why do people dislike lord of the rings?

[galadwen29]

i have always wondered of this. as some of you may have read in some of my replies i have talked of my sister who hates lord of the rings. there are a few of my friends who like it and some who hate it. what makes people like lord of the rings and on the other side of the scale what makes people hate it?

your views please

smilies/frown.gif smilies/eek.gif

[Eruwen]

Well, one of my friends from school, one of my very smart friends at that, said she didn't like it because she couldn't understand it. She said it was too confusing for her.

But my other friends and my siter hates it really, because it is a fantasy book. It has to do with made up creatures and unbelievable things and they just don't like things like that. They like love stories. That's it.

{And don't get me wrong, I know there was somewhat a "love" part to this story. But they don't care. It's not ALL Love.}

Anyway, most of my friends just don't like to read. So they don't. And they won't see the movie because they hate fantasies. Don't know why. Cause it's cool!!! smilies/biggrin.gif

[Tigerlily Gamgee]

Well, why do people really hate anything? It's hard to say what makes someone hate something.
In some cases I really think it has to do with peers and what is considered "cool". Most people probably consider Lord of the Rings to be something that only those "wierd people who roleplay" like. Others probably honestly have a general fear of literature. It is quite a book to read, and most people probably don't consider even giving it a shot.
Other people just tend to dislike anything that is fantasy...
People are just all different. I may love Lord of the Rings but I guess I am the same way as people who hate Lord of the Rings by saying that I hate Dawson's Creek. It must all be in the brain combined with who you hang out with and what your day to day life consists of. Most people who I know that love fantasy and Lord of the Rings are people who are looking for a sort of escapism. People who sometimes wish they could live in another world where pop culture doesn't have such an overwhelming affect on society.

Well, I don't really know if that answers your question... but I don't think that it really has just one plain and clear answer.

[Davin]

I think it's just a matter of personal opinion. Why do some people drink Pepsi while others drink Coke?

Personally, I think people are crazy if they don't like LotR smilies/biggrin.gif

[ Happy Time 43, 72: Words altered via: Davin ]

[ August 27, 2002: Message edited by: Davin ]

[Ransom]

I think the lenght may have something to do with it....most of my friends would never read a book for fun, never mind three. smilies/smile.gif

Tolkein's language ,like C.S. Lewis's, leading to some complaints that it's "too dry."

[Ravenna]

In some cases, I would say its a case of 'I hate what I can't understand.' If they find the book too long and too hard going, and don't come to appreciate the full depth and richness of the story etc, a sad instinct in people is to say they hate it.
Or else they have it typecast as a book only read by weirdos who can't handle real life. (yes I've actually heard a friend say that!).

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

Perhaps that's a question for an anti-Tolkien forum. I wonder if any exist.

[Dimaldaeon]

I think some people think it's too long of a book.
When my aunt saw that i was reading it she asked did i have to read it for school. People don't seem to realise that you can read a book of over 1000 pages just for fun.

[Artilien]

Many of my friends don't like reading at all and that's why they just saw LotR movie (some didn't like it becouse of the violence in it). Some liked it, some didn't. One of my friends read the hobbit (and she liked it very much) but she finds LotR boring, so she has only read FotR. And another friend read the first chapter of The Hobbit and she found it boring... and now she doesn't want to read LotR and she probably wouldn't read any other Tolkien works... I don't know why don't they like it, maybe it's becouse of the story... Anyway, I love LotR (who here doesn't???) and I think that is the best book ever written smilies/biggrin.gif

[Morquesse]

Like many of you, I think the main reason people do not read it is because it is a BIG book! Or even if you split it into three books, they are still good-sized books!

The reason my sister does not like it that is because it is "Boring because it has WAY too much history in it, I just want get along with the story!"
*sigh* I guess some people just do not appreciate historicle depth in books. smilies/frown.gif
~M

[ August 27, 2002: Message edited by: Morquesse ]

[Gorothlammothiel]

I believe the reason some people do not like LOTR is because they do not understand it. Generally, people don't like what they can't understand (take science and the paranormal as an example if you like).

Tolkien's works are deep and full of meanings, which makes them the length they are. That is another thing that will put someone off reading the books. The time that it would take them to complete it, and the time it would take for it to sink in (two very different things when you read such a book).

[Raefindel]

I don't feel it's as much that they don't understand it as that Fantasy just isn't for everyone.

Many people are certianly intelligent enough to understand it, but have no interest in unreal things. My husband reads only "users handbooks". He feels if he isn't learning something practical, it isn't worth his time. Fantasy holds no interest for him.

The amusing thing is, these people usually end up married to someone like me who loves fantasy. Try that out for an interesting marriage!

[ August 27, 2002: Message edited by: Raefindel ]

[Brinniel]

Some people just assume that they won't like LOTR, that it will be too hard or confusing. Unfortunately, I have to admit that I used to be one of these people.

When I first heard that the movie was coming out, I didn't want to see it because I hadn't read the book. I wouldn't read the book because I thought I wouldn't like it. Well, the excitement of the movie coming out encouraged me to read LOTR and The Hobbit like so many others, and guess what? I LOVED IT!!! I am disappointed in myself that I didn't read the books earlier. I wish that people would stop making the same mistake I did and try reading the book. They might end up surprising themselves and enjoy it. It happened to me.

[BeeBombadil]

Brinniel, your experience is eerily similar to mine! I never read it because I hate books with made-up names and lands and monsters. But a co-worker talked me into reading it before I saw the movie. I bought the Hobbit and LOTR and promptly got sick and had to stay home for a week. Well, I couldn't put the darn things down. I read almost non-stop. When I got to the end of LOTR, I was so sad I just cried. What a tremendous cast of characters, great sweep of action, superb descriptions, lucid plot, and marvelous humanity! It is now my favorite book of all time. I can't believe that 20 years ago, as an English major at university, I would have thought I wouldn't like it.

[Nevfeniel]

I think some people are overwhelmed by the sheer size of LotR (it is a pretty big book) and some just don't have the time (or the energy) to read it. Others might not like the fantasy genre. The fools.

