reading Lord of the Rings for the first time 🏔️ finding a new fave book vlog

[@beatles_forever7560]

A lord of the rings video is never too late nor is it early. It arrives precisely when Emma means to. Happy reading.

[@guyreurtt3860]

Good one😂

[@marcusfridh8489]

One tale to rule them all, one tale to find them, one tale to bring them all and in darkness bind them

[@thisiscjshandle]

I really like the slow, meandering pace of the first book. It lets you soak in the Shire and the rest of the North for a while, so when the danger picks up later on in the books you want to protect it just as much as the hobbits do.

[@hozyaka]

Oh my goodness I love this description of the book’s events.

[@jav4346]

Yes!!! I only wish it was longer. I would take a whole series of shire hobbits just living their day to day lives, minor conflicts here and there, no plot

[@pericles9629]

Ive just always found it really strange that in this incredibly expansive world and mythology with a bloody theological history and millenia of war against basically demons the focal point of the novel is a 17th century english county of midgets who are apparently immune from the rest of the setting

[@Bhenderson0001]

@@jav4346 This does sound like something I could get into. You do want to savour that way of life, and I think this is what Tolkien was trying to do, he wanted people to know what would be lost if we allowed technology to destroy the countryside. By the way, there is a game coming out where you get to be a hobbit andl live in the shire and plant crops and decorate you hobbit hole etc etc. I think even Gandalf comes for a visit!!!! I forget what it is called but I am sure it could be found easily on steam or something.

[@r.l.3316]

I think the reason that Frodo shows so much compassion to Gollum later on is specifically because of that scene with Bilbo in Rivendell. He sees in Gollum what his uncle could have become. I think Gollum also serves as a constant reminder of his purpose for that same reason. Always layers upon layers with Tolkien.

[@hozyaka]

Such a good point… I remember gaining a shred of insight after reading that Bilbo scene.

[@Elias00713]

Also maybe, he kind of sees Gollum as his eventual destination; and his hope for himself is based on his belief that gollum can be saved...

[@RoadDoug]

My Son just started reading these books. I haven’t seen him in 3 days. I’ve read it a few times and I get your enthusiasm.

[@judygoddard3869]

The Treebeard chapter is one of the most extraordinary things I have ever read. There is nothing like it in all literature. It’s so vivid and real, and yet so other-worldly at the same time, that it feels like a psychedelic trip.

[@TamilaSushkova]

@@judygoddard3869 not me seeing this comment as I'm on the treebeard chapter at the moment - I'm loving it!

[@alanbauch2815]

I'm kinda old now (69) yrs...and I got the trilogy for Christmas in '73...!!.. a beautiful boxed set, it's really gorgeous! I think I've read it 4 times now, and truthfully, it is better every read ! So very nice you're getting so much out of it....AL

[@matthewbreytenbach4483]

It is better every time isn't it

[@bubblegumnnebula]

Fun fact: The Fellowship of the Ring movie adaptation premiered 10 days after I was born. And while being 19 days old, my parents took me with them to watch it when it was released in theaters, since my dad was such a huge fan and didn’t want to wait a moment longer to watch it. My entire family is obsessed with LOTR, we’ve all read the books and binged watched the extended editions at least 8 or 9 times. Nothing, and I mean nothing, compares to the magical feeling that LOTR invokes.

[@esverker7018]

My family watches the extended edition between Christmas and New Years! The best part about the books being as old as they are, is that our tradition is spearheaded by my grandmother who is the OG fan.

[@moshecallen]

Bombadil is an absolutely needed character. The story revolves around a war. Bombadil shows that neutrality in that war does exist. He also shows that as grand and all encompassing as the war seems, the world existed before it, will exist after it, and not all the world is evolved in it. Bombadil is a weird sort of reality check before the charactyers go off on their quest.

[@FlowerOfTheGrass]

Извини, что не могу писать на английском. Сегодня дочитала последнюю книжку трилогии и в самом конце была сцена, где Фродо участвует в битве за Шир, но без меча и уговаривает своих друзей не убивать тех, кто уже не может драться или сдаётся. Я плакала. Фродо - мой любимый герой, хотя Сэм тащил на себе все тяготы их приключения, но Фродо - это буквально я ❤

[@Welther47]

No. The hobbits could have gone from the Shire to Bree with no drama, and no one would have missed it. It's Tolkien who failed to "kill your darlings" as it were. Bombadil is never called upon ever again. The whole thing with the dark forest and the barrow wraiths are probable the main plot idea for the first draft; remember, he was asked to write another children's book after the Hobbit. And it could have been a short stand alone story. Just like the Drama with Saruman and the return to the shire - AFTER the book is finish. That is a short stand alone story too. Neither needed to be in the main story arch. It's easy to argue that deleting that bit would have done wonders for the pacing (I usually skips to the Strider chapter on re-readings). The story really begins with "at the council of Elronds".

