Visit The *EVEN NEWER* Barrow-Downs Photo Page |
02-08-2007, 10:31 PM | #1 |
Shade of Carn Dûm
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 257
|
Favourite Part of Unfinished Tales?
What's yours? Mine is the Istari chapter.
__________________
Head of the Fifth Order of the Istari Tenure: Fourth Age(Year 1) - Present Currently operating in Melbourne, Australia |
02-09-2007, 10:27 AM | #2 |
Wight
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: The best seat in the Golden Perch
Posts: 219
|
I like Galadriel and Celeborn, but then I'm a total junkie for the more speculative side of Tolkien's writings.
__________________
Then one appeared among us, in our own form visible, but greater and more beautiful; and he said that he had come out of pity. |
02-10-2007, 02:35 AM | #3 |
Haunting Spirit
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 57
|
It is difficult to choose but I think my choice is also the Istari, followed closely by the Druedain. Tuor is pretty interesting too.
|
02-10-2007, 07:24 AM | #4 |
Pittodrie Poltergeist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: trying to find that warm and winding lane again
Posts: 633
|
I love Hurins mockery of Morgoth "Blind ye are..."
__________________
As Beren looked into her eyes within the shadows of her hair, The trembling starlight of the skies he saw there mirrored shimmering. |
02-11-2007, 05:36 AM | #5 |
Guard of the Citadel
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Oxon
Posts: 2,205
|
I always enjoyed the essays a lot, but my favourite definitely is The Hunt for the Ring, it offers so many interesting pieces of information that help you get a much clearer view on the events that took place in the beginning of the war
__________________
“The invisible and the non-existent look very much alike.”
Delos B. McKown |
02-11-2007, 01:02 PM | #6 |
Pilgrim Soul
Join Date: May 2004
Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle...
Posts: 9,449
|
Since I am one of the Tolkien fans who loves the world of Middle Earth as a whole over the major storylines, Unfinished Tales is especially beloved to me.. I know its fascination is dependent on having read the "Finished" works but it answers so many unanswered questions that the appendices could not - or more accurately offers answers since the nature of it means that they cannot be taken as definitive. So hard to choose - I love getting Gandalf's view of the Quest of Erebor, more information on the disaster of the Gladden Fields, the Lords of Dol Amroth, Numenore ..I couold more or less list the index - however the Tale of Aldarion and Erendis is perhaps what I would go for.... far more passion than the whole of the Lord of the Rings and a psychologically accurate study of a disintegrating relationship.... tree loving heir to the throne hitches up with beautiful but neurotic and wilful woman .....
__________________
“But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.”
Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace |
02-12-2007, 09:56 PM | #7 |
Ghost Prince of Cardolan
|
My favorite part is contained within Galadriel and Celeborn, when Tolkien explains Boromir's courageous journey from Minas Tirith to Rivendell a little more than we get in the narrative of the story.
__________________
"Loud and clear it sounds in the valleys of the hills...and then let all the foes of Gondor flee!" -Boromir, The Fellowship of the Ring |
02-20-2007, 08:10 AM | #8 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: in my own little world
Posts: 142
|
Quote:
|
|
02-21-2007, 01:25 PM | #9 |
Ghost Prince of Cardolan
|
Hurin! In fact, Hurin's is one of the best stories Tolkien ever told, I believe.
|
02-22-2008, 08:55 AM | #10 |
Flame Imperishable
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Right here
Posts: 3,928
|
Drùedain and Istari. Wow!
__________________
Welcome to the Barrow Do-owns Forum / Such a lovely place
|
02-22-2008, 09:54 AM | #11 | |
shadow of a doubt
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Back on the streets
Posts: 1,125
|
Quote:
The tale of Tuor* is also a favourite of mine and the prose, bordering on lyric, is absolutely wonderful. Once again, it's a real shame he didn't finish it. *edit. Last edited by skip spence; 02-22-2008 at 10:04 AM. Reason: Mixed up names |
|
02-22-2008, 10:01 AM | #12 |
Ghost Prince of Cardolan
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 903
|
Tuor and Gondolin. I just love anything to do with Goldolin and I find the various Gates fascinating.
|
02-22-2008, 12:42 PM | #13 |
Wight
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: In front of my PC
Posts: 164
|
The part about Cirion and Eorl. That was really helpful to me as it helped fill in the missing pieces in the history of the Northmen of Rhovanion and their descendants. From here I found that the Eotheod were founded by the last prince of the Northmen, and thus the Kings of Rohan can claim descent from the Kings of Rhovanion.
|
02-22-2008, 07:55 PM | #14 |
Haunting Spirit
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Out West near a Big Salty Lake
Posts: 76
|
chapters that I liked . . .
