If you could ask J.R.R. Tolkien One (1) Question, what would it be? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

willkill4food · 12-28-2002, 05:28 PM

If J.R.R. Tolkien came abck form the dead, and you met him face to face, and you could ask him one question, what would you ask him about?

Would you ask if Balrogs ahd wings? Who was Tom Bombadil? If Sam was nicer to Gollum, would he not turned evil again? Was Saruman's ring powerful? What did Hobbits eat? Is your son correct about ******? etc. etc. etc....

I would have to ask him what he thought of the movies...because I think that would be best..

But what would you ask him about?

-willkill

My Cat Sasha · 12-28-2002, 05:40 PM

Yeah, I would ask him about the movies too.

Where are the other Palentirs(sp)?
Can the other Rings of Power corrupt?
Is Gollum to be pitied or loathed?

tom bombariffic · 12-28-2002, 05:42 PM

I would ask him "What was every known creature in the old forest". That way Id find out what bombadil was, what goldberry was, what willow was, and whether the entwives were really there.

Was that cheating?

bombariffic

Guildo · 12-28-2002, 05:44 PM

i would ask him if he could ask the Ainur to produce a magical portal to where i could step through into ME, hopefully i would land in the Shire or Rivendel.

if he couldnt do that, i would just ask for a simple hand shake, Fore arm to Fore arm ME style.

Maikadilwen · 12-28-2002, 05:47 PM

Do Balrogs have wings? [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img]

Curulin · 12-28-2002, 05:57 PM

I would ask him about Tom Bombadil, so as to stop the debate finally.
I would also like to know about the precise number of elves, men and dwarves there when they all first awoke.

Bêthberry · 12-28-2002, 06:53 PM

Hmm. All of you are ignoring one of the primary traits of authors.

They never answer any question straight; they never provide closure; they only stir up the mucky bottoms of Withywindles, obscuring the water lilies, in fervent hopes of stimulating further discussion.

Carpenter's edition of the Letters demonstrates in abundance this characteristic of Tolkien, always deferring. All the fun's in how you debate a thing.

Bethberry

Lindolirian · 12-28-2002, 07:20 PM

Did you have fun?

Ithaeliel · 12-28-2002, 07:33 PM

Quote:

They never answer any question straight; they never provide closure; they only stir up the mucky bottoms of Withywindles, obscuring the water lilies, in fervent hopes of stimulating further discussion.

True, true, Bethberry... but not so if you're tricksy [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]. Simply...

1) Ask for two more questions
2) Ask him to be clear and concise and not beat around the bush
3)Ask him your question

Voila! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

That aside, I personally would like to ask Tolkien for a detailed explanation on the three themes of the Ainulindalë and their place in the timeline of Arda. That would help me out a lot. Of course if I read the chapter again, so might that...

[ December 28, 2002: Message edited by: Ithaeliel ]

Bêthberry · 12-28-2002, 07:42 PM

Hope springs eternal in the youthful breast.

I bow to you, Ithaliel. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Bethberry

12-28-2002, 09:02 PM

just one question....

Me: "Whats up....?"

***The Barrow-Wight*** · 12-28-2002, 09:12 PM

This topic doesn't fit into the books, and almost could live well in Mayhem, but I am moving it to Novices. Look for it there if you intend to continue it.

Saurreg · 12-29-2002, 02:39 AM

I would ask him why he didn't write much about the second age, specifically of the Noldor in Middle-earth and their struggles against Sauron.

Belin · 12-29-2002, 02:48 AM

Easy.

"What time is your class?"

[img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

This is silly, since I am, of course, erroneously assuming that our dear author, having escaped the fell clutches of death, has nothing better to do with his time than return to his former profession. But then again, perhaps he liked it. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

In any case, this topic has indeed been discussed before, although that thread got rather touchy and it will probably be easier to continue the discussion here.

--Belin Ibaimendi

Finiel · 12-29-2002, 07:27 AM

"Where in the world did you get those ideas from?"

and

"Who and what is Tom Bombadil?"

and

"Can you teach me how to smoke with a pipe?" [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

Cherie Centaur · 12-29-2002, 09:07 AM

I would ask him which character he liked best and if he likes PJ's Aragorn. [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

Oh, and if Saruman really used bombs.