[@sakup8782]

@@Welther47 Bombadil is mentioned again in the end. Gandalf goes to have a "long talk" with Bombadil before leaving Middle Earth!

[@stevenstone307]

@@Welther47 I got to agree with you here. Bombadil could be entirely omitted and nothing much of value would be lost. I sincerely believe this came from Tolkien secretly enjoying weed lol.

[@jonathonfrazier6622]

​@@Welther47No. That would ruin it.

[@erissylvain]

I re-read the trilogy this year, I'm 32. My mom read it to me at bed time when I was 6, I read it at 16, then in my 20s, and this year was my last re-read and I 100% agree that the first time you go into the book it feels sooo heavy, and I understand the people that read it one time and they say it's not for them. But a re-read of these books is just so spectacular and amazing and deep. To me, the story of Pippin and Merry, their struggles trying to find their place into the bigger story, their determination on doing their part and what It would help the bigger good, it's just so honest and raw, I would sob every time. There are so many layers of "what this book is about", because I feel like aside from the Love they have for each other, is a story about going to war, and the very human emotions war makes you face. The need of defending your home and your people, and accepting the consequences of actions beforehand. If you had accepted the path you are choosing before going into it, you will face the journey in a more stoic way, rather than going into it fearful of what could happen. The scene of the Rohirrim charging while screaming "Death".., my heart breaks in a thousand pieces. And also a story about how everyone is deserving of fighting for what they believe, no matter how small, king or farmer, women or men, human or trees, if it is in your heart to fight for your believes nothing will be a big enough obstacle.

[@TamilaSushkova]

Liking the Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas bits more than Frodo and Sam with Gollum is SO real and I'm glad I'm not alone in this!

[@Namelessfornow34]

Idk I like them equally. Sam vs Shelob lives rent free in my head.

[@TamilaSushkova]

@@Namelessfornow34 oh totally, that's a great scene - I was referring more to when they're walking around for ages lmao

[@Namelessfornow34]

@@TamilaSushkova Haha fair enough. I did really adore the start of the two towers though, when Merry and Pippin meet the Ents and Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas hunt the orcs. The movie soundtrack for that bit is honestly amazing too.

[@simonedwards9450]

The Lord of the Rings is my all time favourite book. I have read it about fifteen times. I read it once a year and each time I learn something new and find new reasons to love it. Love your vids :-)

[@hozyaka]

I CANNOT believe that this comes across my KZbin at this time! Every summer I start up my Lord of the Rings obsession since last year when I read the Hobbit for the first time in my life. Now I’m reading the Fellowship of the Rings for the first time and I am obsessed beyond any physical grounds. This video has to be a sign, laugh out loud… also, there’s a KZbin channel called “Hoard of the Rings” that has absolutely wonderful LOTR audiobooks (songs included). Oh my goodness, I’m obsessed and so happy. Happy reading!

[@misssimy20]

You smile i smile too even i don't know the reason you smile...sharing the same passion is so contagious... i simply adore you

[@benconnolly9883]

How perfect, I am in SUCH a LotR kick and I was just browsing new videos to watch about it - it doesn't get better than seeing other people experience this masterwork for the first time! Happy reading, Emma!

[@benconnolly9883]

I have to add - after watching you tear up at Frodo's acceptance of the quest, I don't think I'll be able to read that part without also being overwhelmed 😭 The moment is truly enormous, especially when you know how the story ends.

[@maria-pk8zu]

I also almost cried with the part where Frodo says he’ll take the ring 🥲 Shared the quote in the club! Breaks my heart

[@Angel-aaa]

This is my favourite book!!!