[Elsaur]

they fear what they do not understand. they are not only hating the books but i've also heard some personal insults. they think we're all freaks who live in our mothers basement calling ourselves the chosen one and stuff like that.we just have a hobby and enjoy great literature. all they want is their ps2 because if it's not there when they want it instantly and it takes more than a five minute attention span then they're not going to do it and that makes me sick to my stomach. smilies/frown.gif

[Nevfeniel]

Ugh, I hate it when people think we're insane and nerdy just because we like to read. If only it were like it was in the ancient times, when people who could read were considered noble.

[Arwen Imladris]

Wow, I don't know anyone who hates LOTR. I have a friend who isn't excited over it, but she has seen the movie 5 times! Have these people read the books and seen the movie? I bet that if they did that they would at least not despise it anymore. Crazy people!

[Salix]

Know what? The only reason I read LOTR was because of Harry Potter! I originally told my parents that I didn't care for LOTR cause it was too long. (And this comes from a person who read the Guiness Book of World records for '92 in 95!) Anyway, when we went to se Harry Potter in the theatre the day it came out, I saw a trailer for LOTR. I was intruiged, and since it was Friday, i picked it up, and stayed up till around 3:00, then slept until about 8:00, and finished it. And i was like WOW how come I never read this before. You can guess the rest. Kinda freaky though, I only read LOTR in November, and i'm really obsessed now.

My little sister isn't probably ever going to read LOTR, but she's read the Hobbit, and (how does this work) she's on the Downs?! What's up with that?

[Legolas]

Well, one of my friends from school, one of my very smart friends at that, said she didn't like it because she couldn't understand it.

By chance, is this "school" an asylum? Or maybe kindergarten?

Maybe she should go read "Go Dog, Go!" or "Green Eggs And Ham" or something.

I wouldn't put too much stock in your opinion about her being "very smart"...

[Erendis]

I think sometimes, it is indeed the fact that the book is very complex and so, the younger readers don't like it.(I'm not saying that all young readers feel that, just many that I know).
But of course, it's not only young readers who dislike it. There are the people who don't like fantasy and are daunted by the size as well.
Then there are the people who aren't young/unintelligent, like fantasy and don't mind size who dislike LotR. For them (according to the few people I met who fit that criteria) it's too descriptive (quote: "utter crap and an idiotic fairy tale") and thus boring.
It all comes down to personal taste and opinion.

[ August 27, 2002: Message edited by: Erendis ]

[NyteSky]

For a lot of people, even geniunely smart ones, it's simply not their type of book. However my friends of that type still loved the movie, they just weren't interested in spending all that time reading that sort of book.
Then there's the ignorant masses that "don't get it." Grr. Those, like my little brother and parents, who simply don't understand the storyline, can't keep the characters straight (somehow Sauron and Saruman are impossible to tell apart for some reason). Though actually even they still like the movie, and my parents like the books.
The one legitimate (in my opinion)reason not to read the books is that they're really hard to get through the first time. Ok, that's not nearly enough of an excuse, but it is true. It took me till 6th grade or so to actually finish the series. (and since I was reading much longer books by 3rd grade, that is signifigant)
But I've never heard of anyone that actually read the books that didn't like it. Even non readers. So anyone that truly doesn't like it is either orc-kin or mentally deficient. (or more commonly, both)

[akhtene]

I’m afraid that what can really drive some people mad is the book’s richness in detail and historical background. It describes a whole new world, of which the first-time reader has absolutely no idea. That can be very irritating and frustrating. I don’t feel that LotR can be just easy reading for fun. You can be carried away with the plot, but full understanding and appreciation takes some (quite a lot at times) brain-work, which some people are just not used to. It’s a real challenge to one’s intelligence.

[DaughterofVana]

I guess you really have to be a "reader" to like Tolkien. You have to have an open mind and swallow your perception on what is "cool" to really enjoy him. Some people just don't have enough gumption to pick up FotR and take it to the checkout at Barnes and Noble without hiding it under a seventeen magazine, I guess. smilies/smile.gif Though it's been easier, now that the movie has come out and Tolkien has a lot more... how shall I say it... mass-appeal, now that Liv Tyler is playing Arwen and the beautiful Viggo Moresten (I know I butchered that) and Orlando Bloom is Elessar and Legolas, respectively, if you catch my drift. I know it was pretty slim pickings finding fans (at least around my area) before Tolkien started having action figures, but I guess that'll come with the territory. Just as long as it brings people back to the books, and that they know that the book came first, I guess it's okay. smilies/smile.gif Really, the only people I've heard that didn't like the movie was because of the ending. My POV, that still doesn't give them a leg to stand on: if they had read the books, the ending wouldn't have bummed them out so bad, because they'd know that it's only one book of three! Well, one/third of one, anyway.

'Vana

[Belin]

I have a very good friend (extremely intelligent) who stays far, far away from fantasy because "it's too sincere." This is, indeed, an issue that several threads have touched on, and may be a problem for other readers as well. The best understanding I have of it is that the emotional demands of Tolkien are different from those that they expect or appreciate (the same is probably a good explanation of my own dislike of true stories). On the other hand, of course, she hasn't read the book.

She did glance at it and notice that she found the style abrupt and the names stupid. I happen to disagree heartily with both of these observations, but there they are.

There's also the influence of the "fantasy is not valid literature" stigma to contend with. Many posters have mentioned readers who are awed by the books' length and complexity; on the other end of the spectrum are people who don't feel that they can take it seriously. Maybe this is connected to the sincerity issue... fantasy takes itself seriously but may seem to some to be too distant to merit the seriousness.

I consider it an excellent book, but I don't consider disagreement with my opinions on the part of others to be a sign of illiteracy. smilies/wink.gif

Oh, and I had to comment on this...

If only it were like it was in the ancient times, when people who could read were considered noble.

...it's not so much that they were considered noble in the way I think you mean as that they belonged to the nobility.

--Belin Ibaimendi

[ August 28, 2002: Message edited by: Belin ]

[Shadowstrife911]

Blasphemy! We shall round-up all the speakers of heresy, bound them on a stake and burn them like the Witches of old! Within the Holy Words of Tolkien we are graced with the richness, beauty and majesty of Tolkien the Magnificant.

