New Members - Introduce Yourself Here

[Mithranduil]

I doubt Mithranduil has any sinister intentions. TORN already has the job of hunting down movie-haters. ;)

Actually, my intentions are solely sinister and evil, Morgoth is my favorite character from The Silma *grins evilly*

(kidding!)

No, seriously, though. You wanna know what my real intention is? Guess away!

(is it ok to keep off-topic here?) :)

[Formendacil]

(is it ok to keep off-topic here?) :)

Actually, it is the rare distinction of the Downs that we are far more tolerant of all those Movie-lovers with their love of the movies* than of Off-Topic. The Downs has no Off-topic forum or off-topic threads--though from discussion to discussion, and especially subforum to subforum (Books and Mirth represent the extremes, I'd say) there are degrees of elasticity--not every thread is hyper-focused, but no matter what the forum, stray too far and the Chat Skwerls will come warning...






*Translation also can be read: "those movie-haters with their hate for the movies"

[Tar-Jêx]

Actually, it is the rare distinction of the Downs that we are far more tolerant of all those Movie-lovers with their love of the movies* than of Off-Topic. The Downs has no Off-topic forum or off-topic threads--though from discussion to discussion, and especially subforum to subforum (Books and Mirth represent the extremes, I'd say) there are degrees of elasticity--not every thread is hyper-focused, but no matter what the forum, stray too far and the Chat Skwerls will come warning...






*Translation also can be read: "those movie-haters with their hate for the movies"

I don't understand movie haters for LotR, but I'm definitely onboard with The Hobbit critics.

[Mithalwen]

Hate may be too strong a word but personally I think just aboit every character in the film save Boromir was diminished and they missed the whole point of the book by leaving the Shire completely unaffected by the War of the Ring. It looked about right and some of the casting was great . I also find it too boring to rewatch though it was enjoyable enough in an actual cinema. As a film itvwas ok.. as an adaptation a curates egg.

[King Naugladur]

Hello everybody!
I am a new member. King Naugladur is my screen name, borrowed from my favorite character from the Book of Lost Tales. I am a fan of Dwarves and everything Dwarvish. May your beards grow even longer!
King Naugladur.

[Inziladun]

Welcome to the Downs, King Naugladur!

There's plenty here on Dwarves, and any other Tolkien stuff under the Sun.

Have fun!

[Galadriel55]

Seconded! Welcome to the Downs, King Naugladur! You'll find you're not alone in your love of Dwarves and Dwarvish. :)

[Pitchwife]

Thirded, Welcome to the Barrow Downs Remade, King Naugladur! Enjoy being dead!

[Faramir Jones]

Welcome to the Barrow Downs, King Naugladur!:D

[King Naugladur]

Thanks for the warm greetings, everybody!:)
King Naugladur.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Let me add a belated welcome as well, King Naugladur, and hope you find this place comfortable and interesting :)

[Pervinca Took]

Welcome aboard, King Naugladur!

[narfforc]

'I'm a newbie honest' said narfforc, as he tried to slide back in under the radar.

'No you jolly well aren't, and you know it' replied The Witchy-king of Wagner, Lord of the Ring-cyclists and Morgue-lord of Minus Piffle.

'But does not visiting for umpteen years not count then?' asked narrforc.

'NO!, now go away' roared Coughsmog The Lord of the Labdogs of Mortcough.

'I'm going to set my friends on you lot' replied narfforc.

'Friends, don't make laugh' giggled Smog the Lonely Dragon of Errorbore.

'Starting with you worm, Throbin Oakenhead son of Thrown son of Throb, and his gang, want a word with you, and you Witchy-king better watch out for Earwax daughter of Earnaught sister of Earmore' said narfforc as he scarpered .................... now who shall I annoy next he thought.

[Kuruharan]

'I'm a newbie honest' said narfforc, as he tried to slide back in under the radar.

'No you jolly well aren't, and you know it' replied The Witchy-king of Wagner, Lord of the Ring-cyclists and Morgue-lord of Minus Piffle.

'But does not visiting for umpteen years not count then?' asked narrforc.

'NO!, now go away' roared Coughsmog The Lord of the Labdogs of Mortcough.

'I'm going to set my friends on you lot' replied narfforc.

'Friends, don't make laugh' giggled Smog the Lonely Dragon of Errorbore.

'Starting with you worm, Throbin Oakenhead son of Thrown son of Throb, and his gang, want a word with you, and you Witchy-king better watch out for Earwax daughter of Earnaught sister of Earmore' said narfforc as he scarpered .................... now who shall I annoy next he thought.

Well now, isn't this a surprise.

Welcome back!

[narfforc]

I've missed this old place.......

[Galadriel55]

Seconded! Welcome back, Narfforc!

[Pitchwife]

Thirded. Welcome back, narfforc! (I never noticed you were gone, but that's because I was gone for about the same time...:rolleyes:*at self*)

[Pervinca Took]

Welcome back again, narfforc!

[Faramir Jones]

Welcome back to the Downs, narfforc!:D It's good to hear from you again...:cool:

[KarlPeredhel]

Hey, I several someones mentioned this forum at Oxonmoot, so here I am!
I first got into Tolkien with the LOTR films (I was 5 at the time) and since then seem to have "accidentally" read far too many books far too many times.

[Galadriel55]

Hi Karl!

Welcome to the Downs! Reading far too many books far too many times is a noble pasttime. :D

[Pervinca Took]

Hi Karl, and welcome! I was at that room party, if that's where it was that you kept hearing about the Downs. ;)

[KarlPeredhel]

The room party was just one of many occasions :)

[Galadriel55]

The room party was just one of many occasions :)

Can I just mention that I'm really proud of my fellow Downers? :D

(I wasn't at Oxonmoot, but I'm really happy that the Downs had a strong enough representation to draw your attention!)

[narfforc]

I wasn't at the room party, or you would surely have remembered, however welcome home.

[Aganzir]

Hurrah glad you joined! I was probably the most vocal about the Downs at Oxonmoot so good to see it wasn't for nothing. :D Hope you'll enjoy your stay! :)

[Pervinca Took]

I've been attending Oxonmoots for some years now, and I think 2007 was the first one at which we were graced with shades from the Downs. I considered this visitation (and the subsequent ones - every year since, I think - were some of you at Christ Church?) such an excellent and happy phenomenon that I eventually became undead myself.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

The first time I met Downers at a Tolkien Society event was at the big conference in 2005 in Birmingham ("The Ring Goes Ever On"). Incidentally, it took that trip across the water for me to actually meet members of the German Tolkien Society as well and to subsequently join it. Since then I've attended Oxonmoot a number of times, including the one in Christ Church.

At the moment circumstances are such that I can do very little travelling, alas, but in keeping with my nick I do hold on to hope that there will be opportunity for many meetings in the future! (I already have some fabrics for costumes that need to be made and shown... ;) )

[Faramir Jones]

Welcome to the Downs, KarlPeredhel!:) I was one of those present at Oxonmoot 2015, who helped to draw your attention...;)

[TilloW]

I hope that this is the place where you introduce yourself! Hello, I'm TilloW. I have read (most of) the books and seen the movies so somebody pointed out to me that this would be a good place to learn even more about the world of Tolkien. :)

[Faramir Jones]

Welcome to the Downs, TilloW!:) Please don't hesitate to ask questions of me and your other fellow members.

[Galadriel55]

Seconded! Welcome aboard, TilloW! Lots of discussions here about both books and movies, and other stuff as well!

[TilloW]

Great, thanks Galadriel and Farimir Jones!:D

[Pitchwife]

Another somewhat belated Welcome to the Downs, TilloW! Enjoy being dead! This place is not as populated these days as it used to be (and some who haunt it are not as vociferous, mea culpa), but you'll be hard pressed to find a nicer bunch of Tolkien nerds anywhere. Or a nicer bunch of people.

