Posted: November 28, 1999 at 17:40:58: by Fangorn the Wizard
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: : : I would like some advice on what Tokien book to read next.
: : : I've read LOTR and the Hobbit twice each and would like to get a little deeper into it. What I've heard about the Silmarilion scares me a little though because i like the narrative stories.
: : : Any suggestions?: : The Silmarillion is basicly the ancient mythology of LOTR- the stories of Beren and Luthien, Earendil (I remember them being mentioned in LOTR, so you probably ran across these names) and more. It is HIGHLY recommended, especially beacause of the stories (you can easily skip chapters such as "of Beleriand and its Realms", they are important, but not essential). As far as I understand, all other ME related books (Unfinished Tales, Histories of Middle-Earth) are "expansions" of the Silmarillion (other versions, further details, etc.). : : If you want a Tolkien's probably-not-middle-earth related story, "Farmer Giles of Ham" is my favorite. : If you do read the Silmarillion you might want to skim the first few chapters, but absolutely don't skip anything else. Just try to plow through the slow parts. When you finish it, you'll be glad you did. And then you'll want to read LoTR again. :) When I first read The Silmarillion I took somebodies advice and skimmed the first few chapters, not paying attention to much detail. The second time I read it I paid attention to the first "borring" chapters and found them just as fascinating as the rest. It you pay attention in the beggining the rest will be more coherent and you'll probably understand things a little better. Yes. Afterwards you will want to read LotR again.
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