Interview with JRR Tolkien in 1968 and Adam Tolkien in 2007

[@ThePathOfEudaimonia]

Just like I read somewhere on the internet: "The Children of Húrin - for those who can't deal with the sunny optimism of Game of Thrones."

[@sokandueler9578]

That’s true

[@joedredd1168]

The Children of Húrin prove that Tolkien wrote Game of Thrones before George Martin did.

[@ThePathOfEudaimonia]

Just like I read somewhere on the internet: "The Children of Húrin - for those who can't deal with the sunny optimism of Game of Thrones."

[@Valkonnen]

Everytime I see the name George R.R. Martin, I roll my eyes....Coincidence?

[@blackbaron4774]

There is difference, Turin Turambar didn't know that the woman was his sister, while Jaime Lannister does incest very intentionally. That is a big and important difference.

[@joedredd1168]

@@blackbaron4774 Incest is incest mate.

[@adumsundler4397]

@@ThePathOfEudaimonia 'Sunny optimism of game of thrones' ?? What sunny optimism?

[@knugenavswarje734]

I wonder what Tolkien would've thought of the LOTR films, it'd be awesome to see his reaction of it, whether it be a good one or not. If only he had grown as old as Bilbo in The Fellowship.

[@knugenavswarje734]

OneSidedScar TwoFaceBlackandWhite But he did sell the movie rights even before it was even possible to make a decent LOTR film so I think he would be more open minded than his son. I think that Christopher Tolkien hasn't even watched the films, he said that it was just an action movie for 15 year olds which indicates that it might just have watched the trailer for it. He also basically complained that it wasn't 100% accurate to the books which is just ridiculous, does he really think that a 10 hour movie would be successful?

[@BeatsByNewfaces]

+OneSidedScar TwoFaceBlackandWhite His son was harrased by greedy studios who wanted only to profit off his father's work. Because of the films the estate has been embroiled in many lawsuits regarding allocation of profits and such. He was also raised on LOTR since he was a kid, and likely sees the books as this totally sacred, unchangeable in any way masterpiece. Tolkien himself never saw it as that, because like all artists he just made it up as he went along. So I doubt Christopher is the best source.

[@jurisprudens]

+Knugen av Swärje I'm sure he would hate the modern world and its culture...

[@tim110b3]

+OneSidedScar TwoFaceBlackandWhite They mostly hated the hobbit.

[@joshuajones7613]

Although he would have loved that the movies brought new readers into the fold, he would not have liked the films because they were not the books. However, I don't think his feelings for the films would have been as negative as his son, Christopher. I think he would have been flattered that his story was filmed and he would have been very pleased with Christopher Lee and Ian McKellen's portrayals of Saruman and Gandalf respectively.

[@TheNiennaTasartir]

Prof. Tolkien was genius! I love his work.

[@alyctus]

I simply love the Children of Hurin. It's such a tragic book. I'd love to see it on the big screen.

[@shyannethenirvanagrrl4261]

They would mess it up just like the hobbit.... I do think it would be a very entertaining movie though....

[@alyctus]

Thebbookgirrl101 But if it was made in LOTR style it would be amazing.

[@LJFRY1974]

lyon laurent How? I loved the LotR movies but they fell dull after the first with the over-extension of CGI scenes and lack of character development anywhere. Let's not forget excluding half of the memorable characters and scenes in lieu of more "running in landscape" scenes. Hurin, I feel, is a much more mature story and deserves treatment like that. LotR was about adventure and climax whereas this story is a lot more foreboding and tragic. I don't know how you can transition that onto the screen. (Though they could take tips from more successful series, like HBO's GoT) I'd love to see it too, but the style of directing these days caters in a wholly different way.

[@alyctus]

Lucas Johnson I liked the character development in the LOTR movies and I believe the landscape scenes were necessary to achieve the epic levels of the books. I believe that you would need a very good writer for the CoH and not someone from Hollywood who turns everything into cliche writing.

[@LJFRY1974]

lyon laurent Cliche being Peter's take on a love triangle involving a dwarf and two elves. I just don't trust that at this time there's many (if any) directors who'd actually commit to doing the story justice. The problems I tried to highlight would be aggressively exaggerated.

[@VFamilyJMJ]

You know a literary genius when you hear one. Requiescat in pace J. R. R. Tolkien.

[@TheLapSwim-vj3yh]

Agreed!

[@Tim_Climie]

Begin? You're here, for the coming, of the Son of Man! Steady up, son!

