Welcoming New Tolkien Seekers and Enthusiasts

[Ent]

Are we ready? Are we prepared?

Though there has been, and continues to be, a good deal of 'negativity' directed at the new RoP, this much is certain...
There WILL be new people attracted to Tolkien's works because of it - and while possibly specifically to Silmarillion, yet maybe also to ALL the 'older' lore.

While PJ's Hobbit and LoTR may have attracted some to those works, still, getting into the 'deeper/earlier things' may have been daunting for them.
RoP opens up that world for their viewing just a bit.

If anything, I would suspect all the negativity against it would do more harm to those who are viewing it, than any misunderstandings the work will present.
The misunderstandings are correctable. The harm of the negativity is not.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm certainly not suggesting we not say anything negative about RoP. But I do think for the benefit of anyone who may be attracted to "come in" and "go deeper", the 'how we say it' is incredibly important - as is whether we're just issuing a 'complete condemnation', or dealing with some specific points rationally and well - which can be inviting rather than off-putting.

So back to the beginning:
- Are we ready to receive those who come?
- Are we prepared to help them deal with, and ultimately dwell in, the new world being opened?
- Have we our "best behaviors" and "teaching skillset" armament in place, ready to be employed?

RoP Exists. It cannot 'unexist'. And it is what it is. It cannot be otherwise.

Thus, it becomes a tremendous opportunity for the 'true Tolkienist' who wants Tolkien and his works front and center. May we see and handle it as such.

If our desire is to 'battle against error', that's great. The only question is, what is the best armor and skillset for us put on to win the war for the truth..!

 

[Erestor Arcamen]

I agree. I personally loved the series so far. It's not perfect but what adaptation ever is? I've seen a lot of people on Reddit and Facebook who have said they want to read the books because of what they say in just the first two episodes alone. That's a win for the series I'd say.

 

[Ealdwyn]

I agree. I personally loved the series so far. It's not perfect but what adaptation ever is? I've seen a lot of people on Reddit and Facebook who have said they want to read the books because of what they say in just the first two episodes alone. That's a win for the series I'd say.

But which books, I wonder? There are no books by Tolkien that correspond with the story we've seen in RoP.

 

[Squint-eyed Southerner]

Nor are there any "corresponding"to the PJ fanfic. Nevertheless, both will bring people to Tolkien. Which is, I believe, the Ent's point, is it not?

 

[Ealdwyn]

True. But you would at least recognise the bones of PJ's fanfic in LotR.
I'm not nitpicking, I just wonder if people will be disappointed if they read the Silm expecting it to be like RoP

 

[Squint-eyed Southerner]

Maybe. I wonder how people react to The Hobbit, after seeing the movies?

 

[Ealdwyn]

Probably surprised to find that it's a children's book?

 

[Squint-eyed Southerner]

Probably still thinking they somehow missed the Tauriel chapter. 😄

 

[Ent]

And yet here's the deal. They still came to a Tolkien book.
Whether they find 'validation for what they saw in the movie' is completely irrelevant.
What they found was Tolkien.
Maybe they'll ask questions.
Are we ready? Are we prepared?
Maybe they'll decide they don't like Tolkien.
Are we ready? Are we prepared?

All the ancillary questions, wonderments, etc. regarding what may or may not be are as irrelevant as is whether the earth is flat or round, or blood flows in the system because of the 'tides of the moon" or the "pumping of the heart" (an old battle by two prominent theoreticians of the past, believe it or not.)

They have questioned. They have come. They have seen. And they get to decide for themselves - which is the very essence of being among the "thinking" (or not) of living beings, is it not?

Most concerns people hold are specious by nature, and irrelevant to what is actually at hand.

Regarding "what books I wonder???" The simple answer is "Tolkien's books", since as pointed out, 'there are no others.'
From there, they learn, decide, and ultimately choose.

So again... are we ready? Or does our behavior and attitude sometimes stand in their way.

