J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic fantasy novel comes to life within the pages of the trilogy’s first installment. I couldn’t help but think of the film as I read, becoming more engrossed as the novel progressed.
The narrator for these novels has a beautiful, rich singing voice, one that is necessary when reading Tolkien. Filled with poems and songs, the pages of The Fellowship of the Ring further fleshes out the world that Tolkien is building.
What fascinated me is the fact that Frodo begins his journey at the same age his uncle Bilbo does: 50. In the films, Frodo appears to be only in his thirties, and not as much time seems to have passed as in the book.
One of my favorite parts is when Frodo, his two cousins Merry and Pippin, and his faithful friend Sam, meet Aragorn. He’s one of the coolest people to me–skilled with the blade, well versed in the wilds, and a future king to Gondor.
I also liked recognizing scraps of poetry or song that I’d heard throughout the films. That was really cool! It was like a light-bulb flicked on in my head: So that’s where that quote came from! It made me so proud of all of the hard work Peter Jackson put into all of his Lord of the Rings films.
The novels are a little slow going at times, but if you can embrace an older style of writing, it’s very beautiful. The Fellowship of the Ring is courageous, funny, and filled with hope–something I think everyone needs during this tumultuous time in history.
I’m so excited to continue my journey through Middle Earth!
All that is gold does not glitter,
J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring, p. 231
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was woken,
The crownless again shall be king.
The Nerdy Nook 
1 Comment