How many times have you read it?

[FrodoFriend]

Okay, I'll admit up front that this is basically just a bogus post to boost my status up to Elven warrior, but still!

How many times have you read LotR?

For myself, I believe the count is at 7 right now (not very much, I know . . . but considering I'm only 15 that's not too shabby!!)



:) :) :) :D :D :D

[bropous]

Twenty-four times all the way through since 1977, FrodoFriend, and finding new details each time!

[ragamuffin92]

16 times, and that includes only once in the past 10 years. (I have to admit that in the 70s, I read it a couple of times in a row just so my friend's brother wouldn't catch up to me)

[luinilwen]

i've only read it once and i'm not ashamed to admit that. the first time is always the best :)

[ragamuffin92]

Luinilwen, do you plan to read it again soon, or are you going to wait a while (or never)? I found it took a few readings for the incidental characters and stories to become clear in my mind.
You're 100% correct, tho--the first time is the most important. Welcome to the "I've Read the Tolkien Trilogy All the Way Through and I'm Proud" Club. We meet at 7:45 pm on the first and third Tuesday of each month at the Holiday Inn of Prague. Call for directions.

[Arathorn]

Just 5 times since '93. 'Had to get another copy this year after my an old friend of mine disapeared with my original 3 books (darned orc-brood!). The 3 LotR books were difficult to get by here in Manila; at least before november last year when the movie trailers started showing. Luckily I was able to find a single volume copy in singapore last june.

I also have the hobbit, silmarillion, unfinished tales, farmer giles, and a coffee-table book with artist's impressions about middle earth (they sure look like some of the scenery in PJ's film).

Currently, all the books are sold out again. (nice to know that people are getting pulled in by the prrrreciooouuussss)

[Kamyel]

I'm still on my first time through. I'm up to "The Two Towers" now.

[bropous]

Well good on ya, Kamyel, keep at it, and when you finish, read "Silmarillion" and then "Letters of JRR Tolkien".

By the way, have these books been translated into Tagalog?

[Arathorn]

Originally posted by bropous
By the way, have these books been translated into Tagalog?

I don't think so. Although it would most definitely be a good project. It would probably make the books longer, I'm afraid, since Tagalog words tend to be longer than English or German.

The word for Elf/Dwarf is the same and not native to the Philippines (dwende).

English is used in most of the written material here. Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, and the rest of the dialects which comprise the filipino language are more commonly used for everyday speech, folklore and some local dailies and comic books, depending on the region.

We do have short works such as "The Little Prince" already in Tagalog.

[luinilwen]

well actually i was fairly turned off by LOTR because of the whole D&D label stamped on it. so yes, i was prompted to read the book because i refused to see the movie without having read the books first.

[emplynx]

*hangs his head and anounces, "1.5"*

I have only been a fan for a year!!!

[bropous]

Thanks for the info re: Tagalog and other Filipino dialects, Aragorn!

[ragamuffin92]

Ya can stop hanging your head, son, because you're right on schedule. By your age, I had probably only read "The Hobbit" and didn't get to LOTR until my junior year in H.S. You're doing just fine, from one "God's Buddy" to another. :)

[sepulchrave]

since 1973, i think 9 times, but eight for sure...the Hobbit three times for me, once out loud for my son

[bropous]

Welcome to the Moot, sepulchrave!

[Arathorn]

Emplynx..

You're a bit lucky from my POV. I had to scrounge around for the 3 volumes but was only able to get books 2 and 3 right after college where I come from.

At least now we can order online when the modern day palantiri came about

:D

[Spock]

o,o,ky becon......poor phonetics but you get the gist.

I've read it so many times I've had to reglue the bindings twice over the years.

Then again: lots and not at all.....always finding new things.

[Butterburr]

I think I've read LoTR about 6 times, the Hobbit 4 and the Silmarillion just once (although that one really stuck with me).

[EdBlackadder]

Originally posted by FrodoFriend
Okay, I'll admit up front that this is basically just a bogus post to boost my status up to Elven warrior, but still!

How many times have you read LotR?

For myself, I believe the count is at 7 right now (not very much, I know . . . but considering I'm only 15 that's not too shabby!!)



:) :) :) :D :D :D

I've read the series (Hobbit, Silmarilion, Lord of the Rings) in that order 7 times or so too. Plus numerous readings of the Silmarilion and Hobbit on their own on holiday.

[Vardasoroniel]

i've read the trilogy about 25+ times - starting in the summer of 1969.

was so excited by the movie that i reread TFOTR again before i went to see it.

