I don't think I'd have understood anything without a map.
My simplicity aside, maps tend to lend a whole new level to the reader's comprehension. It seems as if, because it's charted out on a map, the story becomes more real, in a way. Every step of the Fellowship can be mapped out and documented on paper due to Tolkien's wonderful maps. I can see how different areas relate to each other. Case in point: If I didn't have the maps, I would wonder why no one from Gondor, Rohan, or Lothlorien ever knew Hobbits even existed. Wouldn't they be neighbours? Looking at the maps, I can now realize - oh yes, not only do they have hundreds - perhaps thousands - of leagues seperating them, there is also a mountain range between them. Silly me [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]
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