CbC Reloaded - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Estelyn Telcontar · 08-18-2011, 04:05 AM

One idea that came up at the recent Finlandmoot was to revive the CbC discussions of The Hobbit before the (first) movie comes to the theatres next year. I'd like to begin with that project early in 2012, so that we have leisure to refresh our memories of the book before we're overwriting our own images with movie previews.

In thinking about that, I realized two things: first, that the Silmarillion discussions haven't yet finished, and that there was a request to do a Chapter-by-Chapter discussion of the Unfinished Tales in a post by Marky Lazer some time ago, which I missed for whatever reason.

Shall we take on those two projects this year? I'm not a Sil expert, but if Aiwendil is no longer able to carry on, I'm willing to start off the threads so the rest of you can post on them. It's a good opportunity for me to reread Sil and UT at any rate, and even if you don't have time to go back through the chapters in detail, you would be welcome to post from memory.

Anyone interested?

Galadriel55 · 08-18-2011, 08:29 AM

I'm very interested, especially with The Sil. I haven't read UT (what a perfect opportunity to read it!, says you

), but I will definitely read, and where I can maybe participate in the discussions.

I'm glad this subforum will be reawakened!

mark12_30 · 08-19-2011, 07:04 AM

After pondering this for a day... I am interested in The Hobbit CbC.

I am not disinterested in a Sil CbC... Read bits of it recently during vacation. No computers where I take vacation, though. In fact I'm planning on tackling LotR on my upcoming two weeks off; but I doubt I'll have web access... except on my cell, and that is finicky.

However, The Hobbit can take all season, or all year. I am content with that.

Estelyn Telcontar · 08-21-2011, 07:09 AM

I'd like to get started with the remaining CbC discussions of the Silmarillion as soon as possible, so we can get through the book as well as the Unfinished Tales in time for a Hobbit relaunch next year. I'm thinking that Monday would be a good day to begin discussion threads - some of you may want to read the chapters on the weekend and can then jump right in, or you can take your time during the week. Each discussion will last one week, though of course the threads remain open for those who wish to contribute later on.

Is there any interest - shall we begin this week (i.e. tomorrow), or wait another for people to join in the reading? Chapter 20, "Of the Fifth Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad" is the next in line.

The Might · 08-21-2011, 08:38 AM

I don't think I'll take part in Silm CbC discussions, but I would definitely join for a Hobbit CbC discussion prior to the film release.

Estelyn Telcontar · 08-22-2011, 04:12 AM

It's Monday; the discussion thread for Chapter 20 is up. I hope you'll join me - comments are welcome even if you're not currently rereading the Sil!

Estelyn Telcontar · 10-13-2011, 02:20 PM

The final chapter of the Silmarillion - "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age" - is currently up for discussion. So that those who would still like to join in have an opportunity, I will wait an additional week before beginning chapter-by-chapter discussions of the Unfinished Tales on Monday, October 24.

Inziladun · 10-13-2011, 02:32 PM

Sorry to have left Rings of Power in the lurch like that, but RL has been inconveniently intruding into my 'Downs time the past few days.

Hopefully I can look at it this weekend.

Boromir88 · 10-13-2011, 03:07 PM

I'm in for a Hobbit re-reading and discussion.

Pitchwife · 10-13-2011, 04:58 PM

1. Well done wrapping up the CbC Silmarillion reread, Esty (and provoking me to overcome my current poster's slump and comment on the last chapter

)!

2. As for further procedings, I feel it would make more sense to reread TH first before turning to UT, which consists basically of elaborations on selected subjects from everything else (from Sil through TH [Quest for Erebor] to LotR) and therefore might be more profitably discussed after we've gone through the rest of the canon.
(Also, egoistically, I'm dying for a reason to reread TH - I started after acquiring Rateliffe's History of the Hobbit but lost impetus after a few chapters; but whatever the majority decides.)

The Might · 10-14-2011, 06:02 AM

I'd take part in either CbC, be it TH or the UT, however I would prefer the latter for this reason - we still have more than a year until TH is released so if we discuss the UT now and TH afterwards the CbC will still be fresh in our minds when the movie is released. That way we are all better at complaining about all the things that have been changed.

Estelyn Telcontar · 10-14-2011, 06:15 AM

Though I too am looking forward to the Hobbit re-discussion, I have two reasons for taking on UT first.

1. There is a long-standing request for a UT discussion, and we haven't gone through this book chapter-by-chapter so far.

2. I would like to have the Hobbit CbC closer to the movie release next year, so that we book fans are well-prepared for comparitive discussions when it comes out.

To those who are waiting for the Hobbit reread, please be patient! We will definitely do it, probably beginning in the spring of 2012.

To those who decide to join me in (re-)reading the Unfinished Tales, I look forward to re-discovering them with you!

*cross-posted with TM, who already explained my reasons more succinctly!

Boromir88 · 10-14-2011, 10:20 AM

Oh certainly do whatever projects and the general dates you had planned. I just showed more interest in The Hobbit, because like LOTR, that is a book I can sit down and read cover to cover.

