I don't think Silm diminish the characters of LOTR, but rather, I think, make them appear more noble. The characters in LOTR had a purpose. They gave all they got to accomplish their goals and fight for the good things remain in their world. Charaters in Silm, on a modern scale, really appear to be suicidals. They are loved in another way as we love Achilles, Odysseus, and Brunnhilde.
I tend to think that LOTR is a modern novel written for modern readers with spice of old style in it, while the Silm is completely after the styles of old nyth. I think Silm is more comparable to Beowulf, Elder Edda, Iliad and Odyssey. You can feel those ancient, mystical wind in it.
I have to say i don't enjoy Silm that much. I rather admire it from afar. It's beautiful, grand, heroic, epic, but also darn right tragic. I can't stand tragedies. i know their impacts and accomplishments, but I don't like them. Everytime I read Silm i want to cry. It's just too sad. To me, Silm is something you gawk at from far away, but LOTR is always closer to the heart.
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