[@MaggieLennona]

am i the only one who almost cried once Professor Tolkien appeared?

[@OP-wh4tr]

Freaking no, I did too :)

[@judyrioflorido7833]

I cried when I watched his interview.. I so love his books.. long live THE HOBBIT & THE LORD OF THE RINGS!! and the amazing man behind this magnificent masterpiece!!

[@cuadrasgtr1]

Mandos, send us Tolkien back please

[@theofficialphoenixtv5765]

Say that to Eru, he's the only one who can send them back

[@Spoomis]

Do not weep because he is gone, rejoice because he existed.

[@wolfsden]

The Children of Hurin was absolutely brilliant. I gave my hardback copy as a birthday present to my Brother, but now I will have to find another copy to add to my collection.

[@MsGrunz]

It's strange and amazing to actually see him talk. To see the face of the man whose mind can create stories that capture everything that life is, and that can touch you in a way you didn't know was possible. Watching this almost made me cry for some reason.

[@timbrinkhof7391]

Of all people I would have wanted to meet, I would die to hear just one word of Tolkien's grace from his own mouth...

[@LutherusPXCs]

I finished reading the Silmarillion last year and I have to say it is an amazing book. My favourite character in the story would have to be Feanor.

[@apricotblossom4589]

Yes! I haven't finished it yet, but my favourite characters are Fëanor and Maeglin. The funny thing is that when I read LOTR i found it extremely boring, yet I'm finding the Silmarillion extremely interesting. And no, they had better not ever make the Silmarillion into a movie or tv series. They'd ruin it. There is no physical way to portray its beauty and grandeur through a movie.

[@countOfHenneberg]

Really? Feanor??? The chap who asked Galadriel for a strand of her hair and was refused. Yet she willingly gave to Gimli, a dwarf!!! Galadriel rocks! She was quite the athlete too.

[@mrrossjonathan]

The audio seems to go on even when the video ends. It is weird. I hear a cough and silverware being moved about. Anyone else?

[@carolgreene421]

I heard it. if you pause it stops like the video is still going on I think it's just the timer on the video.

[@VFamilyJMJ]

He was probably choking on his food.

[@ironduck3163]

Fidel Valenzuela or he was choking on something else

[@heisenpsych3198]

Its the Dark Lord sending out his dark thoughts.

[@phillo74]

tolkien - pure talent..

[@GrandvisionStudio]

Just watched The Hobbit The Battle of the Five Armies Extended Edition, and once again cried at the end. Such an endearing and timeless journey, Tolkien has created such a fascinating world in his works, the books, the adventures, the magic, and all the lands of the Middle Earth and beyond. There is so much lore, so much more that can be said and done, and told and whispered through the coming nights. An expansive universe that I hope will get more light in the film industry. It is too bad Tolkiens son, Christopher Tolkien does not wish to grant a license for the Silmarillion to be made into a movie or trilogy. It would be so amazing to see it being brought to life. As a writer and musician, Tolkiens work has inspired me for years, and I've yet to discover everything he had to offer through his written work. The man put his heart and love into it and it shows, through the ages. Sure, the trilogy didn't stand as much as the Lord of the Rings, there were director cuts taken, but it overall had to be done to make them successful and available to the wider audience, longer battles, snippets of lore and characters taken from other written work and incorporated into The Hobbit Trilogy, such as Radagast. Even with each movie being between 2-3 hours long, it felt short. I just never wanted it to end, I wanted to see and exprience more, the conflicts, the reunions, the decisions, the happy gatherings, the dire mere death battles. Hopefully soon, my fantasy book will be finished and I wish to put the same love and care into it and see it being read, letting people wonder into a different world, of magic and fantasy, of wonder and strife. To let the reader experience that journey and enthrall him to no end.

[@FeelMetalMan]

for those of you thinking of reading this book "the sons of hurin", please do yourself a favor, it's is a great way to introduce you to the silmarillion, which people somehow fear when named, and a great book which brings nostalgic memories of that time you read TLOTR. No excuse on not reading the silmarillion after this :)

[@jimbombadill]

the children of hurin is a good tale...but it should probably be read at its best from both silmarillion and unfinnished tales...in this book they have tried to put this two stories together....but they make a uther failure in my opinion...they cut the tale in the wrong place in this new edition of it... dont want to write any spoiler but it should of course have ended with the last act of Hurin!