[Eowyn-of-Rohan]

Hello!

My name is Eowyn and I am a new Tolkien fan. I just got into it this past summer. I never gave it a try until this year, but I am glad I did. Now I drive my friends and family nuts with my obsession!

I am also a freshman in high school, yay.

[Galadriel55]

Hello!

My name is Eowyn and I am a new Tolkien fan. I just got into it this past summer. I never gave it a try until this year, but I am glad I did. Now I drive my friends and family nuts with my obsession!

I am also a freshman in high school, yay.

Hi Eowyn! Welcome to the Downs, and to the fandom! :) Funny, I also became obsessed with Tolkien and joined the Downs when I was a freshman. :D Must be something to do with needing Tolkien at that stage of your life. ;)

[Inziladun]

Welcome, Eowyn! Always good to see new Tolkien fans. :)

[Faramir Jones]

Welcome to the Downs, Eowyn-of-Rohan! :) Please don't hesitate to ask us any questions.

[Eowyn-of-Rohan]

Thank you all for the welcome! I was a little nervous about posting for the first time, so now I feel more comfortable.:)

[Pitchwife]

I welcome you as well, Eowyn-of-Rohan! No reason to feel shy, we're all pretty well-behaved wights around here. :) I still remember that phase of fresh obsession vividly, that urge to tell all the world about this fascinating other world you've just discovered. If only there had been a place like the Downs, and an easy way to find it, back in the Seventies, I'd have felt a lot less like a freak sometimes. However, I babble. Enjoy being dead!

[Morthoron]

Thank you all for the welcome! I was a little nervous about posting for the first time, so now I feel more comfortable.:)

No need to be afraid. We don't bite....hard.

[Lalaith]

A belated welcome to TilloW, who came here at my recommendation. Thank you all for welcoming him so nicely and apologies for not being in to greet him myself!

[Barrel-rider]

Hi. I'm new here, but I want to tell you a little about me:

I come from under the hill, and under the hills and over the hills my paths led. And through the air, I am he that walks unseen. I am the clue-finder, the web-cutter, the stinging fly. I was chosen for the lucky number. I am he that buries his friends alive and drowns them and draws them alive again from the water. I came from the end of a bag, but no bag went over me. I am the friend of bears and the guest of eagles. I am Ringwinner and Luckwearer; and I am Barrel-rider.

Just kidding :D I have read the Hobbit, and I am almost through The Two Towers. I am very happy to have joined you guys here.

So I guess you could say I'm a typical Tolkien fan :smokin: Tolkienology ftw!

[Inziladun]

Welcome, Barrel-rider!

One thing I've definitely come to believe since I joined the Downs is that there is no such creature as a 'typical Tolkien fan'. Here we seem to have them all: the learnéd, the eclectic, the young, the old, the in-between. Movie-fans, and movie-not-fans. ;)

Enjoy yourself!

[Faramir Jones]

Welcome to the Downs, Barrel-rider!:D

Like Inziladun, I found since joining Tolkien fandom that us fans come in all shapes and sizes, although I don't think there are any dragons among us; so no one will miss a cup...;)

[Pitchwife]

Welcome, Barrel-rider! Your barrel has brought you to the right port. Any pickled Dwarves to declare? Otherwise proceed and enjoy being dead.

Like Zil and Faramir said, Downers come in infinte diversity and infinite combinations, and the only typical Tolkien thing about all of us is, well, being Tolkien fans. You'll fit in fine.

[Barrel-rider]

Thanks for welcoming me, guys :) I'm glad this place is still active. I also think I'll be using the smoking emoticon a lot :smokin:

[Greybeard]

Hey! Been a big fan of Tolkien since I read The Hobbit, many many years ago. Look forward to talking about Middle Earth with you all!

[Inziladun]

Welcome Greybeard! Feel free to stir the pot with some controversial topic. ;)

[Barrel-rider]

Welcome! Glad you decided to join us! I'm a relatively new fan myself, though I am inspired by Tolkien's works. Hope you enjoy your stay! :smokin:

[Galadriel55]

Welcome, Greybeard, and belatedly Barrel-rider!

[Faramir Jones]

Welcome to the Downs, Greybeard! :D

[Shire Flower]

Hello! I used to visit this forum a lot around 2003, when I read Lord of the Rings for the first time. My favorite area was the humor thread. I'm glad to see that the Barrow Downs are still around.

[Galadriel55]

Welcome back, Shire Flower!

[Nerwen]

Welcome back, Shire Flower.:)

Now, just to bring you up to date- these days we have a rule that all new (or long absent) members must sign up for the next available Werewolf game (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=19088), or face permanent banning. We are very strict about this.:mad:

You can read about the rules here (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=16791).:Merisu:

[Faramir Jones]

Lovely to have you back, Shire Flower! :)

[Morsul the Dark]

Welcome back, Shire Flower.:)

Now, just to bring you up to date- these days we have a rule that all new (or long absent) members must sign up for the next available Werewolf game (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=19088), or face permanent banning. We are very strict about this.:mad:

You can read about the rules here (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=16791).:Merisu:

Is that the rule?

[Boromir88]

Welcome back Shire Flower and Morsul! Once dead, always dead...or something like that. Cheers! :D

[Nerwen]

Is that the rule?
Yes.:D

Welcome back!

[Snowdog]

Thank you all for the welcome! I was a little nervous about posting for the first time, so now I feel more comfortable.:)

We were glad to get three posts from you Lady Eowyn!

[Pervinca Took]

Lovely name, Shire Flower! Welcome back. :)

[Valesse]

It's been quite a while since I was active here, but I'd really love to give it a go again. I missed my lovely 'Downers~

Perhaps this time I'll do more than lurk the Mirth-y depths. :p

[Galadriel55]

Hello and welcome back Valesse!

[Mithalwen]

Yay Welcome back Valesse. Wherever you post we will be glad to have you back!

[Faramir Jones]

Welcome back, Valesse! It'll be good to read your posts again. ;)

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

It's been quite a while since I was active here, but I'd really love to give it a go again. I missed my lovely 'Downers~

Perhaps this time I'll do more than lurk the Mirth-y depths. :p

Good to have you back again Valesse. I have missed our MSN conversation from the days of yore.

I my self have started lurking in the shadows, although I am only sporadically active.

[al'Thingolfin]

Just wanted to pop in and say hi! Technically not new, but it's been ages since I was on here. Can't believe I remembered the login for this old account.

This was pretty much the first page I visited back when I was new to the internet, loved just idling in the #barrowdowns chatroom. I think I was 13 or 14 back then, closing in on 30 now.

Vaguely recall some nicknames, Ulmo, Rimbaud and Thenamir the chat OPs, Gayahithwen (who I believe taught me how to make an e-mail account!), Artilien, Naz, Yiriandur, burrahobbit, and some guy with a chinese nickname I can't recall.

[Inziladun]

Just wanted to pop in and say hi! Technically not new, but it's been ages since I was on here. Can't believe I remembered the login for this old account.

Welcome back!

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

It's been quite a while since I was active here, but I'd really love to give it a go again. I missed my lovely 'Downers~

Perhaps this time I'll do more than lurk the Mirth-y depths. :p

Just wanted to pop in and say hi! Technically not new, but it's been ages since I was on here. Can't believe I remembered the login for this old account.

This was pretty much the first page I visited back when I was new to the internet, loved just idling in the #barrowdowns chatroom. I think I was 13 or 14 back then, closing in on 30 now.

Vaguely recall some nicknames, Ulmo, Rimbaud and Thenamir the chat OPs, Gayahithwen (who I believe taught me how to make an e-mail account!), Artilien, Naz, Yiriandur, burrahobbit, and some guy with a chinese nickname I can't recall.

