Tolkien's "Myths Transformed"

[Saulotus]

<font face="Verdana"><table><TR><TD><FONT SIZE="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Newly Deceased
Posts: 0</TD><TD></TD></TR></TABLE>
Re: Welcome

Suggestions on format? What exactly do ya mean here? Ok, guessin on intent here; If it were me; I'd start usin his last writings, work backward, then when a contradiction occurs exclude the older situation. Would I try to work in every detail? Nope. Could I work in every detail? Probably. Would it be as good? Nope. Would it be true? Nope. I think it would be better as fragments, if that's all that's available. Can it be made consistent? Yup. I think the only parts that truly need attention are the portions of the SILMARILLION. MM suggests that HOBBIT and LOTR need revision also. I don't see this as required or desireable. The stories are a progression of Hobbit knowledge. HOBBIT is say equivalent to the Hobbits Grade School understanding of the Outside world, and written as such. LOTR is equivalent to High School and SILMARILLION is College level. Must they share equal footing in knowledge? Nope. Actually destroys the historical backstory on Hobbits and their growth if they do. Do the mannish histories such as NARN, AKALLABETH, TALE OF TINUVIEL, FALL OF GONDOLIN and related items need to be utterly correct and in total harmony with the elvish histories? Nope. They're mannish. Do the Elvish histories need to be correct and harmonious within themselves? Yuppers. Can they exist side-by-side with mannish tales? Youbetcha. For the elvish versions of the mannish tales, I'd probably rely mostly on the lays. Could the elvish and mannish tales at times contradict each other? Yuppers, stories handed down are like that, but the elvish would be true due to the memories of the elves. Would the elves particularly care about every mannish action or nuance and remember them? Nope. Is this what you were asking for?

</p>