[@BRhymesss]

I’m reading along with Game of Tomes & I finished Fellowship of the Ring a week or so ago. The writing and some of the quotes I highlighted in this book actually made me cry. I am starting the second book as soon as I finish my current read. I’m so excited

[@someguy42093]

It’s called a song of ice and fire

[@ashleyclaxton2294]

After watching this yesterday I immediately went out and bought and am I’m now over 100 pages in and loving it

[@plpinkham]

Tolkien didn't write novels, he created a world. He describes the surroundings in so much detail because he was trying to build that same world into the readers mind. He really wanted the reader to see what he saw. I read The Hobbit when I was 8, and followed that with the Lord of the Rings, and I made it a point to read them all again every summer. I did that for 30+ years. You would think I'd have them memorized, but it felt like I had discovered something new every single time. Fantastic author.

[@PatrikOrjes]

Oh yes we've all been waiting for this one! More Lord of the Rings is always appreciated. 🤩

[@awellreadlife]

This makes me so happy to watch!! Like you, I always loved the Lord of the Rings, tried to read the first book several years ago, just barely plodded through it, and only revisited it last year and ended up loving it more than anything. I then read the rest of the series for the first time and it just made my heart swell with joy every step of the way. Everything about it is so beautiful! The characters, the nature, the hope against all odds. Tolkien's experiences in the trenches really add a heartbreaking layer/context to the story, and yet everything about it is determined to find the light and undying hope through even the smallest of creatures!!! I looooved this reading blog, you picked out so many moments that also stood out for me and just made me smile. (Gandalf's quote about "the time that is given us" never fails to bring a TEAR TO MY EYE). Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the other two books when you get to them!! Enjoy :)

[@bookswithcoffees_]

Yess so excited for this video!! I’ve been loving the books so far too 🤍 Happy to be reading with everyone!

[@leander8840]

omg soulmates!! I just started reading the lord of the rings this week for the first time and I am absolutely and unexpectedly in love with it! Glad I get to share this joy with you Emmie!

[@julka7022]

this is a perfect timing for this video for me because i've just started my first re-read of lotr in nearly a decade (and the first time reading it as an adult) and i needed to hear someone else get excited about it

[@HealedandThriving]

My 16 yr old son and I are starting LOTR next week together! I’m so excited!

[@xerosolar307]

If every book I read felt like you feel Lord of the Rings I think I could never stop reading, this is LOVING reading, and I deeply appreciate that you show us how to love reading (not only on this video, but this is a prime example)

[@harrietfreeman5304]

Ever since I got back into the series a few years ago I’ve been rereading them every autumn (around May for me) - absolutely loved listening to the audiobooks this time round and then being able to see this video at the perfect time !! we highlighted so many of the same things :)) So happy this series is bringing you so much joy and can’t wait to see future updates 💕

[@graceharrison9861]

Emmie, I have never been a fantasy reader but my boyfriend loves LOTR and is reading the books for the first time himself. I decided to join him after hearing your recommendations and I can’t thank you enough for expanding my usual genres and inspiring us to read these books together!

[@levanera]

Reading LOTR for the first time is a magic experience. “It can’t be THAT good” and then you start reading and it is. And on reread it’s even better.

[@aknightly5979]

I really miss the first time I ever read LOTR; it must have been when I was 8-10 years old. I really love that others can share this joy.🎉 Your reactions are precious.

[@satorugodzo]

growing up is understanding and truly appreciating frodo's character

[@jav4346]

What you talked about at 10:30 is so real. For years I didn’t touch any books that were even a little emotionally stimulating for me and it was limiting. But I just couldn’t. Slowly, I opened upto the pain and ecstasy of allowing a book to reduce you to a sobbing mess. The most recent book I read like that was the namiya general store and I can’t imagine not having read it.

[@Bassynater2500]

Great to see the vlog! I’m reading with you and everyone else on Game of Tomes and I’ve loved talking with everyone there from chapter to chapter! It’s been so much fun, glad you and Carolyn are doing this for others to share in the fun and the journey! 🗺️ Edit: I saw all your annotations and the main thing I’ve tried to mark down are all the songs they sing in this dang book! It’s so whimsical and gives me “Over The Garden Wall” vibes. But I adore this stuff.

[@captainnolan5062]

It is good to see young folks discovering, and loving, the Lord of the Rings (as I did when I was young, back in the early 1970s).

[@sarahogborn8024]

Literally so excited to watch!!! LOTR is such a comfort book for me and I just love watching people discover it for the first time (even though you’ve already read fellowship before)🥰🥰😭I cannot WAIT for you to get to Faramir in the books because I feel like he is going to be your favorite character; he’s so amazing in the book and with all love and respect to the films, they did him SO DIRTY!!!