[@MegaGothmog]

I have read every Middle Earth book that i can get my hand on. The Trilogy the Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Children of Húrin (Narn í hín Húrin), the Silmarillion and The Unfinished Tales. They are all amazing

[@Berenhardt]

Have you read The Book of Lost Tales, part 1 & 2, too? - Only to mention: The Lord of the Rings is no "trilogy". It is one book.

[@MegaGothmog]

Correct, it is one book, but you get the point. But the Book of the Lost Tales? No, i haven't found it yet. i tried to look but with no luck

[@guitarchim]

I'm late but I just finished reading "The Hobbit" and am now reading "The Lord of the Rings". I also want to read "Children of Hurin", "The Silmarillion" and any other book related to Middle-Earth. My question is which books I should read and in what order?

[@MegaGothmog]

Jason A That is a difficult question. The Children of Hurin is focused around one specific story from the First Age. The Silmarillion is not one story, but more a collection of stories from the First, Second and Third Age. If you read the Silmarillion first, you will understand more of the entire lore and history about Middle Earth, but it is a huge amount of information to take in. The Children of Hurin is easier to read, but you'll miss more because you don't know the background. The Unfinished tales should be one of the later books you should read, since it is pretty much appendicies/stories from all the other stories. I suggest; first the Children of Hurin, after that the Silmarillion (which also contains the Children of Hurin, just less detailed), then read the Children of Hurin again. You will understand everything much better.

[@apricotblossom4589]

Have you read Tales from the Perilous Realm? Theres also Roverandom, but that has nothing to do with LOTR etc.

[@Sareth987]

I'm an amateur writer. This man is my greatest inspiration! I've been exploring his realm for a decade now. I've been also writing before but now I really, really started doing it. Wish me luck. I need it. =)

[@death-king1834]

Tolkien is without a doubt, the greatest writer to have ever lived!

[@HostileLemons]

The 25 dislikes on this video, THAT STILL ONLY COUNTS AS ONE!!!!

[@anakulic4143]

+HostileLemons lol

[@HostileLemons]

Please don't look down on me for saying this but I have to be honest, I think you look very pretty. :)

[@anakulic4143]

HostileLemons You're sweet. Thanks :)

[@HostileLemons]

No worries, I just thought you should know that. :)

[@funny.gon-12]

One dislike to rule them

[@nimma1425]

Sir J.R.R Tolkien is legend.. He is a genious....his books make me wanna cry. His language is so beautiful and the way he tells the story is so amazingly different than any other writers I have read. I wish he would have been alive when his books went a hit.it was only after his death...

[@arrecogiendobellotas]

El mas GRANDE de todos los escritores, a pesar de lo que piensen muchos, como creador de realidades literarias pocos autores estan a su altura. Gracias Tolkien!!!!!

[@fattymccubs4342]

Wow, to think that this man had so much influence on my formation. Thank you, I miss you.

[@Necrodius]

The best writer there ever was. I would have loved to have met him, worked with him, learned from him in his lectures on my favorite work Beowulf. And his grandson looks just like him, it is amazing. I have to check out this work, this was actually the first I've heard of it.

[@andresagb]

Happy Birthday John Tolkien and thank you very much for everything.

[@potato1d346]

I have goosebumps watching this...

[@MrLaddington]

I would like somebody to write an opera for the Children of Hurin

[@angelofdarkness49]

RIP Tolkein, most underrated human being. He deserves more recognition.

[@lollipoplouise1]

J.R.R is my 4thc cousin and I am so proud of him for inspiring so many people!! I don't care if people critisize him because he was a genious. Full Stop.

[@VenomOXP]

I absolutely loved the children of hurin. What a fantastically dark and tragic tale...

[@tornoutlaw]

The chapter about Turin was already my favourite in the Silmarillion, as a standalone Tale, it is one of my favourite stories of all time.

[@Bipedalius]

Tolkien talks with a rather Posh accent, doesn't he!

[@michaelbruce5529]

@Logan L. Lomax Not a very nice thing to write, Mr Lomax. You're from Brooklyn aren't you? I can imagine an educated English accent would sound rather strange to you, but if the mere sound of a strange accent makes you want to 'puke' I suggest you refrain from watching You Tube videos, for your own health.

