Favourite Part of Unfinished Tales?

[Rhod the Red]

What's yours? Mine is the Istari chapter.

[mhagain]

I like Galadriel and Celeborn, but then I'm a total junkie for the more speculative side of Tolkien's writings.

[Ghazi]

It is difficult to choose but I think my choice is also the Istari, followed closely by the Druedain. Tuor is pretty interesting too.

[Elmo]

I love Hurins mockery of Morgoth "Blind ye are..."

[The Might]

I always enjoyed the essays a lot, but my favourite definitely is The Hunt for the Ring, it offers so many interesting pieces of information that help you get a much clearer view on the events that took place in the beginning of the war

[Mithalwen]

Since I am one of the Tolkien fans who loves the world of Middle Earth as a whole over the major storylines, Unfinished Tales is especially beloved to me.. I know its fascination is dependent on having read the "Finished" works but it answers so many unanswered questions that the appendices could not - or more accurately offers answers since the nature of it means that they cannot be taken as definitive. So hard to choose - I love getting Gandalf's view of the Quest of Erebor, more information on the disaster of the Gladden Fields, the Lords of Dol Amroth, Numenore ..I couold more or less list the index - however the Tale of Aldarion and Erendis is perhaps what I would go for.... far more passion than the whole of the Lord of the Rings and a psychologically accurate study of a disintegrating relationship.... tree loving heir to the throne hitches up with beautiful but neurotic and wilful woman ..... :p

[MatthewM]

My favorite part is contained within Galadriel and Celeborn, when Tolkien explains Boromir's courageous journey from Minas Tirith to Rivendell a little more than we get in the narrative of the story.

[yavanna II]

...however the Tale of Aldarion and Erendis is perhaps what I would go for.... far more passion than the whole of the Lord of the Rings and a psychologically accurate study of a disintegrating relationship.... tree loving heir to the throne hitches up with beautiful but neurotic and wilful woman ..... :p

And reminds me of a tale that exists in my own surroundings. Aldarion and Erendis touched me deeply, and though set in a myth, has a lot of significance. It made me cry, the first (and so far last) of its genre to do so.

[obloquy]

Hurin! In fact, Hurin's is one of the best stories Tolkien ever told, I believe.

[Eönwë]

Drùedain and Istari. Wow!

[skip spence]

however the Tale of Aldarion and Erendis is perhaps what I would go for.... far more passion than the whole of the Lord of the Rings and a psychologically accurate study of a disintegrating relationship.... tree loving heir to the throne hitches up with beautiful but neurotic and wilful woman ..... :p

I was also impressed by the very human touch of this story. It's a shame Tolkien never gained enough focus to finish it. This is certainly not "fantasy", just great (although very scetchy) literature.

The tale of Tuor* is also a favourite of mine and the prose, bordering on lyric, is absolutely wonderful. Once again, it's a real shame he didn't finish it.

*edit.

[Sauron the White]

Tuor and Gondolin. I just love anything to do with Goldolin and I find the various Gates fascinating.

[zxcvbn]

The part about Cirion and Eorl. That was really helpful to me as it helped fill in the missing pieces in the history of the Northmen of Rhovanion and their descendants. From here I found that the Eotheod were founded by the last prince of the Northmen, and thus the Kings of Rohan can claim descent from the Kings of Rhovanion.

[ArathornJax]

I really enjoyed the Hunt for the Ring because it almost tells the story from the point of view of the Nazgul chasing the ring. Wouldn't it be cool to have a transcribed or written account by the Witch-King and Khamul on chasing after the ring.

I also enjoy reading the Quest for Erebor since it was The Hobbit that turned me on to Middle Earth.

[Ibrîniðilpathânezel]

Well, since I originally bought the book specifically to read the essay on the Istari, I guess I would have to say... (drum roll)... the Istari. What a surprise! :D

However, I do enjoy much of the rest of the book, quite nearly as well. Except for the parts about Hurin and family. That is one heck of a depressing story....

[Eönwë]

the parts about Hurin and family. That is one heck of a depressing story....

So is the Tuor tale, really. He just doesn't describe as many of the bad parts. The whole House of Hador (especially Galdo's descendants) suffer so much.

Come to think of it, so is Aldarion and Erndis.

