‘Canonicity’: the Book or the Reader? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

thelotrfreak1 · 02-17-2008, 03:57 PM

[QUOTE=Fordim Hedgethistle;404135]I would go even further than this: to interpret the text at all, that is, to make a choice of any sort about what it means, is to insert yourself not just into the process of the text, but to put yourself before the text. "Before" in both senses -- both before it as we stand before the altar, in reverence, awaiting some kind of outside beneficence, but also before meaning in greater priority and placing the text behind and into the background. QUOTE]

I agree and I have always enforced this view, however as fans of the book and the author's legendarium we are always allowed to speculate about the best possibility. One person may think that the Balrog has wings, while another may not. It all depends on how we interpret the text that we read since Tolkien never told us. I always enjoy having a discussion that are all about facts, but that does not stop me from liking debates about the most probable personal view.

Mithalwen · 08-31-2010, 10:41 AM

Heren Istarion-ing this to facilitate(!!!) my attempt to get Fordim to return.

mark12_30 · 08-31-2010, 03:33 PM

Mith, you scared me. I thought......

But no, it was just wolves howling in the distance.

I miss you too, Fordie. Just in case you were wondering.

HerenIstarion · 09-02-2010, 03:51 PM

Someone mentioned my name, eh?

mark12_30 · 09-02-2010, 04:20 PM

And a very canonical name it is.

08-31-2010, 10:41 AM	#2
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,461	Smoke me a kipper - I'll be back for breakfast (but maybe not tomorrow's). Heren Istarion-ing this to facilitate(!!!) my attempt to get Fordim to return. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

08-31-2010, 03:33 PM	#3
mark12_30 Stormdancer of Doom Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Elvish singing is not a thing to miss, in June under the stars Posts: 4,349	Mith, you scared me. I thought...... But no, it was just wolves howling in the distance. I miss you too, Fordie. Just in case you were wondering. __________________ ...down to the water to see the elves dance and sing upon the midsummer's eve.

09-02-2010, 03:51 PM	#4
HerenIstarion Deadnight Chanter Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 4,244	Someone mentioned my name, eh? __________________ Egroeg Ihkhsal - Would you believe in the love at first sight? - Yes I'm certain that it happens all the time!

09-02-2010, 04:20 PM	#5
mark12_30 Stormdancer of Doom Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Elvish singing is not a thing to miss, in June under the stars Posts: 4,349	And a very canonical name it is. __________________ ...down to the water to see the elves dance and sing upon the midsummer's eve.

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02-17-2008, 03:57 PM	#1
thelotrfreak1 Newly Deceased Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 7	[QUOTE=Fordim Hedgethistle;404135]I would go even further than this: to interpret the text at all, that is, to make a choice of any sort about what it means, is to insert yourself not just into the process of the text, but to put yourself before the text. "Before" in both senses -- both before it as we stand before the altar, in reverence, awaiting some kind of outside beneficence, but also before meaning in greater priority and placing the text behind and into the background. QUOTE] I agree and I have always enforced this view, however as fans of the book and the author's legendarium we are always allowed to speculate about the best possibility. One person may think that the Balrog has wings, while another may not. It all depends on how we interpret the text that we read since Tolkien never told us. I always enjoy having a discussion that are all about facts, but that does not stop me from liking debates about the most probable personal view.