[@David-se5ph]

Logan L. Lomax I love it

[@steverahmooni4042]

I hope one day this masterpiece could be adapted on cinema

[@SignificantOtherProd]

I've always thought that The Silmarillion would be amazing to make as a series - it would need to be an HBO kind of thing with appropriate budget - there is simply too much there for a movie without compressing and condensing to the point of rendering the whole thing silly and meaningless. Individual stories maybe, but even then you'd have to explain too much for a film to flow properly - how did these people come to this pass, why are they doing these things, and what are the consequences, etc. As a series you could tell the whole tale, and Children of Hurin, the central love story of Beren and Luthien, the Fall of Gondolin, the Sack of Nargothrond, and the Voyage of Earendil all would then make sense. It would need to start all the way back with Fëanor and the Silmarils (everything before can be handled with expository), the destruction of the Trees, and the Revolt of the Noldor, which of course leads to the Kinslaying and the betrayal and burning of the ships. That's a whole season in itself (it would have to include Thingol and Melian already in Middle-Earth - and you'd have to explain that not ALL the elves went to Valinor as well. ) You see the problem. While I'd love to see it, I'm also just as happy to have the books and maybe leaving well enough alone is really the best policy after all.

[@staC-wh6ik]

+SignificantOtherProd I think the same! :D

[@nolofinwefingolfin1307]

until the start of the 4th age all elves left their realms for valinor sailing west as middle earth was a land for men at that point

[@benharder7816]

I came to this same conclusion upon reading the Silmarillion as well, beautiful stories, but impossible to portray to film without having to explain it all and still give the stories the respect they deserve.

[@someonexd1961]

Amazon is currently making a Series in middle earth that takes place in the second age, we dont know much more, and it will have atleast 5 seasons

[@Theoutcome0]

Oh yes stick some requiem for a dream in the background to make it sound mystical and special. Don't worry. It's not as if that song has been used for that purpose over a five hundred times

[@emmaphilo4049]

Ah ah yeah i was also thinking that I am sick of this music used any time a documentary needs to sound a bit dramatic!

[@chipporenguero73]

I love you Professor..!!

[@cuadrasgtr1]

Ok, one thing, I can't stand people comparing Tolkien art to some writer bullshit like the girl of Harry potter, Tolkien wrote about his life, how humanity is, the bad and the good, he did it because he need it to, not for the media, not for the FANS, not because someone was pushing him just to air another movie about it and get money from today's industry,it's nothing about magic students in a parallel dimension where exist a school where you can go and study magic and kill the dude who killed your parents, it is so stupid try to compare him to her. There's gotta be something on her first work, I give her that, but now it's just for the media for what the fans want, when you write what the people want you to write, it's not your work anymore it's the medias work, remember when she wants to kill Harry? why didn't she killed him? because she got a bunch of crappy 12 year old fans crying about it, it't so sad to read lines like Harry potter is better than LOTR. I know that there is people who don't like fantasy or mythology, but read first what Tolkien did and then say something it's better to not say something then write stupid ignorant lines like those.

[@MissRedZelda]

Rowling may not have killed Harry, but she killed a crap ton of other characters that everyone loved. One thing I cannot stand are people dissing authors which they don't like just because they think another is better. Tolkien and Rowling have two completely different styles of writing, and neither is better nor worse than the other. Tokien, IMHO, is the master world builder. But when it comes to character development and personality, he falls short, and sometimes it feels like I'm reading an encyclopedia. Now Rowling, on the other hand, does great with personality and development of her characters. But, to some, her style is far too simplistic. But none of this matters because they are both two of the UKs most famous authors. If Rowling was writing just for money, she wouldn't have killed (spoilers) Dumbledore, Sirius, Fred, Dobby, ect (end spoilers) because they were fan favourites. I happen to love both Rowling and Tolkien, and many other people do as well. So don't you dare say Harry Potter is "bullshit". Because I'm pretty sure if he was still alive now, he would have been great friends and writing buddies with her.

[@cuadrasgtr1]

Tessa Elinor that is tue but, this is not about killing characters this is about writing what you want, being epic because of you, not because the media it's telling you what or what not to write, there is no Fantasy writer compared to Tolkien, you may bring George RR Martin ( I am a fan too, he actually kills MAAAAANY characters as well jaja ) but right now you can't compared him to Tolkien, and I am pretty sure that we could never be able to compare him simply because Tolkien inspired a lot of new Fantasy writers.

