The Soddit - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Encaitare · 08-31-2004, 03:47 PM

Beg pardon, Sleepy Ranger, I was just trying to stay somewhat on topic to LotR. Since I have not read the Soddit, I suppose I shall quietly withdraw.

Estelyn Telcontar · 09-01-2004, 01:46 AM

Actually, Sleepy, sometimes threads take turns that make them more interesting than they started off. I've been debating moving this one to the Books forum, since the general discussion on parodies, as long as it stays Tolkien-related, is on a high level. But since you'd rather keep this thread exclusively on 'The Soddit', I will start a new thread in Books, copying the pertinent contributions to that one. Those who wish to continue discussing Tolkien and parody in general, please look for that new thread to open soon.

Here it is: Tolkien and Parody

Saurreg · 09-01-2004, 03:07 AM

Sleepy Ranger, I was the one that started the digression of the thread and for that I apologise. Rest assured I will not post here again.

Estelyn Telcontar · 09-01-2004, 03:09 PM

Here's my opinion on The Soddit:

Visual impression - The book looks great! The dust cover has a red, leather-like background print (quite appropriate for an excerpt from the "Red Book of Westmarch"

), with a very amusing drawing of the characters on front. The map at the beginning is one of my favorite parts - I enjoy reading the names of the places! For example, there's Rororo Hryorboat, and a group of trees marked 'Tiger Woods'. The black and white drawings by Douglas Carrel are great.

The writing is amusing, though not side-splitting. At 328 pages, the story is a bit long, since it can't hold up to the original. There are funny plays on words and names, and the plot twists are interesting - the group of dwarves diminishes considerably during the trip, which has a completely different purpose than in the original story, though the dwarves staunchly claim that the purpose of the journey is only "gold". Though I enjoyed the book, somehow it wasn't able to fascinate me. I can't put my finger on any one thing that bothered me, but as a whole it lacked that special something.

Is it worth buying? Probably, for completists like myself, who want as many Tolkien-related books as possible. It'll look nice on my bookshelf, and I may take it out to page through it occasionally. I'm not sure I want to read it again though.

Bêthberry · 09-02-2004, 08:59 AM

I have not yet read The Soddit but have a question for Sleepy Ranger or Estelyn about its title (or anyone else who has read it). I know that the English use a phrase similar to this noun, as an interjection, rather freqently, but across the pond the term is regarded as very rude.

Is this a rude parody of Tolkien similar to some of the very weak secret diaries? Does it mean to insult Tolkien's values? Or is the title just chosen because it is a funny play on the word [i]hobbit[/]?

Sleepy Ranger · 09-02-2004, 09:05 AM

According to me it wasn't like the diaries. I didn't really find it insul,e o degree the people are easily offended would feel offended. But I felt that it wasn't insulting. There was nothing like the diaries or anything to be offneded about for that matter. Overall it was a pretty good read and really funny. The illustrations and chapter names were comical, the name changes weren't really note worthy but the sub-notes were absolutely hilarious according to me.

Lalwendë · 09-02-2004, 12:45 PM

Bethberry - I don't think it's meant to be particularly rude, it's a word that my mother uses quite often and she hates swearing. In fact she told a young bloke off for swearing the other day and called him an "arrogant s**" when he dared to argue back.

You might use the two words if say, you dropped your toast buttered side down, which in turn leads to the harmless phrase "S**'s Law", i.e. "Murphy's Law". It would have been a highly impolite word to use when Tolkien was alive, but these days, it's nothing much.

*s used so as not to offend if it's a bad word for some.

09-01-2004, 01:46 AM	#2
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	Keeping this thread on 'The Soddit' Actually, Sleepy, sometimes threads take turns that make them more interesting than they started off. I've been debating moving this one to the Books forum, since the general discussion on parodies, as long as it stays Tolkien-related, is on a high level. But since you'd rather keep this thread exclusively on 'The Soddit', I will start a new thread in Books, copying the pertinent contributions to that one. Those who wish to continue discussing Tolkien and parody in general, please look for that new thread to open soon. Here it is: Tolkien and Parody __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...' Last edited by Estelyn Telcontar; 09-01-2004 at 02:46 AM.

09-01-2004, 03:07 AM	#3
Saurreg Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: In self imposed exile... Posts: 465	Sleepy Ranger, I was the one that started the digression of the thread and for that I apologise. Rest assured I will not post here again. __________________ "Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. " ~Voltaire

09-01-2004, 03:09 PM	#4
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	Review of 'The Soddit' Here's my opinion on The Soddit: Visual impression - The book looks great! The dust cover has a red, leather-like background print (quite appropriate for an excerpt from the "Red Book of Westmarch" ), with a very amusing drawing of the characters on front. The map at the beginning is one of my favorite parts - I enjoy reading the names of the places! For example, there's Rororo Hryorboat, and a group of trees marked 'Tiger Woods'. The black and white drawings by Douglas Carrel are great. The writing is amusing, though not side-splitting. At 328 pages, the story is a bit long, since it can't hold up to the original. There are funny plays on words and names, and the plot twists are interesting - the group of dwarves diminishes considerably during the trip, which has a completely different purpose than in the original story, though the dwarves staunchly claim that the purpose of the journey is only "gold". Though I enjoyed the book, somehow it wasn't able to fascinate me. I can't put my finger on any one thing that bothered me, but as a whole it lacked that special something. Is it worth buying? Probably, for completists like myself, who want as many Tolkien-related books as possible. It'll look nice on my bookshelf, and I may take it out to page through it occasionally. I'm not sure I want to read it again though. __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...'

09-02-2004, 08:59 AM	#5
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 6,003	I have not yet read The Soddit but have a question for Sleepy Ranger or Estelyn about its title (or anyone else who has read it). I know that the English use a phrase similar to this noun, as an interjection, rather freqently, but across the pond the term is regarded as very rude. Is this a rude parody of Tolkien similar to some of the very weak secret diaries? Does it mean to insult Tolkien's values? Or is the title just chosen because it is a funny play on the word [i]hobbit[/]? __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.

09-02-2004, 09:05 AM	#6
Sleepy Ranger Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: On the field, kissing the 'Downs crest Posts: 1,654	According to me it wasn't like the diaries. I didn't really find it insul,e o degree the people are easily offended would feel offended. But I felt that it wasn't insulting. There was nothing like the diaries or anything to be offneded about for that matter. Overall it was a pretty good read and really funny. The illustrations and chapter names were comical, the name changes weren't really note worthy but the sub-notes were absolutely hilarious according to me. __________________ And tonight we can truly say, together we're invincible... Middle-Earth Football World Cup 2007

08-31-2004, 03:47 PM	#1
Encaitare Bittersweet Symphony Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: On the jolly starship Enterprise Posts: 1,814	Beg pardon, Sleepy Ranger, I was just trying to stay somewhat on topic to LotR. Since I have not read the Soddit, I suppose I shall quietly withdraw.

09-02-2004, 12:45 PM	#7
Lalwendë A Mere Boggart Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: under the bed Posts: 4,737	Bethberry - I don't think it's meant to be particularly rude, it's a word that my mother uses quite often and she hates swearing. In fact she told a young bloke off for swearing the other day and called him an "arrogant s" when he dared to argue back. You might use the two words if say, you dropped your toast buttered side down, which in turn leads to the harmless phrase "S's Law", i.e. "Murphy's Law". It would have been a highly impolite word to use when Tolkien was alive, but these days, it's nothing much. *s used so as not to offend if it's a bad word for some.