[@yw1971]

15:52 - There's an Atlas of those journeys by Fonstad. Every step of the way

[@OfflineReading]

This is so exciting! I read The Lord Of The Rings for the first time maybe a decade ago and since then Frodo Baggins has been the only character from any book that I’m completely obsessed with. He’s my all time favorite character, and I’ve 100% been in many heated arguments online when people misunderstand him or hate him haha Also Frodo and Sam invented love, no I will not elaborate 👌🏻

[@joychalaby]

❤ 100% love Frodo!!

[@strawberryorange3755]

I also don't get the hate towards frodo, if it weren't for frodo, Sam, and gollum, I wouldn't have finished lotr.

[@stevecurran]

LOTR blew my mind when I first read it at age 10. When I got to the end, I started reading it over again. In the last 45 years, I've probably read it 20 times. It took me a few tries to get into the Silmarillion, but once I did, in some ways I liked it even better. The stories of the Elder Days puts the War of the Ring in its proper perspective, so you can see how the branches grow. I've read a lot of different stories since that time, but nothing has equaled Tolkien's mighty verses. I'm like you, Emmie, when you said you had to know it all. There was no internet when I was a lad, so I bought every book I could find that had anything to do with LOTR. Reading through it that first time though can never be recaptured...but watching you react comes close. Thanks Emmie!

[@iamrjdennis]

One of my favorite books of all time! 😊

[@bigtooth7258]

The poem at 35:43 is in the credits of the Return of the King movie as a gorgeous song by Howard Shore called Bilbo’s Song sung in elvish, it’s unbelievably beautiful

[@dwylaw]

Calcifer: "Don't obsess over that book. Obsess over meeeeee(ow)!"

[@Andy-sp2ke]

I’ve followed you for a long time and I usually dont comment but i cannot express the joy when i saw this video. Lotr is one of my all-time favorite books and the movies I love equally as much!❤ Keep going, sending you much love from Bulgaria!🇧🇬❤️

[@G4nda1f]

3:07 - Oh, you're definitely going to want to read the Silmarillion then (and The Hobbit). And there are plenty of other works as well along with maps, atlases (third-party or otherwise) and so much more. You said it, knowing everything about that world is bordering on impossible without lifetime dedication.

[@isadareading]

i think this is now one of my favorite vlogs you've ever made. can't wait to watch the rest 💚

[@Anna-sl2bw]

I'm so glad you're enjoying it so much. Lotr means so much to me and I'm so happy to be reading it for a third time. It get better and better each time I read it.

[@efluvial]

Loving this book too! I am 60 and haven’t read it since my teen years. Have never seen the movie. Maybe I will after this re-read.

[@itsjustamy1876]

oh i love hearing Calcifer's mews in the background as you talk. It's adorable

[@dianaayt]

Also, idk if you mention it but reading lotr wíth the audiobook of phil dragash is more than a blessing. It has voices just like the movie actore, backgroud sounds of ambience, voices away if someone is away for example collecting water while you hear the river and the birds and the wind. Movie soundtrack. Wonderful reading narration. Best audiobook in the world in my opinion and listening to it by itself or while reading its trully like getting a movie out of the book. Imagine not only reading oe hearning those lines that make us get watery eyes but having the ambience, the movie soundtrack, the voice of the actors, all the feelings in the voice, crying when they wre crying, screaming when they are screaming, talking quiet in quiet places. I can never stop recommending that audiobook. U can hear it here on yt or in spotify for what i know

[@joychalaby]

Yes I love Phil dragash's lots audiobooks so so much. I first began reading lots when he was creating and sharing each chapter on KZbin and it was such an incredible experience listening to that!

[@chaparra217]

Thank you for this information!

[@beatrizvital95]

I just saw your chanel for the first time (I'm from Brazil) and LOVED this video so much! I am reading LOTR for the very first time (currently reading The Return of the King) and I'm obsessed! Aragorn it's my favourite, but I do love Pippin and Faramir as well. The second book was, for me (until now - I just read the first chapter of the third), the absolute perfection. Love love your video! Congrats on the content.

[@Halseyismyrealname]

omg i haven't been to your channel in so long and I'm so happy to see how much you've uploaded!!! I hope your doing great - looking forward to your fall/winter reads.

[@Namelessfornow34]

This makes me so excited for you! I'm currently reading The Silmarillion for the first time and enjoying it so much more than I thought I would!