I do have Unfinished Tales, but it's just not written in a way that I've ever been able to read straight through. I used it more as a reference for discussions. I'll try to follow the UT CbC, but for myself, I've been itching for a Hobbit re-read.

And it may work out that I don't even get to it until Spring. Much to the like of some friends, I was FINALLY able to read The Deathly Hallows (yes I'm a terrible Potter fan

). Next one I intend to get to is starting George Martin's Song of Ice and Fire, but haven't started on that one yet.

Galadriel55 · 10-14-2011, 02:39 PM

Sorry I've been away from the CbC threads. Gotta catch up.

I'll definitely take part in TH discussions, but I'm not so sure about UT, as I don't own a copy.

Formendacil · 10-21-2011, 08:20 AM

Are we still a go to start Unfinished Tales? I realise I never weighed in here saying that I was in favour of that, but I am--in favour enough, in fact, that I made a point of reading "Of Tuor and his Coming to Gondolin" (which is more reading specifically for the CbC than I've put into any CbC yet)--and Boro ended up getting about half of that through me reading it aloud, so he might have things to say too.

Estelyn Telcontar · 10-21-2011, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Estelyn Telcontar

The final chapter of the Silmarillion - "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age" - is currently up for discussion. So that those who would still like to join in have an opportunity, I will wait an additional week before beginning chapter-by-chapter discussions of the Unfinished Tales on Monday, October 24.

I'm rereading "Of Tuor..." as well in preparation, and I stand by my above-quoted decision to begin CbC discussion of UT on this coming Monday. We shall see how things go; depending on chapter length and density of discussion, we may move on to the next chapter after a week - or after two, if we need the time.

So please join Formy and me in reading the first chapter this weekend and then discuss with us as of Monday!

Guinevere · 10-25-2011, 02:39 PM

I will in any case reread U.T., because I have always been fond of them, and follow the discussion. If I can get up the energy to write a contribution is another thing...

08-18-2011, 04:05 AM	#1
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	CbC Reloaded One idea that came up at the recent Finlandmoot was to revive the CbC discussions of The Hobbit before the (first) movie comes to the theatres next year. I'd like to begin with that project early in 2012, so that we have leisure to refresh our memories of the book before we're overwriting our own images with movie previews. In thinking about that, I realized two things: first, that the Silmarillion discussions haven't yet finished, and that there was a request to do a Chapter-by-Chapter discussion of the Unfinished Tales in a post by Marky Lazer some time ago, which I missed for whatever reason. Shall we take on those two projects this year? I'm not a Sil expert, but if Aiwendil is no longer able to carry on, I'm willing to start off the threads so the rest of you can post on them. It's a good opportunity for me to reread Sil and UT at any rate, and even if you don't have time to go back through the chapters in detail, you would be welcome to post from memory. Anyone interested? __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...'

08-18-2011, 08:29 AM	#2
Galadriel55 Blossom of Dwimordene Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: The realm of forgotten words Posts: 10,401	I'm very interested, especially with The Sil. I haven't read UT (what a perfect opportunity to read it!, says you ), but I will definitely read, and where I can maybe participate in the discussions. I'm glad this subforum will be reawakened! __________________ You passed from under darkened dome, you enter now the secret land. - Take me to Finrod's fabled home!... ~ Finrod: The Rock Opera

08-19-2011, 07:04 AM	#3
mark12_30 Stormdancer of Doom Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Elvish singing is not a thing to miss, in June under the stars Posts: 4,349	After pondering this for a day... I am interested in The Hobbit CbC. I am not disinterested in a Sil CbC... Read bits of it recently during vacation. No computers where I take vacation, though. In fact I'm planning on tackling LotR on my upcoming two weeks off; but I doubt I'll have web access... except on my cell, and that is finicky. However, The Hobbit can take all season, or all year. I am content with that. __________________ ...down to the water to see the elves dance and sing upon the midsummer's eve.

08-21-2011, 07:09 AM	#4
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	I'd like to get started with the remaining CbC discussions of the Silmarillion as soon as possible, so we can get through the book as well as the Unfinished Tales in time for a Hobbit relaunch next year. I'm thinking that Monday would be a good day to begin discussion threads - some of you may want to read the chapters on the weekend and can then jump right in, or you can take your time during the week. Each discussion will last one week, though of course the threads remain open for those who wish to contribute later on. Is there any interest - shall we begin this week (i.e. tomorrow), or wait another for people to join in the reading? Chapter 20, "Of the Fifth Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad" is the next in line. __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...'

08-21-2011, 08:38 AM	#5
The Might Guard of the Citadel Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Oxon Posts: 2,205	I don't think I'll take part in Silm CbC discussions, but I would definitely join for a Hobbit CbC discussion prior to the film release. __________________ “The invisible and the non-existent look very much alike.” Delos B. McKown

08-22-2011, 04:12 AM	#6
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	It's Monday; the discussion thread for Chapter 20 is up. I hope you'll join me - comments are welcome even if you're not currently rereading the Sil! __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...'

