Why do you think LOTR appeals to so many people? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Ravenna · 08-14-2002, 02:39 PM

When I first read LOTR, it was largely because it was a fantasy story which took me out of the mundane everyday world and it's problems.
Later, as I reread over and again, the depth and underlying meanings began to emerge, and made me think more deeply about the events and the relationships.
The only prerequisites I think you need to read Tolkien are an open mind and sufficient education to appreciate the language he used. I still read it largely as an escape from everyday problems, which probably explains why I read so much fantasy literature in general, but over the years my appreciation has broadened and deepened, and these days I find so much more to it than I used to.

08-14-2002, 02:39 PM	#4
Ravenna Haunting Spirit Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: witney, oxfordshire Posts: 70	When I first read LOTR, it was largely because it was a fantasy story which took me out of the mundane everyday world and it's problems. Later, as I reread over and again, the depth and underlying meanings began to emerge, and made me think more deeply about the events and the relationships. The only prerequisites I think you need to read Tolkien are an open mind and sufficient education to appreciate the language he used. I still read it largely as an escape from everyday problems, which probably explains why I read so much fantasy literature in general, but over the years my appreciation has broadened and deepened, and these days I find so much more to it than I used to.