Iarwain · 12-29-2002, 01:23 PM

I would ask him where all the Entwives went, and if Sam's cousin had really seen one in Ch. 1...

waiting, pondering,
Tom

Meela · 12-29-2002, 02:26 PM

anyone gonna ask the obvious question? [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

How old was legolas?

who was his mother?

brothers or sisters? background?

Gorwingel · 12-29-2002, 03:15 PM

I would ask him what he thought about the films

Because from what I heard about what kind of person he was, I do not think he would like the movies, no matter how well they were done.

12-29-2002, 03:24 PM

I would probably ask him about his view on the apparent conflict between creationism and evolutionism... That, or the Quenya word for "also". [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

TolkienGurl · 12-29-2002, 03:36 PM

I would ask him if he would please make his OWN movies. That would be soooo cool! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

And, actually, I think Saruman did use explosives. Note the following:

Quote:

Even as they spoke there came a blare of trumpets. Then there was a crash and a flash of flame and smoke. The waters of the Deeping-stream poured out hissing and foaming: they were choked no longer, a gaping hole was blasted in the wall. A host of dark shapes poured in.
'Devilry of Saruman!' cried Aragorn. 'They have crept in the culvert again, while we talked, and they have lit the fire of orthanc beneath our feet...'

The Two Towers "Helm's Deep"

[ December 29, 2002: Message edited by: TolkienGurl ]

Merri · 12-29-2002, 04:23 PM

I could stick with one question to ask him, but I wouldn't like it. From the one letter of his that I've read, it seems like he was a fascinating person that I'd be able to talk with for hours and not get bored. Anyway, here's the question I'd ask him:

At any point in the course of writing the novels, did you ever just feel like giving up, and if so, what helped you continue?

Because Lord of the Rings is pretty lengthy. I think most people would be daunted by the idea of writing a work like that, but that could just be me . . .

Oh, and I'd ask him, once and for all, whether he meant for Lord of the Rings to be anything more than an adventure story.

[ December 29, 2002: Message edited by: Merri ]

Nianna Telmnar · 12-29-2002, 06:21 PM

I would tell him how incredably widespread and famous his work has become and then show him this site.
Then I would ask him:
"What do you think of what has become of your lifes work?"

Then in a tiny, small voice:
"sir...may i have your autograph? *blushes*"

MLD-Grounds-Keeper-Willie · 12-29-2002, 10:48 PM

Well, if I had one question it would be:

Do you want your creations to be left alone or not? And if not, then to what extent?

I mean like having movies made out of them, action figures, etc.

But, if I wanted to risk it, then I'd ask him:

Can you let me ask you more than one question?

If he says no, then I'm screwed...

But here are some questions that I'd like to ask him anyways (ones with * are more important)

1. What are your veiws on war? *
2. How small did this start off, and how did it get so big?
3. Did you intend for it to be this big?
4. Are you satisfied with your works? *
5. If there is one important thing that you learned in life, what is it? *
6. What do you regret, if anything?*
7. Did you mean to finish the whole thing, or intend to leave loose ends and certain things unexplained? *
8. What was your intention of creating gollum? *
10. Could I have your autograph on first editions of all your works?

[img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Merri · 12-31-2002, 08:11 PM

I thought of more questions to ask him:

Where did you think of the names for your characters?

Where did you get the personalities for your characters from? Were they based on real people?

Sindafalathiel · 12-31-2002, 08:54 PM

y'know, I'd probably ask him to teach me all the languages of middle earth. then I'd get his autograph, and a picture to prove it.

VanimaEdhel · 01-01-2003, 06:05 PM

Ummm...I'd ask him to tell me everything about Middle Earth, then I'd write it all down! "Everything" includes language, history, former plans, mapping, physical appearances of everyone...in other words, literally everything!

lathspell · 01-01-2003, 06:14 PM

I'd rahter not ask him, but discuss some loose ends with. hmm... I could always ask him to discuss these things with me. [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

maikafanawen · 01-01-2003, 07:08 PM

I want nothing more than to have a conversation with JRR Tolkien. It is the ideal dream of any Tolkien Fan. My questions would be similar to all of yours... 'Who was Tom Bombadil?' 'Where did the Entwives go?' And (taken from another forum) 'Was Legolas really in love with Arwen?' Also I'd beg for him to teach me all the languages. But I think the main question I would ask is:
"Is Middle Earth real?" Crazy...but it would be wonerful(!) to get his answer on that.
Also I agree with Nianna Telmnar, I'd aske meekly for his autograph on the books, picutres etc...
The thought of meeting him is overwhelming. He is more than an author ... he created a whole world ... languages ... wow

Cúdae · 01-01-2003, 07:10 PM

If I could ask him one thing I'd ask, "How in the name of the world did you come back from the dead?" And then I'd tell him he looked great for a dead guy. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

But if the question had to be related to his works, I'd ask one of two questions: 1)Was the original intent to entertain? 2)What was in the house where you stopped writing the Return of the Shadow?