Never shall these Words be critized by the true lovers of literature, the mastermind that is Tolkien has sculpted the imagination of our generation. The words 'literay hack' being spouted at us shall never destroy our faith in the masterpiece, for we are the fans of Tolkien and we can see the truth- The Lord of the Rings is a masterpiece.

A little overdramatic, but back to the question. Most of my friends won't even bother taking on the daunting task of reading the book. Of those we did read it, many have liked it and I know few who hate it. Although the one who hates it is one of my closest friends, his words of hatred merely bounce off me. The Lord of the Rings is a masterpiece - nothing can convince me otherwise.

[NicktheOrc]

smilies/smile.gif smilies/smile.gif smilies/smile.gif smilies/smile.gif I know someone (my girlfriend) that always hears me talking about LOTR and she calls the One Ring "a ring that makes people invisible". How wierd?

Anywho, I was introduced to LOTR by the movie and now I know almost everything about the 3rd Age of LOTR! smilies/smile.gif smilies/smile.gif smilies/smile.gif smilies/smile.gif

[Edited on the 28th of Some Month , : This wierd thingy edited by: Mr. HappyDudiHead, I mean NicktheOrc ]

[ August 28, 2002: Message edited by: NicktheOrc ]

[Merlinus Ambrosius]

Most people who I know who don't like LOTR just plain don't like to read. Then there was my sister. She thought the books sounded like just "plain weirdness". Well, then the movie came out and I got her to go see it with me. She hated it. Then, I convinced her to read the book. She finished FOTR in less than two weeks. Now, she loves the movie. I think most people don't like fantasy just because they won't give it a chance.

[Melephelwen]

A friend of mine is one of those types, who refuses even watching a trailer for something further from reality than a teen-movie. Maybe I'm putting it in extremes, but sometimes she seems that way... But then again, I think she's trying to play persuaded(is it right grammatically?) She also refused to see Pearl Harbor, but after half a year it's one of her favorites. I suspect her for hating all I like. I recommend a book: "Nooo, I don't really like that sort of books - you know elves and stuff" and a month later she could have rea it twice. Anyways, if anybody's interested, she is forced to watch LotR on friday the 13th - horror-film night... smilies/evil.gif
People who sometimes wish they could live in another world where pop culture doesn't have such an overwhelming affect on society.
That is so true. I never thought of it that way, but it is such a good expression! Maybe I'm weird, but I've always wished to live anywhere, but the place I am. My first priority is "out of Denmark", but living in ME would be so fantastic. And Tolkien's style make you believe you are there. Sorry, getting of the subject.
Or else they have it typecast as a book only read by weirdos who can't handle real life.
That is definately a reason. Allthough I do not think we're all like that.
People don't seem to realise that you can read a book of over 1000 pages just for fun.
Tell me about it. I read a book at 'simply' 600 pgs and it took three days, before people started to treat me as usual again. Luckily my work on getting people convinced to read that size of books is starting to give results...
Many people are certianly intelligent enough to understand it, but have no interest in unreal things.
As the girl mentioned earlier. But as long as it's not "Oh, that's far too large a book"n etc. etc. I don't mind.
If only it were like it was in the ancient times, when people who could read were considered noble.
Hmm, I like that thought... they would be forced to respect us... hehe
I'm glad you bothered reading all of this... smilies/rolleyes.gif I got carried away...

[Keeper of the Feet of Melkor]

If they don't like it, then they're crazy...or they don't like reading...

Once I had an english teacher and she said Tolkiens work sucked...you know what I think...she had NO buisiness teaching english (random thought)

[Ainahithiel of Mirkwood]

Well, some people who are deeply religious, do not care for it because it has forms of witch craft in it, and it suguests a bible all it's own. They think that it teaches un christian like things and that's why schools cannot offer it. Some what like harry potter

I Love lord of the Rings by the way, and learned this info from my brother.


also, i think I spell suguest wrong, can some one tell me how?

[Nevfeniel]

I know this isn't quite on topic, but I had to respond to this:
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If only it were like it was in the ancient times, when people who could read were considered noble.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...it's not so much that they were considered noble in the way I think you mean as that they belonged to the nobility.
But didn't they belong to the nobility because they could read?

[NazgulNumberTen]

they are ether idiots, illiterate, or harry potter fans.
(i'm the nicest guy in the world smilies/wink.gif )

[Belin]

*briefly wanders off topic with Nevfeniel (I had to respond too), apologizing in advance*

No, they could read because they were noble. Nobody was out there handing books to serfs; reading was part of the education of the rich and powerful (or religious types) and not really a lot of other people. There weren't a lot of lifestyles that seemed to require it.

--Belin Ibaimendi

[ August 28, 2002: Message edited by: Belin ]

[SportsGrl754]

i think some people dont like it cuz they dont give it a chance. the beginning of the Fellowship of the Ring is actually kind of slow. i know this turned away some of my friends. same with The Hobbit.

[Thinhyandoiel]

I agree with practically everything said so far. Basically all of my friends use at least one of those excuses so as not to read the book or watch the movie. My best friend won't watch it because she isn't 'into' fantasy. Only comedy and horror. When I explained about Merry and Pippin and the Nazgul, the Barrowdowns, the Paths of the Dead, Moria, etc. etc. I was immediately labelled as 'obsessed' for simply knowing these things! Another friend, and I must say, she's an absolute genius, won't read it because to her, fantasy novels hold no truths to real life, they have no meaning. I must say, I nearly cried 'blasphemy!' and almost went off on a tantrum, but we were in class at the time (drat). Later, I tried explaining to her that there are truths in Lord of the Rings, that it was emotionally driven and had me in tears five times! She found the latter bit doubtful (I never cry) so she didn't believe me. I think what Belin said about fantasy being too 'sincere' applied to her. I honestly can't see her sheding a tear throughout the whole book. It's just not her. Which is another reason. LOTR simply doesn't fit with some people's personalities and lifestyles.

My only success was brief. I had my sister read some of The Two Towers after she saw the movie. (She's very worried about Merry and Pippin you see) And yes, she was interested. However, a new Nelly song was released that same week, so I lost her. Dammit.