Actually, all of the works of ME are a bit depressing (dimishing knowledge, power, people, good, etc.), except maybe for Tom Bombadil. All this time I've been reading books by a :eek: depressing author :eek:

[Ibrîniðilpathânezel]

The Children of Hurin has long reminded me of a strange cross between Oedipus and Elric of Melnibone (possible only in the hindsight of when UT was first published, since Elric obviously was written after Tolkien wrote his first drafts of the Hurin tale, and I doubt very much that either author was any influence on the other). At lot of Tolkien's tales are like a lot of classic mythology in general -- not too many light and happy tales out there, when you stop to think about it (awe-inspiring, perhaps, like the Ainulindale, but not light-hearted). Which is appropriate, since myths, I think, often come about to explain and give meaning to what seem like the eternal burdens and difficulties and mysteries of life.

I imagine that given the "weight" of Tolkien's tales, it explains why, when I first read LotR as a child, I liked the hobbits, as I became an adult, I was fascinated by Aragorn, and now that I'm "over the hill," I'm intrigued by the Ainur. First the (comparatively) child-like, then the heroic, and then the angelic. Sheesh, I feel like I'm sticking one foot in the grave, here... Not ready for that by a long shot. ;)

[Eönwë]

Sheesh, I feel like I'm sticking one foot in the grave, here... Not ready for that by a long shot. ;)

Maybe Mandos, perhaps.
Sorry

But as you say, most legends are powerful, full of evil, suffering, but also heroics and brave deeds. They're about people confronting the evil, the bad thigs that happen to them and in life. :eek: I sound a bit too happy here I think, like someone commentinng on the moral of a story

[Gwathagor]

Tuor, the anti-Turin. Everything Turin does, Tuor does as well, only differently.

He deserves his own thread.

[Lindale]

yes, yes, mithalwen, Aldarion and Erendis was such a good sketch, wasn't it? The subtitle was even catchy. The Shadow of the Shadow. Funny how something as trifle as the divorce of the Heir and his wife should help bring the shadow of the Shadow.

[Snowdog]

Battles for the Fords of Isen, Cirion and Eorl, & Disaster in the Gladden Fields all helped flesh out parts of the Lord of the Rings story. But the most touching was Aldarion and Erendis where it showed that all marital unions in Middle Earth are not the fairy tale sorts. This tale had me thinking of other marriages mentioned where no depth was ever discussed ... Arvedui & Firiel, Arathorn & Gaelrian, Faramir & Eowyn, and even Aragorn & Arwen. I mean, imagine the "discussion" when Aragorn tells Arwen he has decided to lay down his life. We get a glimpse of it, but still...

[Tuor in Gondolin]

There are any number of the tales that are interesting and
bear rereading. Tuor's is quite enlightening but also
frustrating...with the tale ending just as he enters
Gondolin. His journey there has so many neat bits:
his "chance" meeting with the two elves, his meeting
with (Ulmo?), and his almost encounter with Turin.
A continuation of the tale with his encounters with
Maeglin and "Escape from Gondolin!" would have been
fascinating.

But then again there's the great elucidating on the Rohirrim
organization and the Battles of the Fords of Isen.
And the runup to TH "An Unexpected Party" with Gandalf's
difficulty with Thorin.

Also one other bit, it strikes me that the way JRRT presents
both sides plusses and minuses in the Erendis/Aldarion
disfunctional relationship is not unlike the various arguments
for elves, men, dwarves (and a hobbit) to the treasure of
Erebor after the slaying of Smaug.

[Gordis]

I agree with Snowdog, Eldarion and Erendis is an awesome tale. As to character development, it is probably Tolkien's best. Reading other stories it would seem that Men in Tolkien World were as "holy" as Elves in "domestic matters". Well now we know they were not. *feels relieved*;)
I especially like Erendis's words:
Men in Numenor are half-Elves (said Erendis), especially the high men; they are neither the one nor the other. The long life that they were granted deceives them, and they dally in the world, children in mind, until age finds them – and then many only forsake play out of doors for play in their houses. They turn their play into great matters and great matters into play. They would be craftsmen and loremasters and heroes all at once; and women to them are but fires on the hearth – for others to tend, until they are tired of play in the evening. All things were made for their service: hills are for quarries, river to furnish water or to turn wheels, trees for boards, women for their body's need, or if fair to adorn their table and hearth; and children to be teased when nothing else is to do – but they would as soon play with their hounds' whelps. To all they are gracious and kind, merry as larks in the morning (if the sun shines); for they are never wrathful if they can avoid it. Men should be gay, they hold, generous as the rich, giving away what they do not need. Anger they show only when they become aware, suddenly, that there are other wills in the world beside their own. Then they will be as ruthless as the seawind if anything dare to withstand them.
I would have loved to see the LOTR Numenoreans a bit more like the above - and not so holy and wooden as Aragorn and Faramir.