Welcome back old timer.

I remember Thenamir, (and some of the others) though he stopped being active a relatively short while after I joined.

[Galadriel55]

Just wanted to pop in and say hi! Technically not new, but it's been ages since I was on here. Can't believe I remembered the login for this old account.

This was pretty much the first page I visited back when I was new to the internet, loved just idling in the #barrowdowns chatroom. I think I was 13 or 14 back then, closing in on 30 now.

Vaguely recall some nicknames, Ulmo, Rimbaud and Thenamir the chat OPs, Gayahithwen (who I believe taught me how to make an e-mail account!), Artilien, Naz, Yiriandur, burrahobbit, and some guy with a chinese nickname I can't recall.

Welcome back! I don't think we've "met" before, but I recognize your name from some of the older threads. :)

[Faramir Jones]

Welcome back, al'Thingolfin! :D

[Pervinca Took]

Welcome back indeed, al'Thingolfin!

[ninja91]

I would simply like to say that I have missed many of you and that visiting this place still gives me joy. It has been many years. Maybe tomorrow another decade passes. I hope that each of you are enjoying life's adventures. With love!

[Huinesoron]

Elen síla lúmenn’ omentielvo to you all. ;)

Hi! I'm Huinesoron. I've known of the Downs for many, many years (I started one of those many Silmarillion Film projects with a bunch of folks from here), but for some reason have never signed up. Well... until now. It turns out that stumbling back across you and reading thread after thread while going 'oh, I have a thought on that' is a really good incentive to join.

I have a deep-seated inability to keep my mouth shut when I want to say something, so you can probably expect to see me around a fair bit...

hS

[Morthoron]

I have a deep-seated inability to keep my mouth shut when I want to say something, so you can probably expect to see me around a fair bit...


In the immortal words of the god Vulcan in The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, "Oh, we cater for all sorts here. You'd be surprised."

Le nathlof hí.

[Faramir Jones]

Welcome to the Downs, Huinesoron! Like you, I lurked around a lot before joining...

[Pervinca Took]

Welcome back, ninja91! :)

And welcome, Huinesoron. :)

[Eldy]

I registered here a long time ago when I was still relatively new to online Tolkien fandom and while I never became active I have lurked intermittently over the years. I recognize more than a few of the names here from elsewhere. Over the past several months I've been venturing out of my usual online haunts a little more than I have for a long time (pun semi-deliberate :P).

[Galadriel55]

Welcome back, Eldorion!

[Pervinca Took]

Welcome back, indeed! :)

[Faramir Jones]

Good to have you back, Eldorion! :)

[Rhun charioteer]

I'm not a "new" member per se but I haven't introduced myself.

I was first introduced Tolkien and LOTR through the cartoon movies in the seventies and then Jackson's movies and I read the books six years later.

Anyway Tolkien's legendarium has since I was introduced to it been a passion of mine and I have always wanted to read and learn more about the wonderful world Tolkien created.

[Inziladun]

Well, welcome anyway, Rhun charioteer! You've already made some interesting contributions here.

[Faramir Jones]

As Inziladun said, welcome to you anyway, Rhun charioteer! Please don't worry about the delay in introducing yourself. I lurked for a long time before I decided to join, let alone make any contributions...

[Merrymatt]

Greetings and Bienvenue Fellow Tolkien Fans
My name is Matthew Rascoe or Merrymatt by others, I’m an aspiring comic/film writer and Tolkien has been a major hero for my entire reading life.

[Pervinca Took]

Welcome on board, Merrymatt! :)

[Galadriel55]

Welcome, Merrymatt! I see you found the RPG subforum already. I hope you enjoy the rest of the site as well.

[Huinesoron]

Welcome, Merrymatt; I think you're the first actual new person to post on this thread since me, so doubly welcome! :)

hS

[Merrymatt]

Welcome, Merrymatt! I see you found the RPG subforum already. I hope you enjoy the rest of the site as well.

I intend to spread my love of Tolkien throughout this forum

[Galadriel55]

i want to welcome the [currently] newest member of our forum, Lobelia's Umbrella. I don't know who you are but your screen name is beautiful. :cool:

[Pervinca Took]

Indeed! A brilliant, hobbitty name. Welcome aboard, Lobelia's Umbrella.

[Barandiun]

Hi! My name is Tyler and I like hobbits. I'm TheGreatElvenWarrior's significant other.

[Galadriel55]

Hi Tyler! Welcome to the Downs! Hope to see you around the forums in the coming days. :)

Do you prefer to use Tyler or Barandiun?

[Urwen]

Well, it seems I've never introduced myself either, so I'd like to remedy that. I am Marie aka Urwen, oldest child of Hurin, tamer of geese and lover of Meglin.

[Pervinca Took]

Welcome aboard, Baranduin/Tyler!

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Hi Tyler! Welcome to the Downs! Hope to see you around the forums in the coming days. :)

Do you prefer to use Tyler or Barandiun?

G55, I just asked, and Baranduin is great! :D

[Imladviel]

It's been a while...

I used to be a regular here in 2003ish... my username back then was Niphredil Baggins. I can't log in to that account because I made it with my university email. Not being an university student anymore (no, I didn't graduate, I dropped out), I don't have access to it.

I don't think anyone remembers me, and it might be better to make a new start anyways, as I have changed much from that constantly drunk chaotic half-hobbit persona I adopted.

I'm honestly surprised this place is still here! :eek:

[Inziladun]

I used to be a regular here in 2003ish... my username back then was Niphredil Baggins. I can't log in to that account because I made it with my university email. Not being an university student anymore (no, I didn't graduate, I dropped out), I don't have access to it.

I don't think anyone remembers me, and it might be better to make a new start anyways, as I have changed much from that constantly drunk chaotic half-hobbit persona I adopted.

Welcome back! I remember seeing you here and there, but that was during my own 'sabbatical'; I didn't really get back to regular visiting until 2008.

I'm honestly surprised this place is still here! :eek:

It amazes me also. When I look back on where I was when I joined, and how much in RL has changed, that this place is still around is a great comfort to me. :)

Hope to see you more!

[Imladviel]

Thanks, Inziladun!

I realized I didn't actually tell anything about myself. I am almost 39 years old, I am owned by one cat, I live alone and am unemployed. I have also recently become an aunt!

I am in the risk groups for corona because of an illness, so I have decided to isolate myself as much as possible. This means I am at home a lot and getting bored, which is why I had the idea to see if this old haunt was still here. :)

[Inziladun]

I realized I didn't actually tell anything about myself. I am almost 39 years old, I am owned by one cat, I live alone and am unemployed. I have also recently become an aunt!

Congratulations on you Aunt status!

I am in the risk groups for corona because of an illness, so I have decided to isolate myself as much as possible. This means I am at home a lot and getting bored, which is why I had the idea to see if this old haunt was still here. :)

Well, there's certainly a lot here to peruse. Just after the Covid onset there was an uptick of activity. I'm anticipating more when the Amazon LOTR series emerges.

[Galadriel55]

Welcome back, Imladviel! Once a Downer, always a Downer? ;) I am too recently dead to have met you before, but looking forward to seeing you around!

Now that I think of it, I have been dead 10 years this month. 10 years, and it is still too recent. Also, several more years and I will have been on the Downs for longer than I lived without it. I am having a mid-death crisis, maybe.

[Blind Guardian]

I have also recently become an aunt!

For some reason I read this as "I recently became an adult" and was very confused. I even reread it multiple times...

Anyways, welcome/welcome back!

[Blind Guardian]

Now that I think of it, I have been dead 10 years this month. 10 years, and it is still too recent. Also, several more years and I will have been on the Downs for longer than I lived without it. I am having a mid-death crisis, maybe.