[@MissRedZelda]

It's still no excuse for calling Rowling's works bullshit. The two styles are different, and really it comes down to personal taste. And IMHO, I actually prefer GRRM's SOIAF series, and Harry Potter to LOTR and Hobbit, simply because the characters feel far more developed and real - like they're actually people I know. Their worlds aren't so black and white. However, I'm more than happy to acknowledge that fact that Tolkien basically invented the modern "High Fantasy" genre. It doesn't mean I have to love him more than other fantasy writers. Also, the lack of any real female character in The Hobbit bothers me, only a very little. But it does become jarring when LOTR had Eowyn, Galadrial and Goldberry (Arwen doesn't count cos she's hardly in the books). But, I'm more than aware that Tolkien's works were a product of their time, just as SOIAF and Harry Potter are too, so it's apple and oranges really. I know for a fact that one day, Martin and Rowling's books are going to be considered classics, just as right now they are "modern classics". And they damn well deserve that title. I don't know a single kid who hasn't read and loved Harry Potter. Tolkien is good and deserves his title as a classic fantasy writer. But he is in no way perfect. Not when people have the free will to decide what it is that they like. So, sir, if I would be so bold as to ask you to retract your statement your statement about Harry Potter being "bullshit". I'm not asking you to love the series as much as I do. But know that some people out there do, and you would do well to not being as asshole about not liking it. I hate the Naruto anime. But I don't go around announcing that. That'd be in poor taste. P.S: Rowling wrote the books for herself, and because she had a story to tell. Maybe she didn't kill Harry because SHE didn't want to in the end.

[@cuadrasgtr1]

jajaja you are right about the bullshit thing i just got with my emotions, yeah but the point it's the same, it is unfair to be comparing them obviously their books are different. SOIAF i just have it 1 level down of LOTR and the Hobbit (which are not my favorite Tolkien books) have you read the Children of Hurin? if not I invite you to read, it covers fully the characters develope you are saying and the girl character thing jaja, that it's my personal favorite Tolkien book, it was edited by his son but at the end JRR story haha

[@MissRedZelda]

I have, and I liked it. It read less like an encyclopedia and more like a fiction book, which I was thankful for. But the point still stands in that none of the books are better nor worse than the other, because the styles are so different. Either way, Harry Potter encouraged an entire generation to read books thick enough to beat someone to death with. She, like Tolkien, drew from her own experiences in boarding school. Tolkien may have invented the genre, but both GRRM and Rowling have build upon it, making it even better.

[@Nop3nop3675]

I just like how Túrin wasn't perfect. He did questionable stuff, made mistakes, and had flaws in his personality. He was a human, a man, and it showed.

[@Maniakos1984]

Happy Birthday Sir J.R.R TOLKIEN.

[@АскарАртамонов-б7э]

It's a pity that my English is not so good to understand Tolkien's speech completely ((

[@shieldsforever]

Аскар Артамонов English is my native tongue and I still cannot thoroughly understand his interview.

[@dexterityred126]

i would love to see a long interview with him

[@Filipwolfen]

I am just about to finnish the first book, and I can tell everibody that the films are good, but the books just are AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You have to read the books!!!!

[@TheSouthsboy14]

Tolkien would be so proud of Peter Jacksons films. Just to watch his face through the whole series would be so epic

[@staC-wh6ik]

+Scott Wright Probably but as I read Tolkien never liked film adaptations.

[@kreativjunkie8053]

@@staC-wh6ik I dislike the cartoonversion of Ralph Bakshi. But Peter Jackson did a fine job. It is impossible to make a movie 1:1 to the book. A movie is for entertainment, a book for meditation, because the process of absorbing information by reading is different to the process of viewing. So it was good that the movie was modified to the modern media, without twisting the whole storyline. Peter Jackson did a damn good job. Ian Mckellen himself brought a original book of "The Hobbit" in set and they used it to make the movie as authentic as possible.

[@staC-wh6ik]

@@kreativjunkie8053 I know. Personally I love any movie adaptation of Tolkien's works and I think the LOTR trilogy was one of the best in cinema's history and I'd LOVE to see a TV series based on the Silmarillion but I'm afraid the Tolkien family will never allow it.

[@malsaty]

This man chills my bones.

[@JoaqMan]

I love this man more than movie making

[@archlord8]

tolkien was a brilliant man let him rest in peace

[@SquareWand]

@JAMamation TLOTR was LEGEND waaaayy before the movies. Waaaay waay before. I remember my elementary school teachers reading us this book when we were snot nosed 1st graders, imagining what later would be brought to life on the big screen. My senior year of high school was most epic.