If it had to be a serious question not involving his miraculous return to life, I'd ask him one of three questions: 1)How do you feel about how the world has become in the relatively short time since your death? 2)How do you feel about what the fantasy genre has become since you wrote the Lord of the Rings? 3)What drove you to write so much in such a detailed way? (Mainly because I want to compare and contrast my own driving force to his- if he had one, which I'm sure he did.)

[ January 01, 2003: Message edited by: Cúdae ]

Elven-Maiden · 01-01-2003, 07:29 PM

I'd ask him to take me to the Grey Havens with him. If he couldn't, I'd ask him for an autograph, or maybe even a dedication in one of his books.

TolkienGurl · 01-02-2003, 02:51 PM

Here's another:

"Since you're back from the dead, will you finish your work on the languages (Rohan, Gondorian, Orkish etc.) so we can all speak them?"

I have a "complete guide" to all his languages, but there are so many loopholes because he didn't get to finish them.

Guildo · 01-02-2003, 03:29 PM

Who?
How?
What?
When?
Do?
ALL THE TIME.... COME ON

The man would be ready to ring your neck, First and foremost Tolkien for the most part wrote the books for himself, and i would think it frustraited him greatly to be bombarded questions, about factual questions about his world, that he probably meant never to be known.

If i had to ask him a question, it would be something like.

Have you planed to write another Book?
or
How the idea orginaly spawned in your mind?

But most certainly i would tell him, thank you.

[ January 02, 2003: Message edited by: Guildo ]

HerenIstarion · 01-03-2003, 04:25 AM

Do Balrogs Have Wings? [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img]

01-03-2003, 08:15 AM

If I had to ask it would be:

What was the inspiration for this grand creation and did you know that it would become as deep and awesome as it became? [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img]

Luthien · 01-03-2003, 03:54 PM

Mr. Tolkien, sir, would you mind if you and I had a little chat?

Buy for time, and I would probably ask in so far as to which of the great epics inspired you to create your own.

Luthien · 01-03-2003, 03:57 PM

I thought of another...
"will you tell me a story"

12-28-2002, 05:28 PM	#1
willkill4food Animated Skeleton Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Salem, OR Posts: 44	If you could ask J.R.R. Tolkien One (1) Question, what would it be? If J.R.R. Tolkien came abck form the dead, and you met him face to face, and you could ask him one question, what would you ask him about? Would you ask if Balrogs ahd wings? Who was Tom Bombadil? If Sam was nicer to Gollum, would he not turned evil again? Was Saruman's ring powerful? What did Hobbits eat? Is your son correct about ******? etc. etc. etc.... I would have to ask him what he thought of the movies...because I think that would be best.. But what would you ask him about? -willkill __________________ Gil-galad was an Elven-king. Of him the harpers sadly sing...

12-28-2002, 05:40 PM	#2
My Cat Sasha Animated Skeleton Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Shire Posts: 46	Yeah, I would ask him about the movies too. Where are the other Palentirs(sp)? Can the other Rings of Power corrupt? Is Gollum to be pitied or loathed? __________________ Frodo: Go back, Sam! I'm going to Mordor alone. Sam: Of course you are, and I'm comming with you!

12-28-2002, 05:42 PM	#3
tom bombariffic Wight Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: In the house of Tom Bombariffic Posts: 196	I would ask him "What was every known creature in the old forest". That way Id find out what bombadil was, what goldberry was, what willow was, and whether the entwives were really there. Was that cheating? bombariffic __________________ The 'hum' generated by an electric car is not in fact the noise of the engine, but that of the driver's self-righteousness oscillating at a high frequency.

12-28-2002, 05:44 PM	#4
Guildo Wight Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: The Forgoten lands of the South Posts: 119	i would ask him if he could ask the Ainur to produce a magical portal to where i could step through into ME, hopefully i would land in the Shire or Rivendel. if he couldnt do that, i would just ask for a simple hand shake, Fore arm to Fore arm ME style. __________________ "You cant always get what you want.... But if you try sometimes you just my find.... you get what you need." Glen Sight

12-28-2002, 05:47 PM	#5
Maikadilwen Summoner of Lost Souls Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: At home, with my Strongbow Posts: 521	Do Balrogs have wings? [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img] __________________ -"Death borders upon our birth, and our cradle stands in the grave. Our birth is nothing but our death begun."

