Best Post of the Week

[Bêthberry]

Oh, indeed, Mithalwen, those of us who are familiar with pio's past gaming exploits are quite aware of her more recondite forms of knowledge. Why, Mithadan even--but I digress. Well does pio deserve a commendation here for her tireless and prompt help and information gathering for The Shire. She's a gem--our own "Gilmarillion"--and that's for both girl and gamer and gem!

I would like to nominate Helen/Mark 12_30's post from littlemanpoet's thread Smith of Wooton Major in Middle Earth?.

Why? because Helen presents a fascinating observation about the role of trespassing in The Silm and Tolkien's other works. Here's the relevent morsel that tantalises my thoughts:

The word "trespassing" comes to mind. (Remember the salmon swimming into the hot spring at the bottom of the lake? The narrator was out of his element, and you loved it, as I fondly recall.) Smith is essentially trespassing; Frodo is frequently trespassing; by contrast the Sil narrator has every right to be there. So where's the mystery that creates thirst in the soul? I suspect that what moves you is your desire for transcendance-- and that hunger is best whetted by mystery.

Perhaps the Sil creates regret, longing for the good old days, rather than the longing to pierce and percieve a mystery.

She puts her finger on another aspect too, but that's for the telling on lmp's thread.

Lovely observation, Helen!