& then, of course i wanted more - so reread TTT and have now wandered on to TROTK

sigh . . . i never grow tired of it :)

-- vardasoroniel ;)

[Menelvagor]

Around 10 for lotr, read the Hobbit once, and the first couple of chapters of the Sil (then the library started yelling at me to give it back:) ).

[sepulchrave]

thanks for the welcome, bropous, it is good to return to middle earth after so long away. I haven't been computer-savvy for long, and had no idea that there was the volume of Tolkien related material on the web that there is. It is perhaps a mixed blessing that the movie has created so much interest, or are these forums always this busy? either way, it is a fine thing to see all these people,from different backgrounds, all sharing their love for a great and noble work. I haven't read it in about seven years or so, but recently watched the screen adaptation. (mixed feelings...could have been a lot worse, and some bits were excellent). I can see it's time to start the book again. I can't wait! oh by the way how does one add the smilies?

[sbpollo1]

Since 1967, I've lost count. But I also pick up new details each time. My 7th grade Biology teacher introduced me. Not only for this lifelong tale, but for her influence on my future career, I am forever grateful.

[Vardasoroniel]

i remember i was working a summer job as a receptionist at a very small parish office for the local catholic church -- an exceedingly dull and drowsy job with very few phone calls and no one 'dropping' in to see the priests -- one of my friends from college had given me a dogeared paperback of the FOTR & i thought to amuse myself through the long, sultry afternoons with it.

one look at the maps, & i was captured! and as the story unfolded there was such a thrilling resonance to some lurking archetype i could barely contain my wonder and joy!!

sigh . . . & it still thrills me each time i travel through the story again - it's so rich, so many layers . . .

btw, if you are at all interested in a comprehensive mapping of middle earth, the batlles, the ringbearer journey, take a look at: THE ATLAS OF MIDDLE EARTH by Karen Fonstad. it's every map-loving hobbit's dream book!:)

[Mark of Cenla]

I have read The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings about five times, twice in the last year. I read The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales once.

[bropous]

Welcome to the Moot from a fellow [native] Louisianian, Mark of Cenla, and if you're cajun too, a very special welcome...

I agree with you, Vardasoronial, one look at the LotR maps and I was lured in...they were so much more interesting than the Hobbit maps, and understandably so. Same for the Silmarillion maps, one look and I HAD to read the book!

[ringbearer]

I stopped trying to figure it out after twenty-something.

[Barlomur]

On my first tour
TTT P:171 The road to Isengard

[Biscuit]

Hi everyone,
I can't remember how many times I've read it. To be honest sometimes I put off reading it again because it's such an emotional journey. I remember parts of the book and think I wouldn't like to go through that again, but then if it wasn't like that I might not like it as much. Once I start reading it though I'm likely to try bite the hand off anyone who tries to take it away from me.:D

[Gildor]

Nine--Once in High School--once every five years or so and twice this year--once before the movie and once after. It gets better every time. More than ever I'm noticing the melody of his language. A triumph for me this year was that I finally got my daughter to read it...been trying for years to tell her how good it was, but no...she was stuck on Conan Doyle, Terry Pratchitt, Alistair MacClean, Helen McInnes, Heyer, Stewart etc...all great authors but...anyway, she finally read it, and her husband read it, and my younger two children read it. Now I'm working on my husband, but in this case I think I'm going to have to be content that he saw the movie...we have overwhelmed him with our collective enthusiasm and that's too much for any man.

[athelas]

I've only read it once..... I picked up my FotR at a second hand bookstore, but I finished it before watching the movie...*looks around to see people who have read it 20+ times, then retreats to dark corner in shame....*:(

[Vardasoroniel]

Originally posted by bropous
I agree with you, Vardasoronial, one look at the LotR maps and I was lured in...they were so much more interesting than the Hobbit maps, and understandably so. Same for the Silmarillion maps, one look and I HAD to read the book!

the cartographer i mentioned earlier, karen wynn fonstad, bases her book, 'the atlas of middle earth', on the maps from the books (the hobbit, LOTR, silmarillion, unfinished tales, with some polishing up using the histories) and also on the text. the maps are quite detailed and various - including thematic, regional, detailed maps of different sections of the journey from the shire to the breaking of the fellowship, and wonderful battle maps, & one that i especially enjoyed was the journey of frodo and sam after the breaking which had specific shire dates for each day's leg of the journey.

there are also good maps of the 1st thru 3rd age, and detailed maps for TH.

this is an excellent companion book for reading tolkien's works!

