did anyone else find the silmaillion very confusing - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Road Dog22 · 08-21-2002, 01:14 PM

i started reading it and i have read 58 pages but i haven't understood any of it and i just wondered if anyone else thought that this book was confusing

Minyaharmawen · 08-21-2002, 01:17 PM

Yeah I agree I also find it boring but don't kill me maby it'll get better *gets down on knees and prays book will get better* [img]smilies/redface.gif[/img]

Feanaro · 08-21-2002, 01:26 PM

The Silmarillion is a collection of myths that depict the history of the Elves and of Numenor throughout the course of Arda's history. If this sounds boring to you, then you will no doubt find the book to be boring. It is not written in the same style as Tolkien's other books, because it simply could not have been done during the man's lifetime. I find it is the "passive" style that turns most readers "off" to the Silmarillion, but it could not be done in any other way. The only thing that is "difficult" about the book is the vast amount of names mentioned throughout the stories contained therein. If you find the massive collection of names to be the difficult part, then show some common sense and turn to the index where every person/place/item is listed telling what it is and what page it is on before continuing with the story. I personally find the book to be a fairly easy read (once you get the names down) and the most interesting of Tolkien's works. It's not as if the book is written in Elizabethan English, for then (and only then) would I be able to understand how some feel it is too "hard".

[ August 21, 2002: Message edited by: Feanaro ]

Morquesse · 08-21-2002, 01:40 PM

Yes, I find the Sil a bit confusing too. Maybe what would help is have a notebook and pencil and write down names and such. Also, it helps to read it a couple of times to fully understand it.
See ya, [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]
~M

galadwen29 · 08-21-2002, 01:48 PM

tried to read a few months back but if find the language a bit confusing. it's very much like the bible at times. but i will try again soon so all to you who give up reading the simillion keep battling (hence teh shield!)

note: one reason why i might find it confusing is my natural hair colour- Blonde but ssshhh don't tell anyone!
[img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img] [img]smilies/eek.gif[/img] [img]smilies/confused.gif[/img] [img]smilies/confused.gif[/img] [img]smilies/confused.gif[/img] [img]smilies/confused.gif[/img]

Legolas · 08-21-2002, 01:49 PM

Or read it in front of the computer, and have the Encyclopedia of Arda in front of you so you can look up a name without turning the page or having to write things down.

Ravenna · 08-21-2002, 02:22 PM

The first two sections are the most confusing, I find, although, keeping all those elves untangled can be a bit difficult.
I did find, on first reading, that once the elves awaken, it got a bit more coherent.
Don't give up though, it's well worth the effort as it's fascinating stuff and you learn so much.
I will admit that a second and third reading helped to get things straighter in my mind.

Arwen Imladris · 08-21-2002, 02:33 PM

Yes, it is very confusing, keep going though! Trust me, it does get better. You start to hear about people that you have heard of before and that helps you to keep the people untangled.

Davin · 08-21-2002, 02:36 PM

I read it on and off...and I find it confusing if I don't pay careful attention while I read. But if I concentrate I understand everything and find it very interesting. I am planning on reading it a few more times so I can learn more, there is an awful lot of information in just one paragraph, so you may find it difficult to absorb all of it at once.

Orome · 08-21-2002, 08:59 PM

after the first 3 times reading it it all makes sense. I will agree that the first 2 or so chapters are the hardest, as they are pretty dry

08-26-2002, 03:33 PM

yeah it was hard to understand at the beginning all the names were confusing me but i read over again then i understood it but a very hard book to read

Rohirrim Lass · 08-26-2002, 03:39 PM

I haven't found it confusing yet, and I'm half way through chapter 10. I don't know, maybe I haven't hit the hard part yet.

red · 08-26-2002, 03:56 PM

It's English, people, and it is not confusing. It's even prose, for goodness sakes.

Davin · 08-26-2002, 04:11 PM

I think that when people decide to go out and buy The Silmarillion and start reading it, they expect it to be just like LotR. But it's not. It is written differently, without much character dialogue, and tons of decription of the events that take place.

And all people read differently, so what can you expect?

Luinsewiel · 08-31-2002, 05:15 PM

The first time I read The Silmarillion I just read it to get the basic information, I knew from the first paragraph it was going to take more than once to get it all. The more I read it the more I remember afterwards. That's kind of how the Lord of the Rings was for me too, untill half way through to book I thought Saruman was the dark lord and Sauron was a wizard [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img]

Eol · 08-31-2002, 11:19 PM

This has been discussed once before. I will give a few tips on reading the Sil.