OMG me too! I was 13 when I first found the Downes, but I didn't make an account until I was 14. Now I'm 24... geeze time flies!

[Galadriel55]

OMG me too! I was 13 when I first found the Downes, but I didn't make an account until I was 14. Now I'm 24... geeze time flies!

Same here, down to the years! :eek: Except I made an account within the hour of finding the Downs at the tail end of 13 - never thinking I would need it for more than one post.

Hey! Let's celebrate the double digits this weekend. Throw a Downer skype party or something. Do a bit of favourite passage reading, play online 20 questions, tell Tolkien jokes. Downers used to do skype reads, maybe we can revive the tradition.

[Imladviel]

Congratulations on you Aunt status!

Thank you!

Welcome back, Imladviel! Once a Downer, always a Downer? ;) I am too recently dead to have met you before, but looking forward to seeing you around!

Thanks! :)


For some reason I read this as "I recently became an adult" and was very confused. I even reread it multiple times...

Anyways, welcome/welcome back!

I'm never going to be an adult. :p Thank you!

[araxhiel]

Hi all!

My name is Anton, and although I was aware of this forum, I never registered before (yeah, procrastination is kinda strong).

I knew about TLotR since I was a kid, as where we used to rent movies they had a copy of the 1978 animated movie (but my mom never choose that to take home LOL). A decade later, Peter Jackson's movies happened, and that was my first real approach to Tolkien's work.

Unfortunately, the only book that I've read of this series was the Silmarillion (around 2003) and being honest, I had the intention to read the other books, but never read them (procrastination strikes again...).

This next year I'll try to correct that, as I have decided to read all the books (and that's also a personal goal for next year)... Although I'm kinda nervous, as I'm attempting to read them in English, instead a translated version (The Silmarillion that I read back then was a translated version).

P.S. Sorry for my grammar mistakes, even after all these years I still have a long feud with grammar/verbs.

[Inziladun]

Hi all!

Welcome, araxhiel!

Unfortunately, the only book that I've read of this series was the Silmarillion (around 2003) and being honest, I had the intention to read the other books, but never read them (procrastination strikes again...).

This next year I'll try to correct that, as I have decided to read all the books (and that's also a personal goal for next year)... Although I'm kinda nervous, as I'm attempting to read them in English, instead a translated version (The Silmarillion that I read back then was a translated version).

Well, as a native English speaker I can tell you that The Silmarillion is usually considered rather difficult for the average reader; LOTR (and especially The Hobbit) are considerably easier. Maybe, then, you've already done the hard part! ;)

P.S. Sorry for my grammar mistakes, even after all these years I still have a long feud with grammar/verbs.

Your post is entirely understandable, and that's what matters.

[Galadriel55]

Hello Araxhiel!

It's exciting to have new people join! Welcome to the Downs!

And join the Translated Tolkien club! I knew Tolkien exclusively in Russian for years before I ever read the English copy of the books. I find that I relate to them differently, they have a different feel. I tend to prefer The Sil, The Hobbit, Children of Hurin and the other smaller works in the original English, but have a very soft spot for the Muravyov-Kistyakovsky translation of LOTR. It's actually been years since I read LOTR in English, and was planning to do a cover-to-cover of that at some point. I think my point is, translations count too! And are equally fun to discuss, when you get a few people with bilingual Tolkien experience together. :)

[Mithalwen]

Hi, I have recently been adopted by very much non identical twin kittens. They don’t have Tolkien names unfortunately as I work with their mother’s person and got too used to their original names.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Far from new but it feels like a fresh start -- I could not remember my password for the Downs and could not find it saved on either of my computers! For several days I was entirely locked from my account, before finally finding my login information on my old phone.

So, that was close.

*re-engage lurk mode*

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Far from new but it feels like a fresh start -- I could not remember my password for the Downs and could not find it saved on either of my computers! For several days I was entirely locked from my account, before finally finding my login information on my old phone.

So, that was close.

*re-engage lurk mode*

What a harrowing near death experience.

Welcome back amongst the dead! :smokin:

[hamidradami]

Hi everyone my name is hamid radami, I'm an absolute fan of Middle earth world, I remembered when I was 14 I watched 3 the Lord of the Rings movies then I bought The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth and playing a lot after that I realized The Silmarillion book, what a masterpiece, right now I'm playing another Lord of the Rings game(Divide and Conquer mod for Medieval II) It's a strategy game, so you can raise an army and attack the other factions in middle earth when I searched about the Morgoth I found your community, so I decided to register, my other hobbies are watching anime and movies, so I hope we have a great time with each other here.
Sorry if I have any mistake in my grammar, English is my second language.

[Pervinca Took]

Welcome aboard, Hamid!

[Galadriel55]

Hi Hamid! Welcome to the Downs!

[Soriman the Whide]

2021 new user coming through. This place is dead right?

[Huinesoron]

2021 new user coming through. This place is dead right?

Hi Soriman, welcome to the Downs! Naturally the place is dead - I myself am a ghostly Prince of Cardolan (apparently).

Cold be hand and heart and bone,
and cold be sleep under stone:
never more to wake on stony bed,
never, till the Sun fails and the Moon is dead.

:D

hS

[Mithadan]

Welcome Soriman. Define "dead" please and enjoy your stay here.

[Soriman the Whide]

Welcome Soriman. Define "dead"

Seems as though an ent might keep pace here.

[Formendacil]

Seems as though an ent might keep pace here.

I've been describing myself as a "treeish" user for something like eight/nine years, so at this point the Ents might be the active ones in this particular Fangorn...

But welcome to these shady woods all the same. I am enjoying your username if only because, in the wake of reading Tolkien's Chaucer, it's making me think that it would be an excellent and not implausible alterative Middle English spelling for our favourite master of Isengard.

[Galadriel55]

Welcome, Soriman! I think this place is suitable for Ents and Huorns and trees and merry hobbits alike, even hasty wizards have their place. Take your pick and enjoy!

[Ring Bearer]

I am Ring Bearer, I joined this forum to post just one reply--like many here I believe.

The Forum is older than me.

I don't think The Hobbit Trilogy is considered to be a great series among the fans but that is what got me(and I believe many of my generation) into the Fandom--about 8 years ago.

I have only read "The Hobbit", I was too young to read hefty books like LOTR back in 2013. I do intend to read them someday. I don't think I'll read the Silm tho, have read too much of the "One Wiki To Rule Them All".

Love all 6 movies and it was actually a Movie Prediction by Mister Underhill in 2000 that got me into this forum--I believe that post was read by Peter Jackson bcoz it did find its way into the movie.

Since I was toddler when the original trilogy came out--I was never interested in it until I watched the "Riddles in the Dark" scene too many times on TV in 2013(was running continuously before DoS was too be released I believe).

P.S. This website is ancient.I love it!

[Huinesoron]

Hi Ring Bearer! Welcome to the Downs. I'm always fascinated by communities appealing to people younger than them, so double welcome in fact. :)

Around here you will find people who hate the Hobbit movies but loved the LOTR ones, who hate the LOTR ones but love the books, and no doubt who hate LOTR and think Tolkien shout have stuck with The Hobbit alone. :D All views are welcome, which is great if you're inclined to go off on random tangents (like me... hi).

I'm really curious now - what was the prediction? :O I knew a fanfic way back that predicted 'Frodo falls off the ledge in Mount Doom' in 2002, so this is fascinating.

hS

[Formendacil]

I am Ring Bearer, I joined this forum to post just one reply--like many here I believe.

The Forum is older than me.

I don't think The Hobbit Trilogy is considered to be a great series among the fans but that is what got me(and I believe many of my generation) into the Fandom--about 8 years ago.