[@brunoarres1187]

I just recently reread the hobbit for the first time since I was a kid and it has made me so excited to reread the whole lord of the rings series again.

[@gamergrill05]

Hi Emma, been a lurker for years, sorry! But this video made me finally pick up these books at almost 30 years old and after watching the movies many many times. I have been eating it up! This will become my new personality forever and I have been reading it in Spanish because that's my native tongue but I have to get them in English too. It's my new all time favorite book now! (Used to be One Hundred Years of Solitude until then) Thank you for giving me that push and sharing your love towards the books!❤❤❤

[@DianaLong-om3ck]

Tom Bombadil is an enigma... every good fantasy needs one.

[@milaces1323]

Just from the first few seconds I can sense the joy in this vlog. I'll have to wait til i can sit down with a cup of tea to watch it 😊

[@emmiereads]

so happy:') hope you a lovely cup

[@jokie1236]

I'm so glad you're reading lord of the rings! It's because of Tolkien that I became an English major and hoping to one day become a high school teacher. Brilliant video as always!

[@rickallen8767]

There is a reason this series is the staple in the genre and has influenced pop culture for almost a century.

[@tpampe25]

Da 2nd time reading it was one of the best reading experinces of my life. What helped me a lot was seeing in the Readers Companion and jotting down the date every time the sun broke out or the night fell down. Knowing the exact date and time it is taking to the characters is great to dive in the history, I recommend it

[@JamanMosil]

this series makes me so excited. loved hearing your thoughts on this one!! I have to confess, every re-read I do of LotR I enjoy the early chapters more. Particularly the Tom Bombadil chapters. Such beauty and joy, I just want to linger in them. Can't wait to hear more of your ramblings, thank you sooo much for sharing with us!! ...and I now think I may start another re-read of LotR of my own...

[@Rizahawkstang]

I am so glad you are loving LOTR!! It’s my favorite book. And I think you totally should read the Silmarillion when you are done! Don’t let the people who say it’s dry and boring stop you, there are moments in the Silmarillion that bring me to tears when I read them. Tolkien’s legendarium is such a joy to delve into. ❤

[@faye_faye]

That quote you read at the end touched my core. Crying and I haven’t even ever read lotr! After hearing that, though, I might have to

[@alexkats30]

I feel happy for you taking that journey and enjoying yourself thoroughly ❤

[@vb.the.b]

emma reading your favorite book after you've followed her for so many years is a different type of dopamine hit 😭😭😭

[@prim1791]

I swear I'm not even exaggerating. I was so happy I didn't know if I should laugh or cry. Favorite piece of fiction ever, both books and movies

[@nikolaiquack8548]

I love how palpable your passion is here. Makes me wanna reread these books as well!

[@anisaebrar]

The first time I read The Lotr, I was in high school. I didn't understand or enjoy it very much, but I appreciated it anyway. After 10 years, I read the entire corpus of Tolkien before rereading the trilogy. Now I can honestly say that I've never had such an experience reading a book. His worldbuilding, writing, and philosophy are incredible. His take on power and corruption, the argument of evil, destiny and free will, modernization, nature, and industrialization is brilliant. I also see many parallels between War and Peace and The Lord of the Rings in their criticism of heroism and war. Also about Tom Bombadil, I really liked your theory of him being "the being/the earth." I always thought that the reason why the ring doesn't work on Bombadil is that he has no ambition to own anything or to have any authority/power over things. I believe this is also why Hobbits (Gollum, Bilbo, Frodo, Sam, etc.) can resist the corruption of the ring longer than the other races (like Isildur or Boromir). As it is said in "Concerning Hobbits," the only thing they want is to live a happy and quiet life. They don't get involve in power relations and wars between nations, and they don't even have a monarchy themselves. They just live in a communal lifestyle. So, the ring affects more and much quicker those who have a deep desire for power. In the end, if you have no desire for power, the ring has no power over you. It's just amazing :) I am so happy you're enjoying it btw

[@Rods_road]

I loved the intro music! Can't wait to watch the whole vlog!

[@Rods_road]

The parts with the music reminded me so much of the movies!

[@shingibangibboongbboongbangi]

Whts the name of the intro music!! I loved it

[@erebus6489]

Just found this popping up in my feed (probably because I have long and deep love for Tolkien’s world), and wow what wonderful discussion of the book. You have definitely gotten me excited for a long overdue reread also. Just wanted to say that you definitely need to read the Silmarillion next, I can tell already that you will love it. Not only the lore but all the little hidden treasures, like the origin of the Ents!