Take notes As mentioned above, there are many names and they are hard to keep track of. Take notes of whom is mentioned when and what they did. If there is a chapter about one person or several( on Feanor) then take extra care, it means this character will be important later.
Read slowly- mediate It may take several times reading the book before it really sticks. It is well worth it! This has been a four year event for me, trying off and on and only now am I finding what a little gem the Sil is.
Examples In effort to help me understand,I have been taking note. Noticing there are really no notes for the Silmarillion, I have be compling my own, The Silmarillion Cliffnotes. You can go to my homesite on icon and see some examples of how to take notes and how I have done so. I am two chapters short of completely finishing the valaquenta. I have yet to touch the Alkabeth.
Have Fun! This a book that is unlike anything Tolkien really wanted to write. I understood he wanted to turn it into another LOTR epic. Once you undrestand the basics you will being to see connections and other items of interest. After a while the way the stories were written reminded me of the style of greek tragedies. So beautiful and yet so heart yenching! Read and see what you can discover.

I have found that knowing the Silmarillion helped make the LOTR feel more powerful then before. The Silmarillion is one of my more favorite fictions other the LOTR and the translation of Sir Gawin by Tolkien. It is well worth the time to read it and re-read it.

orlandoandsaran · 09-01-2002, 12:03 AM

Yeah the Sil was very confusing to me......but to remember the names.....luckily i had the 'Guide to Middle-earth' handbook..it really helped me...
Well, I'm reading the LOTR again...i think i'll re-read that book later on to refresh my memory

Iargwath · 09-01-2002, 03:01 AM

I would not say the Silmarillion is confusing...it was written in a very different form than that of LotR. Tolkien has potrayed an earlier literature style in the Silmarillion, thus creating emphasis to its time and events occuring.
But i found that reading the book more than once an effective way to deeply understand what is going on...since there is a lot of things to know, and a slight malfunction in concentration can leave u missing a very important part in the book [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Armadoin · 09-03-2002, 12:31 PM

I found it very easy to read the Silmarillion, but then again I'm one of those people who read Robinson Cruiso in the fifth grade, so I am a very good reader.

Samwise · 09-10-2002, 06:13 PM

Well, I only attempted to read it once, several years ago, and I didn't get very far in it, so, yes, at the time I found it confusing.

Lindolirian · 09-10-2002, 07:42 PM

It also helps if you look at a map of Belerian while reading it. It helped me a lot.

Nevfeniel · 09-12-2002, 04:33 PM

I found several parts of the Silmarillion confusing, and I also find it. . . difficult to concentrate when there is no dialogue. I understand stories better when I know what the characters are thinking and saying.

VanimaEdhel · 09-12-2002, 05:05 PM

Hmmm...funny: I didn't think it was at all confusing. If you, however, approach it how you approach the Bible (okay: how I, a non-Christian, approached the Bible when I went to read it), then you can understand it...and: if you are tired, don't even TRY. You end up getting all frustrated and throwing the book across your room. You have to approach it with an open, alert mind. And keep your finger in the index of names and the map...that also helps...

LadyElbereth · 09-12-2002, 06:25 PM

I've gotten past the first few chapters of the Silmarillion! YAY! *pats herself on the back* [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] anyway, i had to stop,back up, and write names and other stuff down cause i've gotten all confused! I've never read a book this slow before, but i like it! Elves are so cool! Anyway, even if you're a HUGE Tolkein fan, i wouldn't recommend reading this book if it doesn't sound interesting to you.

JenFramp · 09-12-2002, 09:56 PM

it takes a bit of work..but if you plow through it..read it twice maybe take some notes..you'll appreciate the information and it really enhances LOTR..I loved it after I finally got used to the language

Alatariel · 09-15-2002, 11:24 AM

I found the most confusing part the names, simply becuase there were so many of them! But I think the stories are well worth reading.

charly · 09-17-2002, 11:24 AM

It was confusing but it also was... exhausting? Yeah, that gives the point. See, it was almost no dialoge, plus all the names... I really got tired after 70 pages- and I´m the kind of person that read LotR in two days! The sil is beautifully told- no doubt- but you really need lots of time- and determination-to read it. I´m not finished yet, but I will... PROMISE!