[galadwen29]

hi everyone

thank you all very much for your replies! this is my first major subject and the first one to have more than 1 reply.

i didn't know that this subject would bring on discussions of nobility. here is my input in medieval times it was not just the nobility that read! in some cases (though very few) poor people read. they might not have had the books and tapestries like the nobility but some had a little knowledge of reading, such as decrees of the land (although these were read out), and later in the 17th century the bible.


note: not all this may be 100% accurate but it's my little bit of knowledge!

anyway keep your posts coming !!

thank you

g smilies/rolleyes.gif smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/wink.gif

[VanimaEdhel]

I can understand how some people may not be able to comprehend the Lord of the Rings. It is not your typical "go in there with your sword killing everything in sight" war-fantasy. There is deepness behind it. You should see the blank looks I get when I try to start conversation about the complexity of Gollum/Smeagol's character.

Now: the Silmarillion...you should see the looks I get when I tell people I've read it. They aren't as surprised about UT and LT, but...for some reason, the Sil really confuses them.

But, it seems these days, people don't really want to think. They want to be entertained more than anything. Tolkien, however, makes you think in most of his works, so that throws people off and makes them dislike his style (their reasons for dislike are the reasons that I favor Tolkien over other authors, actually).

[Ringethiriel]

i think that "the lord of the rings" is a sort of book that you either really like or really hate. i REALLY like it!!! smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/biggrin.gif

[Happy Hobbit]

All my friends have seen the movie.
Some of them have seen more than 3 times. But they all HATE it. I think its confusing.
But my own thoughts, is that they like it but think that other think its geeky so they say they hate but they really love it after all.
I dont know. I think its weird.

[Inderjit Sanghera]

Different opinions really.

[Lathriel]

Some people say they don't like LOTR because there is too much converstion or there is too much description. I totally disagree because I personally love the description throughout the book.
By the way my friends call me bookie because I always have a book with me wherever I go.
And because I read LOTR so fast it only helped me get the name bookie.
I know a girl who took a month to read ROTK!!!!

[NAri Brassbow]

the real problem is that the world is just dumber and fewwer and fewwer people read books any more for enjoyment like probly all of us on this site. the english language has also gone down the preverbial toilet with the use of ebonics and slang terms that are degrading becoming wide spread. smilies/frown.gif

[Armadoin]

I think it is just that some people have no imagination to speak of and they just aren't interested in trying something new. smilies/frown.gif So sad for them.

[Ruler of the Frogs]

I think it could be a number of reasons. The fact that it's long could turn people off. Also, lots of people don't enjoy the fantasy genre. Some people may like the read about ordinary people going through ordinary things so they can relate or something. I dunno, I LOVE LotR so I can't really understand it how some people don't like it! smilies/tongue.gif

[Goldberry]

I know a girl who took a month to read ROTK!!!!

Lathriel, it took me over a month to read each LotR book! A month would be quite fast for me. I read slowly, not because I cannot read fast, but because I like to read slowly so that everything can sink in and I can understand things. I can read fast, but I miss a lot of the details that way. (I know, that was off topic.) smilies/tongue.gif

I think people don't like Lord of the Rings for many different reasons, most of which were already named. My friend doesn't like Lord of the Rings because "It's too boring." I don't understand how she can say that, as she has never even picked up one of the books. Maybe people think that they will be considered geeky if they like it, or maybe it is too long and sort of scares people away. Whatever the reason, I think anybody who doesn't like Lord of the Rings is crazy! smilies/biggrin.gif

[Lathriel]

Sorry if I offended you.
I guess I am just a fast reader. My record time for reading LOTR is a week and a half! smilies/rolleyes.gif

[Morgul Queen]

a WEEK and a HALF!!!!!!! mine is 18 hours smilies/evil.gif but anyway, back to the topic, people today are so focused on being 'COOL' that they don't thimk about anything else, here in NZ we have a ratio of teachers:students at 1:43 (or something like that) and at least 60% of those are over 55 years old....which shows no-body wants to do something that makes you think at a level above staring blindly at a screen! Some people, especially 9-10 year old boys (no offence) can be very unforgiving. One when I was 8 and at that point I was reading Stephen King books I had this book that was 1000+ pages (cant remember the name, the hounds of something or other) and I was waylaid on the way home (i walk), I had my bag taken and thrown over a fence and I was beaten up simply for being "a geek". To repeat something that has cropped up a lot, most people are scared of what they don't understand and because of that I was pushed around and people who touched my would yell out something about having "Seanne germs" (yes thats my real name but don't tell *shhhhhh*) these people are the same ones that call me a freak for liking Tolkien and then when the movies came out called me a "blender".

[Melephelwen]

Ouch, Morgul Queen, it sounds like they were the "geeks"!

Anyways, I think LotR can be described as one of those things, you either love to hate or hate to love. (Can't remember where I saw the expression.) And please, don't throw rotten vegetables, I'm not saying this to offend anybody! smilies/smile.gif

[Tinuviel the Nightingale]

I agree with the people that say it's all because of misunderstanding. Everyone I know that hates Lord of the Rings, are people that think it's too difficult to understand, so they don't bother to read it first before they make a judgement.
As well, because it's a fantasy story, most people think it's geeky and people who like it are just people who are trying to escape reality (even though that's why I read it) and again, they judge before they read.
If people tell me I'm a geek because I read then so be it. I'll have the satisfaction in knowing that I can understand something better than them.

[Luinalatawen]

I personally don't know anyone who dislikes LotR. Just people who like the movies and refuse to read the books. I agree though that different tastes is what determines whether or not someone likes Tolkien.

[Heathie4479]

I think that a lot of people my age (Jr. High) don't read it because they think it is "uncool". Me and some of my friends love both the books and the movies, but other of my friends tease me (friend tease, you know what I mean) about reading them. I think that people don't want to be considered "geeks" becasue they read a book. I personally think it is really dumb.

