What counts as "canon"? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Lalwendë · 09-11-2008, 04:35 AM

I always like this topic, in a weird kind of sadistic way

My take is definitely that the 'Sun' is Lord of the Rings, surrounded by satellite planets of The Hobbit and The Sil, while Unfinished Tales is a moon, and HoME is the asteroid belt. It's all in the solar system but some of it is more important.

I suppose whether the more contentious and contradictory parts of the texts are canon or not depends on whether or not they support the argument you are currently pursuing

However considering what is and what is not acceptable to most as canon is useful, even though you will still get people who do not consider what might ordinarily be seen as canon as necessarily fitting into the rest of the legendarium (*thinks of davem and The Hobbit, with a chuckle*). Some seem to think of Tolkien's Letters as canon, but I'm more inclined to think of them as Tolkien's own critical/fanboy comments which may shed light or muddy the waters.

But there's a lot more to be said.....If you're interested in canon, you might want to see the Downs' own version of torment:

Abandon hope all ye who enter here!

Oh. My. God. No. It's the canonicity thread! Run for the hills!

09-11-2008, 04:35 AM	#2
Lalwendë A Mere Boggart Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: under the bed Posts: 4,737	I always like this topic, in a weird kind of sadistic way My take is definitely that the 'Sun' is Lord of the Rings, surrounded by satellite planets of The Hobbit and The Sil, while Unfinished Tales is a moon, and HoME is the asteroid belt. It's all in the solar system but some of it is more important. I suppose whether the more contentious and contradictory parts of the texts are canon or not depends on whether or not they support the argument you are currently pursuing However considering what is and what is not acceptable to most as canon is useful, even though you will still get people who do not consider what might ordinarily be seen as canon as necessarily fitting into the rest of the legendarium (thinks of davem and The Hobbit, with a chuckle). Some seem to think of Tolkien's Letters as canon, but I'm more inclined to think of them as Tolkien's own critical/fanboy comments which may shed light or muddy the waters. But there's a lot more to be said.....If you're interested in canon, you might want to see the Downs' own version of torment: Abandon hope all ye who enter here! Oh. My. God. No. It's the canonicity thread! Run for the hills! __________________ Gordon's alive!