Nevfeniel · 09-17-2002, 04:34 PM

Quote:

I found the most confusing part the names, simply becuase there were so many of them!

That's exactly how it was for me! They would mention someone or someplace, and I would think Now, who/where is that, again?
Oh, and now that I'm reading UT, the Sil is making a little more sense.

[ September 17, 2002: Message edited by: Nevfeniel ]

Eol · 09-17-2002, 04:52 PM

Tolkien did a very beautiful job in making this feeling a like a historical epic. Roman history, especially during the age of the Roman Republic, there are MANY names and much as the silmarillion. There is no way you can get it during a term unless you take note....

Ithaeliel · 09-17-2002, 05:44 PM

There was only one section in which I found the Silmarillion to be confusing, and that is during The Lays of Beleriand. I finally understood the descriptions after hours of studying the map, however. Otherwise, I don't see how it could be so confusing. I have to agree with réd on this one... of course, I can only speak for myself, because I seem to understand the concepts and details of literature and fictional civilizations more easily than many.

**lindil** · 09-17-2002, 06:09 PM

For all those who have offered good advice to the Silmarillion newbies, here is a link to the thread that shows you how to more or less double the size of your next Silmarillion read.

You will also need UT, HomE 10 and 11, and issue 39 of the jornal Vinyar tengwar.

These are all writings of JRRT, no fan-fic.

'How to read a longer Silmarillion' http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin...c&f=1&t=002217

Isilya · 09-17-2002, 07:22 PM

I'm reading the Sil right now (okay, not at this moment), and so far, I'm understanding it pretty well, it's just the battle scenes and all the places that get me confused........

Note: quite honestly, i'm elenya reincarnated. don't be frightened, i'm working on getting my old persona back as we speak.....

09-19-2002, 05:27 AM

Yes it is definitly hard to read, but I guess that's only because it is written as a historybook and not as a story. when you've read it a couple of times, things get much clearer. some things that are spoken of in LotR will certainly become much clearer to you. I've found it a very interesting book to read! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

08-21-2002, 01:14 PM	#1
Road Dog22 Pile O'Bones Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 16	did anyone else find the silmaillion very confusing i started reading it and i have read 58 pages but i haven't understood any of it and i just wondered if anyone else thought that this book was confusing

08-21-2002, 01:17 PM	#2
Minyaharmawen Pile O'Bones Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 14	Yeah I agree I also find it boring but don't kill me maby it'll get better gets down on knees and prays book will get better [img]smilies/redface.gif[/img] __________________ "It is said never go to the elves for advice for they will andswer with both No, and Yes"

08-21-2002, 01:26 PM	#3
Feanaro Haunting Spirit Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Formenos Posts: 55	The Silmarillion is a collection of myths that depict the history of the Elves and of Numenor throughout the course of Arda's history. If this sounds boring to you, then you will no doubt find the book to be boring. It is not written in the same style as Tolkien's other books, because it simply could not have been done during the man's lifetime. I find it is the "passive" style that turns most readers "off" to the Silmarillion, but it could not be done in any other way. The only thing that is "difficult" about the book is the vast amount of names mentioned throughout the stories contained therein. If you find the massive collection of names to be the difficult part, then show some common sense and turn to the index where every person/place/item is listed telling what it is and what page it is on before continuing with the story. I personally find the book to be a fairly easy read (once you get the names down) and the most interesting of Tolkien's works. It's not as if the book is written in Elizabethan English, for then (and only then) would I be able to understand how some feel it is too "hard". [ August 21, 2002: Message edited by: Feanaro ] __________________ 'See half-brother! This is sharper than thy tongue. Try but once more to usurp my place and the love of my father, and maybe it will rid the Noldor of one who seeks to be the master of thralls.' -Feanor, threatening Fingolfin with his sword. ~Moderator of the Mordor RPG.~

08-21-2002, 01:40 PM	#4
Morquesse Wight Join Date: May 2002 Location: Past the fields we know.... Posts: 202	Yes, I find the Sil a bit confusing too. Maybe what would help is have a notebook and pencil and write down names and such. Also, it helps to read it a couple of times to fully understand it. See ya, [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] ~M __________________ I'm not ashamed to let you know I want this light in me to show. I'm not ashamed to speak the name of Jesus Christ.~Newsboys

