I think giving each question the time it deserves to explore the answer, alternatives and implications is the way to go. If that means 20 questions or 5 it doesn't really matter. Quality is more important than quantity so don't put yourself under any numerical pressure. That's my thoughts anyway...
It's kind of crazy to think that from Shelob's point of view, Sam whispering the stuff about Elbereth Githoniel he heard from Gildor while holding up the phial must look like some sort of "Inigo Montoya"-revenge announcement. "Listen up, Varda sent me. Your mom killed our tree. Now you gotta pay."
I love the idea of Gimli talking to Feanor about Galadriel’s gift. As you say, after thousands of years of weeping with Nienna, he would likely receive Gimli with respect, admiration, and humility.
Can't believe I never got the Beorn trick and Unexpected Party connection....I've also been into Tolkien since the 80s. This is why you're the scholar, sir.
Congratulations on 2000! Cant state enough how much I look forward to these weekly uploads. I'd prefer a mix of both for the questions. Sometimes it's nice to listen to a bunch of different topics, other times it's nice to listen to longer explanations for questions that need it
About the creation of Mordor I can’t remember where I read/heard below and therefore can’t be certain this is true: During the Years of the Lamps: When Melkor destroyed the two lamps The lamp of the south fell onto the land and that created the area of what later became Mordor
I like how you talk just a little slower than most but you sound exceptionally hammered on .25X speed. Since that's so relevant to serious highbrow literary discussion....
You're inviting us to ask questions in the comments, so I'm gonna take you up on the offer: When Valinor was removed from the surface of Middle Earth at the end of the Second Age, was it also removed from the Physical World? If not, that would imply that it's up there in the sky (as seen from the surface). If humanity at some point in the future develops space travel, would it be possible to go to Valinor in a space ship?
Have you ever read "The Last Ringbearer"? It is a fan-fic 're-telling' of the Lord of the Rings, from the perspective of a citizen of Mordor, originally written in Russian and translated to English. It uses the idea of "history is written by the victors" to turn the story on its head and paints, for example, orcs and trolls as simple humans of a different ethnicity, Sauron as a (kind, progressive) human ruler seeking to advance technology, Gondor as a backwards barbarian kingdom, and the elves as evil proto-fascists. Aragorn is a puppet, Arwen rules from behind the throne, and the Nazgul are a cadre of wise men devoted to opposing the elvish threat. The story as we know it is just propaganda.
I think giving each question the time it deserves to explore the answer, alternatives and implications is the way to go. If that means 20 questions or 5 it doesn't really matter. Quality is more important than quantity so don't put yourself under any numerical pressure. That's my thoughts anyway...
I'm inclined to agree, and I've been using the extra time to feature some Quora comments as well.
It's kind of crazy to think that from Shelob's point of view, Sam whispering the stuff about Elbereth Githoniel he heard from Gildor while holding up the phial must look like some sort of "Inigo Montoya"-revenge announcement. "Listen up, Varda sent me. Your mom killed our tree. Now you gotta pay."
I like a happy medium where you have time to spend on answers but there are a few short ones mixed in
I love the idea of Gimli talking to Feanor about Galadriel’s gift. As you say, after thousands of years of weeping with Nienna, he would likely receive Gimli with respect, admiration, and humility.
I look forward to these every week.
“But the story has gone crooked,and I am left,and I cannot plead
before the inexorable Mandos.”
Can't believe I never got the Beorn trick and Unexpected Party connection....I've also been into Tolkien since the 80s. This is why you're the scholar, sir.
Congratulations on 2000! Cant state enough how much I look forward to these weekly uploads.
I'd prefer a mix of both for the questions. Sometimes it's nice to listen to a bunch of different topics, other times it's nice to listen to longer explanations for questions that need it
Happy new year! - mix of both sounds good, as a lot of questions deserve a more in-depth analysis
Fewer questions, more depth would be my preference
Happy New Year! 🎉
Fewer questions, longer answers is my vote 🙂
Fewer questions! ❤
About the creation of Mordor
I can’t remember where I read/heard below and therefore can’t be certain this is true:
During the Years of the Lamps:
When Melkor destroyed the two lamps
The lamp of the south fell onto the land and that created the area of what later became Mordor
I like how you talk just a little slower than most but you sound exceptionally hammered on .25X speed. Since that's so relevant to serious highbrow literary discussion....
Is this Jimmy Kimmel? :P
Fewer questions, greater detail would be my preference
I always wondered; what possible reasons could Huan and Luthien have for letting Sauron live? They had him dead to rights!
I suggest that you go on as you see fit, with regard to how and how long you answer questions.
You're inviting us to ask questions in the comments, so I'm gonna take you up on the offer:
When Valinor was removed from the surface of Middle Earth at the end of the Second Age, was it also removed from the Physical World? If not, that would imply that it's up there in the sky (as seen from the surface). If humanity at some point in the future develops space travel, would it be possible to go to Valinor in a space ship?
I think more details is more interesting
That's the way I'm leaning.
Mix of both
Happy late birthday and Happy Three Kings Day! You definitely do not look 44! Them Hispanic genes 🧬 💪🏼
That's real. My dad died in his 70's but he really didn't look it.
And my axe!! 😂
Is Mandos ever described? Same question for the West.
Happy New Year!!!
Have you ever read "The Last Ringbearer"? It is a fan-fic 're-telling' of the Lord of the Rings, from the perspective of a citizen of Mordor, originally written in Russian and translated to English. It uses the idea of "history is written by the victors" to turn the story on its head and paints, for example, orcs and trolls as simple humans of a different ethnicity, Sauron as a (kind, progressive) human ruler seeking to advance technology, Gondor as a backwards barbarian kingdom, and the elves as evil proto-fascists. Aragorn is a puppet, Arwen rules from behind the throne, and the Nazgul are a cadre of wise men devoted to opposing the elvish threat. The story as we know it is just propaganda.
Prefer your long winded answers to the best questions you can find.
U have the credibility for musing.
Thanks for the vote of confidence