Newbie help please - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Mithalwen · 05-16-2007, 04:41 AM

You may find parts of HoME acceptable even if you don't want to say read all the early drafts of LOTR. It is like Unfinished Tales on a grand scale: yes there is stuff that "contradicts" the main works however there are also things that expand on what there is (like the stuff on the Palantirs, and Numenore in UT).

A lot depends on what kind of Tolkien fan you are. I love Middle Earth more than the individual stories and want information on how it worked - and reading essays say on the marriage customs of the elves is fascinating. I really enjoyed the History of LOTR volumes of HoME for the insight into how the world grew in Tolkien's mind. Since we have the "definitive version" in the published work, it doesn't corrupt my vision of that. However I can understand you not wanting to go there.

The works not prepared for publication by JRRT, I treat more as historical sources - which in RL often conflict. Christopher Tolkien has done a great job but if you want more complete stories like the LOTR , after The Children of Hurin, you may find it difficult to go further if you don't want to have alternate versions.

05-16-2007, 07:08 AM

Thanks for all the help everyone. I will look into all the stuff you mentioned.

The Might · 05-17-2007, 08:59 AM

I'd also say the Letters are a good source for interesting information on Middle-earth, not all, but many of them.

MatthewM · 05-18-2007, 08:21 AM

Check out The Letters

05-22-2007, 03:21 PM

what are "the letters"?

05-22-2007, 04:23 PM

nevermind, I just found out what they are.

Thanks, I'll check it out.

Elmo · 05-23-2007, 04:21 AM

The only book in the history I own is Morgoth's Ring but's its brilliant. I'd recommend it as a good start for the series. It includes the 'Athrabeth' which is a conversation between Finrod Felagund and a mortal women Andreth. It is one of my favourite piece of writings by any author.

05-16-2007, 04:41 AM	#1
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,463	You may find parts of HoME acceptable even if you don't want to say read all the early drafts of LOTR. It is like Unfinished Tales on a grand scale: yes there is stuff that "contradicts" the main works however there are also things that expand on what there is (like the stuff on the Palantirs, and Numenore in UT). A lot depends on what kind of Tolkien fan you are. I love Middle Earth more than the individual stories and want information on how it worked - and reading essays say on the marriage customs of the elves is fascinating. I really enjoyed the History of LOTR volumes of HoME for the insight into how the world grew in Tolkien's mind. Since we have the "definitive version" in the published work, it doesn't corrupt my vision of that. However I can understand you not wanting to go there. The works not prepared for publication by JRRT, I treat more as historical sources - which in RL often conflict. Christopher Tolkien has done a great job but if you want more complete stories like the LOTR , after The Children of Hurin, you may find it difficult to go further if you don't want to have alternate versions. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

05-17-2007, 08:59 AM	#3
The Might Guard of the Citadel Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Oxon Posts: 2,205	I'd also say the Letters are a good source for interesting information on Middle-earth, not all, but many of them. __________________ “The invisible and the non-existent look very much alike.” Delos B. McKown

05-18-2007, 08:21 AM	#4
MatthewM Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New York Posts: 628	Check out The Letters __________________ "Loud and clear it sounds in the valleys of the hills...and then let all the foes of Gondor flee!" -Boromir, The Fellowship of the Ring

05-23-2007, 04:21 AM	#7
Elmo Pittodrie Poltergeist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: trying to find that warm and winding lane again Posts: 633	The only book in the history I own is Morgoth's Ring but's its brilliant. I'd recommend it as a good start for the series. It includes the 'Athrabeth' which is a conversation between Finrod Felagund and a mortal women Andreth. It is one of my favourite piece of writings by any author. __________________ As Beren looked into her eyes within the shadows of her hair, The trembling starlight of the skies he saw there mirrored shimmering.

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05-16-2007, 07:08 AM	#2
TheCRZA Guest Posts: n/a	Thanks for all the help everyone. I will look into all the stuff you mentioned.

05-22-2007, 03:21 PM	#5
TheCRZA Guest Posts: n/a	what are "the letters"?

05-22-2007, 04:23 PM	#6
TheCRZA Guest Posts: n/a	nevermind, I just found out what they are. Thanks, I'll check it out.