08-21-2002, 01:48 PM	#5
galadwen29 Animated Skeleton Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: england Posts: 30	tried to read a few months back but if find the language a bit confusing. it's very much like the bible at times. but i will try again soon so all to you who give up reading the simillion keep battling (hence teh shield!) note: one reason why i might find it confusing is my natural hair colour- Blonde but ssshhh don't tell anyone! [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img] [img]smilies/eek.gif[/img] [img]smilies/confused.gif[/img] [img]smilies/confused.gif[/img] [img]smilies/confused.gif[/img] [img]smilies/confused.gif[/img] __________________ "i don't know half of you as well as i should like; and i like less than half of you half as well as you deserve" "TOSS ME!"

08-21-2002, 01:49 PM	#6
Legolas A Northern Soul Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Valinor Posts: 1,847	Or read it in front of the computer, and have the Encyclopedia of Arda in front of you so you can look up a name without turning the page or having to write things down. __________________ ...take counsel with thyself, and remember who and what thou art.

08-21-2002, 02:22 PM	#7
Ravenna Haunting Spirit Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: witney, oxfordshire Posts: 70	The first two sections are the most confusing, I find, although, keeping all those elves untangled can be a bit difficult. I did find, on first reading, that once the elves awaken, it got a bit more coherent. Don't give up though, it's well worth the effort as it's fascinating stuff and you learn so much. I will admit that a second and third reading helped to get things straighter in my mind.

08-21-2002, 02:33 PM	#8
Arwen Imladris Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: In a box with a fox Posts: 1,347	Yes, it is very confusing, keep going though! Trust me, it does get better. You start to hear about people that you have heard of before and that helps you to keep the people untangled. __________________ "Wake up! Wake up! Wake up, sleepies, we must go, yes, we must go at once."

08-21-2002, 02:36 PM	#9
Davin Wight Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 166	I read it on and off...and I find it confusing if I don't pay careful attention while I read. But if I concentrate I understand everything and find it very interesting. I am planning on reading it a few more times so I can learn more, there is an awful lot of information in just one paragraph, so you may find it difficult to absorb all of it at once. __________________ So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. »»The Telmena««

08-21-2002, 08:59 PM	#10
Orome Wight Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 195	after the first 3 times reading it it all makes sense. I will agree that the first 2 or so chapters are the hardest, as they are pretty dry

08-26-2002, 03:33 PM	#11
greenleaf_replyer Guest Posts: n/a	yeah it was hard to understand at the beginning all the names were confusing me but i read over again then i understood it but a very hard book to read

08-26-2002, 03:39 PM	#12
Rohirrim Lass Pile O'Bones Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Where ever... Posts: 25	I haven't found it confusing yet, and I'm half way through chapter 10. I don't know, maybe I haven't hit the hard part yet.

08-26-2002, 03:56 PM	#13
red Spirit of Mischief Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Land of the free and home of the brave Posts: 366	It's English, people, and it is not confusing. It's even prose, for goodness sakes. __________________ "Cats are like greatness: Some people are born into cat-loving families, some achieve cats, and some have cats thrust upon them." -William H. A. Carr

08-26-2002, 04:11 PM	#14
Davin Wight Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 166	I think that when people decide to go out and buy The Silmarillion and start reading it, they expect it to be just like LotR. But it's not. It is written differently, without much character dialogue, and tons of decription of the events that take place. And all people read differently, so what can you expect? __________________ So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. »»The Telmena««

08-31-2002, 05:15 PM	#15
Luinsewiel Haunting Spirit Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: The Great Grey-Green Greasy Limpopo River, All Set About With Fever Trees Posts: 57	The first time I read The Silmarillion I just read it to get the basic information, I knew from the first paragraph it was going to take more than once to get it all. The more I read it the more I remember afterwards. That's kind of how the Lord of the Rings was for me too, untill half way through to book I thought Saruman was the dark lord and Sauron was a wizard [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img] __________________ Take David Suzuki's nature challenge today ---> www.davidsuzuki.org