I really enjoyed the Hunt for the Ring because it almost tells the story from the point of view of the Nazgul chasing the ring. Wouldn't it be cool to have a transcribed or written account by the Witch-King and Khamul on chasing after the ring.
I also enjoy reading the Quest for Erebor since it was The Hobbit that turned me on to Middle Earth. |
02-23-2008, 01:41 PM | #15 |
Ghost Prince of Cardolan
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Back on the Helcaraxe
Posts: 733
|
Well, since I originally bought the book specifically to read the essay on the Istari, I guess I would have to say... (drum roll)... the Istari. What a surprise!
However, I do enjoy much of the rest of the book, quite nearly as well. Except for the parts about Hurin and family. That is one heck of a depressing story....
__________________
Call me Ibrin (or Ibri) :) Originality is the one thing that unoriginal minds cannot feel the use of. — John Stewart Mill |
02-23-2008, 01:49 PM | #16 | |
Flame Imperishable
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Right here
Posts: 3,928
|
Quote:
Come to think of it, so is Aldarion and Erndis. Actually, all of the works of ME are a bit depressing (dimishing knowledge, power, people, good, etc.), except maybe for Tom Bombadil. All this time I've been reading books by a depressing author
__________________
Welcome to the Barrow Do-owns Forum / Such a lovely place
|
|
02-23-2008, 02:07 PM | #17 |
Ghost Prince of Cardolan
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Back on the Helcaraxe
Posts: 733
|
The Children of Hurin has long reminded me of a strange cross between Oedipus and Elric of Melnibone (possible only in the hindsight of when UT was first published, since Elric obviously was written after Tolkien wrote his first drafts of the Hurin tale, and I doubt very much that either author was any influence on the other). At lot of Tolkien's tales are like a lot of classic mythology in general -- not too many light and happy tales out there, when you stop to think about it (awe-inspiring, perhaps, like the Ainulindale, but not light-hearted). Which is appropriate, since myths, I think, often come about to explain and give meaning to what seem like the eternal burdens and difficulties and mysteries of life.
I imagine that given the "weight" of Tolkien's tales, it explains why, when I first read LotR as a child, I liked the hobbits, as I became an adult, I was fascinated by Aragorn, and now that I'm "over the hill," I'm intrigued by the Ainur. First the (comparatively) child-like, then the heroic, and then the angelic. Sheesh, I feel like I'm sticking one foot in the grave, here... Not ready for that by a long shot.
__________________
Call me Ibrin (or Ibri) :) Originality is the one thing that unoriginal minds cannot feel the use of. — John Stewart Mill |
02-24-2008, 09:16 AM | #18 | |
Flame Imperishable
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Right here
Posts: 3,928
|
Quote:
Sorry But as you say, most legends are powerful, full of evil, suffering, but also heroics and brave deeds. They're about people confronting the evil, the bad thigs that happen to them and in life. I sound a bit too happy here I think, like someone commentinng on the moral of a story
__________________
Welcome to the Barrow Do-owns Forum / Such a lovely place
Last edited by Eönwë; 02-24-2008 at 10:20 AM. Reason: spelling |
|
02-24-2008, 03:38 PM | #19 |
Shade with a Blade
|
Tuor, the anti-Turin. Everything Turin does, Tuor does as well, only differently.
He deserves his own thread.
__________________
Stories and songs. |
02-26-2008, 04:42 AM | #20 |
Ghost Prince of Cardolan
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: midway upon... in a forest dark
Posts: 975
|
yes, yes, mithalwen, Aldarion and Erendis was such a good sketch, wasn't it? The subtitle was even catchy. The Shadow of the Shadow. Funny how something as trifle as the divorce of the Heir and his wife should help bring the shadow of the Shadow.