[@jav4346]

Oh my goddd, I haven’t watched the video yet but what I wouldn’t do to read this book for the first time again. The vibes are beyond anything I’ve ever been able to find in any other fantasy. This book holds such such such a dear place in my heart, especially the first third. It might sound odd but for me, thre highlight of the book was Frodo’s little adventures in the forests and all their elaborate meals in cozy homes and taverns and elven forests. It’s been years since I read this, I’m due for a reread and I’m so looking forward to your video on it ♥️♥️♥️

[@halapyrolock7210]

The video everyone was waiting for 😄✨ I’m almost done with The Hobbit and will soon catch up and complete The Fellowship of the ring 🥲

[@urseliusurgel4365]

The best idea I have come across about Tom Bombadil, that fits Tolkien's written cannon, is that he was one of the Ainur, who was the first to enter Arda (the created world/universe) and, once there, 'went native'. Whereas the other Ainur became tenders of parts and aspects of Creation, Bombadil was only ever intent on enjoying it, concerning himself with 'small things'.

[@cpmf2112]

I think Tom is the embodiment of the spirit of the music of the Ainur that originally created Arda. That is how he is "Oldest", he was there before the Ainur entered Arda.

[@robdgaming]

With the 12 volumes of "The History of Middle-Earth" compiled by Christopher Tolkien, there's an incredible amount of information available on Tolkien's world. I'm sure you've been interested in the third book's appendices. A book that I've found very useful and digestible is "The Atlas of Middle-Earth" by Karen Wynn Fonstad, a cartographer. It includes a lot about The Silmarillion, which is helpful in deciding whether to read that book or not. And it includes day-by-day plots of some important journeys' progress.

[@mjdaniel8710]

First read Tolkien in the 70s when I was in junior high and I still do a reread every couple of years, the GOAT for sure

[@duffypratt]

Frodo’s offer at the Council is 180 degrees apart from how it’s played in the movie. There, the Council has erupted into escalating bickering. In the book, it’s been stymied and stifled. There’s a very different feel to each, with different implications, but both work extremely well. As for Bombadil, I see him as a spirit of magic and creation, sort of like a fairy prince (neither good nor evil). And, as magic fades from the world, Bombadil retreats to a smaller and smaller realm. There’s another interesting anomaly in Fellowship - a scene where a fox sees the four and has his own thoughts about what they might be doing. The idea of animals as intelligent in that way does not fit the rest of the book (though it would be more in keeping with the hobbit, where there are intelligent dragons and spiders).

[@Vic-mc6tb]

The Kindle version is very helpful with references to lore. You can typically get a quick synopsis by clicking on the name of a person or event.

[@jamesc264]

It is so good to see someone discovering the Lord of the Rings books and reading them for the first time. I still remember the joy, the enthralment, of reading Lord of the Rings for the first time myself. That was when I was 12 years old in 1972..(Yes I am that ancient..lol). I take a particular joy in that I discovered and read the books in Tolkien's lifetime, He passed in 1973. I have regularly reread the books across the years. Tolkien is still my favourite fantasy author.

[@jamesc264]

One mark of the quality of Tolkien's work is its popularity across such a long period since it was first published. The Hobbit was first published in 1937 (87 years ago) and the fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers were published in 1954 and The Return of the King in 1955 (70 years and 69 years respectively), and the work still obviously stands up. Quality just is!

[@rondoflicflac]

LOVE THISSSS I think you should read The Sillmarion next, it will answer most of your questions!!!

[@haleythewhitaker]

only four minutes in but this is the best ever and YOU SHOULD ABSOLUTELY READ THE SILMARILLION

[@popcorn101cheese5]

I read the Fellowship Of The Ring 4 months ago and this video made me so excited to read The Two Towers. So Thank you!

[@reneeamani6756]

This is so exciting!! My boyfriend just got me the whole LOTR book set for my birthday so I can read it with him

[@stefanijan8]

i just want you to know that i bought the books because of this video, i'm gonna start reading them ☺❤‍🔥

[@hinney827]

I think the most important thing to do while reading Lord of the Rings is to let those references slip by. Keep them in mind and be aware of what is said, but don't dwell on them. You'll probably end up reading more Tolkien that will explain all those references, and when you get to them in the Silmarillion, or Children of Húrin, or any of his compiled works, you'll get excited to hear the new specifics and put them into the original context you heard them. Tolkien's stuff is just so phenomenal. Like I even need to say it.