[Alfirin]

I think part of the reason for the stifness in Aragorn's case is that as a result of being raised in Rivendell he was probably raised in the manner of an elf child and so aquired a very elvish way of behaving. Had Elrond not extended his protect and had Aragon been raised among the rangers, he might have turned out as boisterous and lusty as Boromir. As for Faramir, I think the constant need for his father's approval is what led to his overly formal way, he was too afraid to trangress to be at ease.

[Elmo]

It could be construed as irony that the person with the least Numenorean blood Boromir, acted the most like the Numenoreans described by Erendis unlike say Farimir or Aragorn where their Numenoreaness was apparently pure.

[Ghazi]

It could be construed as irony that the person with the least Numenorean blood Boromir, acted the most like the Numenoreans described by Erendis unlike say Farimir or Aragorn where their Numenoreaness was apparently pure.

Numenoreans were divided into 2 groups soon after the events described in "Aldarion and Erendis." Aragorn and Faramir typify the Faithful. I think Boromir reminds me of Aldarion, not evil, but more inclined toward that path.

[Gordis]

It could be construed as irony that the person with the least Numenorean blood Boromir, acted the most like the Numenoreans described by Erendis unlike say Farimir or Aragorn where their Numenoreaness was apparently pure.

I like Alfirin's answer to that (see above)

Basically both Aragorn and Faramir were Gandalf's pupils, the former, in addition, was brought up among Elves. I would say Aragorn was rather "atypical" Numenorean. Denethor and Boromir anf even Faramir were the typical ones - only, contrary to Tar-Aldarion, brought up in times of war and peril.

Of course, even among Numenoreans of Numenor there were several varieties:

I. Wise, peaceful, bookish lore-masters: Vardamir Nolimon, Tar-Elendil (sire of the Lords of Andunie), Aldarion's father Tar-Meneldur, Tar-Minastir, and the last of them - Tar-Palantir.

II. Proud, ruthless king-warrior type soon became predominating : Tar-Aldarion, then a female variety of it: Tar-Ancalime and likely Tar-Telperien, then most certainly Tar-Ciryatan (who even constrained his father to retire early), Tar-Atanamir (like his father proud and greedy of wealth), Tar-Calmacil, Ar-Adûnakhôr, Ar-Gimilzôr and Ar-Pharazôn.

III. And with time there appeared a third type - irresponsible lazy-bones, mostly occupied with pursuit of their little personal hobbies.
I think Tar-Telemmaitë (the mithril-lover) was the first one of those and his daugther Tar-Vanimeldë was the finest example of this attitude: "She gave little heed to ruling, loving rather music and dance; and the power was wielded by her husband Herucalmo" (this one of the 2st type, I bet). Some later Kings that left very little line in the Annales may have been of this ilk as well.

And - an interesting thing- in the history of Gondor we see these three types all over again.
Elendil (I type), Isildur (II), Anarion (I-?) Meneldil (II), Tarannon Falastur (II). Hyarmendacil I (II). Atanatar II Alcarin ‘the Glorious' was the first of the lazy-bones (III), Narmacil I (III). Minalcar-Rómendacil, a great king and politician, was maybe of the I type, not the II, as he used political measures in preference to force. And Eärnur the last King was clearly of the II type.

Maybe type I and II go back to Elrond and Elros respectively (of the latter we unfortunately know little). Yet I guess, unlike Elrond, he was of the second type - a great proud ruler, who wanted power and glory here and now, who forsook immortality for the crown and lordship. His brother was content to become a herald of Gil-Galad, but Elros wanted more.

Of course, Faramir was of the first variety and Boromir of the second. Denethor is a more difficult case. I have a suspicion that born in the first variety, more alike to Faramir, he had schooled himself to act like he was of the second. That may have brought an additional mental strain on him throughout his life. But Denethor believed that in times of war the second type was more needed.

As for Aragorn, he is so "Elvish" in his ways that I really fail to classify him. Maybe he was like Denethor - the first variety guy, but quite modified. Maybe he was of the second variety, with its drawbacks softened by the Elvish schooling.

[Eönwë]

Well personally, I love the Unfinished Tales, because they tell you all the stuff you alwyays wanted to know, except the really mysterious stuff (like Tom Bombadil).