[@ohhhSmooth]

The requiem soundtrack has Nothing to do anywere near Tolkien and his masterpieces -.- It perfectly describes the commercialization that sucks out any beauty of Music, Books, movies etc. which JRR and christopher desperately tried to escape from, their entire lives,...

[@DevSolar]

Very good contribution, Mousey5846. Let it be said that I *do* own my copy of the extended version of the triology, and watch it from time to time. There are great moments in them (when they round up the boys and old men in Helms Deep - among my favourites, no book could ever catch that). There are moments in them that make me wince. But I could envision a better movie, one that truly "does Tolkiens work proud", and Jackson's triology isn't it. That is all I originally wanted to say.

[@humm1na]

Children of Hurin was amazing

[@MisterLollercaust]

I think we all can agree that this man, professor, and author is our common grandfather.

[@DevSolar]

It has all been said before. Check the WP entry on the film, "Reactions to changes in the films from the book". I'm with those who say that Jackson changed characters and tone, and quite frequently without really having to. I accept that a movie is not a book, and you have to tell things differently. (E.g. Tom Bombadil, the songs, ...). But Jackson took too many liberties IMHO, and while he made an excellent fantasy film, he did NOT do Tolkien real justice.

[@RickieScene]

The hobbit and lotr were brilliant books and my introduction to fantasy but when I got to my teens the children of Hurin was a great older more grown up story which I loved I highly recommend it

[@fjordland]

Such a great Man who above all loved his Children. In New Zealand He was to be honored with his own Mountain by other peoples children but sadly, His apparently did not want to share his love with the world...

[@Kamilohbk]

Interesting .. it's good to see that good stuff is based on his work.

[@roryaddison8641]

Kamip

[@jr.r.tolkien1134]

Thanks.

[@sonofherne]

@OpaleyedWolf . Using parts of a mythology isn't 'plagiarism'. Mythologies aren't copyright,some are thousands of years old,and were transmitted orally before they were put into writing.

[@imagomonkei]

The Children of Húrin is incredible. I'm currently reading "The Journey of Morwen and Niënor", and it is so tragic. Everything about their lives is a cursed tragedy.

[@ThePowerHalo]

JRR Tolkien is a true hero!

[@jvrlns]

I don't think the catholic church disapproves of his books. I understand he had a small participation at vatican 2 helping translate something.

[@teenelf]

his most graceful and serene majesty?

[@trurealest]

@MrReefer14 Lux Aeterna/Summer Overture......not Requiem For A Dream. That was the name of the film it was in.

[@elderscrollsbp]

Children of Hurin is probably my favorite work of Tolkien.

[@42Nightsyesterday]

all of tolkien's works are the greatest

[@Noahconstricto]

It's a shame Tolkien is dead, though I may sound selfish saying this I would do anything to meet this genius, forever he will be my favorite Author and it will be my favorite movie.

[@danfelbm]

or discovered, I mean, I'm so impressed for his work, I've been reading each link and one article leads to another, etc... I've been reading like an hour of.. small things... but they are all related to each other... such a complex universe, and the way sometimes he says: "but maybe..." "or "I'm afraid..." like he doesn't know what they characters do or want... just amazing....

[@callahan9119]

@mrOosamoO He was 40 years old during World War 2, he served in World War 1.

[@NigelFortune]

excellent post.

[@toonice5785]

did Adam Tolkien get his ears pointed?

[@mausyo91]

i can't remember that sequence being in the movie. It part of a special edition or something ?

[@MsGrunz]

That is true. I pitty everyone who can't believe in stories once in a while. They're missing out on worlds like Tolkien's. I was not even alive yet when he died, I can only imagine what it must have felt like for you. Such a strange kind of connection you get with the author of books you love, very distant yet much more intense than even the relationships you have with friends and family, because you find yourself and the world in his words. It's very understandable you cried, I too would have.

[@Anthaghoull]

i begin to read Children of Hurin soon --- but i can not let unobserved the link between this story and Hurin , the keys keeper in Gondor ( somewhere after the war ends in Lord of the Rings and before the hobbits begin their travel to the Shire ) so Tolkien wanted to have a compact world and i just think what if we would live in there ?? the answer is easy - we would have great days just because Tolkien loves every detail --- Rest in peace , Sir John Ronald Reuel Tolkien of middle earth

[@AxMxM1]

I have all his books but I'm not done reading them all sadly.

