“About this time of year, when the leaves are gold before they fall, look for Bilbo in the woods of the Shire. I shall be with him.” - Elrond, speaking of the last journey to Frodo and the other hobbits as they departed Rivendell to return to The Shire (Return of the King)Exactly on September 29, 3021 (Shire-reckoning), Bilbo & Frodo left Middle-earth forever with Gandalf, Elrond, Galadriel and the other remaining elves to the Undying Lands as Sam, Merry and Pippin watched them depart on their last journey. Join Rediscovered Realms, as we explore “Bilbo’s Last Song”
I watched Rings of Power S2 recently (which I assume will invoke the ire of many here). For it’s flaws, it’s sparked a hunger for LotR lore and got me going down the rabbit hole. I had no idea how wonderful it is, even having absolutely loved the original movies.
Actually, I watched it because I love Tolkien and do not care about what others think. Lol. So, Lee, no fear of reprisal from me. It IS beautiful in many scenes. And I feel, deep down, it still speaks to what Tolkien put onto paper... the opposition in all things, both light and dark.
J.Q. great share & review! The pictures look like they make the tale pop off the page.
I try really hard to keep this a kind space, Lee. A solace for fellow travellers who value Imagination, Discovery, Creativity & Play regardless of the source.
Any time a creation inspires others to those very values and especially drives people to books and reading - that, to me, transcends all politics, puristry, preferences & social agendas. It borders on the divine.
My gateway to literary Tolkien: an old Apple IIe computer game that came with a physical copy of The Hobbit. I STILL put off reading it for the longest time until I kept getting stuck in the game and figured there'd be some clues within those pages. I loved it. That (and some old animated movies which many also denigrated at the time) put me on the path to reading The Fellowship of the Ring and beyond . . . all of this changing my life forever.
Rediscovered Realms covers so much Tolkien-related stuff because of how rich he built his world over his lifetime and how comforting (and fun!) it is to have this shared connection with other lovers of Middle-earth, past and future generations.
To this day, I pick up The Professor's tomes - many of which published after his death - whenever I need that escape, comfort, and connection.
I'm so thrilled you get to go down that rabbit hole, Lee.
This was a lovely article J.Q. and it taps into my own sense of reflection that occurs this time of year. Plus, something weird happened the other day that made me think about the past and lost loved ones so naturally I wrote a story about it and I’m publishing it tomorrow! 🤔 🙂
Also, I had looked at this book before but decided against ordering it. I think your words have changed my mind. Sometimes a specific book, no matter how slight, finds us at the exact moment we need it to 👍🏼
Thank you Carolyn. It's been sort of a recent experiment - injecting some occasional heartfelt content among my usually 100% upbeat stuff. At first it was a little scary to go off charter like that, not knowing how the audience would respond, but I figured there are subscribers that leave every week regardless of the type of content I make, so may as well give it a try. (And thereby connect deeper with the people that remain.) I'm glad you liked it. Speaking of experiments, that's what these songs are as well. I'm playing around with different tech/AI tools here and there, and that's where these songs/singers are coming from!
Right?! It's been bobbing around since about 1990 in some format or other, always just beneath the watery surface of my consciousness, waiting for the right time to tell tale of that last ship. I hope it finds you at the perfect time too, Robin.
I watched Rings of Power S2 recently (which I assume will invoke the ire of many here). For it’s flaws, it’s sparked a hunger for LotR lore and got me going down the rabbit hole. I had no idea how wonderful it is, even having absolutely loved the original movies.
Actually, I watched it because I love Tolkien and do not care about what others think. Lol. So, Lee, no fear of reprisal from me. It IS beautiful in many scenes. And I feel, deep down, it still speaks to what Tolkien put onto paper... the opposition in all things, both light and dark.
J.Q. great share & review! The pictures look like they make the tale pop off the page.
Thanks for the comment & kind response, Hollywood!
I try really hard to keep this a kind space, Lee. A solace for fellow travellers who value Imagination, Discovery, Creativity & Play regardless of the source.
Any time a creation inspires others to those very values and especially drives people to books and reading - that, to me, transcends all politics, puristry, preferences & social agendas. It borders on the divine.
My gateway to literary Tolkien: an old Apple IIe computer game that came with a physical copy of The Hobbit. I STILL put off reading it for the longest time until I kept getting stuck in the game and figured there'd be some clues within those pages. I loved it. That (and some old animated movies which many also denigrated at the time) put me on the path to reading The Fellowship of the Ring and beyond . . . all of this changing my life forever.
Rediscovered Realms covers so much Tolkien-related stuff because of how rich he built his world over his lifetime and how comforting (and fun!) it is to have this shared connection with other lovers of Middle-earth, past and future generations.
To this day, I pick up The Professor's tomes - many of which published after his death - whenever I need that escape, comfort, and connection.
I'm so thrilled you get to go down that rabbit hole, Lee.
Wow, even your replies are nice to read. Kudos.
This was a lovely article J.Q. and it taps into my own sense of reflection that occurs this time of year. Plus, something weird happened the other day that made me think about the past and lost loved ones so naturally I wrote a story about it and I’m publishing it tomorrow! 🤔 🙂
Also, I had looked at this book before but decided against ordering it. I think your words have changed my mind. Sometimes a specific book, no matter how slight, finds us at the exact moment we need it to 👍🏼
Well said, Dan. I'm looking forward to seeing your story today and sharing in your reflections. I appreciate you!
This may have been your best, most moving post yet. Bilbo's last song brought tears to my eyes...thank you.
(But, who was the singer?)
Thank you Carolyn. It's been sort of a recent experiment - injecting some occasional heartfelt content among my usually 100% upbeat stuff. At first it was a little scary to go off charter like that, not knowing how the audience would respond, but I figured there are subscribers that leave every week regardless of the type of content I make, so may as well give it a try. (And thereby connect deeper with the people that remain.) I'm glad you liked it. Speaking of experiments, that's what these songs are as well. I'm playing around with different tech/AI tools here and there, and that's where these songs/singers are coming from!
I for one enjoyed your experiment immensely. I hope you continue to brave the wilds, and look forward to see where your experiments take you!
♥🙏♥
THE ROAD GOES EVER ON:
The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.
(Sung by Bilbo, The Fellowship of the Ring, Chapter 1)
I am a huge LOTR fan! I raised my son on high fantasy movies and media so it’s a tradition to watch one of them AT once a month together!
That's an incredible tradition, Jon! And what a fun thing to do. Thanks for sharing & Keep the Adventure Going Strong!
Fantastic review .thank you
Thanks Rocco! It's a great little book for Tolkien fans.
OMG how did I not know about this book????
Right?! It's been bobbing around since about 1990 in some format or other, always just beneath the watery surface of my consciousness, waiting for the right time to tell tale of that last ship. I hope it finds you at the perfect time too, Robin.
Thank you. I enjoy your newsletters very much.
Terry
Thanks for being here and for your kind words, Terry.
The artwork is beautiful and really adds something special. Great job on the new song.
Thank you, Eric!