I have only read "The Hobbit", I was too young to read hefty books like LOTR back in 2013. I do intend to read them someday. I don't think I'll read the Silm tho, have read too much of the "One Wiki To Rule Them All".

Love all 6 movies and it was actually a Movie Prediction by Mister Underhill in 2000 that got me into this forum--I believe that post was read by Peter Jackson bcoz it did find its way into the movie.

Since I was toddler when the original trilogy came out--I was never interested in it until I watched the "Riddles in the Dark" scene too many times on TV in 2013(was running continuously before DoS was too be released I believe).

P.S. This website is ancient.I love it!

Fascinating.

We used to speculate (excuse me, I left my porch rocker and cane around here someone... going to want them if we're talking about "when I was your age") about "Downer babies"--i.e. the children of the Downers joining the forum some day. Granted, I am assuming here that you're not a literal Downer baby, the fact that you're actually younger than the forum does make you the closest comparison I think we've seen yet.

Hail and well met!

[Soriman the Whide]

Hello Ring Bearer good to see another new face around here.
Can you link the thread in question? I'd like to see this prediction.

[Galadriel55]

Hi Ring Bearer! I want to echo the welcome, and the plea for posting the prediction thread. Is it the one you linked in your very first post here?

[Ring Bearer]

Hi Ring Bearer! Welcome to the Downs. I'm always fascinated by communities appealing to people younger than them, so double welcome in fact. :)

Around here you will find people who hate the Hobbit movies but loved the LOTR ones, who hate the LOTR ones but love the books, and no doubt who hate LOTR and think Tolkien shout have stuck with The Hobbit alone. :D All views are welcome, which is great if you're inclined to go off on random tangents (like me... hi).

I'm really curious now - what was the prediction? :O I knew a fanfic way back that predicted 'Frodo falls off the ledge in Mount Doom' in 2002, so this is fascinating.

hS

Hello Ring Bearer good to see another new face around here.
Can you link the thread in question? I'd like to see this prediction.

Hi Ring Bearer! I want to echo the welcome, and the plea for posting the prediction thread. Is it the one you linked in your very first post here?

Yeah that same link.

I didn't know that links need to be linked...

Here it is--http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=8828&goto=nextoldest

[paul10]

Hello,
nice to meet you all. I'm Paul, I'm new and of course I am a fan of basically everything even softly related to LOTR as many people here...I guess.

I have to admit I saw the first movie before starting reading the books (full version of course)...so I am not one of those despise the movies. To be honest I like them. Yes of course they are not so complete as the books...but I guess that's happen always...not just in Tolkien's world.

I also like to say always that I became more passionate about LOTR in forums, blogs and chats...because thanks to the knowledge of other fans I learned more and more (such as starting - years ago - learning a bit of elvish). So thanks in advance for your sharings. I will send a thank you card (https://www.leavingcard.com/gb/help/ViewDesignsThankYouCards) to the one that will reveal me something I don't know yet.

So, super excited to be here, discover more and meet cool people :)
Paul

[Galadriel55]

Hi Paul! Mae govannen, and welcome to the Downs! If you're looking for Tolkien lore, I'd say you've come to the right place. I am no loremaster, but I have learned quite a lot from hanging around this place. Very happy to see more LOTR enthusiasts here, you are always welcome in all the forums: go lore digging in Books, or talk about the movies in Movies, or hang a turn by Mirth or Quizzes or Quotes for some fun games.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Hi Paul, and I am just seconding Galadriel55 here in welcoming you. I'd say she is being unnecessarily humble and I think pretty much everyone here is a loremaster of sorts. So I very much invite you to take a look around, dig for questions and answers, ask those of your own and share your own discoveries and insights. You will surely found many local Barrow-Wights interested in discussing nearly any aspects of the vast lore of Arda.

And as for the films - I daresay we are a mixed bunch here, but even those who are rather on the critical side (I would count myself among them) aren't opposed to discussing them, and perceive and appreciate many of the films' positive elements.

So welcome to the 'Downs, and enjoy your stay!

P. S. As for revealing something you did not know yet, just taking a shot here - do you know what Amon Lanc is? ;)

[Pervinca Took]

Hello Paul, and welcome!

Do you know who Pervinca Took is? ;)

[Nikolasha]

Hello, everyone! I'm Nikolasha (I couldn't think of a good Tolkien related username, sorry). My dad was a massive Tolkien fan and had... just about every book by or about him that one can have, so I grew up reading Smith of Wootton Major and the Adventures of Tom Bombadil and Roverandom (my childhood dog was named Roverandom, in fact) but never actually read LOTR because my dad hounded me constantly to read them.

Well, a few years ago I finally did. I'm currently reading them again with a friend, and exchanging feverish discussions every week (mostly about Sam--we both really love Sam) and realized I'd like to see what other people have to say. I remember my dad talking about this site a great deal when I was younger. I was pretty surprised that it's still here and still active, but definitely glad to see it.

[Inziladun]

Hello, everyone! I'm Nikolasha (I couldn't think of a good Tolkien related username, sorry). My dad was a massive Tolkien fan and had... just about every book by or about him that one can have, so I grew up reading Smith of Wootton Major and the Adventures of Tom Bombadil and Roverandom (my childhood dog was named Roverandom, in fact) but never actually read LOTR because my dad hounded me constantly to read them.

Welcome, Nikolasha!
I also credit my father with introducing me to Tolkien, though with me, it was The Hobbit and LOTR that I read first, with the others coming much later.

This is hands down the best place to discuss Tolkien I know.

Enjoy yourself!

[Galadriel55]

I second that. Welcome aboard, Nikolasha, and please do share your thoughts about Sam! I was also introduced to Tolkien by my parents, though for me LOTR was the first one. It would be fascinating for me to find out what you think of LOTR as a first time reader - that time for me was long enough ago that the impression has worn off under the impressions of re-reads.

[Formendacil]

Welcome, Nikolasha (and, for that matter, paul10)!

You say your father remembered this as a good site for Tolkien discussion. Does that make you a second generation 'Downer? (Or does that mean that--GASP--some people only lurked?!)

[Nikolasha]

Welcome, Nikolasha (and, for that matter, paul10)!

You say your father remembered this as a good site for Tolkien discussion. Does that make you a second generation 'Downer? (Or does that mean that--GASP--some people only lurked?!)

Thank you!

I don't know for certain, but I'm pretty sure he did have an account. He was very, very into Tolkien and pretty outspoken, so I doubt he lurked!

[Nikolasha]

I second that. Welcome aboard, Nikolasha, and please do share your thoughts about Sam! I was also introduced to Tolkien by my parents, though for me LOTR was the first one. It would be fascinating for me to find out what you think of LOTR as a first time reader - that time for me was long enough ago that the impression has worn off under the impressions of re-reads.

Thank you!

This is the second time I'm reading it, though the first time that I'm really stopping to analyze it. I don't know that 2 read-throughs are enough to really wrap my head around it--every chapter I come across tons of things that I had missed the significance of the first time around. My friend and I only just finished the Fellowship yesterday, so that's what's currently fresh in my mind. But what has stood out so far is all the foreshadowing, like how Gandalf very scrupulously doesn't promise to accompany them the whole way.

My Sam thoughts are mostly just a very emphatic GOD, I LOVE SAM. I remember watching the movies as a kid thinking "all those pots and pans must have been kind of heavy to carry to Mordor, I wonder why Sam brought them with him." As a adult with a pretty extensive cast iron pan collection, all I can think is that he must be VERY dedicated to making sure he and his companions (or really, mostly just Frodo) eat well. Which I find admirable, but also very endearing!

[Nikolasha]

Welcome, Nikolasha!
I also credit my father with introducing me to Tolkien, though with me, it was The Hobbit and LOTR that I read first, with the others coming much later.

