ok am i the only one who........

[entss89]

am i the only one who did not understand the simarillion? everything seemed so complicated to me!

[Lefty Scaevola]

No problem here, but then I also understand Texas politics.

[Rían]

Hang in there and give it another try. I found keeping a paper and pencil at hand and jotting some things down as I went was helpful. It REALLY enhanced LoTR for me, so again I would say, stick with it! :) There's lots of Sil fans here, so you might also want to read through some of the threads, or just ask some more questions here.

[Millane]

it wasnt so complicated to read but there was just so much info to register that it is hard as. i bought it about 3 weeks ago and i am only finishing Beren and Luthien to put that in to perspective it took me three weeks to read LOTR and the Hobbit. i think one reason for that is the way that it is written. keep with it... i am a bit hipocritical considering i picked up the hobbit last night instead of the sil :) anyway of what i read it is a great book.

[BeardofPants]

Aha! So I wasn't the only one who took notes! :D

[Khadrane]

Just stick with it. You'll get there! It is hard to get into at first.

[cee2lee2]

The first time I tried (years ago) I gave up and it just sat on the shelf. I'm trying again. Just started this weekend and I've decided to do it in small doses so the info can settle in.

[The Lady of Ithilien]

I didn't get too much of it the first time I read it, either. Parts of it were very clear, and the whole story of Beren and Luthien, but well, looking back on it, I guess it was overwhelming. After a few attempts to get into it, I set it aside for literally years and then wanted to read that beautiful "Ainulindale" again, and this time, for some reason, perhaps because of discussions here at Entmoot, it was easy to just keep going. Keep working at it -- it's wonderful.

[Ma Uai: Ua Nemti]

Taking note on it makes it sound like a history class, but is still a good idea. I think I'll try that.

[Artanis]

Entss89, did you start reading from the beginning? If you did, I suggest you skip Ainulindale and Valaquenta on your first reading and start with Quenta Silmarillion, which I think is somewaht easier to grasp. Don't worry if you don't understand everything, I'm sure you'll get the main points and enjoy reading. You can always go back to the first part of the book later, and then when you've finished Ainulindale and Valaquenta you might want to re-read QS to understand it better. :)

Taking notes might be a good idea as well, it just wouldn't work for me, I'm not patient enough to write things when I'm reading. :rolleyes:

[tharkun27]

I have 2 friends who recently picked up the Sil, only to get frustrated and quit. I didn't make it through my first time either. My only advice is - don't put to much effort into all the info- all the names and places, lineages, histories, and so on. Just try to absorb some and move through the book. This will be a book you will go back and read again and again, and each time you'll get all the info straightened out a little more. Once you get into some of the actual "stories" or narritives in the book, it should flow a little more. I begged so many of my friends to read the Sil, so I would have someone to talk to about it. It really blows me away on so many levels. Anyway, I very recently got online, and found this site, and it's a little overwhelming. I can't belive some of the intracacies that are discussed here- how in depth some people get with all the info. I thought I was bad-or good-but there are some true lore-masters floating around out there. Sorry to stray of topic- there are tons of books out there that you just have to plow through and hope it all comes together-it will-just stick with it and if you have any questions they can be answered here. I wish I was reading it for the first time-you have alot to look foward to.

[Earniel]

Mmm, am I the only one who didn't experience any problem with reading the silmarillion for the first time? :s

Artanis, don't tell people to skip the Ainulindale and Valaquenta! I loved those parts! But that may just be my myth-crazed brain speaking. :)

[BeardofPants]

I think so, Earniel! :D

I had a lot of trouble reading it the first time. There was a lot of stuff that I had to adjust to: writing style, the amount of information that there is to take in, some of the more complicated themes that aren't necessarily obvious to the first time reader, editorial mistakes - only *just* got my head around Gil-galad's parentage, thanks to having someone on hand to spell it out for me! I haven't read it for the second time yet, as I wish to further read up on HoME before I try to re-read it.

All I can say is that it makes it tonnes easier having someone that you can bounce ideas off (even if the person I went to kept teasing me! :mad: ). Also helps if you read it slowly the first time through - I read it in three days, and I think I might have missed a lot of important detail.

[olsonm]

Originally posted by Eärniel
Mmm, am I the only one who didn't experience any problem with reading the silmarillion for the first time? :sI had a pretty easy time reading it, but I did memorize the family trees at the back and made extensive use of the glossary/index.

[Artanis]

Originally posted by Eärniel
Artanis, don't tell people to skip the Ainulindale and Valaquenta! I loved those parts! I love them too, but I had to read them a second time, after I had finished the rest of the Sil and UT, to come there. :) The point is, it's possible to enjoy, say, the part with Beren and Luthien as a dramatic love story, or the sad tale of Hurin's children, without the deeper insight provided by Ainulindale and Valaquenta. That may come later.

[Radagast The Brown]

originally posted by Artanis
The point is, it's possible to enjoy, say, the part with Beren and Luthien as a dramatic love story, or the sad tale of Hurin's children, without the deeper insight provided by Ainulindale and Valaquenta. That may come later.I agree. I think that's people who didn't read the Sil yet should start from "the silmarils" and after they'll finish the book they could read the Valaquenta and Ainulindale. I didn't do it, but I did understand it.

[Lefty Scaevola]

It is significant to know that the Elves are bound within a framework of fate, but than the Atani are partialy free of it.

[Eldanuumea]

Originally posted by olsonm
I had a pretty easy time reading it, but I did memorize the family trees at the back and made extensive use of the glossary/index.

