The Tolkien Book Tag

 

Hello, everyone! August has been a slow month for me blogging-wise as I have no reviews coming up soon. This is because I felt the urge to re-read The Lord of the Rings trilogy (would you be interested in a post about my thoughts on the re-read?). However, this gives me the perfect chance to do the Tolkien Book Tag, which was created by Andrea Heckler on YouTube. Let's get right into it! 

1. How does your Middle Earth story begin?

Middle Earth is one of the first fictional settings I have been obsessed with. The first time I came across it was with The Fellowship of the Ring movie that came out in 2001. I remember going to the cinema, watching the film, and just getting lost in this world. Needless to say that I had already read the whole trilogy and the Hobbit before the release of The Two Towers.

2. What is your favorite Middle Earth book?

This is such a difficult question to answer! All of the books are filled with beloved moments, and I still have them so fresh from my re-read. I would say that The Fellowship of the Ring is probably my favourite as I love the hobbits journey from Shire to Rivendell and the Council of Elrond.

3. What is your favorite movie?

When it comes to the films, I still have a difficult time choosing one. However, I would say The Return of the King as I liked watching the visuals for the battles (in The Two Towers as well). 

4. Movies or books?

Even though I love the films and I've watched them countless times, I wouldn't trade them for the books. There are just so much more in the books, and Tolkien's descriptions are so wonderful. I have to admit though, that during my recent re-read, I had a difficult time in visualizing the characters on my own, and I was just picturing them as the actors from the films. 

5. Who are your favorite characters?

One character I loved during my first encounter with The Lord of the Rings, and is still one of my favourites this time around, is Faramir. He is just so noble and courageous, and he just stood out. Éowyn also had an interesting arc, and I loved her in the story.

When it comes to the fellowship members, I really like Aragorn. He is the king, but he is also Strider, and I loved watching him claim his legacy. And this time around, I particularly liked Frodo. I know that many people complain (especially about movie Frodo) that he does nothing and that he's just whining all the time. However, in the books, I can feel the burden of the ring and what a toll it has on him. 

6. What Middle Earth race would you be?

I haven't thought about that really. You know that my heart would say an elf, who wouldn't like that? But surprisingly, as I'm thinking about it, I would love to be whatever Goldberry is, Tom Bombadil's wife. They just seemed to be living the life.

7. Best actor/character casting match?

It's been a while since I've rewatched the films, so my memory could be nostalgia-filled when I'm tempted to say all of them. However, I have to say that I wouldn't change Ian McKellen as Gandalf for a thing in the world.

8. What is your favorite place in Middle Earth?

Middle Earth has so many places I would have loved to be able to visit. Can you imagine Hobbiton and the Shire? Wouldn't you love to go to Rivendell and Lothlórien? But my favourite place is Fangorn. I would love to explore the forest and get to know the Ents. 

9. What is your favorite quote from the books or movies?

How can I choose just one quote from the whole trilogy?? That's impossible! When I encountered Bilbo's poem about Aragorn in the book, I got teary-eyed:

"All that is gold does not glitter,

Not all those who wander are lost;

The old that is strong does not wither,

Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,

A light from the shadows shall spring;

Renewed shall be blade that was broken,

The crownless again shall be king"

But the same thing also happened, when Frodo say this to Sam:

"But I have been too deeply hurt, Sam. I tried to save the Shire, and it has been saved, but not for me. It must often be so, Sam, when things are in danger: some one has to give them up, lose them, so that others may keep them."

There you have it! What is your favourite memories with The Lord of the Rings trilogy?