12-28-2002, 05:57 PM	#6
Curulin Haunting Spirit Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The woods of Orome. Posts: 58	I would ask him about Tom Bombadil, so as to stop the debate finally. I would also like to know about the precise number of elves, men and dwarves there when they all first awoke. __________________ Well, I'm back.

12-28-2002, 06:53 PM	#7
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 6,003	Hmm. All of you are ignoring one of the primary traits of authors. They never answer any question straight; they never provide closure; they only stir up the mucky bottoms of Withywindles, obscuring the water lilies, in fervent hopes of stimulating further discussion. Carpenter's edition of the Letters demonstrates in abundance this characteristic of Tolkien, always deferring. All the fun's in how you debate a thing. Bethberry __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.

12-28-2002, 07:20 PM	#8
Lindolirian World's Tallest Hobbit Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Where the view is long Posts: 2,117	Did you have fun? __________________ 'They say that the One will himself enter into Arda, and heal Men and all the Marring from the beginning to the end."

12-28-2002, 07:42 PM	#10
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 6,003	Hope springs eternal in the youthful breast. I bow to you, Ithaliel. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] Bethberry __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.

12-28-2002, 09:02 PM	#11
Tuor Immortal Guest Posts: n/a	just one question.... Me: "Whats up....?"

12-28-2002, 09:12 PM	#12
*The Barrow-Wight* Night In Wight Satin Join Date: May 2000 Posts: 4,043	This topic doesn't fit into the books, and almost could live well in Mayhem, but I am moving it to Novices. Look for it there if you intend to continue it. __________________ The Barrow-Wight

12-29-2002, 02:39 AM	#13
Saurreg Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: In self imposed exile... Posts: 465	I would ask him why he didn't write much about the second age, specifically of the Noldor in Middle-earth and their struggles against Sauron. __________________ "Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. " ~Voltaire

12-29-2002, 02:48 AM	#14
Belin Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: all the wide unfriendly pathways of the world Posts: 330	Easy. "What time is your class?" [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] This is silly, since I am, of course, erroneously assuming that our dear author, having escaped the fell clutches of death, has nothing better to do with his time than return to his former profession. But then again, perhaps he liked it. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] In any case, this topic has indeed been discussed before, although that thread got rather touchy and it will probably be easier to continue the discussion here. --Belin Ibaimendi __________________ "I hate dignity," cried Scraps, kicking a pebble high in the air and then trying to catch it as it fell. "Half the fools and all the wise folks are dignified, and I'm neither the one nor the other." --L. Frank Baum

12-29-2002, 07:27 AM	#15
Finiel Haunting Spirit Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: somewhere in the tropics Posts: 69	"Where in the world did you get those ideas from?" and "Who and what is Tom Bombadil?" and "Can you teach me how to smoke with a pipe?" [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] __________________ "The night has a thousand eyes, And the day but one; Yet the light of a bright world dies when day is done. The mind has a thousand eyes, And the heart but one; Yet the light of a whole life dies when love is done."-- F.W. Bourdillon

12-29-2002, 09:07 AM	#16
Cherie Centaur Haunting Spirit Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cottage Cheese near the Gap Posts: 95	I would ask him which character he liked best and if he likes PJ's Aragorn. [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] Oh, and if Saruman really used bombs. __________________ Why do we let the monkey slide for popping the weasel? Just because he thought it was fun? Guys, we're dealing with a psycho.

12-29-2002, 01:23 PM	#17
Iarwain Pugnaciously Primordial Paradox Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Birnham Wood Posts: 800	I would ask him where all the Entwives went, and if Sam's cousin had really seen one in Ch. 1... waiting, pondering, Tom __________________ "And what are oaths but words we say to God?"

12-29-2002, 02:26 PM	#18
Meela Denethor's True Love Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Mirkwood. With Thranduil... swoon Posts: 2,049	anyone gonna ask the obvious question? [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] How old was legolas? who was his mother? brothers or sisters? background? __________________ 'The Hobbit' 1st impressions: 1. Thorin is hot... Oh god, I fancy a dwarf. 2. Thranduil is hotter. 3. Is that... Figwit! 4. Does Elijah Wood never age? 2nd: It's all about Fili & Kili, really. 3rd: BARD! OMG, Bard.

