Which to read first? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Formendacil · 05-14-2006, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sardy

The Silmarillion or Unfinished Tales? (After a proper reading of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, of course).

Which would you recommend to a friend who is nearly finished with his first reading of LotR?

The Silmarillion. Unfinished Tales expands upon both the Silmarillion and the Lord of the Rings, and so it is essential to read the former before starting Unfinished Tales.

Seems fairly obvious to me... but that's just me.

Farael · 05-14-2006, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Formendacil

The Silmarillion. Unfinished Tales expands upon both the Silmarillion and the Lord of the Rings, and so it is essential to read the former before starting Unfinished Tales.

Seems fairly obvious to me... but that's just me.

I'll second that Formen.... I just finished UT today (Unless you consider the book is not finished if I have not gone through ALL The notes) ... and I wouldn't have understood some of it if I hadn't read The Sil first. In many instances Christopher Tolkien (who put Unfinished Tales together and wrote comments about most of it) will say "This story refers to X episode in The Silmarillion" or "This is X story of Lord Of The Rings as told by Gandalf" and so on.

So most definitely, I recommend you read The Silmarillion first.

Lalwendë · 05-15-2006, 06:01 AM

Definitely the Sil! But do warn him/her that it might be a bit of a shock after the style of LOTR!

Rhod the Red · 05-15-2006, 06:10 AM

I recomment UF first, then Sil.

lathspell · 05-15-2006, 06:55 AM

Joining the majority here. First the Silmarillion!

Thinlómien · 05-15-2006, 06:57 AM

Fifth! The Silmarillion. Otherwise the friend is going to be very, very confused.

Sardy · 05-15-2006, 02:28 PM

Sounds Good!

I've actually read LotR and Sil countless times, and most volumes of HoME at least once, but am just preparing to crack UT for the first time. Wasn't quite sure what to expect...

05-15-2006, 06:01 AM	#3
Lalwendë A Mere Boggart Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: under the bed Posts: 4,737	Definitely the Sil! But do warn him/her that it might be a bit of a shock after the style of LOTR! __________________ Gordon's alive!

05-15-2006, 06:10 AM	#4
Rhod the Red Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: May 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 257	I recomment UF first, then Sil. __________________ Head of the Fifth Order of the Istari Tenure: Fourth Age(Year 1) - Present Currently operating in Melbourne, Australia

05-15-2006, 06:55 AM	#5
lathspell Regenerating Ringkeeper Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Holland Posts: 757	Joining the majority here. First the Silmarillion! __________________ 'You?' cried Frodo. 'Yes, I, Gandalf the Grey,' said the wizard solemnly. 'There are many powers in the world, for good or for evil. Some are greater than I am. Against some I have not yet been measured. But my time is coming.'

05-15-2006, 06:57 AM	#6
Thinlómien Shady She-Penguin Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: In a far land beyond the Sea Posts: 8,093	Fifth! The Silmarillion. Otherwise the friend is going to be very, very confused. __________________ Like the stars chase the sun, over the glowing hill I will conquer Blood is running deep, some things never sleep Double Fenris

05-15-2006, 02:28 PM	#7
Sardy Wight Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hudson Valley, NY Posts: 111	Sounds Good! I've actually read LotR and Sil countless times, and most volumes of HoME at least once, but am just preparing to crack UT for the first time. Wasn't quite sure what to expect... __________________ www.scottchristiancarr.com They passed slowly, and the hobbits could see the starlight glimmering on their hair and in their eyes.