[Tinuviel the Nightingale]

I agree with you Heathie (welcom to the Downs)

[Minyataurien]

Most of my friends like(or love) LOTR, but some of my closer friends don't. The most likely reason is because they aren't very, to say the least, good at reading and the books probably look close enough to reading the entire dictionary. They don't like the movie either, they say it is boring and confusing. I just can't understand...

[Lathriel]

One last thing Goldeberry (I wanted to tell you this a long time ago but I was too busy)
That girl took another month to just read ROTK not LOTR but just the one book
smilies/redface.gif

[Guo Si]

As previously stated, there are some people who just don't enjoy fantasy novels. However, there are a few other reasons why one may not enjoy Lord of the Rings.

Stylistically, LoTR can be a bit much at times. I would definetely NOT recommend it to someone who likes books of a James Bond nature. It would be like trying to get them to read Les Miserables. Sure, thats another great piece of literature, but come on, how many people have the patience to slog through 40 pages on the sewers of Paris (Granted, LoTR never came close to that level of description)?

Now, there is another type of reader who doesn't respond well to LoTR. They're the "Hardcore Academic". Even if they do read the book, they usually write it off as "That trilogy about Elves with really big swords". This usually is charicteristic of a dislike of contemporary fantasy (These people usually can't get enough of classic literature, though).

In conclusion, its really just a matter of personal taste. I'm sure somewhere, maybe on a Shakespearean forum, people are complaining about the people who don't like Shakespeare and instead opt for Tolkien. smilies/wink.gif

[Ainaserkewen]

I've always thought that some people are just too logical for there own good.
It's fantasy so it's not worth reading, some say. Then theres the people that think it's Merrrish to read LOTR. Then there are the smart people who don't care what other people say and do what they want and can enjoy it. Yes, I am one of those smart people.

[Lucinda]

Its the thought of reading something long and 'boring'. I should know, I was one of the people converted by the movie, which I was dragged out of my stepbrothers house, kicking and screaming (not literally!) to see. This was because I had read a chapter of the hobbit at seven, and decreed it 'boring'. The rest of my Christmas break was spent reading LotR at every spare moment. I read it for Seventeen hours, on the flights coming home.

[Galenlasdur]

Most of my friends like the movies, and get this. I was reading TT in school one day when my friend came up and said, "Hey, haven't you seen that movie already?" I answered,"Well, yeah but the books are always better." It's a fact. The Books, to me, are better. He looked at me as if I'd just said I was going to light my head on fire and run around the halls nude. "Better?"he scoffed(sp?)"What about the special effects?! You don't get those!" I simple frowned but desided to reply sharply with:"If you have an imagination you do." This shut him up promptly(sp?). Which brings up another reason, people just want to watch the movies, and not read the books because it wont be as 'cool' because you can't see the awesome effects. Whatever. It's called description(sp?),people.

[The Only Real Estel]

I'd have to say people don't like LOTR cause they have a lack of imagination, or they may not appreciate the great pains that Tolkien took to add some much detail to his stories. It is always better to read the books, along with seeing the movie, because the movie will never be able to cover all of the book! In fact, the movies (especially TTT) took quite a few liberties in their portraying of the books (Faramir, Arwen,and many others), and also left out some rather large parts (Bombadil,and others)! I realize there was no way they coul've stuffed everything into a 3 hour movie, but I for one, wouldn't mind seeing a SIX hour movie, with no libirties taken, and no parts left out (within reason). As long as there's an intermission, go for it Peter! smilies/cool.gif

[Arien]

People just have likes and dislikes. Its simple. Just because people dont like Lord Of The Rings doesnt mean they have lack of imagination or are dumb and stupid. Some people I know are extreamly smart, and they will not read the book. Simply because they dislike the genre, they prefer to do something else with their time, it too long or they don't like the style. And so what...? You can't be predjudice against them, just because they don't like it. Who are we to say we can't understand why they don't like it? Im sure there is somethings you don't like and others do. E.g...Im a vegan because I do not like the taste of meat or its products. Yet people don't go on and say I have no taste and I am mad (well they probably do.....but we shouldn't arent we bright enough to see that its wrong).

And maybe I'm lucky but people in my school don't make fun of you for being smart or reading Tolkien or any other books. Thats just wrong, and people in my school have better things to do with their time.

And why are you uncool if you read Tolkien, in fact any book? (Im going to sound big headed now....sorry) I am popular....(sorry) and just because I read Tolkien I don't get made fun of.....In fact no-one cares.

[Arwen_Evenstar]

Well, unfortunatley, I think self image has alot to do with it. I have always been a book worm, and quite frankly I don't care what other people think, but not all teenagers are like that. A friend of mine said she doesn't read because only book worms read, and guys don't like girls who read. I was rather shocked by this, but unfortunatley alot of people feel this way.
~nat~

[The Only Real Estel]

True. Not likeing Tolkien doesn't equal bad smilies/cool.gif

[the guy who be short]

Many people are certianly intelligent enough to understand it, but have no interest in unreal things.
i can tell by reading these forums that we are all intelligent people. look at the vocabulary we use! if a stupider (for want of a kinder word) came along and read this forum, im sure theyd get tired of the long words and give up. jrrt was very intelligent, so he uses long words. we are all at the higher end of the spectrum, and can appreciate it. im sure there are some people who simply cannot understand the words in the book. im not sure if im makng myself clear here, but basically what im saying is, we're clever, we read a clever book, and some people might be too dim to fully comprehend it.
then of course theres all the fantasy haters and people put off by its size, and people who are intelligent but dont do "geeky things" like read.

[the guy who be short]

the real problem is that the world is just dumber and fewwer and fewwer people read books any more for enjoyment like probly all of us on this site. the english language has also gone down the preverbial toilet with the use of ebonics and slang terms that are degrading becoming wide spread.

exactly! children dont read, they play on their games consoles and watch tv. i have nothing against either of these, but instead of spending all their times on their playstations, why dont they read a bit?
i also think the english language is going down the drain. we abolished, for some reason, the most complex pronoun, and therefore the most compelling (is that the right word?)to intelligent people; the use of thou, thy, thee, thine. all languages have a way of distinguishing whether they are talking to a superior or friend except english. (sorry if this is off topic). english has lost its beauty.