This is hands down the best place to discuss Tolkien I know.

Enjoy yourself!

Thank you! I'm sure I will enjoy myself immensely.

It's cool to learn how many people were introduced to Tolkien by their parents! I imagine that one would enjoy his short stories more with a thorough LOTR education, so the Hobbit and LOTR coming first sounds like the way to do it!

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Welcome to the Downs, Nikolasha! Now I'm curious - as I've been on the Downs, active both as a member and as a moderator for many years, I would love to know what your father's user name was! Maybe you can ask him - and maybe you'll inspire him to post again!

[Nikolasha]

Welcome to the Downs, Nikolasha! Now I'm curious - as I've been on the Downs, active both as a member and as a moderator for many years, I would love to know what your father's user name was! Maybe you can ask him - and maybe you'll inspire him to post again!

Unfortunately, I have no idea :( I can't ask him (as he's dead), but it'd be cool to find his account on here some day! So I'll be keeping an eye out, but in the meantime I don't think I can be of any help, sorry.

[Huinesoron]

it'd be cool to find his account on here some day! So I'll be keeping an eye out, but in the meantime I don't think I can be of any help, sorry.

This is really cool and makes me grin. :D Riiight down at the bottom of the forum homepage there's a birthday ticker; if you keep an eye on it when your father's birthday rolls round you might see him cross it, potentially even with age listed for easy identification.

And welcome to the Downs! Hope you stick around a long time.

hS

[Morsul the Dark]

Is the photo page still active tried searching couldn’t find it but a possibility?

[Inziladun]

Is the photo page still active tried searching couldn’t find it but a possibility?

It's been down for quite a long time. Since it was hosted from a different domain, I'm doubtful it's recoverable.

[Huinesoron]

It's been down for quite a long time. Since it was hosted from a different domain, I'm doubtful it's recoverable.

Oh ye of little faith.

Page 1 (https://web.archive.org/web/20110801211403/http://www.freewebs.com/barrow-downs/)

Page 2 (https://web.archive.org/web/20080227081742/http://www.freewebs.com/barrow-downs/2.htm)

Page 3 (https://web.archive.org/web/20081221111918/http://www.freewebs.com/barrow-downs/3.htm)

It isn't clear that Page 4 ever existed. For pictures which show as a Photobucket error image, you can right click > open link in new tab, then remove the "https://web.archive.org/web/20081221111918/" or similar to view it directly on Photobucket. This also works for the ones which have picked up a watermark; from Page 2, here's Morsul's (http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b205/ih8mcdonalds/Barrowdownsphotopage/MorsultheDark.jpg).

hS

[Morsul the Dark]

Ha! I was like 15 and convinced I looked like Robert Carradine

Narrator: he did not

So maybe the gentleman in question also had his photo on there

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Oh ye of little faith.

Page 1 (https://web.archive.org/web/20110801211403/http://www.freewebs.com/barrow-downs/)

Page 2 (https://web.archive.org/web/20080227081742/http://www.freewebs.com/barrow-downs/2.htm)

Page 3 (https://web.archive.org/web/20081221111918/http://www.freewebs.com/barrow-downs/3.htm)

It isn't clear that Page 4 ever existed. For pictures which show as a Photobucket error image, you can right click > open link in new tab, then remove the "https://web.archive.org/web/20081221111918/" or similar to view it directly on Photobucket. This also works for the ones which have picked up a watermark; from Page 2, here's Morsul's (http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b205/ih8mcdonalds/Barrowdownsphotopage/MorsultheDark.jpg).

hS

What a treat.

Corona shutdown has made it impossible to get a hairdresser appointment, and so I have made it a quest of mine to return my hair to its former glory.

Possibly this could be classified as an early mid-life crisis.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Oh ye of little faith.

Page 1 (https://web.archive.org/web/20110801211403/http://www.freewebs.com/barrow-downs/)

Page 2 (https://web.archive.org/web/20080227081742/http://www.freewebs.com/barrow-downs/2.htm)

Page 3 (https://web.archive.org/web/20081221111918/http://www.freewebs.com/barrow-downs/3.htm)

It isn't clear that Page 4 ever existed. For pictures which show as a Photobucket error image, you can right click > open link in new tab, then remove the "https://web.archive.org/web/20081221111918/" or similar to view it directly on Photobucket. This also works for the ones which have picked up a watermark; from Page 2, here's Morsul's (http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b205/ih8mcdonalds/Barrowdownsphotopage/MorsultheDark.jpg).

hS

You are amazing, sir. These should absolutely be archived for posterity. *can't bear to look at the youngsters' faces - and by youngsters, I mean everybody*

Looking good, Morsul!

And Rune, I wholeheartedly support you regrowing your hair to its former glory.

Anyway, I think it is amazing that we are having second-generation members. I wholeheartedly support the quest of finding your dad's trace, Nikolasha. That sounds like a great quest. Best would be if you could find some post he made, if he did. Anyway, welcome! :)

[Galadriel55]

Oh ye of little faith.

All hail Huinesoron, necromancer of dead websites! :D

And Rune, I wholeheartedly support you regrowing your hair to its former glory.

Seconded! And -

Anyway, I think it is amazing that we are having second-generation members. I wholeheartedly support the quest of finding your dad's trace, Nikolasha. That sounds like a great quest.

Seconded!

To add to the now recovered photo page, I would add two threads that could also contain some info:

The photo thread (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=11909): many photos got uploaded here and never made it to the "official" photo page.

The meeting thread (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=4594): holds records of Downer moots and meetings, and also has some photos. If you think your father might have met up with other Downers, this is the place to look.

And to add to Hui's suggestion of the birthday ticker - all the birthdays show up on the calendar (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/calendar.php?), where you can just scroll to the right day. It's kinda been stuck in 2012, but you can still flip through the months and check the birthdays. Not all members display their birthdays, but it could be a start.


Best of luck with the quest to find your dad, as well as your quest to somehow organize Silmarillion chronology!

[Inziladun]

Oh ye of little faith.

Page 1 (https://web.archive.org/web/20110801211403/http://www.freewebs.com/barrow-downs/)

Page 2 (https://web.archive.org/web/20080227081742/http://www.freewebs.com/barrow-downs/2.htm)

Page 3 (https://web.archive.org/web/20081221111918/http://www.freewebs.com/barrow-downs/3.htm)

It isn't clear that Page 4 ever existed. For pictures which show as a Photobucket error image, you can right click > open link in new tab, then remove the "https://web.archive.org/web/20081221111918/" or similar to view it directly on Photobucket. This also works for the ones which have picked up a watermark; from Page 2, here's Morsul's (http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b205/ih8mcdonalds/Barrowdownsphotopage/MorsultheDark.jpg).

Hm. I guess the Internet really doesn't forget! :eek:

I thought my pic was there at one time, but I could be mistaken. It's here on the forum anyway.

[bilbobaggins764]

I was formerly R.R.J Tolkien but I had trouble logging in, its good to be back.

[Galadriel55]

Welcome back! :)

[Faramir Jones]

Good to see you're back, bilbobaggins764!

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

I was formerly R.R.J Tolkien but I had trouble logging in, its good to be back.

Welcome back in your new incarnation... no that doesn't work for a wight... Uncarnation?

[Nacilme Mapare]

Greetings to you, my fellow wayfarers and travellers of Middle Earth!

