Tolkien Blog Party 2020 – Tag!

It’s that time of year again—the annual Tolkien Blog Party hosted by Rachel at The Edge of the Precipice blog! I checked and the last time I participated was in 2017. 😮 I’m super excited to join in again this year with some Tolkien-themed posts, starting with this questionaire:

1. What Tolkien character do you think you’re the most like?
Probably Faramir. I can relate to his love of books and music but also having to do things in life he really doesn’t care for. I’m also very loyal, perhaps at times to a fault.

2. What Tolkien character do you wish you were more like?
I would like to be more like Bilbo! He’s got his life sorted out…well, at least till Gandalf showed up. And then after his adventures he comes back rich and settles down reasonably well. If that isn’t life goals, I don’t know what is.

3. What would your dream home in Middle-earth be like?
I would love to live in a tree house in Lothlorien as described in the books. It sounds so stress-free and peaceful! Also I don’t know why they made it blue and gloomy in the movie. It’s described in the book as all golden:

‘There lie the woods of Lothlórien!’ said Legolas. ‘That is the fairest of all the dwellings of my people. There are no trees like the trees of that land. For in the autumn their leaves fall not, but turn to gold. Not till the spring comes and the new green opens do they fall, and then the boughs are laden with yellow flowers; and the floor of the wood is golden, and golden is the roof, and its pillars are of silver, for the bark of the trees is smooth and grey. So still our songs in Mirkwood say.’

The Fellowship of the Ring

4. You get to make a movie of the story of Beren and Luthien!  Who do you cast as the leads?
I have to admit, I have yet to read the book, and I tend to picture them as Aragorn and Arwen. 😉 But I would love to see Mia Wasikowska in a Tolkien film, so maybe I would cast her as Luthien. Unsure about Beren…

5. Have you ever marathoned the LOTR or Hobbit movies?
Not that I can remember, although that would be fun! I have watched them across several days though.

6. Do you have a favorite song or track from the movie soundtracks by Howard Shore?

I love the soundtracks so, so much, and it’s hard to pick one! The ring theme, however, is probably my top favorite. It’s so gorgeous and heartbreaking and mysterious all at once.

7. Which of Tolkien’s characters would you like to be best friends with?
I think Samwise is the obvious choice here!

8. Who of the people in your real life would you want in your company if you had to take the ring to Mordor?
Oh boy. 😆 Well, I love my family but I sure don’t want them to get hurt, so I would have to leave them behind. Of my friends… I guess I’d choose whoever can stand eating lembas for months! (Bonus points if they can speak Elvish.)

9. Have you read any of Tolkien’s non-Middle-earth works?

I read his Father Christmas letters years ago and found them delightful. I’ve also read his poem The Fall of Arthur which was really good!

10. Is there a book by Tolkien you haven’t read yet, but want to?

Pretty much all the remaining Middle Earth books. So far, I’ve just read LOTR, The Hobbit, and The Children of Hurin. I have The Fall of Gondolin on my shelf, though, waiting to be read!

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Responses

  1. Mudpuddle Avatar
    Mudpuddle

    i read LOTR 3 times in the 50’s and 60’s, and saw the movies once, but i’d have difficulty answering some of the questions… i liked Aragorn pretty well, but i’m not much like him. i’m probably more like one of the Hobbits that stayed behind, lol….

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Marian Avatar
      Marian

      That’s a good point, many of the characters are more inspirational than relatable 🙂

      Like

  2. Brian Joseph Avatar
    Brian Joseph

    This is such an interesting meme. Your answers are also very interesting. I love Lord of the Rings.

    I agree, I would want to have Bilbo’s life.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Marian Avatar
      Marian

      Thanks, Brian! It’s such a thought-provoking book.

      Like

  3. smellincoffee Avatar
    smellincoffee

    I knew Tolkien had done some non-middle earth work, like a translation of Beowulf, but this survey reminded me of how little I know about his other work! I’ve been tempted to buy an edited collection of Tolkien’s letters, but that’s out of the question until I’ve made more progress on my TBR!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Marian Avatar
      Marian

      Same here… I’m on a (unofficial) book buying ban for the rest of the year. 😛

      Like

  4. Hamlette (Rachel) Avatar
    Hamlette (Rachel)

    Mmmmm, Faramir! That’s awesome that you relate to him so much.

    I LOVE Tolkien’s Letters from Father Christmas — absolutely enchanting book. I wish I could go back in time and be adopted by him, lol!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Marian Avatar
      Marian

      He does seem like he would’ve been a great dad or grandpa. 🙂 I’m impressed by how his son Christopher was so loyal to his father’s work. I don’t agree with his feelings about the movies, but I’ve never seen a family legacy so strong, either!

      Like

  5. moviecriticqueen Avatar
    moviecriticqueen

    Lothlorien sounds breathtaking! In one way I’m glad that they made it so different in the movies because I can still think of the beautiful golden place in my head without an imitation. Sam would be the perfect best friend!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Marian Avatar
      Marian

      That’s a great point! 🙂

      Like

  6. Olivia Avatar
    Olivia

    Ooh, Mia Wasikowska! I could definitely see her as an Elf maiden . . .

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Marian Avatar
      Marian

      Yes – now that she’s been in Alice in Wonderland and Jane Eyre, I really just want her to be in all my favorite stories. 😀

      Like

  7. Tampa Spartan Avatar
    Tampa Spartan

    I love this post! That’s all I’ll say, have the bestest weekend!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Marian Avatar
      Marian

      Thanks, Dean, you too!

      Like

  8. jul | banditø10059793 Avatar
    jul | banditø10059793

    I loved reading this! I used to be an avid Tolkien fan and knew the family trees like the back of my hand but sadly I haven’t read Tolkien in quite some time. This sparked my interest again though… brings back so many happy reading moments! Loved reading your answers as well!
    power to the local dreamer ||-//

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Marian Avatar
      Marian

      Very relatable!! I was not super well-versed in the Middle Earth mythology, but I did have a huge LOTR obsession, which lasted up through the release of the Hobbit movies. Then I kind of quit it cold turkey. 😆 I know I will re-immerse myself in it again, though!

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Beth @ Beth's Bookish Thoughts Avatar
    Beth @ Beth’s Bookish Thoughts

    Great post! Sadly I didn’t write anything for this event… next year I will think of something. I just want to note (have I said this before?) that you should read The Silmarillion before The Fall of Gondolin. It makes more sense that way. FoG doesn’t stand alone as well as The Children of Hurin does.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Marian Avatar
      Marian

      That’s good to know, thanks for the heads up!

      Like

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