"A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies...The man who never reads lives only one." - George R.R Martin

25 March 2012

Tolkien Reading Event: Tolkien Survey

Tomorrow, the 25th of March is Tolkien Reading Day, the start of the Tolkien Reading Event hosted over @Pages Unbound and also the date of the Downfall of Sauron. This year the topic of the reading day is "75 Years of The Hobbit" but it's also a day to celebrate his works in any way possible; by reading, discussing, watching etc, there's a whole host of things to get you in the spirit and plenty of ideas found over at The Tolkien Society website to get you started. The Tolkien Reading Event is a great event hosted by the lovely ladies over @Pages Unbound who are dedicating a full week to Tolkien related post and have invited others share in the fun and write a few posts or two. I've already come up with a few ideas and will post them throughout the week. Today, a Tolkien Survey to begin the Tolkien Reading Event was posted, so here are the questions and my answers:

Tolkien Survey
 
1. Will you or have you read a book for Tolkien Reading Day this year?
I haven't read a Tolkien book specifically for the reading day but I have read all of his works so know them inside out :) I hope to do a re-read soon though, maybe in the summer, which involves me reading all of the books in order.


2. What books by Tolkien have you read?
I've read The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, The Hobbit, The Children of Hurin, Unfinished Tales, Tales from the Perilous Realm. I've also read a ton of other books about Tolkien such as biographies, encylopaedia's of his works, an Atlas of Middle Earth and The Letters of J.R.R Tolkien which I loved.

3. Which ones are on your TBR list?
Sigurd and Gudrun is on my shelf waiting to be read. I've also got seven of the Histories of Middle Earth books, The Lord of the Rings Reader's Companion and a few more books not written by Tolkien but about him and his works. Check out the post here to see my complete Tolkien collection.

4. What is your favorite book by Tolkien? Why?
My favourite book ever is The Lord of the Rings. I can just open the book and from page one I'm transported to a different world, with strange creatures and exciting adventures. I find it completely escapist and as I re-read it I travel through Middle Earth with old familiar friends on an exciting journey in wonderful places. I just love everything about it. From the characters, to the story, to the setting; it's just all amazingly wonderful. The Silmarillion is also an amazing book with such tragically beautiful stories especially the tale of Beren and Luthien.

5. Who is your favorite character? Why?
This is quite a toughie because there are so many characters who are so vital in different parts of the story. I used to be obsessed with Legolas when I was younger (maybe because of Orlando Bloom in the films?), and I do love the elves but I think Aragorn is my favourite. Aragorn because he is a born leader who eventually fulfills his destiny. But I do also love him as Strider; as wild and untamed as the wilderness in which he wanders. The love between him and Aragorn, explained more thoroughly in the Appendices is just beautiful, and so sorrowful especially when he dies and she returns to Lothlorien where they were betrothed to die. I also love Gandalf as he is the epitome of wisdom and I love his friendship with Bilbo Baggins (another whom I love!). There's just too many characters. I love them all (except all the baddies...)

6. Do you like The Lord of the Rings movies?
I love it. Absolutely love it. I have been watching the extended versions this week, along with the special features and a few commentaries (maaassive geek, I know). They did a great job bringing the book to life and everything about it, I just love. The music, the settings, the cast and even the little changes that they made. When I listen to the soundtrack of that story I'm instantly transported into the story; Howard Shore did a great job. 

7. Are you going to see The Hobbit movie?
Hell yes! I've been watching the Hobbit production videos on youtube and they have just made me even more excited. I just cannot wait. I love the trailer especially the dwarves singing, there's just something so atmospheric about it, it gives me chills. I'm also very open to the changes that may be made in the films such as adding in extra scenes and extra/new characters. Alot was happening at the time of the book like The White Council so I'm really looking forward to seeing extra information added into it. I love the idea of it beginning with the old Bilbo and Frodo, because I think the book lovers forget that Peter Jackson doesn't only have to cater to the book fanatics but also to the Lord of the Rings film fanatics so throwing in a few familiar faces will just bring them together nicely. This christmas is going to be amazing!

8. On a scale from 1-10, how big of a Tolkien fan are you and why?
You might have already guessed by now but I think I'm a big fat massive 10! I am completely obsessed in every way. I am just passionate about it all and I always will be. Tolkien was the father of fantasy and he not only created an enthralling story but a world to go with it, with every little bit of history noted down, with new creatures and new languages. What he was able to achieve in his lifetime was just amazing. I love the films and will continue to watch them every month as usual. I am such a big geek that when I listen to the soundtrack I can pinpoint exactly where the song goes and what scene it is and whats being said in that scene! I may really need to get a life....but I simply don't care. Even my ringtone on my phone is the theme tune for Lord of the Rings. Oh dear me...

So there is my obsession laid bare for you all to see... I always joke that its pretty much a good, healthy obsession and there's much worse out there! Don't judge me too much! 
x

3 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for participating! And great answers! I loved Legolas when I first read the books, but I think I was actually scared away by all the Orlando Bloom fangirls once the movies took off. And I want to claim to be 10 fan, but I will never feel it's true until I learn Elvish.

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    1. That is actually a very good point! I can't possibly be a 10 because I dont know Elvish...I'm off to learn how to spell my name in elvish haha!

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    2. I take comfort in the thought that I apparently exude the sense I do know Elvish. Several people have assumed that I do, and one guy occasionally writes stuff to me in it, apparently under the impression that I understand! Maybe I can just mutter some gibberish, and most people won't know the difference.

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