I am Nacilme Mapare (which according to this (https://www.elvish.org/elm/names/v.html) lovely site should mean something like "seizer of victory" freely translated), but you may call me "Cilpa" or "Cil" or "Cili" if you so wish to. I am from the western corner of Northrhine-Westphalia, Germany and was once before a member of this lovely community (though under another name which sadly I cannot get myself to remember). Hence I would say I am not quite a new member but rather a returnee to these glorious halls. It's been a long, long time though and life and it's manifold adventures have made me stray off the path for quite some time. But due to the eagerly awaited Big River Rings Of Power production my passion for everything Tolkien has been vitally refueled and I am ever the more in awe of his works, wisdom and legacy.

My love for Tolkien and his stories started early. I was but 5 or 6 years of age when my father read The Hobbit to my twin sister and I and about 6 or 7 when we were first allowed to watch Ralph Bakshi's Lord Of The Rings movie (of which I was equally fascinated and terrified). Both first contacts with Tolkien's works are fond and cherished memories of mine! My sister and I watched the Bakshi movie a good dozen times (we literally couldn't stop, even thought we used to skip the ringwraith scenes because they gave me nightmares), we loved it (especially Legolas) so much! We even made our dad re-read The Hobbit to us a second and third time! Ah, ye good old times!

For our 13th birthday then we both got a copy of the Lord Of The Rings and in our high phase of Tolkien fanship we would soon learn that there were movies to be made of our most favourite work of literature at that time by a Mr. Peter Jackson we had never heard of back then. I still remember it vividly: We used to hang out at an internet café and read the news on an Elijah Wood fanpage (we knew and loved him form The Faculty). Can you imagine? We were thrilled! Not only was our favourite work of literature and childhood treasure The Lord Of The Rings being made into a movie, it would also star our at that time most favourite actor as the main character! If that's not an absolute bull's-eye stroke of fate I don't know what is!

The rest, I guess, is history. Ever since then my passion for anything Tolkien has only become stronger and more solid. And though there are phases of more and less active examination of Tolkien-related topics taking turns, my deep love, respect and fascination with his genius mind's creations will always and forever remain.

What more is there to say? Perhaps a bit more about myself. I am now 38 years of age, have since studied English language and literature (what else, eh?), became a bookseller and am still a lover of literature, languages and moving images (movies, tv shows, you name it). I'm a pc gamer at heart (also since early childhood) and Guild Wars 2 is my all-time favourite go-to mmorpg. My interests (beside the above mentioned literature, languages and moving images) and hobbies include music (I used to be and still am a huge fan of musical theater, I know whole shows by heart, and for three years now I'm a loyal BTS ARMY), mysticism/esotericism (including crystals, Tarot, Human Design and more), personality psychology and typology (such as MBTI) and so on. If you have any questions feel free to ask! I will be happy to satisfy your curiosity (within the limits of general decency that is of course)!

Having said this I am again greeting you warmly and I hope that I can make my renewed stay here worthwhile!

Meet you in Middle Earth,
Nacilme Mapare

[Formendacil]

Welcome, Nacilme! You arrive to a rather sleepy dell, though I expect we shall see a goodly volume of posting in... oh... about two months, say. Perhaps, however, your new-not-new blood will help liven things up a bit.

[Nacilme Mapare]

Greetings, Formendacil and thank you for your welcome!

Ah, is it but so quiet at the moment? :( Well, The Rings Of Power are said to air September 2nd (yes, that's for real) on the Big River. That's only a few weeks from now. I shall eagerly await and help re-liven these ancient halls! :)

[Mithadan]

Welcome, or if you prefer, welcome back, Nacilme!

[Nacilme Mapare]

Greetings, Mithadan! I have no preference either way. Both are fine with me. :D

[Galadriel55]

Welcome (back), Nacilme - and I like your nicknames, I think Cilpa is particularly fun! :) The place may be sleepy but not desolate - as evidenced by three welcome posts in pretty rapid succession. All's needed is to toss the right stone at the crowd, and then you'll see it's not as asleep as it pretends to be. ;)

[Nacilme Mapare]

Greeting, my Lady of Lothlórien! And thank you for your warm welcome! The evidence is quite striking indeed and I am glad that's the case! Figuratively tossing stones is my kind of thing (not practically though, I'm really bad at flipping stones across the water surface). I shall see where I can be of use! :D

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Welcome, Nacilme! I too live in Germany (southwest corner, near the French and Swiss borders) and am curious - have you discovered the German Tolkien Society? I've been a member for quite a few years and love having opportunities to get together with other fans in person.

[Pitchwife]

I am from the western corner of Northrhine-Westphalia, Germany
Hey, you're more or less in my neighbourhood! I'm near Simmern/Hunsrück. Well met, welcome to the Downs, enjoy being dead!

[Alassë Estel]

Hello! (Or to the nerds, of which I am one: Elen sila lumenn' omentielvo!)
My name is Alasse Estel. I am a new member. I really like all things Middle Earth, and that is why I am here. I don't suppose anyone shall see this, for, like so many other forums, The Barrow-Downs appears to be a ghost town. And not just because of the wights. But I try to always be optomistic, and I hope there yet remain active members. If so, hopefully I shall make some friends.

[Formendacil]

Hello! (Or to the nerds, of which I am one: Elen sila lumenn' omentielvo!)
My name is Alasse Estel. I am a new member. I really like all things Middle Earth, and that is why I am here. I don't suppose anyone shall see this, for, like so many other forums, The Barrow-Downs appears to be a ghost town. And not just because of the wights. But I try to always be optomistic, and I hope there yet remain active members. If so, hopefully I shall make some friends.

We can at least claim to be a haunted ghost town--the spirits are here, watching.

And, when The Rings of Power is airing, also judging.

Perhaps even welcoming, when given the occasion.

There ARE many a weed tumbling through these streets, but the ghosts are happy to see you.

[Alassë Estel]

Hurrah! There ARE other people here! I am very pleased to meet you, sir.

If I didn't control myself, I would be doing only heckling of that "Rings of Power". However, I shall try to see it's high points despite myself. But no promises...

[Galadriel55]

Mae govannen! :) A ghost town with talking ghosts for sure. ^.^ We're here in the background, quietly hovering, but throw in a bit of excitement, and all of a sudden you'll get a flurry of activity. Welcome to the Downs! If you find a thread that interests you, give it a shot - chances are someone will awake from slumber. And certainly people (myself included) would take interest in reading new posts, even if we might not have a lot to reply. So go for it! :)

[Snowdog]

Welcome Alasse Estel! There are still a few of us haunting the shadows.

[Huinesoron]

Cold be hand and heart and bone,
and cold be sleep under stone:
never more to wake on stony bed,
never, till-- oh hi there Alassë Estel! It's always nice to see someone new.

hS

[Alassë Estel]

Hello, everyone! I see I was quite mistaken in thinking that none would be here. I am very glad to meet you all!

[Mithadan]

Welcome! Always great to see a new face!

[Alassë Estel]

Thanks very much!

[Maethehuntress]

Hello Everyone!
I am Mae (which I realize is one of the most boring non Tolkien names on here)
I am not the most knowlegable person in silmarillion things and stuff but I love The Hobbit and LOTR books and I'm looking forward to learning more!
This is actually the first time I have posted on any forum ever so I have no idea what I'm doing but I'm excited to be here!

[Galadriel55]

Hello Mae, and welcome to the Downs! Mae is a lovely name, and nothing boring about it. :) There's lots to be said about LOTR and The Hobbit. See if a thread strikes your fancy, and leave a post. Or make one of your own if you don't see an existing topic. Enjoy romping around the Downs! ;)

[Alassë Estel]

Welcome Mae! I have only just recently joined myself, so we can be "new" together :). Forums are easy, so don't worry about that. Also, you should definitely read The Silmarillion ;)

[Mithadan]

Welcome to the Barrow-Downs!

[Morthoron]

Mae govannen...ummm....Mae.

[Maethehuntress]

Mae govannen...ummm....Mae.


Haha
Well played!


Thanks for the warm welcome everybody!

