[gilraën]

I remember my brother at 10, an ardent fan of Tolkien, he had by then read LOTR, The Hobbit, Simarrilion and Unfinshed Tales, taking up Warhammer models. He did not play the battle games. It was not as prolific then as it is now. It engendered in him a love of art, which he went on to pursue as a serious hobby. There were no specific LOTR models then, it took the movie for Games Workshop to begin that series. It helped to increase his concentration, develop a sense of pride in work well done, and the satisfaction of completing something by himself. My mother encouraged him, as she had done so by introducing him to Tolkien in the first place.

I, now a mother myself, am introducing my 5 year old to Tolkien, books, film and whatever media which will enthuse him in a subject dear to my heart. It is an innocuous past-time when some are not.

The people who play these battle games, I'm pleased to say, are polite and enthusiastic about their hobby. One sunday recently while visiting the shop The battle of Helm's Deep was set up for play by local enthusiasts. My 5 year old asked where was Aragorn, Legolas etc and to my surprise was lifted up and showm each of the models that he asked about. I was warmed to see that. No bad language there, no elitism or rudeness, simply a pride in work well done and a willingness to share the fruits of their labour with a very small but interested child. I have ordered a subscription to this magazine based on the experience I had with my brother and at the shop. I would be delighted for my son to be involved in a hobby which, despite appearing to debase Tolkien, engenders the qualities I would hope for in a young man, enthusiasm, politeness, self worth and pride in work well done. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

[ February 23, 2003: Message edited by: gilraën ]