Why is LOTR the best fantasy novel of our time? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Aredhel Idril Telcontar · 06-21-2003, 11:15 AM

Tolkien didn't just write a fantasy book. He created a fantasy world and a whole shiny new mythology for the world.
All the characters in the books are EXTREMELY well written, extremely well formed and REAL.
Tolkien gave a whole new face to Elves, Dwarves and even Humans.
Pretty much everyone can relate to Frodo's struggle at some point in their lives, but I guess that was discussed in previous threads.
Anyway, has anyone managed to create a world and make it seem real? Or dedicated their life to polish up every detail?
I've read many very good fantasy books, but no author has yet managed to even try to try to compete with Tolkien.
At least that's what I think.
All the people I know who have read the books think them excellent, and all those who have only seen the movie think it's just like any other.
To sum it all up, I'd say Tolkien's Books are great because he has managed to alter ones perception of reality and especially our past history.
Or at least he managed to alter mine [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

06-21-2003, 11:15 AM	#14
Aredhel Idril Telcontar Wight Join Date: May 2003 Location: Hanging on a sheer cliff with Maedhros Posts: 113	Tolkien didn't just write a fantasy book. He created a fantasy world and a whole shiny new mythology for the world. All the characters in the books are EXTREMELY well written, extremely well formed and REAL. Tolkien gave a whole new face to Elves, Dwarves and even Humans. Pretty much everyone can relate to Frodo's struggle at some point in their lives, but I guess that was discussed in previous threads. Anyway, has anyone managed to create a world and make it seem real? Or dedicated their life to polish up every detail? I've read many very good fantasy books, but no author has yet managed to even try to try to compete with Tolkien. At least that's what I think. All the people I know who have read the books think them excellent, and all those who have only seen the movie think it's just like any other. To sum it all up, I'd say Tolkien's Books are great because he has managed to alter ones perception of reality and especially our past history. Or at least he managed to alter mine [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] __________________ "I am your sister and not your servant, and beyond your bounds I will go as seems good to me." Tai uzdaryk mane Tevyne savyje/kaip giesme gerkleje mirtis uzdaro/ ir kaip uzdaro vakara naktis/ o Tu man atsakai: as Tavo laisve