Annoying Unbelievers

[Iris Alantiel]

I have no problem at all with people who put in the effort, read the book, and then come ask me questions about it. Actually it's flattering because it makes me the acknowledged Tolkien expert in our circle, and who could say no to that? But I agree with all those who have said that the most annoying thing is the people who have refused to read the book for whatever reason and then either ask stupid questions or pass uninformed judgment. I can even deal with somebody who says Tolkien is a bad writer (although that comes very close to crossing the fine line between opinion and heresy for me) as long as they've read the book and are making an informed remark. If you aren't informed about what you're talking about, it's likely best to keep your mouth shut.

As for the Legolas-loving fangirls, well, I deal with them. Sometimes I'll even play along with them for the fun of it (and the sheer pleasure of talking LotR with people who actually care). I don't have a problem with them as a general rule; even I have to admit that, as far as the movies are concerned, he was pretty attractive. But (as an ardent fan of the books) I also feel like my admiration for his good looks and showy orc-killing prowess is tempered by the knowledge that he doesn't really do anything hugely significant for the story that couldn't have been done by some other random elf. Fangirls, at least as far as I've seen, seem less than interested in being educated on the relative merits of other characters in comparison to Legolas, and that's fine with me. Live and let live; I have other friends with whom I can discuss other characters seriously.

"What do you think? Who's important to the fellowship?"
"Legolas, for sure. He's such a cool elf"

(Well, I never saw a "cool" elf and I'm sure none of them will ever think about the really important persons... just because they don't look like teeny-idols)

It's sad, but so true. I think maybe that's one disadvantage of the movies - there are people who miss the point completely because they're too caught up in their Orlando Bloom obsessions. Not that I have anything against Orlando Bloom, but a little balance is a good thing.

[Morgul Queen]

Has anyone else ever been asked questions that lead to more questions?

Example:

"Who made the other Rings?"

"Celebrimbor. He was the grandson of Feanor and Lord of Eregion at the time of making them. He was eventually killed by Sauron and his mangled bdy was used as a banner."

"Oh...who's Feanor?"

I'm not even going to put in that discussion, but the girl I was speaking to has a habit of asking the questions that need the most explaining...which is not good if you're trying to hold 3 other conversations at the same time. Her next question was:

"What are the Silmarils?"

Followed by:

"Why are they so special?"

*groans*

[elronds_daughter]

Oh, dear. Morgy, I pity you. Very much. I'm quite glad I'm not in your shoes. I'd end up killing somebody. Grrr.... <gives everyone she doesn't like the "death stare">

[Morgul Queen]

You know what's worse? The girl who was asking the questions is telling everyone that I'm stuck-up and snooty because I was reluctant to explain what the Silmarils were...

*sighs*

[The Saucepan Man]

Originally Posted by Morgul Queen

The girl who was asking the questions is telling everyone that I'm stuck-up and snooty because I was reluctant to explain what the Silmarils were...

Er - isn't it a good thing that she showed sufficient interest to ask those questions?

[elronds_daughter]

Originally Posted by Morgul Queen

You know what's worse? The girl who was asking the questions is telling everyone that I'm stuck-up and snooty because I was reluctant to explain what the Silmarils were...

Well, it's a long explanation! Plus, my reading of the Silmarillion is not proving substantial enough..... (i.e. I read a tiny bit occasionally..... maybe I'll get to the end sometime next winter....)

[Morgul Queen]

Er - isn't it a good thing that she showed sufficient interest to ask those questions?

Yes, the only problem is she doesn't understand what I'm saying to her. She's only seen Fellowship and hasn't read any of the books. This brings on awkward questions which are near impossible to explain to a person who has next to no experience of LotR.

"Why didn't Gandalf kill the Bad Guy? He's a wizard, right?"

"Who's Elrond again?" Which leads to: "Earendil?"

'Tis very frustrating. She's getting very annoyed at me because my current response is "Go read the Book. JRRT can explain it far better than I ever could."

*sighs*

[AbercrombieOfRohan]

My absolute favorite/ least favorite question is:

What?? There are books??

It gets me every time. I have actually had people ask me this and it brings tears of laughter to my eyes.

I've found that the best way to deal with people asking you questions like "what are the silmarils?" is to give a 40 minute lecture of the entire silmarillion. They usually just look interested for about 5 seconds then they nod their heads and try to look interested and eventually slide into a stupor and never ever ever talk to you about LOTR again. works like a charm.