[Annatar!]

I was given the LOTR in 1993 for christmas. I was 10 and my mum passed it to me with the words 'i hope you enjoy this as much as i do'. I began to read it immediately and i was enraptured. However it still took me 6 months to complete it and it pains me to admit that most of it flew over my head. It wasn't the story that had me hooked but rather the fact i had found something that fed my, apparently, overactive and fanciful imagination. Who had ever heard of Elves that didn't have wings and magic wands when they were 10, or Orcs or Ents or Dwarves who didn't have toadstools (thankyou Enid Blyton). It was what i had been looking for! I began reading it every year and each year my understanding grew. 1996 saw The Silmarillion in my Santa sack.... 8 months and 8 tonnes of confusion but wow!!!!!! Oddly i then received The Hobbit in 1997 for my birthday: a rather backward introduction to Middle Earth, but i wouldn't have it any other way. By the time i made it to The Hobbit i had already developed my passion for Middle Earth, a passion which sees every January herald the beginning of my Tolkien marathon: The Silmarillion; The Hobbit and finally LOTR. I have managed to complete this marathon by early March ( i am slowed by endless note taking and cross referencing these days), but nonetheless it is one highly enjoyable matrathon!!!!