit again (if you've read it at all). Though it is a little simple, or child-orienated compared to LOTR. I have a college coarse this semester devoted entirely to Tolkien. For the class I read the Hobbit for the third time (my second reading as an adult). Actually I did a paper on the subject of The Hobbit as being both adult/childrens literature. My professor says he's on something like his 40th reading of The Hobbit and still loves it everytime he reads it. As already suggested you could begin LOTR again. The beauty of that is you don't have to read the whole 1000+/- pages at once. You can break it down into books or volumes and take breaks from it if you want and not lose anything in your reading now. My advice to you is not to force yourself to read it again. To get burnt out on Tolkien is a tragedy.

02-21-2002, 01:15 PM	#10
Nariel Starfire Elven Warrior Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: La La Land Posts: 309	I got kind of tired of the Hobbit at Bilbo's party, but I'm trying. I'm also working on the Silmarillion (spending more time in the index of name elements, though) and reading a Star Trek book, plus school work and regular work, and EC activities (can we say burnout?) __________________ It is the failed skydiver who leaves an impression upon the earth. "But what about the R.O.U.Ses?" Yours Truly, The Tisroc -You forgot to say "May he live forever" -That's because I don't want him to live forever! - The Horse and his Boy--C.S. Lewis

02-21-2002, 04:02 PM	#11
*Earniel* The Chocoholic Sea Elf Administrator Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: N?n in Eilph (Belgium) Posts: 14,363	The end, indeed seldom read more depressing words. Some things just shouldn't end, they should ent...

02-21-2002, 04:05 PM	#12
*Sister Golden Hair* Queen of Nargothrond Administrator Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Akron, Ohio - USA Posts: 7,121	I would say that if you are terribly hungry for more, then the Silmarillion would be the next book to go for. I know that I never took a break between books on my first time around cause I did want more. I broke away after I finished everything, and I am sorry to say that I stayed away from Tolkien's work for many years. By the time my interest returned, I had forgotten so much. It worked out though, cause every time I have read the books including the Sil, and U.T., it was a pleasure.

02-21-2002, 04:47 PM	#13
Haegondwen Hobbit Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: providence Posts: 19	unfinished tales what axactly are the unfinished tales? i have never heard of them? and are any of those books finished by his son any good?

02-21-2002, 06:53 PM	#16
Nameless Enting Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 68	Haegondwen, the UT are literally just Unfinished Tales that Tolkien wrote. They are kind of 'drafts' for the background history to ME. Christopher Tolkien has collected them together and collated an index for each one. I haven't read all of UT. So far I've picked at different stories. I especially like the stories about how Gandalf came to choose Bilbo to go with the dwarves to steal Smaug's treasure. I would recommend that you try to read the Silmarillion first, as some of the stories in UT are related to events that occur in this book. Anyway, the Unfinished Tales are cool, however (like me) you may be disappointed that they are literally unfinished tales!! __________________ Nameless and Faceless, but not Voiceless - - - Do you hear me?

02-21-2002, 08:08 PM	#17
Arathorn Bard of Mangled Songs Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: West of Middle Earth...oh alright...Manila Posts: 2,679	Silmarillion is about those stories and songs they sing about in LotR where you go: "Duh, what are these elves and hobbits talking about?". Unfinished tales is like "I'll tell what really happenned when I when we did so and so but they took my part out". __________________ Power attracts the corruptible. Absolute power attracts the absolutely corruptible. -Missionaria Protectiva, Frank Herbert *Accio, Ash Nazg!* Elennuru s?la lúmenn' omentielvo* (The Death Star shines on the hour of our meeting) - Darth Arathorn Put aside the ranger... Start looking for Mumakil action figures...

02-22-2002, 01:30 PM	#18
Haegondwen Hobbit Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: providence Posts: 19	thanks for the info, guys, i really appreciate it -H

02-22-2002, 03:08 PM	#19
Nariel Starfire Elven Warrior Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: La La Land Posts: 309	Silmarillion has so much stuff in it, from the creation of the Valar, to Ea, to Stories of the first age. It's so jam packed, that I can't read a whole lot in one sitting. Anyway, I'm trying to get started on THe adventures of Tom Bombadil __________________ It is the failed skydiver who leaves an impression upon the earth. "But what about the R.O.U.Ses?" Yours Truly, The Tisroc -You forgot to say "May he live forever" -That's because I don't want him to live forever! - The Horse and his Boy--C.S. Lewis

02-22-2002, 09:23 PM	#20
Arathorn Bard of Mangled Songs Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: West of Middle Earth...oh alright...Manila Posts: 2,679	I've got "The Tolkien Reader" it's got many of JRR's poems, essays and short stories. I'm back to reading Farmer Giles of Ham. __________________ Power attracts the corruptible. Absolute power attracts the absolutely corruptible. -Missionaria Protectiva, Frank Herbert *Accio, Ash Nazg!* Elennuru s?la lúmenn' omentielvo* (The Death Star shines on the hour of our meeting) - Darth Arathorn Put aside the ranger... Start looking for Mumakil action figures...

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