[bropous]

Welcome to the Moot, Barlomur and Biscuit!

I'll have to check that atlas out, Vardasoroniel. I've always loved atlases and battle maps...

[sepulchrave]

to Barlomur, and Athelas...
Welcome!!! It would bring me such joy to once again have the experience of reading The Lord of the Rings for the first time! Be not dismayed O Athelas, for realms of great beauty and terror await your imagination, and it is no small thing to embark on this wondrous quest! Do not quail, for each has their own tale of how they stumbled on this magnificent epic, and yours will be bound up with your memories! Read on, and grand vistas will open before you, an entire world to immerse your minds eye in....
I just bought my son his first copy, and I look forward to his reaction to this magical tale...... Enjoy!

[Elbereth Gilthoniel]

I am sorry if I have spelling mistakes or if I misunderstood someone because my english isnt so good .:confused:

I think that I read the LOTR about four times it all and more then 7 the parts that I like.
I read the Hobbit few times and the Silmarilions once all.
I think that the first time that you read the LOTR is the best.;)

[FrodoFriend]

Mmm, I agree with Elbereth. The first time's the best! Is there a drug that temporarily induces amnesia?

[Pailan]

How many times? hmmm... Well, I am not sure, because I have read them so many times since 1972. But after college I really enjoyed them on a different level, especially after studying Beowulf and reading some of the Norse sagas... And I know that LotR affected me enough to become an English major even though I started university with an eye on engineering. Powerful stuff these books of Tolkien.

Since the movie came out, I have read Lotr twice and I am now heading back into the Sil.

[markedel]

I think the more understanding you have of the sheer amount of sweat and blood tolkien gave the work the more enjoyable it is. The first time you realize the Rohirrim don't speak old English, the signifgance of a Balrog etc. It heightens the experience.

[daring gaffer]

(counts on fingers college education is no guarantee for anything) let's see i've read the lord of the rings 3 times,just finished my second go at the hobbit and next in line is the revisitation of the silmarillion
cut me some slack here i'm not even 23 AND i'm in the middle of an exam series ;)

[Laurelyn]

I couldn't manage to count them all if I tried. At least 10 since December 19, 2001. I'm a really fast reader. I've read the Silmarillion 5 times, but I can't count for either the Trilogy or the Hobbit.

[Laurelyn]

Oh, and FrodoFriend, I'll admit that I'm posting this message in an attemopt to become an Elven Warrior as well. :)

[Laurelyn]

Almost done it, too. :)

[Neithan]

Hi! I`ve got very little to do right now,so I`ve decided to jump on this "train".:)
I usually read LOTR 3 time\year. And then I read the norwegian translation 2 times and usually read the original version during the summer.

This was just as boring to write as it probably is to read.

[Thrain of the Shire]

Ah yes, well we were lucky enough to have a really good teacher at school who forced us to read the HObbit at the age of 10. Naturally I just HAD to know what happened next and that was the first time through.

I have singlehandedly contributed to the financial success of LOTR because every copy I have ever bought I have given to someone else to get them reading it!

By the way (now shamefaced) I started the Sil once but struggled with the early pages and never went further -- encouragement please!!!

[Pailan]

Originally posted by Thrain of the Shire

By the way (now shamefaced) I started the Sil once but struggled with the early pages and never went further -- encouragement please!!!

The beginning is tough but it is a must read. Once you start to sort who's who and all it will begin to flow. There are many beautiful stories waiting to be read. Do it now! Turn of the TV and go for it.

Pailan, at your service.

[Pailan]

Originally posted by Neithan
Hi! I`ve got very little to do right now,so I`ve decided to jump on this "train".:)
I usually read LOTR 3 time\year. And then I read the norwegian translation 2 times and usually read the original version during the summer.

This was just as boring to write as it probably is to read.

Nope not boring, at all. Three times a year in TWO languages is pretty cool, in my book.

Could you tell me (us) what you perfer, the Norwegian or the English? And how good would you say the Norwegian translation is?

Thanks

[Brimvalir]

I would say I probably read the series about 15 times - mostly in my youth :):p

[snoopy]

;) I have read the books a couple of times. I willprobably read them again as soon as I finish the book I'm reading right now.

[Mirkgirl]

I've never counted....... started to young to remember

[F.B.-B.]