__________________
|
02-27-2008, 07:49 PM | #21 |
Emperor of the South Pole
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: The Western Shore of Lake Evendim
Posts: 606
|
Battles for the Fords of Isen, Cirion and Eorl, & Disaster in the Gladden Fields all helped flesh out parts of the Lord of the Rings story. But the most touching was Aldarion and Erendis where it showed that all marital unions in Middle Earth are not the fairy tale sorts. This tale had me thinking of other marriages mentioned where no depth was ever discussed ... Arvedui & Firiel, Arathorn & Gaelrian, Faramir & Eowyn, and even Aragorn & Arwen. I mean, imagine the "discussion" when Aragorn tells Arwen he has decided to lay down his life. We get a glimpse of it, but still...
|
02-28-2008, 11:06 AM | #22 |
Ghost Prince of Cardolan
|
There are any number of the tales that are interesting and
bear rereading. Tuor's is quite enlightening but also frustrating...with the tale ending just as he enters Gondolin. His journey there has so many neat bits: his "chance" meeting with the two elves, his meeting with (Ulmo?), and his almost encounter with Turin. A continuation of the tale with his encounters with Maeglin and "Escape from Gondolin!" would have been fascinating. But then again there's the great elucidating on the Rohirrim organization and the Battles of the Fords of Isen. And the runup to TH "An Unexpected Party" with Gandalf's difficulty with Thorin. Also one other bit, it strikes me that the way JRRT presents both sides plusses and minuses in the Erendis/Aldarion disfunctional relationship is not unlike the various arguments for elves, men, dwarves (and a hobbit) to the treasure of Erebor after the slaying of Smaug.
__________________
The poster formerly known as Tuor of Gondolin. Walking To Rivendell and beyond 12,555 miles passed Nt./Day 5: Pass the beacon on Nardol, the 'Fire Hill.' |
02-29-2008, 08:12 AM | #23 | |
Shade of Carn Dûm
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Minas Morgul
Posts: 431
|
I agree with Snowdog, Eldarion and Erendis is an awesome tale. As to character development, it is probably Tolkien's best. Reading other stories it would seem that Men in Tolkien World were as "holy" as Elves in "domestic matters". Well now we know they were not. *feels relieved*
I especially like Erendis's words: Quote:
|
|
02-29-2008, 09:01 PM | #24 |
Shade of Carn Dûm
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 435
|
I think part of the reason for the stifness in Aragorn's case is that as a result of being raised in Rivendell he was probably raised in the manner of an elf child and so aquired a very elvish way of behaving. Had Elrond not extended his protect and had Aragon been raised among the rangers, he might have turned out as boisterous and lusty as Boromir. As for Faramir, I think the constant need for his father's approval is what led to his overly formal way, he was too afraid to trangress to be at ease.
|
03-25-2008, 07:39 AM | #25 |
Pittodrie Poltergeist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: trying to find that warm and winding lane again
Posts: 633
|
It could be construed as irony that the person with the least Numenorean blood Boromir, acted the most like the Numenoreans described by Erendis unlike say Farimir or Aragorn where their Numenoreaness was apparently pure.
__________________
As Beren looked into her eyes within the shadows of her hair, The trembling starlight of the skies he saw there mirrored shimmering. |
03-25-2008, 12:22 PM | #26 |
Haunting Spirit
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 57
|
Numenoreans were divided into 2 groups soon after the events described in "Aldarion and Erendis." Aragorn and Faramir typify the Faithful. I think Boromir reminds me of Aldarion, not evil, but more inclined toward that path.
