^^ whao, I didn't know that? wow! well, I might lok into that.....thanks for the heads up!

That is a wonderful quote, jo. Some years ago I traveled with friends by car on a long trip, and we listened to a audio presentation of The Silmarillion - sorry; I don't remember who narrated it, except that he had a wonderful, dignified, English-type voice. I'd not read the book before, and hearing that section about the creation and the music just gave me goosebumps. So it remains a favorite part of Tolkien's writings.

Indeed, if hope diminishes as we get older, that doesn't bode well for those of us who are further along the path of life. I'll refrain from getting all philosophical here.

Middle Earth is not like Narnia. If you're looking for direct comparisons, you're going to be extremely disappointed. But when you get done reading Lord of the Rings and take a step back and look at it, the similarities of a Christian living his life for Christ and the journey Frodo takes in destroying the ring, are amazing to me. I won't go into detail because I don't want to spoil the book if you haven't finished it yet, but yeah, you're not likely to see anything jump off the page at you.

Awesome, FK! And exactly my own thoughts! And to elaborate, I think in LOTR we see themes such as what loyalty, courage, etc., really are. At least, that is the impression I've gotten.

Russian illustrations for The Hobbit

Too, too cute. Check out the one of Bilbo asleep in his bed. *coos happily* And Gollum! And Bilbo stealing the keys!

^^ that's so awesome! I like it! not as good as Alan Lee's drawings though.....

Two LotRO videos I came across on YouTube. No singing this time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3C5BFBN30w&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8cvWmP8yzQ&feature=related

What was the name of that Tolkien fan film again? The one that got good reviews? I haven't seen it yet. Thanks

Good gravy, those Russian illustrations were 'interesting' and by interesting I don't mean good.

You mean Born of Hope, W4J? I forgot to finish watching it, but it was very well done for a fan film. Nice music, decentish acting, and it didn't look cheap like a lot of fan films do.

Ah, yes, that's the one! Thanks Bookwyrm.

My, what hairy legs Mr. Bilbo has. Those illustrations are pretty cute, though. They look like some old picture books I used to have.

Alas, just read the news that Guillermo Del Toro has quit as director for "The Hobbit" movies.
what a shock.
It's all to do with delays, much of which seems to be inter-studio politics. Rats! When will this ever get made?

I just read that an hour ago at Theonering.net . Now I am officially MAD . I feel like saying something extremely rude about MGM and their incessant delaying of the inevitable. But I will restrain myself from Screaming on Narniaweb .

MGM should immediately sell their share of the Rights to New Line and WB so they can just get on with it. Then Jackson should hire Terry Gilliam to direct.

GB

In a word: NOOOO!!!!

MGM should immediately sell their share of the Rights to New Line and WB so they can just get on with it.

Agreed. MGM is taking too long.

I am beginning to think we won't see Hobbit until I am.......well, much older than I will be in 2013.

If MGM is having financial problems, shouldnt they realise that the Hobbit movies may be their only chances of survival?

I mean both movies are going to make over a billion dollars. Much more than any movie MGM has made recently. By making these movies, they could save the company.

Gollum and the animals (especially the eagle) look quite funny, in a good way . There's something very charming in those drawings, but Bilbo certainly doesn't look like I have imagined him .

Isn't it a bit strange to change the director after he's been doing the scripts? I'm not sure if he's been one of those writing them or not, but surely he has already had some influence in them.