Hmm. Thinking, and calculating. I think I have read:

TRB: More times than I can count. It is still my favorite, even after all the others graced my hands. This was the first "Middle-earth" tale I ever read.
TH: 14 times. (Appropriate number, eh? I haven't wanted to go past that number yet. Possibly because my copy is so worn, the pages are individual sheets.)
TFotR: 13 times.
TTT: 13 times.
TRotK: 12 times.
TRotKAs: 4 times. (But very glad I finally decided to read them.)
A,V,&QS: Once. I didn't know they existed until a discovery in a used book store last summer.
R: Once. Same reason as the last.
FGoH: Never! Looking for it ...

Of course, there are some chapters, such as Mount Doom, which I have read several dozen times, for the sheer joy of it (yes, I can already hear your comments. Joy??? Yes.) Babble, babble. All right, enough.

Keep reading!

[Mark of Cenla]

I have read Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit five times. I have read The Silmarillian and Unfinished Tales once. I have been itching to read them again, but I promised myself that I would not read them again until next fall. Peace.

[AACHOO]

TH & LoTR once a year since '77. Added the Sil in '83('84?)

Just as good now as in '77. Eyes wide in amazment as I see every word come to life.

these were the first books I read I could actually see the scenes as set forth in the text.

[tolkienfan]

I've never counted but I read the whole trilogy on a twelve hour plane trip a couple years ago.

[Acran Mern]

Well, I've been in a constant state of re-reading since '96. Figure it'd work out to at least 10 times for each book. It's to the point now where I simply open up any book to any page and start reading whenever I feel like it.

[littleadanel]

I've never counted but I read the whole trilogy on a twelve hour plane trip a couple years ago.

Until now I thought myself a fast reader (at least in my language) but you really beat me! :eek: It took me 4 days to read the trilogy for the first time (christmas holiday, not doing anything else but reading) and I didn't dare to tell it to my classmates who needed a couple of months...

Since then, I've read LoTR and Sil, 2-3 times both, and The Hobbit once, in original. This summer I wanted to finish LoTR in original and when we were on holiday it went pretty well, but again I'm stuck, at the Pelennor Fields, probably until Christmas holiday... :rolleyes:

[hectorberlioz]

My twelve year old sis is reading FotR, and I myself picked it up...really wanted to read it again! I also read the chapter in RotK: Scouring of the Shire...ahhhhh.

[durinsbane2244]

sigh, before i sound like a freak, just know that for lack of anyting whatsoever to do, i read over and over again, so here: because i have read literaly everything that i would find the least bit enjoyable in my school's library, and there isn't much good new stuff to find in the public library, i have resorted to the few good novels i own, the fellowship of the ring being the only tolkien among them, and have, sigh again, read it 27 and a half times to date. i am 13, i read first in 4th grade, and i find this sad, having read the other two about 3 or 4 times each, i didn't even finish the last time because my library got the once and future king, but don't look down on me, i just get reeeeeealy bored :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :(

[Lotesse]

If you've read it 27 times, then we need you over on the "trivia" threads, homey. For real. Not much has been happening over there as of late...

[Tar_Zimraphel]

About 3 times so far, but more to come!

[Tree Dweller]

I am one of those late-comers to Middle-Earth. I did not read the books until after I had seen FOTR and I have since read them twice and the Silmarillion once.

(If I didn't have kids, church, homeschooling, bass playing, kids in Judo, etc....etc....., I would have read them a few more times! :rolleyes: )


ahhhh, that reminds me...my books are still packed since our move.........must...get...them...out! :eek:

[Elanor the Fair]

It doesn't matter how late you are coming to Middle-Earth, the important thing is that you got here!! :)

[Snowdog]

I read the Hobbit twice, The Trilogy about 10 times, including the Appendices and learning to write the Tengwar. The Silmarillion I only read once straight through, and I treat it as more of a reference book. A few chapters I read more than others, especially of the coming of Men. Unfinished Tales I read a few times, with many references to certain chapters depending on what I'm writing or RP ing at the time.

Sadly, since the coming of the movies, I have read the trilogy only once, and I feel that some of the 'magic' has worn off. Why? I don't know. I saw a few bits of the movie on UPN this weekend, and I thought of the books and how I see the whole world that I read of before the movie images came out, and that is what I wish to remember. Unfortunately when I read it after seeing the movies, I would at times have those images interfere with my original mind images, and in that, it became more of a struggle to keep it pure. So now I relish in my minds images, and do not read it anymore except in reference. Middle Earth lives on in my mind! :)