12-29-2002, 03:15 PM	#19
Gorwingel Beholder of the Mists Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Somewhere in the Northwest... for now Posts: 1,419	I would ask him what he thought about the films Because from what I heard about what kind of person he was, I do not think he would like the movies, no matter how well they were done. __________________ Wanted - Wonderfully witty quote that consists of pure brilliance

12-29-2002, 03:24 PM	#20
Ravendah Guest Posts: n/a	I would probably ask him about his view on the apparent conflict between creationism and evolutionism... That, or the Quenya word for "also". [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

12-29-2002, 04:23 PM	#22
Merri Wight Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: The Shire Posts: 221	I could stick with one question to ask him, but I wouldn't like it. From the one letter of his that I've read, it seems like he was a fascinating person that I'd be able to talk with for hours and not get bored. Anyway, here's the question I'd ask him: At any point in the course of writing the novels, did you ever just feel like giving up, and if so, what helped you continue? Because Lord of the Rings is pretty lengthy. I think most people would be daunted by the idea of writing a work like that, but that could just be me . . . Oh, and I'd ask him, once and for all, whether he meant for Lord of the Rings to be anything more than an adventure story. [ December 29, 2002: Message edited by: Merri ] __________________ Knowledge is just opinion that you trust enough to act upon. -Children of the Mind, by Orson Scott Card.

12-29-2002, 06:21 PM	#23
Nianna Telmnar Haunting Spirit Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: somewhere between here and there Posts: 68	I would tell him how incredably widespread and famous his work has become and then show him this site. Then I would ask him: "What do you think of what has become of your lifes work?" Then in a tiny, small voice: "sir...may i have your autograph? blushes" __________________ "Don't Panic."

12-29-2002, 10:48 PM	#24
MLD-Grounds-Keeper-Willie Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: San Francisco Posts: 573	Well, if I had one question it would be: Do you want your creations to be left alone or not? And if not, then to what extent? I mean like having movies made out of them, action figures, etc. But, if I wanted to risk it, then I'd ask him: Can you let me ask you more than one question? If he says no, then I'm screwed... But here are some questions that I'd like to ask him anyways (ones with * are more important) 1. What are your veiws on war? * 2. How small did this start off, and how did it get so big? 3. Did you intend for it to be this big? 4. Are you satisfied with your works? * 5. If there is one important thing that you learned in life, what is it? * 6. What do you regret, if anything?* 7. Did you mean to finish the whole thing, or intend to leave loose ends and certain things unexplained? * 8. What was your intention of creating gollum? * 10. Could I have your autograph on first editions of all your works? [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] __________________ Do Not Touch -Willie

12-31-2002, 08:11 PM	#25
Merri Wight Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: The Shire Posts: 221	I thought of more questions to ask him: Where did you think of the names for your characters? Where did you get the personalities for your characters from? Were they based on real people? __________________ Knowledge is just opinion that you trust enough to act upon. -Children of the Mind, by Orson Scott Card.

12-31-2002, 08:54 PM	#26
Sindafalathiel Haunting Spirit Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Nargothrond Posts: 54	y'know, I'd probably ask him to teach me all the languages of middle earth. then I'd get his autograph, and a picture to prove it. __________________ "My Legions of Terror will be an equal-opportunity employer. Conversely, when it is prophesied that no man can defeat me, I will keep in mind the increasing number of non-traditional gender roles." ~The Evil Overlord List

01-01-2003, 06:05 PM	#27
VanimaEdhel Etheral Enchantress Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wellesley College! Posts: 1,461	Ummm...I'd ask him to tell me everything about Middle Earth, then I'd write it all down! "Everything" includes language, history, former plans, mapping, physical appearances of everyone...in other words, literally everything! __________________ "I think we dream so we don't have to be apart so long. If we're in each others dreams, we can be together all the time." - Hobbes of Calvin and Hobbes

01-01-2003, 06:14 PM	#28
lathspell Regenerating Ringkeeper Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Holland Posts: 757	I'd rahter not ask him, but discuss some loose ends with. hmm... I could always ask him to discuss these things with me. [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] __________________ 'You?' cried Frodo. 'Yes, I, Gandalf the Grey,' said the wizard solemnly. 'There are many powers in the world, for good or for evil. Some are greater than I am. Against some I have not yet been measured. But my time is coming.'

