Favourite Poem in BoLT1

[Lantarion]

There are many awe-inspiring poems in the first Book of Lost Tales. Which of them do you like most (which might be a difficult decision)?

The Trees of Kortirion is just so incredible.. It is definately my favourite poem of all these.
But I just read A Song of Aryador, and I must say it overwhelmed me with its beautiful imagery and symbolism.. All that dusk, evening and shadows.. Aaah.
But the Man in the Moon- poem is also excellently written, with lots of wonderful imagery.

 

[Elendil3119]

In a City Lost and Dead is my favorite poem in BoLT1. The image it creates is astounding! The Trees of Kortirion is a close second though. One of the reasons I like BoLT1 so much is because of its poetry. The actual texts are quite archaic and hard to read, but the poetry is amazing!

 

[Niniel]

I don't really like the poetry in BOLT 1 (sorry guys!). It's quite archaic, and not in a natural way but as if JRRT deliberately looked for archaic words. It was kinda boring. So when I started reading Lays of Beleriand I was afraid I would find that boring too, but that was much better, especially the Lay of Leithian.

 

[Inderjit S]

BoLT 1 is my least favourite of all the HoME, but the start in which Eriol lands in Eressea is beautiful and some of the early poems are great and my fave. is You and Me

 

[Niniel]

I did love BOLT 1; the prose stories were beautiful; the description of the Trees and their destruction made me cry. but the poetry was not very interesting really.

 

[Lantarion]

Burn the witch!!
But I agree in the sense that it felt like Tolkien used incredibly archaic and ancient terms (like flittermice for bats!) on purpose, and that he actually looked for them.. I saw this especially in the prose texts.

 

[Inderjit S]

But I agree in the sense that it felt like Tolkien used incredibly archaic and ancient terms (

Yes, and buffet for punch/hit. Man that book made me hungry...

 

[Lantarion]

Made you hungry??
Hmm, buffet isn't half as bad as flittermice IMO.. Or rede = councel, advice!!
Anyway, back to topic ppl!

 

[Inderjit S]

Buffet as in the eat all you want thing at Pizza Hut and lots of restaurants? I'm sure theres a dictionary definition somewhere....

 

[Lantarion]

Gotcha..
Right, now back to topic!

 

[Helcaraxë]

I rather like Kortirion Among the Trees although I have'nt read all of them.

 

[Maedhros]

The Trees of Kortirion: Mettanyë

I would not find the burning domes and sands
Where reigns the sun, nor dare the deadly snows,
Nor seek in mountains dark the hidden lands
Of men long lost to whom no pathway goes;
I heed no call of clamant bell that rings
Iron-tongued in the towers of earthly kings.
Here on the stones and trees there lies a spell
Of unforgotten loss, of memory more blest
Than mortal wealth. Here undefeated dwell
The Folk Immortal under withered elms,
Alalminórë once in ancient realms.

This really touched me. Of course a poem in Bolt I that is really interesting is Why the Man in the Moon came down too soon?, with my friend Uolë Kúvion.