One when I was 8 and at that point I was reading Stephen King books I had this book that was 1000+ pages (cant remember the name, the hounds of something or other) and I was waylaid on the way home (i walk), I had my bag taken and thrown over a fence and I was beaten up simply for being "a geek"
this makes me too mad to put into words. i hope you did something about it, if not, do it now anyway. i am a boffin(synonyms: geek, nerd, etc.), i love books, and always answer questions. you can guess i might have people pick on me. if they try anything, they know ill be violent. mahatma gandhi, a real hero of mine, used non-violence. this only worked because he was deally with civilised people in the government. kids who consider themselves "cool" are not civilised. they wont stop harassing you for being clever if you do nothing. they expect you to let them walk over you. why should we? they are inferior to us, their brains perhaps nonexistant! dont let them push you around just for doing something clever like reading lotr.
now they annoy me just to provoke me, but i dont turn violent unless they actually harm me. i know violence is not the answer, but that only applys when dealling with humans.

[Melephelwen]

Just a little off topic post here...
i also think the english language is going down the drain.
Hmm... You're probably right, but I come to think about Danish (not to mention German, Icelandic etc. etc.) which is considered doing the same, because the teens "use to many English words" (alas, they think of f*ck, sh*t and equal stuff... smilies/eek.gif smilies/evil.gif smilies/rolleyes.gif ) Anyways, it seems as the whole world is going down, if you look on the languages I mean.

About being 'geeky', there are probably a lot of people who think I am so, but it's been years since I cared (we started getting grades at school, and I realized that teachers like students who can read) and nobody ever mentions my books. Sometimes I get a glare, but that's when I can't resist telling people all the books they should read. I don't think you in general can say that non-readers and "cool" kids are stupid, or non-intelligent, or even brainless, they definately have a brain, sometimes they just wont bother using it. To bring in the disliking-topic just a bit, maybe they are afraid to be treated as they treat "us"... smilies/tongue.gif

[Katherine712]

Your typical hater (aka one with a very strong negative opinion yet who has not really read the books, hmmm) is acting out of ignorance, I think. I do not mind people who hate LOTR if they have actually read it and have a valid opinion, not just the "that is so dumb" type attitude. Although, maybe some people are just tired of being hounded about lotr 24/7 by fans like us! smilies/biggrin.gif

[Rindoien, elf of Lothlorien]

Well, they don't understand it. The problem with people nowadays is that they judge things without even taking the time to experience them. I have a friend who insists she hates Lord of the Rings (which, may I say, is partly brought on by my obsession) and I simply cannot understand it.

[The Saucepan Man]

I have no problem with people who do not like JRRT's works. It is not stupidity, or ignorance, or laziness or anything like that. It is simpy that, for them, these books do not appeal. There are many people whose views I respect who have no desire to read these books. That is their choice. It does not, however, affect my view of them.

As for those who abuse people just because they do read JRRT's works, well they clearly are just plain ignorant.

[The Inebriated Surat]

Two reasons. One People think it makes them cooler to hate it or smilies/rolleyes.gif they are to stupid or young to understand the advanced and graphic story.

[The Saucepan Man]

One People think it makes them cooler to hate it or they are to stupid or young to understand the advanced and graphic story.

Forgive me, tipsy Surat, but that seems to exclude people for whom LotR just does not appeal. The world does not divide into people who love LotR and people who are too "cool" to try it or too young or stupid to understand it. smilies/tongue.gif smilies/wink.gif

[Tinuviel87]

As for those who abuse people just because they do read JRRT's works, well they clearly are just plain ignorant.
Hear hear Saucepan man! I must admit I get quite a bit of ridicule from my friends for being a Tolkien fanatic smilies/evil.gif but I think that has a lot to do with the very very sad fact that it's no longer "cool" to be well-read or intelligent. I tottally respect those who simply don't like the books, but when someone hates them and has never even attempted to read them...i get a bit hot and bothered smilies/rolleyes.gif

[Lush]

A friend of mine said she doesn't read because only book worms read, and guys don't like girls who read.

Your friend is grossly misinformed. Whip out the right book at the right moment, and the boys wil come a-runnin': "Ooh, you like Tolkien too? Really? So, like, what do you think about the Shakesperian parallels with the Ents an stuff? Talk about it over coffee sometime? Can I get your number?"

english has lost its beauty

Languages, just as societies, evolve, but they will not lose their beauty, as long as people like Rimbaud & Squatter are around. smilies/wink.gif

Don't be so negative.

I had my bag taken and thrown over a fence and I was beaten up simply for being "a geek"

People suck sometimes. As long as you don't let them break you, you should turn out all right. The geeks are making millions these days anyway. I wish I were a geek.

The problem with people nowadays is that they judge things without even taking the time to experience them

That problem has existed since the dawn of civilization. It's not a recent development, and I doubt it's going away any time soon. The Legolas craze on the other hand...

it's no longer "cool" to be well-read or intelligent

Once again, the less intelligent people are just taking their revenge out on you, due to the fact that subconsciously a lot of them are aware that a decade down the road they'll be asking you "paper or plastic?"

[Mordor_Queen]

it could be they dont like that sorta thing *my friend loves star wars and hates lotr* or their religion smilies/evil.gif

[Afrodal Fenyar]

Yes, why do people dislike anything? I don't like coffee. Why? It tastes bad(I'm pretty young, by the way, so don't worry, I'll probably learn to like it :P). Why do people dislike LotR? Maybe they think it's bad. Nothing special about it, eh?

[Annúnlótëiel]

At first I wasn't really interested in LOTR it was something my guy-friends read and I associated it with thier "Magic" cards. I was just never inot fantasy either...but that is because Inever had read "good" fantasy untill I read LOTR. I guess I wasn't attracted to it b/c there is so much "bad" fantasy stuff out there that just feuls off violence and dragons and knights ect...You have to get past that stereotype

Also, I suppose people are scarred by the size, or they are not willing to sit down for hours on an end reading (and sometimes rereading) LOTR and looking at the maps....like I did. But I wonder sometimes...some people today could never appreciate this book. I mean, I know girls who cry over thuer boyfriens, worry about proms, sex, who "all" they think about is themselves and thier seemingly "horrible" lives. That is the problem with the teen generation today, (I think). They are selfish. So how can you expect someone like that to even try to like LOTR. It really breaks my heart honestly...for people to be so self centered. They think LOTR fans are just people who are nerdy...I mean I know I am diffrent fro most teens...I am very diffrent in my views ect...but still.

