Why do you like LOTR?

[Lathriel]

When I first read LOTR I was about ten so I read it for the story and I loved the book just for that. However, when I re-read it some years later I discovered a whole bunch of new meanings and ideas. I love LOTR not only because of the rich history and languages but also because when I read the books I find something new to think about each time.
Also it is the first fantasy book so I think you can love it just for that simple fact. Without LOTR there wouldn't have been fantasy as we know it today. Or maybe it would come decades later...but I rather don't want to think about that,
Another reason for being obsessed about LOTR is the fact that the characters get so close to you. Some prejudiced people say there is no real character development in Fantasy and that the plot is often cheesy. In some cases this is sadly true. But not LOTR, in fact as people have said before it can be seen as a Historic fiction novel. I think there is a lot of character development. even the minor characters get a chance to show to the reader how the war of the ring changed them.
So, I think LOTR should be thought of as a classic and that the people who are fans of this book should be proud about it. Even if we are seen as slightly crazy/obsessed I am still proud to be a ringer (Tolkeinist,enthugger)