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davem · 11-14-2005, 03:59 PM

I think Mithalwen is right. I also think too much is sometimes demanded of TH, which was never written for publication, only to entertain Tolkien's own children. If it 'fails' at all it is only because of the way LotR overshadows it. I, as I've stated elsewhere, place it firmly outside the Legendarium proper, where it can be read & enjoyed as a story in its own right. If its placed alongside LotR it can only suffer by comparison. For that reason I'd hesitate to bring in references to LotR in order to 'draw people in' to TH. It must stand or fall as a story in its own right. If it can only appeal because of the greater work, then in effect it has failed as a work of fiction.

11-14-2005, 03:59 PM	#54
davem Illustrious Ulair Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: In the home of lost causes, and forsaken beliefs, and unpopular names,and impossible loyalties Posts: 4,240	I think Mithalwen is right. I also think too much is sometimes demanded of TH, which was never written for publication, only to entertain Tolkien's own children. If it 'fails' at all it is only because of the way LotR overshadows it. I, as I've stated elsewhere, place it firmly outside the Legendarium proper, where it can be read & enjoyed as a story in its own right. If its placed alongside LotR it can only suffer by comparison. For that reason I'd hesitate to bring in references to LotR in order to 'draw people in' to TH. It must stand or fall as a story in its own right. If it can only appeal because of the greater work, then in effect it has failed as a work of fiction. __________________ “Everything was an object. If you killed a dwarf you could use it as a weapon – it was no different to other large heavy objects."