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

Legolas · 08-15-2002, 11:24 AM

You could think of a million. The reasons people read Tolkien's works are numerous and differ from person to person, often being a combination of reasons...

Some of the more popular reasons: escapism, love of mythology, love of fairy-tales, the common fantasy features (dragons, wizards, etc.), interest in battles, interst in a somewhat medieval setting, the ideas of creation and the creators watching over it, good always has a way of winning, simple people accomplishing great tasks (the hobbits), etc. Sometimes it is the skeleton of the story alone that keeps people interested. It gives them a reason to hope. Others are just interested in reading a good book.

Tolkien's books satisfy all these tastes because of their spread of functionality. They can work on different levels...myths, history, fairy-tales, epic fantasy, the languages...all that while still being inspirational and thought-provoking.

[ August 15, 2002: Message edited by: Legalos ]

08-15-2002, 11:24 AM	#11
Legolas A Northern Soul Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Valinor Posts: 1,847	You could think of a million. The reasons people read Tolkien's works are numerous and differ from person to person, often being a combination of reasons... Some of the more popular reasons: escapism, love of mythology, love of fairy-tales, the common fantasy features (dragons, wizards, etc.), interest in battles, interst in a somewhat medieval setting, the ideas of creation and the creators watching over it, good always has a way of winning, simple people accomplishing great tasks (the hobbits), etc. Sometimes it is the skeleton of the story alone that keeps people interested. It gives them a reason to hope. Others are just interested in reading a good book. Tolkien's books satisfy all these tastes because of their spread of functionality. They can work on different levels...myths, history, fairy-tales, epic fantasy, the languages...all that while still being inspirational and thought-provoking. [ August 15, 2002: Message edited by: Legalos ] __________________ ...take counsel with thyself, and remember who and what thou art.