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Man-of-the-Wold · 11-26-2002, 12:56 AM

Actually, I look at the BoLTs as somewhat different stories, but not without elements of detail and insight for better appreciating the Canon.

They reflect a time when Tolkien was striving to relate what he had, with the Anglo-Saxon world that he thought had been lamentably diminished as part of English heritage.

So on the one hand he has a more Earthly traveler encounter this diverse group of Elves, and thus explain where the stories come from. However, so much with the movement and placement of islands, and where and when folks went, is very complex and simply not fully developed to the point that it all makes sense or is even entirely comprehensible. And, of course, it was quite correct, as JRRT discovered the better he got at deciphering the Elvish Lore in the Red Book of Westmarch.

Also, the feel of everything is a little different. The Elves are at once more primitive but more fairy like and different from Men. And they are more various in type, rather than degree. And Dwarves are not like those of the Unexpected Party.

Still, there is much there as with the Fall of Gondolin in Part II that may express various details (give or take corrections) that JRRT only suppressed for failomg to tie up all of the loose threads, but that can be generally accepted for understanding more of the details involved with what happened.

11-26-2002, 12:56 AM	#11
Man-of-the-Wold Wight Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: With Tux, dread poodle of Pinnath Galin Posts: 239	Actually, I look at the BoLTs as somewhat different stories, but not without elements of detail and insight for better appreciating the Canon. They reflect a time when Tolkien was striving to relate what he had, with the Anglo-Saxon world that he thought had been lamentably diminished as part of English heritage. So on the one hand he has a more Earthly traveler encounter this diverse group of Elves, and thus explain where the stories come from. However, so much with the movement and placement of islands, and where and when folks went, is very complex and simply not fully developed to the point that it all makes sense or is even entirely comprehensible. And, of course, it was quite correct, as JRRT discovered the better he got at deciphering the Elvish Lore in the Red Book of Westmarch. Also, the feel of everything is a little different. The Elves are at once more primitive but more fairy like and different from Men. And they are more various in type, rather than degree. And Dwarves are not like those of the Unexpected Party. Still, there is much there as with the Fall of Gondolin in Part II that may express various details (give or take corrections) that JRRT only suppressed for failomg to tie up all of the loose threads, but that can be generally accepted for understanding more of the details involved with what happened. __________________ The hoes unrecked in the fields were flung, __ and fallen ladders in the long grass lay __ of the lush orchards; every tree there turned __ its tangled head and eyed them secretly, __ and the ears listened of the nodding grasses; __ though noontide glowed on land and leaf, __ their limbs were chilled.