You just have to try...It's true it is difficult. But there is an intsense beauty in it..they way everything is described (Well I suppose it helps that I like history)the emotions. Many people I would just say it was boring and that just sadens me. People today don't care about trying to really get something special (beyond short term pleasure/entertainment) out of something like LOTR, for this reason I fear that our classics are in danger.

Sorry for making that so long thankyou if you read it. ^_^

[Annúnlótëiel]

I must apologize for my horrible spelling. I do not type well when I type fast. I will improve, I promise.

[Lush]

I suppose people are scarred by the size

Yes, I know. *ouch* I mean...d'oh

smilies/wink.gif

I mean, I know girls who cry over thuer boyfriens, worry about proms, sex, who "all" they think about is themselves and thier seemingly "horrible" lives.

You'd be surprised by the number of people who can cram all that in, and still have time to read Tolkien. Just because people have social lives, or jobs, or kids, for that matter, doesn't mean they're too busy to appreciate the beauty of true literature. Don't worry so much about "them."

People today don't care about trying to really get something special (beyond short term pleasure/entertainment) out of something like LOTR, for this reason I fear that our classics are in danger.

People aren't any better now than they were before. Really. Not that we shouldn't take issue with present-day problems, but they are yesterday's problems, in new packaging.

I must apologize for my horrible spelling. I do not type well when I type fast. I will improve, I promise.

*points to the edit post link*

And welcome to the Downs. smilies/smile.gif

[ April 29, 2003: Message edited by: Lush ]

[Nyneve]

Lord of the Rings has a lot of depth that some people cannot fathom. It is confusing if you have only seen the movie because of all the characters and the explainations that are failed to be given. Some people are against the violence, but it is not just mindless killing, it is good verses evil. Many people find the book boring (how could they! *gasp*)and others aren't interested in the story plot. I do have friends who have not read the books but still love the story. I guess it must have to do with why some people like jelly and others like fluff (or both!)

[Arafangwen]

Personaly Nyneve, I love both! But I agree with your point, as some are hopeless romantics and some cannot be forced at gunpoint(or swordpoint, whichever you perfer) to simply put on a dress. I suppose it's all in the way that you view things.

[Morgul Queen]

thanks guy who be short. actually i had my revenge the other day when one of those boys asked me out...in front of all his friends...ohhhh, revenge be very sweet smilies/evil.gif

I agree thatthe English language is losing all its beauty, I mean, look at the beautiful Anglo-Saxon used in the Boewulf then the language that is used in most places today "Yo, S, watup babe" *shudder*
Its enough to make you sick at times.

Another annoying thing is when you come up with something witty and intellectual and no-one understands because you use words with more than 5 letters.
Example: "Ewww, I don't want to sit next to HER, she's such a nerd!!" "The feelings mutual!" "What da heck does dat mean?!!!"

I hesitate to use names *cough* Briar *cough* but this is just too much these girls are upwards of 15 and they don't know what mutual means...Too Much

[Finnguala]

Um, yes. About the topic, I think some people don't like LotR because they don't understand. They don't see the point in Fantasy.
"You forget the real life if you spend too much time at that Fantasy nonsense blahblahblah..." (my uncle) But what exactly IS the real life... smilies/tongue.gif

[Tarien Ithil]

Well, all I can say is people who rave on and on about how stupid and useless LOTR is are silly and ignorant, with nothing else to do than shatter other people's interests. Yep, I've seen many of 'em....

[farstrider]

I think they just don't under stand the simbolism of the books/movies.
they just think it is a weird series about creatures running around with rings fighting each other.
SOME PEOPLE ARE SO STUPID!!!!!!!! smilies/mad.gif

[[PiPPiN]]

a lot of people just don't understand it, and don't want to. but seeing how the majority of us here do like it, how bout you ask someone who doesn't? smilies/evil.gif

[Frodo Brandybuck]

I think people don't like it cuz they are too absorbed with Harry Potter. But why does anyone not like something? Taste? Opinion? It's confusing how anyone could not like Lord of the Rings. It is incredible!

[The X Phial]

The educated people I know who dislike it claim it's because Tolkien is too moralistic. I don't find that his rings true for me, but to each their own. Not everyone has to find inspiration in the same places.

[ May 07, 2003: Message edited by: The X Phial ]

[Neferchoirwen]

Tolkien himself may be moralistic, but his works do show morality in "real" ways---Denethor's attempt on Faramir was thwarted, for instance.

I feel quite "alone" when I'm with my friends when it comes to Tolkien (well, we're all lit majors, me and my friends; but the bizarre thing is, I'm the only one who's read LoTR! smilies/eek.gif )
--->which brings me to our topic: I kept talking about The Lord of The Rings to my pals so much that they end up not reading. (either that or they procrastiate on the chance to open up a book and to be "found by the adventure," as I recall the trailer saying)

So aside from "them" deciding that the books are absolutely beyond them, maybe it's because we get all excited too much that they don't just get it.

[Lathriel]

Some people don't like LOTR because it has to do with magic.Some people who believe in god are offended by the books. Why, probably because of wizards and magic. However I love fantasy so I don't really understand how you can't like it.

[Tarien Ithil]

Hey guys,

Here's an actual extract I found on IMDb of the complete idiotic ignorance of the people out there. (it's real, I swear)>


And so- the most over-rated novel in the history of Western culture becomes the most over-rated film in Western culture. I have tried many times to list the specific banalities that make this film so appalling, but have run out of paper/ink on each occasion, so I am limited to some general points:
-the dialogue is laughable
-the acting is dull and stilted
-the computer effects look like, well, computer effects
-the jokes are awful
-even the NAMES are annoying (Bilbo? Frodo? How excruciatingly twee can you get?)
-Tolkien was a self-important, portentous old git
I could go one, but I can't be bothered, in all honesty. Instead, I'm off to watch one of Peter Jackson's 'early, funny' films- back in the good old days when he was still making zero-budget slapstick zombie comedy horrors.

