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

Mithalwen · 05-16-2006, 11:56 AM

I would only add that Unfinished tales contains things that may interest the friend in the event that they don't get into the Silmarillion - and many people who love LOTR never really make that transition. If they can accept that the tales are not definitive versions then they might like to read at least part 3 and maybe part 2 before the Silmarillion. There they will find lots of Tolkien's thoughts on such matters as the Palantiri, the Wizards, the Quest of Erebor (ie The Hobbit) from Gandalf's perspective.

Of course the published Silmarillion isn't exactly definitive but at that stage CT presented it as a "complete" work not as edited fragments.

05-16-2006, 11:56 AM	#10
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,463	I would only add that Unfinished tales contains things that may interest the friend in the event that they don't get into the Silmarillion - and many people who love LOTR never really make that transition. If they can accept that the tales are not definitive versions then they might like to read at least part 3 and maybe part 2 before the Silmarillion. There they will find lots of Tolkien's thoughts on such matters as the Palantiri, the Wizards, the Quest of Erebor (ie The Hobbit) from Gandalf's perspective. Of course the published Silmarillion isn't exactly definitive but at that stage CT presented it as a "complete" work not as edited fragments. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace