Excellent work. Last year I read the Children of Hurin for the first time (whilst listening to Christopher Lee's amazing audiobook and when I finished I realized. "Holy shit, that was depressing as hell." It truly is the most depressing story and anytime Martin (And I like his books) says some derogatory comment on Tolkien I think, one: Tolkien finished his magnum opus and two: he wrote one of the most tragic stories I read, so shut up Martin and quit procrastinating.
Bravo! In a short space, you have neatly provided not only an homage to the heroes of Men, but also underscored the mythic quality of Tolkien’s work. Much more than “fantasy” (in our modern understanding of it, I’d say) Tolkien’s LOTR and its entire Legendarium-- in particular, the Silmarillion -- is, as a he would have said, “A true myth.” I have no problem in placing Tolkien in the Canon of Western mytholoogy and legend and even in the realm of metaphysics, and in all cases as being worthy of study and contemplation on whatever level one may wish to proceed.
As regards Turin and Aragorn specifically, I think you nailed their differences much better than I would have. Aragorn can also be seen to fulfill the role of the Christ, or at least an aspect of that role, but Turin never managed to achieve the same level. His is a tragic story, indeed, whereas there is gloriousness that permeates Aragorn’s every step and misstep.
Ugh, yeah, when I heard that the Tolkien estate had released the Children of Hurin as a novel, I was like WHY?? That's the single most awful, depressing story in the Silmarillion! Couldn't we get a book of Beren and Luthien instead???
That said, this is a wonderful analysis and I enjoyed reading it
I started listening to Christopher Lee’s narration but ended up reading the book. On a similar note I listened to The Silmaillion recently (my third reading, I could say) and its narrator was excellent. Very monumental voice but not as slow as Lee. Still, I listened at 1.25x most of the time and it came across almost perfectly natural. Pauses not quite as pregnant as at Normal speed. Anyway, just FYI if you have not come across it yet, he’s an excellent reader for the material. you can tell he holds it in some reverence.
The Silmarillion audiobook I have is narrated by someone named Martin Shaw. I just checked on Audible now and see that there is a newer one read by Andy Serkis which sounds excellent, too. His voice is very different from Shaws so it will surely have a unique feel. I have 3 credits available so I think I'll pull the trigger on it. I'll review them (maybe) after listening to all 19 hours. Again.
Excellent work. Last year I read the Children of Hurin for the first time (whilst listening to Christopher Lee's amazing audiobook and when I finished I realized. "Holy shit, that was depressing as hell." It truly is the most depressing story and anytime Martin (And I like his books) says some derogatory comment on Tolkien I think, one: Tolkien finished his magnum opus and two: he wrote one of the most tragic stories I read, so shut up Martin and quit procrastinating.
Sorry for the rant. Peace
I despise Martin’s work, but yeah I totally get what you mean about CoH and how depressing it is.
Haha. Good point about Martin! Did you find it was better to listen to Christopher Lee at about 1.5x or so?
I just listen to him at normal speed personally.
I just listened to him normally and it was fine for me. Maybe I'll change it upon a reread.
Sure!
One does have to note that Aragorn was not laboring under a curse of Sauron's.
True
Bravo! In a short space, you have neatly provided not only an homage to the heroes of Men, but also underscored the mythic quality of Tolkien’s work. Much more than “fantasy” (in our modern understanding of it, I’d say) Tolkien’s LOTR and its entire Legendarium-- in particular, the Silmarillion -- is, as a he would have said, “A true myth.” I have no problem in placing Tolkien in the Canon of Western mytholoogy and legend and even in the realm of metaphysics, and in all cases as being worthy of study and contemplation on whatever level one may wish to proceed.
As regards Turin and Aragorn specifically, I think you nailed their differences much better than I would have. Aragorn can also be seen to fulfill the role of the Christ, or at least an aspect of that role, but Turin never managed to achieve the same level. His is a tragic story, indeed, whereas there is gloriousness that permeates Aragorn’s every step and misstep.
Very well put! And yeah Tolkien’s Legendarium does indeed belong to the Canon of Mythology!
And I did notice the Christ-like quality about Aragorn.
I’m very glad you liked this essay mon ami!
D’accord, brother.
X)
Ugh, yeah, when I heard that the Tolkien estate had released the Children of Hurin as a novel, I was like WHY?? That's the single most awful, depressing story in the Silmarillion! Couldn't we get a book of Beren and Luthien instead???
That said, this is a wonderful analysis and I enjoyed reading it
How can you say it is awful? It was superbly written! And they did in the end release a book of Beren & Luthien.
I’m glad you enjoyed the analysis lol
I vote for Beren.
Lmao, I can’t wait to get to him in the Silmarillion book club podcast
I'M linking here this trailer: https://youtu.be/42fmgd_xA6k?si=mhyS2u0zCaF_i6HB. I think it’s worth viewing.
Sure which movie’s trailer?
It’s a video made by a Youtuber about Beren and Luthien’s story, made wit AI.
Oh je vois
I started listening to Christopher Lee’s narration but ended up reading the book. On a similar note I listened to The Silmaillion recently (my third reading, I could say) and its narrator was excellent. Very monumental voice but not as slow as Lee. Still, I listened at 1.25x most of the time and it came across almost perfectly natural. Pauses not quite as pregnant as at Normal speed. Anyway, just FYI if you have not come across it yet, he’s an excellent reader for the material. you can tell he holds it in some reverence.
Yep, I’ve listened to the audio-narration several times I love the audiobook of the Silmarillion! You’ve great taste and Lee’s reading was perfect.
The Silmarillion audiobook I have is narrated by someone named Martin Shaw. I just checked on Audible now and see that there is a newer one read by Andy Serkis which sounds excellent, too. His voice is very different from Shaws so it will surely have a unique feel. I have 3 credits available so I think I'll pull the trigger on it. I'll review them (maybe) after listening to all 19 hours. Again.
Sure, let me know if its any good.