01-01-2003, 07:08 PM	#29
maikafanawen Tears of Simbelmynë Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: The Beast's Castle Posts: 705	I want nothing more than to have a conversation with JRR Tolkien. It is the ideal dream of any Tolkien Fan. My questions would be similar to all of yours... 'Who was Tom Bombadil?' 'Where did the Entwives go?' And (taken from another forum) 'Was Legolas really in love with Arwen?' Also I'd beg for him to teach me all the languages. But I think the main question I would ask is: "Is Middle Earth real?" Crazy...but it would be wonerful(!) to get his answer on that. Also I agree with Nianna Telmnar, I'd aske meekly for his autograph on the books, picutres etc... The thought of meeting him is overwhelming. He is more than an author ... he created a whole world ... languages ... wow __________________ "They call this war a cloud over the land. But they made the weather and then they stand in the rain and say, 'Sht, it's raining!'" -- Ruby, Cold Mountain*

01-01-2003, 07:10 PM	#30
Cúdae Wight Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Boston, Massachusetts Posts: 160	If I could ask him one thing I'd ask, "How in the name of the world did you come back from the dead?" And then I'd tell him he looked great for a dead guy. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] But if the question had to be related to his works, I'd ask one of two questions: 1)Was the original intent to entertain? 2)What was in the house where you stopped writing the Return of the Shadow? If it had to be a serious question not involving his miraculous return to life, I'd ask him one of three questions: 1)How do you feel about how the world has become in the relatively short time since your death? 2)How do you feel about what the fantasy genre has become since you wrote the Lord of the Rings? 3)What drove you to write so much in such a detailed way? (Mainly because I want to compare and contrast my own driving force to his- if he had one, which I'm sure he did.) [ January 01, 2003: Message edited by: Cúdae ] __________________ "And if you listen very hard/ The tune will come to you at last/ When all are one and one is all/ To be a rock and not to roll." --Led Zeppelin "Stairway to Heaven"

01-01-2003, 07:29 PM	#31
Elven-Maiden Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 297	I'd ask him to take me to the Grey Havens with him. If he couldn't, I'd ask him for an autograph, or maybe even a dedication in one of his books. __________________ Tout ce qui est or ne brille pas, Tous ceux qui errent ne sont pas perdus. Mobilis in Mobile

01-02-2003, 02:51 PM	#32
TolkienGurl Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Michigan, USA Posts: 637	Here's another: "Since you're back from the dead, will you finish your work on the languages (Rohan, Gondorian, Orkish etc.) so we can all speak them?" I have a "complete guide" to all his languages, but there are so many loopholes because he didn't get to finish them. __________________ Hopes fail. An end comes. We have only a little time to wait now. We are lost in ruin and downfall and there is no escape. -Frodo My Livejournal

01-02-2003, 03:29 PM	#33
Guildo Wight Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: The Forgoten lands of the South Posts: 119	Who? How? What? When? Do? ALL THE TIME.... COME ON The man would be ready to ring your neck, First and foremost Tolkien for the most part wrote the books for himself, and i would think it frustraited him greatly to be bombarded questions, about factual questions about his world, that he probably meant never to be known. If i had to ask him a question, it would be something like. Have you planed to write another Book? or How the idea orginaly spawned in your mind? But most certainly i would tell him, thank you. [ January 02, 2003: Message edited by: Guildo ] __________________ "You cant always get what you want.... But if you try sometimes you just my find.... you get what you need." Glen Sight

01-03-2003, 04:25 AM	#34
HerenIstarion Deadnight Chanter Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 4,244	Do Balrogs Have Wings? [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img] __________________ Egroeg Ihkhsal - Would you believe in the love at first sight? - Yes I'm certain that it happens all the time!

01-03-2003, 08:15 AM	#35
LadyMorrigan Guest Posts: n/a	If I had to ask it would be: What was the inspiration for this grand creation and did you know that it would become as deep and awesome as it became? [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img]

01-03-2003, 03:54 PM	#36
Luthien Pile O'Bones Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Lothlorien Posts: 20	Mr. Tolkien, sir, would you mind if you and I had a little chat? Buy for time, and I would probably ask in so far as to which of the great epics inspired you to create your own.

01-03-2003, 03:57 PM	#37
Luthien Pile O'Bones Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Lothlorien Posts: 20	I thought of another... "will you tell me a story"