08-31-2002, 11:19 PM	#16
Eol Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The Pacific Northwest - Tir Nan Og Posts: 306	This has been discussed once before. I will give a few tips on reading the Sil. Take notes As mentioned above, there are many names and they are hard to keep track of. Take notes of whom is mentioned when and what they did. If there is a chapter about one person or several( on Feanor) then take extra care, it means this character will be important later. Read slowly- mediate It may take several times reading the book before it really sticks. It is well worth it! This has been a four year event for me, trying off and on and only now am I finding what a little gem the Sil is. Examples In effort to help me understand,I have been taking note. Noticing there are really no notes for the Silmarillion, I have be compling my own, The Silmarillion Cliffnotes. You can go to my homesite on icon and see some examples of how to take notes and how I have done so. I am two chapters short of completely finishing the valaquenta. I have yet to touch the Alkabeth. Have Fun! This a book that is unlike anything Tolkien really wanted to write. I understood he wanted to turn it into another LOTR epic. Once you undrestand the basics you will being to see connections and other items of interest. After a while the way the stories were written reminded me of the style of greek tragedies. So beautiful and yet so heart yenching! Read and see what you can discover. I have found that knowing the Silmarillion helped make the LOTR feel more powerful then before. The Silmarillion is one of my more favorite fictions other the LOTR and the translation of Sir Gawin by Tolkien. It is well worth the time to read it and re-read it. __________________ Mes sana in corpec sano- (lt.) A sound mind in a sound body

09-01-2002, 12:03 AM	#17
orlandoandsaran Haunting Spirit Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Greenwood Home Posts: 91	Yeah the Sil was very confusing to me......but to remember the names.....luckily i had the 'Guide to Middle-earth' handbook..it really helped me... Well, I'm reading the LOTR again...i think i'll re-read that book later on to refresh my memory __________________ Vor\|otwen Bloom spouse of Orlando Bloom.

09-01-2002, 03:01 AM	#18
Iargwath Wight Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 236	I would not say the Silmarillion is confusing...it was written in a very different form than that of LotR. Tolkien has potrayed an earlier literature style in the Silmarillion, thus creating emphasis to its time and events occuring. But i found that reading the book more than once an effective way to deeply understand what is going on...since there is a lot of things to know, and a slight malfunction in concentration can leave u missing a very important part in the book [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] __________________ 'I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry'-Psalm 40 My M-e Forum

09-03-2002, 12:31 PM	#19
Armadoin Haunting Spirit Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Lothlorien, ME... Posts: 54	I found it very easy to read the Silmarillion, but then again I'm one of those people who read Robinson Cruiso in the fifth grade, so I am a very good reader. __________________ "I must not fear.Fear is the mind killer. fear is the little death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see it's path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."

09-10-2002, 06:13 PM	#20
Samwise Faithful Spirit Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: #3 Bagshot Row, Petaluma, Ca Posts: 2,299	Well, I only attempted to read it once, several years ago, and I didn't get very far in it, so, yes, at the time I found it confusing. __________________ Giving thanks unto the Father...In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.~Colossians1:12a,14 * * * * * * * I am Samwise son of Hamfast, if by hoe or trowel I can get these weeds out of your garden, I will.You have my shears!;)

09-10-2002, 07:42 PM	#21
Lindolirian World's Tallest Hobbit Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Where the view is long Posts: 2,117	It also helps if you look at a map of Belerian while reading it. It helped me a lot. __________________ 'They say that the One will himself enter into Arda, and heal Men and all the Marring from the beginning to the end."

09-12-2002, 04:33 PM	#22
Nevfeniel Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mithlond Posts: 783	I found several parts of the Silmarillion confusing, and I also find it. . . difficult to concentrate when there is no dialogue. I understand stories better when I know what the characters are thinking and saying. __________________ Consider the purr a variety of audible tranquilizer. [. . .] For a few of us, there is one more purr, a secret purr. When we combine our secret purrs, we produce the Purr of Power. And that is simply the amplified amity we feel as furred and purred beings.

09-12-2002, 05:05 PM	#23
VanimaEdhel Etheral Enchantress Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wellesley College! Posts: 1,461	Hmmm...funny: I didn't think it was at all confusing. If you, however, approach it how you approach the Bible (okay: how I, a non-Christian, approached the Bible when I went to read it), then you can understand it...and: if you are tired, don't even TRY. You end up getting all frustrated and throwing the book across your room. You have to approach it with an open, alert mind. And keep your finger in the index of names and the map...that also helps... __________________ "I think we dream so we don't have to be apart so long. If we're in each others dreams, we can be together all the time." - Hobbes of Calvin and Hobbes

09-12-2002, 06:25 PM	#24
LadyElbereth Wight Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Taniquetil Posts: 183	I've gotten past the first few chapters of the Silmarillion! YAY! pats herself on the back [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] anyway, i had to stop,back up, and write names and other stuff down cause i've gotten all confused! I've never read a book this slow before, but i like it! Elves are so cool! Anyway, even if you're a HUGE Tolkein fan, i wouldn't recommend reading this book if it doesn't sound interesting to you. __________________ If I could be anything, I'd be your tear, so I could be born in your eye, live down your cheek, and die on your lips.