[@lotrfanhome]

I loved Tom Bombadil. His land was the hobbits first experience with a genuinely foreign country where the culture and customs were completely different, where nothing could be taken for granted. In the Shire, the hobbits ate supper inside of a tree. In the Old Forest, the hobbits were eaten for supper by a tree. The balance and contrast was just perfect.

[@nelliebear5590]

love this, personally my plan going into reading these is to write down all my lore/world building questions and then reference that when i read the silmarillion

[@sarahpalazzi]

I read this book during lockdown and the quote at 9:47 hits me so hard ALL THE TIME! Your reactions were so similar to the ones I had, wish I could read it for the first time again... ❤

[@prim1791]

I cannot explain how happy I am with this video!!!

[@fufu3624]

Omg cannot wait for this video! I love this series so much definitely shaped my middle school years.

[@captainchaos3667]

Someone did exactly as you suggest and plot the Fellowship's (and many others') paths across the world and created an entire atlas filled with detailed maps. It's called "The Atlas of Middle Earth" by Karen Wynn Fonstad and I heartily recommend it. It also includes The Silmarillion.

[@pendragon2012]

Literally the best fantasy of all time! So glad you finally got to it!

[@pcronin32]

Have you read Tolkien’s short story Leaf, by Niggle? It was written at the end of his life about a painter who becomes obsessed with a painting that starts out as just a leaf and soon grows into a fully detailed landscape. It’s unrelated to Middle Earth, except to say that it provides the perfect symbol for LOTRs meandering slowly growing structure: stories grow outward from a leaf, to a branch, to a tree, to an entire world. So in ways both literal and metaphorical, the book grew from the acorn of the opening sentence. Even if you don’t get to the short story, it’s a beautiful idea to consider while reading LOTR.

[@celescoles]

You talking about Tom Bombadil reminded me of some really old discussion about how the infamous HP fanfic My Immortal had to be written badly on purpose because it actually mentions the character Tom Bombadil, hence the writer read the books and is clever enough to add a reference to him. I don't remember the details much but that was the first time I'd heard of the character so it stuck with me.

[@this.is.elvira]

Ooooh I've been waiting for this one!! 😍

[@c_r_i_ss_y]

Watching this while travelling for my MA graduation in Sweden; I am enjoying all the beauty of Swedish nature and clean waters. I feel like a hobbit on a mission

[@chlo1948]

"I will take the ring, though I do not know the way." CRYINGGGG 😭❤

[@hozyaka]

ABSOLUTELY HEART-WREAKING

[@chlo1948]

@@hozyaka FOR REAL❤‍🩹

[@camscornerbooks]

Can’t wait to catch up to you and read these. I bought the Andy Serkis narrated trilogy.

[@emmiereads]

ooh I would LOVE to hear these narrated by Serkis!

[@BRhymesss]

@@emmiereadshis narration is INCREDIBLE!

[@caerrie]

you're going to love it! it might be the best audiobook i've ever come across

[@Vinylguy67]

I just read the trilogy for the first time in january. It did take a month but im not a fast reader nor did I read it every day. Been a fan of Tolkiens work for propably 15 years. It was an amazing experience reading the books and I will propably read them annually from now on. I also love The Hobbit! I have the Silmarillion and unfinished tales waiting to be read

[@lucyisadragon]

so excited to see you experaince this !

[@theapenning8944]

I've been waiting months until i read the book so i could watch this video and the time is finally here! 🎉

[@JudyHisso]

Your videos are such a vibe ❤

[@emmiereads]

thank you love

[@haerhawk]

I was literally waiting for your video to start reading it again as I was in the middle of other reads ❤❤

[@emmiereads]

haha this is your sign!! so excited for you to start them

[@writtenbyash]

I had a difficult time reading The Fellowship; it drags a bit with the detailed descriptions and long winded dialogue (which I love but it can be a lot to digest at times). But thankfully, I still ended up enjoying it. The writing is amazing! Two Towers is better in pacing and more action packed. It's my favorite out of the trilogy. ⚔ Enjoy your LOTR journey and savor every bit of it. It just gets better and better with every book! 🍃

[@crystalcounterman4274]

My favorite way to read the Lord of the Rings, which I reread every year, is in tandem with the recently-ish released Andy Serkis (Gollum) narrated audiobooks.