What is it about Tolkien?...

[Helín Anyára]

Considering that all reading this are probably "Tolkien freaks" to some degree or other, I thought I might receive some interesting answers to a question I have lately been pondering myself.

What is it about Tolkien's amazing works that make them what they are? What part of Middle Earth captured you, in particular? Love of his heroic -or otherwise; at least unforgettable- characters? His intricate, flowing languages? The simple elegance of his writing style? The looming war on which mankind's fate hangs in the balance?

Or, simply, hobbits? Elves? The merry songs of Tom Bombadil or the poetic stories, histories, and rhymes of past great deeds? The Ring itself?

Think about it. [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

I welcome any and all opinions; only try to really pinpoint what gave Tolkien and his works that feeds your own awed admiration. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]