And the Numenor bits show that however adavanced you are you still have problems. And that you can still be turned evil (with the right persuasion, or if you happen to have an evil demi-god you captured in prison and then make him your advisor).
The only criticism I can give about the Numenor parts is that though don't show enough of Valandil (The first of the faithful). He is more important (really) than many of the kings.

[Eönwë]

Also there is a bit which explains that the dwarves helped save Middle-Earth much more than it states in the book, and were almost as important as the others infighting off the evil (except that their battles were much further in the North)

[Snowdog]

I agree with Snowdog, Eldarion and Erendis is an awesome tale. As to character development, it is probably Tolkien's best. Reading other stories it would seem that Men in Tolkien World were as "holy" as Elves in "domestic matters". Well now we know they were not. *feels relieved*;)
I especially like Erendis's words:

I would have loved to see the LOTR Numenoreans a bit more like the above - and not so holy and wooden as Aragorn and Faramir.

Yes, I think some of the Numenorean royal domestic reality could have been developed into both characters, but being limited in scope, I understand why it wasn't pursued as part of lotR. Of course, when Faramir is mentioning the Men of the West... one could wonder if some of the traits had passed on.

[Mithalwen]

I still love the thing I mentioned before but I have developed a new appreciation of the "Battles of the Fords of Isen" since I have lately taken more interest in the Rohirrim.

[mark12_30]

The little bit in Galadriel and Celeborn that deals with Amroth and Nimrodel.

But also ... Eldarion and Erendis is an awesome tale.

[Galadriel]

For some reason, the history of Galadriel and Celeborn. The part where Celebrimbor gets killed ;)

[narfforc]

This is weird, I only picked up this book again last night for the first time in 3yrs. I either forgot or didn't read it right the last time, but last night I realised that some of The Druedain went to Numenor also. They all left before The End, stating that the earth did not feel right beneath their feet.

[Galadriel]

I love Hurins mockery of Morgoth "Blind ye are..."

Ahhh how can I forget that part? Children of Húrin is my favourite side-story. I think Tuor is far too hard to relate to, not to mention terribly unrealistic.

[narfforc]

It has got to be The Istari.................however i do quite like The Quest of Erebor.

[Morthoron]

My favorite part of Unfinished Tales? I am not sure. I'll let you know once it is finished.

[Galadriel]

My favorite part of Unfinished Tales? I am not sure. I'll let you know once it is finished.

Funny, Morthoron. Somehow, your statement sounded a little morbid...I'm not sure why.

[Morwen]

My favourite moment is the meeting between Ulmo and Tuor. I love all that Ulmo has to say to Tuor at this moment, that he Ulmo is a voice that gainsayeth among his brethren, that Tuor should not ask why he was chosen. I love the wording and would quote directly if I had the book with me.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

My favourite moment is the meeting between Ulmo and Tuor. I love all that Ulmo has to say to Tuor at this moment, that he Ulmo is a voice that gainsayeth among his brethren, that Tuor should not ask why he was chosen. I love the wording and would quote directly if I had the book with me.

I have to second that. Well, surprise. Personally, I really like Tuor and his tale is just beautiful anyway, even its descriptive parts, like the description of Cirith Ninniach, Tuor's vision granted to him by Ulmo, and other things... I think the way the water is portrayed in the story is exceptionally beautiful in general, which is, of course, fitting for this particular tale. And Ulmo is just great there, he is truly "the voice that gainsayeth" - unwilling to part ways with the Children in Middle-Earth, even though his more rigid brothers (and sisters) are not maintaining any sort of communication and not willing to break the bane.

But aside from this, there are many other parts I really like in the UT, and it is difficult to pick some. Be it some things in the story of Celeborn and Galadriel, in the tale of Túrin the sorrow of Mim (but now it's in the CoH, so maybe it doesn't count so much), the Quest of Erebor, or some things in the Istari chapter... maybe if I was supposed to point out just one more thing, I would mention the part of the Hunt for the Ring describing the encounter of the Black Riders with Saruman in Isengard. It is just on the level of the strongest narrative moments in LotR. My favourite, though, is one of the versions of it, where Saruman, in terror of the Riders, just narrowly misses the chance to repent and ask Gandalf's help (which he would have surely granted him, as we learn from later on in TT!). I mean - imagine how little would have been enough to alter the history of Middle-Earth so dramatically; the way it is written there, it is just so close - and so emotional, I can see Saruman's flight in dread up the stairway in Orthanc, only to find the spire empty and see a great eagle slowly disappearing in the distance... Just amazing.