[@TheInundation]

Andbody get a memoryflood followed by tears when they showed that DAMN Scene in Two Towers with Miranda Otto singing?

[@ZKEUS]

@sk8ites Though, the movies were fantastic. Amazing actors, amazing animations and awesome scenery. The portrayal of Tolkien's world was astounding and the job was very well done.

[@sokandueler9578]

Where’s the sound?

[@JulieJuliet98]

I don't know why, but your comment made me cry :/

[@MaskofPoesy]

that guy is a legend father of all fantasy world

[@halla253]

Children of Hurin. Great book.

[@cha5]

I love Tolkien's work, although I'm also into Arthur Machen, H.P. Lovecraft, Robert Howard, Micheal Moorcock, Bradbury and other writers insofar as fantasy goes. Professor Tolkien and H.G. Wells however were the two writers who really introduced me to Fantasy and Science Fiction though and I'll always be grateful to both of them for that.

[@ClipOriss]

Even if Meyer is now more loved by teens (and some excusses examples) it won't be the same as the one Tolkien gets. After so many years there are still that many who love his work and what he created, it won't fade away, just as Shakespear. Real talent will still be known and loved after 100 of years. And it's just Facebook, gladly not everyone wants to be there.

[@RickieScene]

The children of Hurin was a great tale for people who love Tolkien And as they got older wanted to see a more grown up story

[@silentbob8201]

ONE OF THEM ................

[@annamation195]

so when did Tolkien die? Poor Tolkien. He was so amazing. RIP Tolkien.

[@jrmunro111]

Long time ago, 1973

[@sybillestahl8646]

+Anna mation Why 'poor Tolkien'? He seems to have had a good life, at least after he got out of WWI.

[@fh236]

He is so inspiring. I'm going to go and write fantasy now.

[@Alexlance1997]

I have the history of Middle Earth books and they are such a high quality. The imagination put in them is so astounding but he never planned (I think) on releasing them. That is the sign of a truly brilliant author and that is why I have little respect for authors (not naming any names but twilight) who think little over the essentials of writing a book.

[@PushingMeAway93]

@chetanjha26 It's called The Funeral of Théodred, Miranda Otto (Éowyn) sings it in the extended version of the two towers:)

[@lmos26]

@Toro953 he completed the Silmarillion too right?

[@parabalani]

Was Tolkien popular when he lived? Or did he become popular only after his death?

[@OP-wh4tr]

I know this comment is kinda late, but I believe the Lord of the Rings were New York Times bestsellers when they first came out. J.R.R. Tolkien was a well known professor (he taught at Oxford) in England, also. In his lifetime cartoon film adaptions were made of LOTR. So, yeah, I guess he was pretty "popular".

[@andromidius]

@Wowbagger86 Its a fairly typical upper class accent, and was very commonly adopted for broadcasters on the BBC in the 30's and 40's. But yes, it is something special.

[@darklordsauron398]

He is the father of modern fantasy

[@jhonni7754]

Tolkyen esta em Valinor agora...

[@MrIamthec3]

Anyone who is a true fan of Tolkien and Lewis, I have just read a story on par with their legendary work on Amazon kindle called Marisha by a Craig Nickelson from some author in North Carolina this novel changed my life anyone who is a fan of high fantasy I would suggest you read this book it will change your life f

[@Ahibasabala]

I'm guessing that everyone who reads Tolkien's stories has a slightly different idea in their heads of what the character's looked like, or a different opinion of what alternative events could have happened, and even of what different events might have meant symbolically, it's a very personal experience reading his stuff, he was a great author and if the empathy shown in his stories is a reflection of his character, then he was a good man too.

[@arkee71]

@Rattleguitar yeh i like the wheel of time books..however ive only read one..could you point me to some similar books that match its greatness...i mean genarally that same genre..i would be grateful

[@askarturebekov709]

Is it true that he had german background? Wiki says so, Tolkien englishized german surname.

[@Yeckarb]

Please -- I NEED the name of the music played at 1:30. SOMEONE!

[@89gerardo]

@desolateroom ahahahh yes that is because he is a tenor (the most common male voice, maybe 96% or more) with an aged voice. and you will have that voice too ;D

[@alyctus]

Where are those images during the video are from? Are they in the books?

[@AnonymousJ13]

Woodý DC what books are the images from? c:

[@alyctus]

joe hutch I found some of them in the Children on Hurin and the illustrated edition of the Silmarillion. You can search on Google images sketches from Jon Howe and Alan Lee.