|
03-25-2008, 02:14 PM | #27 | |
Shade of Carn Dûm
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Minas Morgul
Posts: 431
|
Quote:
Basically both Aragorn and Faramir were Gandalf's pupils, the former, in addition, was brought up among Elves. I would say Aragorn was rather "atypical" Numenorean. Denethor and Boromir anf even Faramir were the typical ones - only, contrary to Tar-Aldarion, brought up in times of war and peril. Of course, even among Numenoreans of Numenor there were several varieties: I. Wise, peaceful, bookish lore-masters: Vardamir Nolimon, Tar-Elendil (sire of the Lords of Andunie), Aldarion's father Tar-Meneldur, Tar-Minastir, and the last of them - Tar-Palantir. II. Proud, ruthless king-warrior type soon became predominating : Tar-Aldarion, then a female variety of it: Tar-Ancalime and likely Tar-Telperien, then most certainly Tar-Ciryatan (who even constrained his father to retire early), Tar-Atanamir (like his father proud and greedy of wealth), Tar-Calmacil, Ar-Adûnakhôr, Ar-Gimilzôr and Ar-Pharazôn. III. And with time there appeared a third type - irresponsible lazy-bones, mostly occupied with pursuit of their little personal hobbies. I think Tar-Telemmaitë (the mithril-lover) was the first one of those and his daugther Tar-Vanimeldë was the finest example of this attitude: "She gave little heed to ruling, loving rather music and dance; and the power was wielded by her husband Herucalmo" (this one of the 2st type, I bet). Some later Kings that left very little line in the Annales may have been of this ilk as well. And - an interesting thing- in the history of Gondor we see these three types all over again. Elendil (I type), Isildur (II), Anarion (I-?) Meneldil (II), Tarannon Falastur (II). Hyarmendacil I (II). Atanatar II Alcarin ‘the Glorious' was the first of the lazy-bones (III), Narmacil I (III). Minalcar-Rómendacil, a great king and politician, was maybe of the I type, not the II, as he used political measures in preference to force. And Eärnur the last King was clearly of the II type. Maybe type I and II go back to Elrond and Elros respectively (of the latter we unfortunately know little). Yet I guess, unlike Elrond, he was of the second type - a great proud ruler, who wanted power and glory here and now, who forsook immortality for the crown and lordship. His brother was content to become a herald of Gil-Galad, but Elros wanted more. Of course, Faramir was of the first variety and Boromir of the second. Denethor is a more difficult case. I have a suspicion that born in the first variety, more alike to Faramir, he had schooled himself to act like he was of the second. That may have brought an additional mental strain on him throughout his life. But Denethor believed that in times of war the second type was more needed. As for Aragorn, he is so "Elvish" in his ways that I really fail to classify him. Maybe he was like Denethor - the first variety guy, but quite modified. Maybe he was of the second variety, with its drawbacks softened by the Elvish schooling. Last edited by Gordis; 03-25-2008 at 02:21 PM. |
|
04-12-2008, 05:39 PM | #28 |
Flame Imperishable
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Right here
Posts: 3,928
|
Well personally, I love the Unfinished Tales, because they tell you all the stuff you alwyays wanted to know, except the really mysterious stuff (like Tom Bombadil).
And the Numenor bits show that however adavanced you are you still have problems. And that you can still be turned evil (with the right persuasion, or if you happen to have an evil demi-god you captured in prison and then make him your advisor). The only criticism I can give about the Numenor parts is that though don't show enough of Valandil (The first of the faithful). He is more important (really) than many of the kings.
__________________
Welcome to the Barrow Do-owns Forum / Such a lovely place
Last edited by Eönwë; 04-12-2008 at 05:39 PM. Reason: F.u.l.l. s.t.o.p.s. |
04-21-2008, 01:38 PM | #29 |
Flame Imperishable
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Right here
Posts: 3,928
|
Also there is a bit which explains that the dwarves helped save Middle-Earth much more than it states in the book, and were almost as important as the others infighting off the evil (except that their battles were much further in the North)
__________________
Welcome to the Barrow Do-owns Forum / Such a lovely place
Last edited by Eönwë; 04-21-2008 at 01:39 PM. Reason: grammar |
09-13-2010, 06:34 PM | #30 | |
Emperor of the South Pole
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: The Western Shore of Lake Evendim
Posts: 606
|
Quote:
|
|
09-14-2010, 06:19 AM | #31 |
Pilgrim Soul
Join Date: May 2004
Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle...
Posts: 9,449
|
I still love the thing I mentioned before but I have developed a new appreciation of the "Battles of the Fords of Isen" since I have lately taken more interest in the Rohirrim.
__________________
“But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.”
Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace |
09-14-2010, 06:33 AM | #32 | |
Stormdancer of Doom
|
The little bit in Galadriel and Celeborn that deals with Amroth and Nimrodel.