09-12-2002, 09:56 PM	#25
JenFramp Haunting Spirit Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Zionsville Posts: 90	it takes a bit of work..but if you plow through it..read it twice maybe take some notes..you'll appreciate the information and it really enhances LOTR..I loved it after I finally got used to the language __________________ And seeing a picture of Jesus he cried out,"Momma, he's got some scars just like me." And he knew it was love, It was one he could understand He was showing his love, And that's how he hurt his hands.

09-15-2002, 11:24 AM	#26
Alatariel Wight Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: The Cliffs of Insanity Posts: 178	I found the most confusing part the names, simply becuase there were so many of them! But I think the stories are well worth reading. __________________ You mean you'll put down your rock and I'll put down my sword and we'll try to kill each other like civilized people?

09-17-2002, 11:24 AM	#27
charly Haunting Spirit Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: middle earth, dork Posts: 84	It was confusing but it also was... exhausting? Yeah, that gives the point. See, it was almost no dialoge, plus all the names... I really got tired after 70 pages- and I´m the kind of person that read LotR in two days! The sil is beautifully told- no doubt- but you really need lots of time- and determination-to read it. I´m not finished yet, but I will... PROMISE! __________________ "Whom do you serve, scum?"

09-17-2002, 04:52 PM	#29
Eol Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The Pacific Northwest - Tir Nan Og Posts: 306	Tolkien did a very beautiful job in making this feeling a like a historical epic. Roman history, especially during the age of the Roman Republic, there are MANY names and much as the silmarillion. There is no way you can get it during a term unless you take note.... __________________ Mes sana in corpec sano- (lt.) A sound mind in a sound body

09-17-2002, 05:44 PM	#30
Ithaeliel Cornus Caliga Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Five-hundred-twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes from here Posts: 710	There was only one section in which I found the Silmarillion to be confusing, and that is during The Lays of Beleriand. I finally understood the descriptions after hours of studying the map, however. Otherwise, I don't see how it could be so confusing. I have to agree with réd on this one... of course, I can only speak for myself, because I seem to understand the concepts and details of literature and fictional civilizations more easily than many. __________________ That best portion of a good man's life, His little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love. .................William Wordsworth

09-17-2002, 06:09 PM	#31
lindil Seeker of the Straight Path Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: a hidden fastness in Big Valley nor cal Posts: 1,680	For all those who have offered good advice to the Silmarillion newbies, here is a link to the thread that shows you how to more or less double the size of your next Silmarillion read. You will also need UT, HomE 10 and 11, and issue 39 of the jornal Vinyar tengwar. These are all writings of JRRT, no fan-fic. 'How to read a longer Silmarillion' http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin...c&f=1&t=002217 __________________ The dwindling Men of the West would often sit up late into the night exchanging lore & wisdom such as they still possessed that they should not fall back into the mean estate of those who never knew or indeed rebelled against the Light.

09-17-2002, 07:22 PM	#32
Isilya Wight Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: At the bottom of a black hole. Actually, it's quite nice. Hey, is that Elvis?! Posts: 136	I'm reading the Sil right now (okay, not at this moment), and so far, I'm understanding it pretty well, it's just the battle scenes and all the places that get me confused........ Note: quite honestly, i'm elenya reincarnated. don't be frightened, i'm working on getting my old persona back as we speak..... __________________ In my opinion, Tolkien is a lot like Alexander Keith's: Those Who Like It, Like It A Lot!! Yay for Great Big Sea!! Aitken Centre, November 22

09-19-2002, 05:27 AM	#33
Ar-drenal Guest Posts: n/a	Yes it is definitly hard to read, but I guess that's only because it is written as a historybook and not as a story. when you've read it a couple of times, things get much clearer. some things that are spoken of in LotR will certainly become much clearer to you. I've found it a very interesting book to read! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]