The claim that Tolkien created very stereotypical female characters is of course quite without basis; Éowyn in especial comes to mind. However, whilst Tolkien can be cleared of this charge, perhaps Peter Jackson cannot be. His Arwen is undeniably far different from Tolkien’s original character. I would like to look at the characters of ArwenContinue reading "Tuesdays with Tolkien: Lady of Rivendell"
Aratar, Peredhil, and Halflings, Oh My!: Release Date and Cover Reveal!
The release date for Aratar, Peredhil, and Halflings, Oh My!: The Ultimate Tolkien Quiz is officially set for September 22, Bilbo and Frodo's birthday! I have a beautiful cover which I'm very excited to share. It's going to be a bit of a scramble finishing up the book by then, but I can do it! WhileContinue reading "Aratar, Peredhil, and Halflings, Oh My!: Release Date and Cover Reveal!"
TWT: Faramir and Éowyn
As a couple, Éowyn and Faramir were banished to the background of The Return of the King. A shameful deed in my sight, since their romance is possibly the most beautiful one in fiction. Éowyn is the restless warrior princess who looks for glory in a heroic death rather than in doing her duty. Faramir isContinue reading "TWT: Faramir and Éowyn"
TWT: Music of Middle-earth
A feature of great art is that it produces great art. And this The Lord of the Rings has certainly done. Of the myriad of LOTR music, it's hard to choose just three favourites, but these are mine. To the Sea, to the Sea (Adele McAllister) Adele McAllister has a beautiful voice and she's written musicalContinue reading "TWT: Music of Middle-earth"
Of vacation and LOTR memes
I finally get my vacation this coming week. No work. No internet. No nothing. Except quiet. As a result, there will be no Tuesdays with Tolkien next week, but I shall be back with one the following Tuesday. LOTR memes to tide you over I know, I know, it's not funny. (But it is.) This incrediblyContinue reading "Of vacation and LOTR memes"
TWT: My 5 favourite Tolkien artists
There's so much spectacular Tolkien art out there it's hard to know where to start looking. That said, of the ones I've found, these artists are my favourites. #5: Edarlein Many of Edarlein's paintings and drawings are very good; some are excellent. Her rendition of "Aegnor to the Last Battle" is my favourite of hers. ("MelkorContinue reading "TWT: My 5 favourite Tolkien artists"
TWT: Thoughts on The Silmarillion
My eleven-year-old brother has read LOTR twice now and the other day he asked if he could read The Silmarillion (our family has mild age restrictions for LOTR and the Silm). My mum isn't much into Tolkien and knows little of the Silm so I said it should be fine, as long as he didn't objectContinue reading "TWT: Thoughts on The Silmarillion"
Silmarillion Trivia
Who are the Lords and Ladies of the Aratar in order from greatest to least? What is the Elvish name for the Vale of Saruman? Name all of the Peredhil. What does Aiya Eärendil elenion ancalima mean? It’s questions like these that belong on a hardcore Tolkien quiz, not “What does the J.R.R. stand for?”Continue reading "Silmarillion Trivia"
Tuesdays with Tolkien: How he inspired my work
You've all heard me say a million times how Tolkien is the main influence on my work. It has, however, remained a mystery just how he has done so. I now undertake to explain myself. Not like anyone doesn't know the story of Lord of the Rings, but LOTR SPOILER WARNING anyways because reasons. Also possible Starscape and Seascape spoilers.Continue reading "Tuesdays with Tolkien: How he inspired my work"
What am I working on? and so forth.
I am not unwilling to admit that the reason I've missed Tuesdays with Tolkien twice in a row is because summer is a terribly lazy time for me. All the days and weeks seem to run together into one. Forgive me for that, and next week I'll reward you with an extra-special TWT post aboutContinue reading "What am I working on? and so forth."
Benita J. Thompson 