10-13-2011, 02:20 PM	#7
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	The final chapter of the Silmarillion - "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age" - is currently up for discussion. So that those who would still like to join in have an opportunity, I will wait an additional week before beginning chapter-by-chapter discussions of the Unfinished Tales on Monday, October 24. __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...'

10-13-2011, 02:32 PM	#8
Inziladun Gruesome Spectre Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Heaven's doorstep Posts: 8,037	Sorry to have left Rings of Power in the lurch like that, but RL has been inconveniently intruding into my 'Downs time the past few days. Hopefully I can look at it this weekend. __________________ Music alone proves the existence of God.

10-13-2011, 03:07 PM	#9
Boromir88 Laconic Loreman Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: USA Posts: 7,518	I'm in for a Hobbit re-reading and discussion. __________________ Fenris Penguin

10-13-2011, 04:58 PM	#10
Pitchwife Wight of the Old Forest Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Unattended on the railway station, in the litter at the dancehall Posts: 3,329	1. Well done wrapping up the CbC Silmarillion reread, Esty (and provoking me to overcome my current poster's slump and comment on the last chapter)! 2. As for further procedings, I feel it would make more sense to reread TH first before turning to UT, which consists basically of elaborations on selected subjects from everything else (from Sil through TH [Quest for Erebor] to LotR) and therefore might be more profitably discussed after we've gone through the rest of the canon. (Also, egoistically, I'm dying for a reason to reread TH - I started after acquiring Rateliffe's History of the Hobbit but lost impetus after a few chapters; but whatever the majority decides.) __________________ Und aus dem Erebos kamen viele seelen herauf der abgeschiedenen toten.- Homer, Odyssey, Canto XI

10-14-2011, 06:02 AM	#11
The Might Guard of the Citadel Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Oxon Posts: 2,205	I'd take part in either CbC, be it TH or the UT, however I would prefer the latter for this reason - we still have more than a year until TH is released so if we discuss the UT now and TH afterwards the CbC will still be fresh in our minds when the movie is released. That way we are all better at complaining about all the things that have been changed. __________________ “The invisible and the non-existent look very much alike.” Delos B. McKown

10-14-2011, 06:15 AM	#12
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	Though I too am looking forward to the Hobbit re-discussion, I have two reasons for taking on UT first. 1. There is a long-standing request for a UT discussion, and we haven't gone through this book chapter-by-chapter so far. 2. I would like to have the Hobbit CbC closer to the movie release next year, so that we book fans are well-prepared for comparitive discussions when it comes out. To those who are waiting for the Hobbit reread, please be patient! We will definitely do it, probably beginning in the spring of 2012. To those who decide to join me in (re-)reading the Unfinished Tales, I look forward to re-discovering them with you! *cross-posted with TM, who already explained my reasons more succinctly! __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...'

10-14-2011, 10:20 AM	#13
Boromir88 Laconic Loreman Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: USA Posts: 7,518	Oh certainly do whatever projects and the general dates you had planned. I just showed more interest in The Hobbit, because like LOTR, that is a book I can sit down and read cover to cover. I do have Unfinished Tales, but it's just not written in a way that I've ever been able to read straight through. I used it more as a reference for discussions. I'll try to follow the UT CbC, but for myself, I've been itching for a Hobbit re-read. And it may work out that I don't even get to it until Spring. Much to the like of some friends, I was FINALLY able to read The Deathly Hallows (yes I'm a terrible Potter fan ). Next one I intend to get to is starting George Martin's Song of Ice and Fire, but haven't started on that one yet. __________________ Fenris Penguin

10-14-2011, 02:39 PM	#14
Galadriel55 Blossom of Dwimordene Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: The realm of forgotten words Posts: 10,401	Sorry I've been away from the CbC threads. Gotta catch up. I'll definitely take part in TH discussions, but I'm not so sure about UT, as I don't own a copy. __________________ You passed from under darkened dome, you enter now the secret land. - Take me to Finrod's fabled home!... ~ Finrod: The Rock Opera

10-21-2011, 08:20 AM	#15
Formendacil Dead Serious Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Perched on Thangorodrim's towers. Posts: 3,326	Are we still a go to start Unfinished Tales? I realise I never weighed in here saying that I was in favour of that, but I am--in favour enough, in fact, that I made a point of reading "Of Tuor and his Coming to Gondolin" (which is more reading specifically for the CbC than I've put into any CbC yet)--and Boro ended up getting about half of that through me reading it aloud, so he might have things to say too. __________________ I prefer history, true or feigned.

10-25-2011, 02:39 PM	#17
Guinevere Banshee of Camelot Join Date: May 2002 Location: Switzerland Posts: 5,830	I will in any case reread U.T., because I have always been fond of them, and follow the discussion. If I can get up the energy to write a contribution is another thing... __________________ Yes! "wish-fulfilment dreams" we spin to cheat our timid hearts, and ugly Fact defeat!