Death of Karen Wynn Fonstad - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Estelyn Telcontar · 03-19-2005, 10:39 AM

Karen Wynn Fonstad, the author of (among other works) The Atlas of Tolkien's Middle-Earth, passed away on March 11, 2005.

For more information, check out these links:

Planet Tolkien's announcement
The One Ring's announcement

Her work in charting and drawing maps of Middle-earth has been an important resource to Tolkien fans worldwide, especially helpful to those who write fan fiction and RPGs. She was also a member of the Éowyn Challenge site's "Walk to Rivendell", where her maps provided the mileage information for many walkers.

We owe her a great debt of thanks; may she rest in peace.

Bêthberry · 03-19-2005, 10:56 AM

That is very sad news, Esty. Fonstad's Atlas of Middle-earth shows just how incredibly precise and meticulous Tolkien was in his description and planning and of course speaks volumes about how he inspires others.

Her work will ensure that she is remembered as one of the finest of Tolkien's readers.

HerenIstarion · 03-19-2005, 12:30 PM

I'm sorry to hear about it.

Quote:

Her work will ensure that she is remembered as one of the finest of Tolkien's readers

Yes

piosenniel · 03-19-2005, 02:13 PM

Good-bye, my sweet mapmaker!

~*~ Pio

*raising a pint to you at the Windrose

Carrûn · 03-20-2005, 09:27 PM

Definately one of my favorite references. I'm sorry to see her go.

Nimrodel_9 · 03-23-2005, 05:04 PM

May she rest in piece.

King of the North · 03-23-2005, 07:33 PM

The Atlas of Tolkien's Middle Earth is one of my favorite sources when I need to bulk up on my LotR knowledge. RIP Karen Wynn Fonstad.

Child of the 7th Age · 04-02-2005, 11:05 AM

This is a long overdue post....I look at the obituary and can only say that she was far too young.

There is one story I read I wanted to share. Karen apparently started the "Walk to Rivendell" but ill health caused her to withdraw. She did make it to Rivendell but her goal was to go beyond and "settle" in Lothlorien. Other posters participating in the run, hearing of her plight, donated their miles to her and she was profoundly grateful.

As someone who derives great satisfaction from writing RPGs and fanfiction, not a week goes by that I don't delve into her atlas for one little fact or another. I am not good with maps or visualizing distances. If I am able to have any picture in my head of where places are in relation to each other, it is only because of her excellent work. She will be missed.

Snowdog · 05-13-2005, 02:13 PM

I missed this totally! Yes, way too young!
I find the Atlas an indespensible part of my Tolkien library.

03-19-2005, 10:39 AM	#1
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	Death of Karen Wynn Fonstad Karen Wynn Fonstad, the author of (among other works) The Atlas of Tolkien's Middle-Earth, passed away on March 11, 2005. For more information, check out these links: Planet Tolkien's announcement The One Ring's announcement Her work in charting and drawing maps of Middle-earth has been an important resource to Tolkien fans worldwide, especially helpful to those who write fan fiction and RPGs. She was also a member of the Éowyn Challenge site's "Walk to Rivendell", where her maps provided the mileage information for many walkers. We owe her a great debt of thanks; may she rest in peace. __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...'

03-19-2005, 10:56 AM	#2
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 6,003	That is very sad news, Esty. Fonstad's Atlas of Middle-earth shows just how incredibly precise and meticulous Tolkien was in his description and planning and of course speaks volumes about how he inspires others. Her work will ensure that she is remembered as one of the finest of Tolkien's readers. __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.

03-19-2005, 02:13 PM	#4
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	Good-bye, my sweet mapmaker! ~~ Pio raising a pint to you at the Windrose __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.

03-20-2005, 09:27 PM	#5
Carrûn Wight Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Behind you, counting to 3 Posts: 234	Definately one of my favorite references. I'm sorry to see her go. __________________ "Dic, hospes, Spartae, nos te hic vidisse iacentes dum sanctis patriae legibus obsequimur."

03-23-2005, 05:04 PM	#6
Nimrodel_9 Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Utah Posts: 734	Heres to Karen! May she rest in piece. __________________ .:A friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart:.

03-23-2005, 07:33 PM	#7
King of the North Haunting Spirit Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Washington State Posts: 60	In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti, Amen The Atlas of Tolkien's Middle Earth is one of my favorite sources when I need to bulk up on my LotR knowledge. RIP Karen Wynn Fonstad. __________________ Ask for everything, recieve nothing Last edited by King of the North; 03-23-2005 at 07:40 PM.

04-02-2005, 11:05 AM	#8
Child of the 7th Age Spirit of the Lonely Star Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 5,133	This is a long overdue post....I look at the obituary and can only say that she was far too young. There is one story I read I wanted to share. Karen apparently started the "Walk to Rivendell" but ill health caused her to withdraw. She did make it to Rivendell but her goal was to go beyond and "settle" in Lothlorien. Other posters participating in the run, hearing of her plight, donated their miles to her and she was profoundly grateful. As someone who derives great satisfaction from writing RPGs and fanfiction, not a week goes by that I don't delve into her atlas for one little fact or another. I am not good with maps or visualizing distances. If I am able to have any picture in my head of where places are in relation to each other, it is only because of her excellent work. She will be missed.

05-13-2005, 02:13 PM	#9
Snowdog Emperor of the South Pole Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: The Western Shore of Lake Evendim Posts: 664	What??? I missed this totally! Yes, way too young! I find the Atlas an indespensible part of my Tolkien library.