[Desert Kris]

Hello, I am new here. I've been a Tolkien fan to varying degrees for several decades. Tolkien is partly a family affair, and somewhat of an heirloom. It is a family affair in the sense that "My precious!" was a family joke that I didn't have context for. Later I was taken to see a showing of the animated Hobbit film when I was really little, probably because of the connection. My first attempt to read The Hobbit was a partial success, I got halfway through and thought it was great (but maybe also a little overwhelming).

Later on during a Thanksgiving we were watching the animated LotR, which I was young enough to enjoy without being critical about it. I loved it, but we had to stop watching in the middle somewhere. My father said, "Don't worry, I'll show you something when we get home." And he showed me the hardcover set he had of LotR. I made two failed attempts to start reading; getting a little further each time.

Eventually in middle school I buckled down and read the whole story; the third attempt was a success!

Now I'm making my way through The Silmarillion for the second time, with that book supplimented by materials from The History of Middle-earth. THoMe I haven't been able to get into until now; The Silmarillion has worked well as a road-map for reading across the History volumes to see alternative or expanded versions of the narratives, and explore the essays that elaborate on what Tolkien had in mind. I've now reached The Fall of Gondolin.

It's vaguely on my mind to read through the material covering the Second and Third Ages (including from the Appendices) before returning to The Hobbit and LotR once more.

I read many other fantasy and science fiction as well. A favorite from my youth is Lloyd Alexander's The Chronicles of Prydain. I also really like Dune by Frank Herbert.

[Galadriel55]

Welcome to the Downs, Kris! Always lovely to have new people joining! :) Kick back, enjoy, and make use of this cozy place for all your Tolkien needs. ;)

It's fascinating to hear about your family "heirloom". Did you have an AHA moment when you first saw the "my precious" source material?

[Desert Kris]

Welcome to the Downs, Kris! Always lovely to have new people joining! :) Kick back, enjoy, and make use of this cozy place for all your Tolkien needs. ;)

It's fascinating to hear about your family "heirloom". Did you have an AHA moment when you first saw the "my precious" source material?

Thanks for the welcome! :)

I was pretty young, but when I watched The Hobbit animated movie, and saw the character Gollum and heard him saying "Precious" and "My precious" I asked about it and knew after that that the joke came from that story. And I vaguely understood when introduced to LotR that they were connected, The Hobbit first followed by LotR.

I was so young though, The Hobbit was epic and daunting! Even after being shown the bulky hardcover box set of LotR, which was even more intimidating. I wondered how the story could go on and on to fill all those pages with all those words.

But yeah, I understood that the character Gollum in both stories was the origin of a shared joke in my family, when I saw the animated films. That shared family joke is why Tolkien's work kind of feels like part of the family, or inheritance. Something that bonded us, that I could explore in my own way when I was ready.

[Alassë Estel]

Welcome, Desert Kris! :)
It's really nice to hear about your experience with Tolkien's great works!
The books were at first quite intimidating to my younger self too.

[Alassë Estel]

Oh, and I also really enjoyed reading The Prydain Chronicles!

[Desert Kris]

Welcome, Desert Kris! :)
It's really nice to hear about your experience with Tolkien's great works!
The books were at first quite intimidating to my younger self too.

Thank you for the welcome! :)

Oh, and I also really enjoyed reading The Prydain Chronicles!

The Chronicles of Prydain are special to me in a different way, for several reasons. For one thing, they served as a surrogate for LotR until I was ready. So I was fortunate to experience The High King before Return of the King, and wasn't put off by the similar endings, didn't judge it too harshly.

Also, it was one of those rare books/series that I knew I was looking for but didn't realize it until I found it, the right kind of fantasy that I knew I wanted but didn't know how to look for.

The final thing with Prydain is it is something I discovered on my own, through my own reader's journey. I can only ever find people online who know those books, I hardly ever meet anyone in life who has ever heard of them or read them. So in life, they are kind of a hidden, secret series that know one else seems to know about. I am happy and relieved that I found them where so few other have, and been one of the few people who experienced their story come alive in my mind!

[Mithadan]

Welcome Desert Kris!

I will admit that I taped (audio) the animated Hobbit movie. That, of course, was decades before streaming and videotape was rare or non-existent. I saw the Bakshi LoTR film in the theater, and I had the poster of Gandalf with Glamdring, on my wall for several years.

[Alassë Estel]

Also, it was one of those rare books/series that I knew I was looking for but didn't realize it until I found it, the right kind of fantasy that I knew I wanted but didn't know how to look for.

I know just how that feels!
And it is a wonderful feeling when one finally finds it.

[Morthoron]

Welcome Desert Kris!

I will admit that I taped (audio) the animated Hobbit movie. That, of course, was decades before streaming and videotape was rare or non-existent. I saw the Bakshi LoTR film in the theater, and I had the poster of Gandalf with Glamdring, on my wall for several years.

I still have a set of 8 theater placards from Bakshi's LoTR purloined by a friend who worked at the local theater. He had the presence of mind to lift them after the movie's run ended there (they would have been otherwise destroyed). They've been a prized possession these past 45 years.

[William Cloud Hicklin]

Bakshi's LR was the first and IIRC only movie I ever watched in the old 12" analog Laserdisc format.

Incidentally, the intro to the videogame South Park: The Stick of Truth is a loving pastiche of the Bakshi movie.

[Rune of Doom]

Greetings everyone!

I go by Rune - short for Rune of Doom, which is my general tabletop and online gaming forum handle.

I'm a lifelong Tolkien fan - which means since the 70s. My parents read me The Hobbit as a child, and then a year or so later I saw the Rankin-Bass animation which, Narya-like, kindled a flame that has never gone out.

I just now stumbled over this fine place while doing a little online research for my tabletop D&D game about Trolls in Tolkien and found Bilbo's essay on them from over a score of years ago (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=1533) and knew immediately that I simply must create an account.

I'm currently reading The Nature of Middle-Earth by Carl Hostetter, received as a gift for Christmas from family members who know me. I look forward to carefully exploring the fascinating depths that appear beneath the ancient (by Internet standards) standing stones.

[Alassë Estel]

Hello, Rune! And welcome! :)

It's wonderful to have you!

The Downs is indeed a hidden gem of the Internet, and well-worth the exploration, for those who are interested.

I hope I'll be seeing you around soon!

[Mithadan]

Welcome Rune!

Enjoy The Nature of Middle Earth (NoME). It reveals what Tolkien was thinking about after the publication of the LoTR. It can be repetitive, but has some great nuggets.

[Galadriel55]

Welcome, Rune! You will find others here who get excited about NoME and other very niche Tolkien things. :)

[Rune of Doom]

Thank you everyone for the kind greetings! I look forward to seeing all of you around.

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Greetings everyone!

I go by Rune - short for Rune of Doom, which is my general tabletop and online gaming forum handle.

Wel this could get confusing...

Anyways, welcome among the dead. I hope you find the barrow-downs a fitting resting place.

:smokin:

[SoundingShores]

Greetings all!
I'm new around here. I read LotR as a kid and loved it, but back then, I didn’t explore any of Tolkien’s other works. Lately, I’ve been diving into as much of it as I can find. I’m not super familiar with forums, but I’m excited to be here among the dead!

[Mithadan]

Welcome to the Barrow-Downs!

[SoundingShores]

Welcome to the Barrow-Downs!
Thank you for the welcome! :)

[Galadriel55]

Seconded - welcome to the Downs! Books, movies, random things - see what you can find of interest. :)

[SoundingShores]

Seconded - welcome to the Downs! Books, movies, random things - see what you can find of interest. :)

Thank you for the kind greetings! I'm already haunting the grounds. ;)

[Mithalwen]

Welcome from me too