How Do You Envision Middle-Earth?

[Bill Ferny]

I have some pretty strong images of Middle-Earth in me head, pretty much entrenched over the years. I was surprised at how similar and dissimilar the images presented in the movies were to my own ideas and visions. I’ve also been pretty surprised by some of the interesting takes I’ve stumbled across on the forum, though so far I’ve had to sift through a lot, and truly stumble upon them. This is my rather selfish endeavor to get at least some of you to put these visions and images in one place.

With the movies out there in full swing with its distinct imagery and tone, I wonder how much of our vision of Middle-Earth has been “reduced” to the vision of WETA. Critiques of the movie are more than welcome, as long it stays pertinent to the imagery and vision of Middle-Earth (i.e. no ragging on the script).

This should be a chance for people to post links to their favorite illustrators, comment on what makes sense or doesn’t make sense about their depictions, and even give us some pictures to look at. Describe how you see the Shire, Rohan, Minas Tirith, Barad-dur, etc… Please post your fan art, too. How do you think people fought? What’s in those leather bags on Gandalf’s belt? Is Peter Jackson right about everyone having blue eyes? Is Smaug’s teeth pearly white, or iron grey? Does Saruman really have Christopher Lee's yellow, crooked teeth? Basically this is a free for all. Have fun.