I believe this is a critical question each of us must evaluate.

I'll shut up now... there's just no other way to say what needs to be said.

If Tolkien is our love and our hope, we either choose to point the way toward Tolkien as a protagonist, or we choose to point at the non-Tolkienian things as an antagonist.

How do we help the "seeking" the most?
The answer to that is simply whether we believe people respond better to honey, or to vinegar.

 

[Halasían]

Apparently in Brazil the Lord of the Rings is back on the bestseller list after a spike after the premiere of Rings of Power.

 

[Erestor Arcamen]

Apparently in Brazil the Lord of the Rings is back on the bestseller list after a spike after the premiere of Rings of Power.

Seems like Tolkien's soul is going strong thanks to the show!

 

[Halasían]

Yes indeed. There will be a whole new generation of Tolkien book-readers because of Rings of Power!
I was called a 'fake fan' today because I called out the organized review-bombing. 😂

 

[Ent]

Yes indeed. There will be a whole new generation of Tolkien book-readers because of Rings of Power!
I was called a 'fake fan' today because I called out the organized review-bombing. 😂

Thus it is with all who are comfortable living in more worlds than one, without compromising any of them.
I would give you my consolations for being attacked, but well... I suspect you don't need it....and you're well aware we're dealing with mankind. (I think I've already written regarding that elsewhere here. 😁)

 

[Ealdwyn]

Apparently in Brazil the Lord of the Rings is back on the bestseller list after a spike after the premiere of Rings of Power.

If RoP brings more people to Tolkiens real works then maybe it's been worthwhile after all

 

[Ent]

Kind of not appropriate since I'm an Enting, but well... I couldn't resist.

 

[Amon Rudh]

I agree totally that encouragement is the key. I have not read much Tolkien since even the LOTR films and reading it currently it strikes me that both films and books are fabulous (EVEN The Hobbit and ROP efforts) but I am reminded that the books just make you connect with the tale more than ever. Film adaptation will always pander to what the producers and directors and investors and fans need or feel will make the film a success. Just accept it.
However, now I'm a grown up (it's taken 55 years and I am still not 100% convinced) I have really gone in at the deep end, wanting to absorb all the content and history I can. It is truly astounding what JRRT and his son and now others have and are achieving and it's worth passionately promoting this to all new advocates. That said, if people just want to enjoy elements then that's great too.

In a word AGREED!

 

[CheriptheRipper]

I agree. I personally loved the series so far. It's not perfect but what adaptation ever is? I've seen a lot of people on Reddit and Facebook who have said they want to read the books because of what they say in just the first two episodes alone. That's a win for the series I'd say.

Dune comes pretty close man.

 

[Erestor Arcamen]

Dune comes pretty close man.

Yes, it does! I really liked Dune and the book was very good too

 

[1stvermont]

As someone who came to Tolkien via Jackson, I cannot agree more with the Op. Liken Tolkien to a drug; they might be addicted to an impure form, so gently increase their doses until they are addicts like us!!!

 

[Elbereth Vala Varda]

I agree with this wholeheartedly. The disagreements vary, and yes indeed, the series may not be canon. Yet despite that, the recent developments of those who have found Tolkien, or had a spark that had gone dim reignited by this show is priceless. I am very glad that it is bringing more people, as I oft predicted that it would.

I should also note: While I found Tolkien first in the books, the PJ movies inspired my passion exponentially. I read the books almost at the same time of the movies (a fortunate thing since I developed ideas of character illustrations before diving in for PJ's) Movies and shows are just by nature less daunting. It takes energy, and a lot of concentration to thoroughly read and comprehend Tolkien's work.

If this introduces just a few people to Tolkien, I am here for that aspect of it, while others may bother me. It doesn't really matter in the end, I don't have to watch it. There is no necessity for me to spend money on something I don't expect to enjoy. But for those that do, I am here for it.

Here for any new enthusiasts, since we were all new once.