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Taimar · 07-24-2000, 07:37 AM

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Re: tolkien 's "myths transformed"

I have read with interest both Lindil`s proposal to `rewrite` the Silmarillion and the subsequent thoughts of other forum members. This would clearly be an enormous undertaking with several obvious difficulties. Everyone has their own point of view about the ME canon, especially those parts which exist in several contradictory versions and tying these opposing views neatly together would be a well-nigh impossible task. However, as Mithadan stated, I think that the project would be worthwhile, if only for the undoubted interest it would generate. For what it is worth, here are my thoughts on how it could best be tackled.

I think that a chronology of events should be compiled, starting from the Ainulindale and ceasing at the end of the First Age. While there would undoubtedly be arguments over this, I think that it would possible to arrive at a chronology most could agree on. Indeed, I have seen several comprehensive First Age timelines on the Internet already.

Once this was completed, I think the next task would be to decide titles for each chapter and to prepare a synopsis, no more than a few hundred words long, which would briefly outline the material to be included in each. If this could be successfully agreed upon work could begin on the actual compilation of the work. It is here that the main difficulty in achieving a genuine consensus would arise.

There is no doubt that any serious effort to produce a `canonical` version of Quenta Silmarillion would generate intense feelings from the Tolkien Community on the Net, both positive and negative. I therefore think that it would be important to state clearly from the outset that this effort would be OUR interpretation of JRR`s work and that people would be perfectly entitled to disagree with what we produce. Indeed, taking account of such criticism would have to be an integral part of the process.

I think that if we are serious about attempting this an editorial board of no more than three or four people should be formed, who would have the final say upon what would go into the work and what would be left out. A larger group of perhaps fifteen or twenty people could form a discussion group whose main role would be an advisory one.

I now come to what is possibly the most difficult issue of all. Who is going to write the `missing` segments? Producing material of a consistently suitable quality would be extremely difficult. It would not, in my opinion, be a task suited to even a small group of people. I think that one person (appointed by the editorial board) would have to take this task on alone. The effort involved would be huge and the vitriol heaped upon this individual by critics of the project would be considerable. Take a look at the `imaginary quotes` board on this very forum. I think some of the quotes are very good, but does anyone here write well enough to be considered for this?

As for myself, I own The Sil., UT and all of the HoME series up to and including Morgoth`s Ring. I will shortly be buying Volumes XI and XII. I would be prepared to act as a member of the larger `advisory` group, but I would not consider myself qualified to act as an `editor`.

Regards,

Taimar.

Look into the http://www.fortunecity.co.uk/library/classiccourt/77/Mirror of Desire.</a> </p>

07-24-2000, 07:37 AM	#12
Taimar Spirit of the Downfallen West Join Date: Jun 2000 Posts: 360	<font face="Verdana"><table><TR><TD><FONT SIZE="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Barrow-Wight Posts: 0</TD><TD></TD></TR></TABLE> Re: tolkien 's "myths transformed" I have read with interest both Lindil`s proposal to `rewrite` the Silmarillion and the subsequent thoughts of other forum members. This would clearly be an enormous undertaking with several obvious difficulties. Everyone has their own point of view about the ME canon, especially those parts which exist in several contradictory versions and tying these opposing views neatly together would be a well-nigh impossible task. However, as Mithadan stated, I think that the project would be worthwhile, if only for the undoubted interest it would generate. For what it is worth, here are my thoughts on how it could best be tackled. I think that a chronology of events should be compiled, starting from the Ainulindale and ceasing at the end of the First Age. While there would undoubtedly be arguments over this, I think that it would possible to arrive at a chronology most could agree on. Indeed, I have seen several comprehensive First Age timelines on the Internet already. Once this was completed, I think the next task would be to decide titles for each chapter and to prepare a synopsis, no more than a few hundred words long, which would briefly outline the material to be included in each. If this could be successfully agreed upon work could begin on the actual compilation of the work. It is here that the main difficulty in achieving a genuine consensus would arise. There is no doubt that any serious effort to produce a `canonical` version of Quenta Silmarillion would generate intense feelings from the Tolkien Community on the Net, both positive and negative. I therefore think that it would be important to state clearly from the outset that this effort would be OUR interpretation of JRR`s work and that people would be perfectly entitled to disagree with what we produce. Indeed, taking account of such criticism would have to be an integral part of the process. I think that if we are serious about attempting this an editorial board of no more than three or four people should be formed, who would have the final say upon what would go into the work and what would be left out. A larger group of perhaps fifteen or twenty people could form a discussion group whose main role would be an advisory one. I now come to what is possibly the most difficult issue of all. Who is going to write the `missing` segments? Producing material of a consistently suitable quality would be extremely difficult. It would not, in my opinion, be a task suited to even a small group of people. I think that one person (appointed by the editorial board) would have to take this task on alone. The effort involved would be huge and the vitriol heaped upon this individual by critics of the project would be considerable. Take a look at the `imaginary quotes` board on this very forum. I think some of the quotes are very good, but does anyone here write well enough to be considered for this? As for myself, I own The Sil., UT and all of the HoME series up to and including Morgoth`s Ring. I will shortly be buying Volumes XI and XII. I would be prepared to act as a member of the larger `advisory` group, but I would not consider myself qualified to act as an `editor`. Regards, Taimar. Look into the http://www.fortunecity.co.uk/library/classiccourt/77/Mirror of Desire.</a> </p>