But also ... Quote:
__________________
...down to the water to see the elves dance and sing upon the midsummer's eve. |
|
09-14-2010, 06:36 AM | #33 |
Ghost Prince of Cardolan
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: In Eldamar beside the walls of Elven Tirion
Posts: 551
|
For some reason, the history of Galadriel and Celeborn. The part where Celebrimbor gets killed
__________________
"Hey! Come derry dol! Can you hear me singing?" – Tom Bombadil |
09-14-2010, 09:10 AM | #34 |
Ghost Prince of Cardolan
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Muddy-earth
Posts: 1,297
|
This is weird, I only picked up this book again last night for the first time in 3yrs. I either forgot or didn't read it right the last time, but last night I realised that some of The Druedain went to Numenor also. They all left before The End, stating that the earth did not feel right beneath their feet.
__________________
[B]THE LORD OF THE GRINS:THE ONE PARODY....A PARODY BETTER THAN THE RINGS OF POWER. |
10-15-2010, 02:24 AM | #35 |
Ghost Prince of Cardolan
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: In Eldamar beside the walls of Elven Tirion
Posts: 551
|
Ahhh how can I forget that part? Children of Húrin is my favourite side-story. I think Tuor is far too hard to relate to, not to mention terribly unrealistic.
__________________
"Hey! Come derry dol! Can you hear me singing?" – Tom Bombadil |
10-15-2010, 09:05 AM | #36 |
Ghost Prince of Cardolan
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Muddy-earth
Posts: 1,297
|
It has got to be The Istari.................however i do quite like The Quest of Erebor.
__________________
[B]THE LORD OF THE GRINS:THE ONE PARODY....A PARODY BETTER THAN THE RINGS OF POWER. |
10-15-2010, 12:46 PM | #37 |
Curmudgeonly Wordwraith
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Ensconced in curmudgeonly pursuits
Posts: 2,501
|
My favorite part of Unfinished Tales? I am not sure. I'll let you know once it is finished.
__________________
And your little sister's immaculate virginity wings away on the bony shoulders of a young horse named George who stole surreptitiously into her geography revision. |
10-16-2010, 01:01 AM | #38 |
Ghost Prince of Cardolan
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: In Eldamar beside the walls of Elven Tirion
Posts: 551
|
Funny, Morthoron. Somehow, your statement sounded a little morbid...I'm not sure why.
__________________
"Hey! Come derry dol! Can you hear me singing?" – Tom Bombadil |
10-17-2010, 10:11 AM | #39 |
Shade of Carn Dûm
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 274
|
My favourite moment is the meeting between Ulmo and Tuor. I love all that Ulmo has to say to Tuor at this moment, that he Ulmo is a voice that gainsayeth among his brethren, that Tuor should not ask why he was chosen. I love the wording and would quote directly if I had the book with me.
__________________
He looked down at her in the twilight and it seemed to him that the lines of grief and cruel hardship were smoothed away. "She was not conquered," he said |
10-17-2010, 01:57 PM | #40 | |
A Voice That Gainsayeth
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: In that far land beyond the Sea
Posts: 7,431
|
Quote:
But aside from this, there are many other parts I really like in the UT, and it is difficult to pick some. Be it some things in the story of Celeborn and Galadriel, in the tale of Túrin the sorrow of Mim (but now it's in the CoH, so maybe it doesn't count so much), the Quest of Erebor, or some things in the Istari chapter... maybe if I was supposed to point out just one more thing, I would mention the part of the Hunt for the Ring describing the encounter of the Black Riders with Saruman in Isengard. It is just on the level of the strongest narrative moments in LotR. My favourite, though, is one of the versions of it, where Saruman, in terror of the Riders, just narrowly misses the chance to repent and ask Gandalf's help (which he would have surely granted him, as we learn from later on in TT!). I mean - imagine how little would have been enough to alter the history of Middle-Earth so dramatically; the way it is written there, it is just so close - and so emotional, I can see Saruman's flight in dread up the stairway in Orthanc, only to find the spire empty and see a great eagle slowly disappearing in the distance... Just amazing.
__________________
"Should the story say 'he ate bread,' the dramatic producer can only show 'a piece of bread' according to his taste or fancy, but the hearer of the story will think of bread in general and picture it in some form of his own." -On Fairy-Stories |
|
|
|