Isn't that just terrible?? smilies/frown.gif

[Tarien Ithil]

Why do people dislike LOTR?

Since you have seen evidence that some people are REALLY passionate about insulting LOTR (read the above), you’d see that people have such different opinions!

Like all of you, I can’t believe that people could say such hateful things about LOTR because I’m quite protective over my passions and I get upset if anyone insults them, like when people insult LOTR.

But we have to see their side too. They might love, for instance, Harry Potter and we might not. They’d also get protective if we insulted Harry Potter (which I’m sure we won’t cause we have the maturity and a lot of us like Harry Potter anyway). smilies/smile.gif

I still don’t agree with people raving on the Net about how much they hate Tolkien and LOTR and all the rest.
Personally, I don’t think they’ve even read the books but just judged the story by the movies, which isn’t all that wise.

So I think we should just leave them to their own interest, whatever they may be, and we get on with Tolkien and our interests. The best thing is to ignore them, because all they want is attention.

Sorry ‘bout my rambling on. Did I go a little over the top?

~Tarien

[Orofaniel]

i think that "the lord of the rings" is a sort of book that you either really like or really hate. i REALLY like it!!!

I think so too. You like LOTR or you don't.

I don't really know why people don't like it, because it's got a good moral and stuff. "Even the smallest one can make a difference." And "good vs evil, and the good ones wins." I think at least that LOTR is about that but I don't know what other may think. I also feel that people who relly like reading books, like LOTR and other fantasy books. We got to remember that LOTR has around 1000 pages. And of course people who doesn't like to read already, wouldn't want to read 1000 pages just to finish LOTR!

I think that's probably the main thing, but also that it has to do with magic and "not real" things. You know what I mean?

orofâniel smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/wink.gif

[mrslegolastoyou]

people like LOTR because they Hate Harry Potter and people like Harry Potter because they hate LOTR and don't know to save there lives whats good for them (obliviously LOTR is) smilies/biggrin.gif

[dancing spawn of ungoliant]

may i disagree with you, mrslegolastoyou.
i like them both( but if i had to choose i'd vote for lotr).

some people doesn't like lotr because at the first sight it's full of strange names, the languange is a bit oldish and it's hard to send yourself into the world of M-E(swords, armour, long distances, NO CARS!!)
it's tough to read but gets more and more interesting when researching some background information.and then you don't even notice some odd words.

[Kates Frodo Temp]

I was hesitant to read LotR not because I didn't like it, but because I knew I would. It's so easy to fall in love with; my friends and my sister already had. I have many different interests, and wasn't ready to surrender to just one.

When I was ready, I plunged in. Boy am I glad I did! Right now, my time is divided between reading Tolkien, posting on this site, writing fantasy (NOT fan fiction, which I strongly dislike,) I occasionally actually studying in order to improve my writing skills. Pure bliss!

The moral: Encourage antiLotR people to read Tolkien, don't condemn them. Make THEM think about why they don't like it, and then CONVINCE THEM THEY HAVE TO BE CRAZY NOT TO!!!

[Tarien Ithil]

I was hesitant to read LotR not because I didn't like it, but because I knew I would. It's so easy to fall in love with

Certainly and exactly what I felt,Kates Frodo Temp, only I couldn't put it in words.
I agree most fully. smilies/smile.gif

[Aredhel Idril Telcontar]

To really enjoy the Books, one must be mentally *mature*. Age does not count, however. I, personally, do not understand most of my aquaintances who think it is a stupid fairy tale or who have never even heard of it.

They much rather speak of boybands smilies/frown.gif. I weep for their plight smilies/wink.gif.

One must understand the Books, see deep into them. Only then can they be truly enjoyed and understood. Some people just cannot do that. Oh well, it's their choice...

-Aredhel

[barandilwen]

I think people don't like LotR because they just can't relate to the book and movie itself. And maybe they just don't understand the deeper and emotional meaning of the story. And some say that it's not nice because of the magic things in it. I always try to explain that it's a fantasy book and that unrealistic and unimaginable characters, settings and events should occur. LotR is not full of magic by the way. They usually mistake culture, abilities and strengths for magical powers. Can they not distinguish the things between these? smilies/frown.gif LotR is the best and they should not file against our opinions, right?

[Elennar Starfire]

the real problem is that the world is just dumber and fewwer and fewwer people read books any more for enjoyment like probly all of us on this site. the english language has also gone down the preverbial toilet with the use of ebonics and slang terms that are degrading becoming wide spread.

i also think the english language is going down the drain. we abolished, for some reason, the most complex pronoun, and therefore the most compelling (is that the right word?)to intelligent people; the use of thou, thy, thee, thine. all languages have a way of distinguishing whether they are talking to a superior or friend except english. (sorry if this is off topic). english has lost its beauty.

I personally prefer to speak with older language, because it sounds so much nicer to me. I am trying to stop using so much slang, but it's very hard to do because of the number of people who don't care. I have one friend who is doing the same thing, and she is better at it then me, but we are only two teenagers in a world of slang-users.
Did that make any sense to you? It makes more sense in my head. smilies/confused.gif

I have a friend who says that she is too stupid to understand LotR and that it is too long. Another friend said that she threw the books in the garbage because she hated them. smilies/mad.gif

-Tolkien was a self-important, portentous old git

*gasp* BLASPHEMY!!!!!! smilies/eek.gif

[ July 15, 2003: Message edited by: Elennar Starfire ]

[Tarien Ithil]

*gasp* BLASPHEMY!!!!!!

I agree! I found that on the Internet Movie Database. It's awful.

[Benbo]

my brother hates it simply because i like it! he said "actually its probably quite good, but i hate it cos u always read it!"

He is very childish thinking about it!

[Tarien Ithil]

Hey, Benbo!

maybe you should introduce your brother to Barrow-downs and maybe that will change his mind. smilies/smile.gif
......because hating LOTR just because you like to read it is quite harsh.