Writing out a family tree for the Noldorian elves definitely helped me keep track of all the F's! For me, that was the difficult part.....Finwe, Finarfin, Finrod, Fingolfin, Feanor, etc. And then of course there are Tuor, Turambar, Huor, Turin, Hurin, Huan, etc.!!

Really, the similar-sounding names drove me wild the first few times around.
What I need now is to construct a timeline, so I can keep track of
what happened in each Age.
:cool:

[entss89]

allright i decided to try and read it again!(gets the book out of the trashcan) ok im taking your advice!it better work!

[Eldanuumea]

Originally posted by entss89
allright i decided to try and read it again!(gets the book out of the trashcan) ok im taking your advice!it better work!

Stick with it, Entss89.....I'm sure you'll find the extra effort worth it!

[Rían]

trashcan?? trashcan!! Hey, if you don't want your Sil, send it to me! Mine's in several pieces, I've read it so many times!

I would agree about writing down all those names starting with "F" - they get awfully confusing. I've read the whole thing probably a total of 5 times now (I've reread some parts many more than others) and I still have to stop and think sometimes who is who (but then I'm probably denser than most!) I used to just flip back to the geneology section, but finally just wrote the family tree down on a 3x5 card and used it as a bookmark and quick reference. Stick with it, it's really worth it. It makes those little First Age references that you see in LoTR really neat when you know what they are referrring to.

[Jador]

Originally posted by RÃ*an
Stick with it, it's really worth it. It makes those little First Age references that you see in LoTR really neat when you know what they are referrring to. [/B]
I totaly agree! It's like,the more you understand the events that were before the LotR, the more you can appreciate it,and as Sam says to Frodo on the Morgul pass,They are all part of the same epic story,that runs down through the ages..(total paraphrase there!)

[entss89]

yes i am making progress im on chapter 2! im so proud of my self this is working out!(not really) but im still trying!

[Eldanuumea]

Originally posted by entss89
yes i am making progress im on chapter 2! im so proud of my self this is working out!(not really) but im still trying!

I am very proud of you, too! Stick with it, my dear. When you feel bogged down in a section, just plow on through.....the stories have a way of suddenly becoming impossible to put down!
:cool:

[Lanelf]

It's weird. I just looked to the index thingy at the end of the book to see any names I didn't remember. What I find really confusing are the people who don't even start before they give up! (please nobody take offense at this, I'm just saying what *I* think, that is *my* warped mind, ok?) My sister says she fell asleep after about ten pages, but I was way into it.
I'm proud of you people sticking with it! There was one chapter that I just wanted to skip, but I read it anyway... Keep going! *starts little sil-reading cheer squad* You can do it!
Lanelf.

[Aeryn]

Well, I was like ...12 when I read it ...I'm a natural slow reader so it took me a long time and I understood it...when I picked it up again about 3 years later, as I read it quickly I lost my grasp on it...
My Advise: Take your time the faster you try to go, the more you miss

[Willow Oran]

I got through the book itself with relative ease but at first the fact that Tolkien uses a lot of repeating names confused me at first, (eg. "Denethor? What's he doing in the first age...?") that sort of thing. Other than that and the occaisional seeming inconsistency with LOTR and it was fine.

[entss89]

my mother: are you sure you want to send this to good will?

me: umm well give me a few more days to decide!

[entss89]

i decided im not going to give away my book!
IM GOING TO BURN IT!
no not really im doing goood actually it took me a month but im finally on chapter 3! go entss89 its your birthday!


slow ain't i?

[Artanis]

Happy birthday Entss89! :) I'm glad you're still reading the Sil. Keep up the good work!

[Falagar]

My dad have the 1st edition of the Silm, and I read it just after I saw the movie.
The first time I got a little confused, but the 2nd time I read it I finally got it.

Oh, btw, cool pic of Nemi, Artanis!

[Artanis]

Originally posted by Falagar
My dad have the 1st edition of the Silm How I envy you! I wish someone in my family would take some interest in Tolkien's books.

[Radagast The Brown]

entss you are slowly but don't give up!!! you will end it somewhen, somehow. I read The Silmarilion for few weeks, I think. and that was long time ago. 8 months ago, actually. :eek:

[Falagar]

How I envy you! I wish someone in my family would take some interest in Tolkien's books.
It's not very weird that I ended up as a Tolkienholic, my dad read it to me when I was 8 years!

Oh, sorry if this was too off topic...

no not really im doing goood actually it took me a month but im finally on chapter 3! go entss89 its your birthday!
Happy birthday! (maybe a little late)
slow ain't i?
My advice: Take your time! (I'm not the right person to give advices though)

[entss89]

well thanks everyone and falagar it not my birthday quite yet so your actually early my b day is nov. 12! ohh im on chapter 4th ! oh no wronge page im still on the 3rd chapter my bad!he he!
:D :D :D

[Lanelf]

Oh well, better early...
Anyway, as I'm likely to forget, happy early birthday, entss89!;)
Keep reading! *chants* Read that Sil! Read that Sil! Read that Sil!
Lanelf.

[Falagar]

well thanks everyone and falagar it not my birthday quite yet so your actually early my b day is nov. 12!
Aiii...
Anyway, as I'm likely to forget, happy early birthday, entss89!
Yeah, better early than never! happy b day!

[webwizard333]

Mmm, am I the only one who didn't experience any problem with reading the silmarillion for the first time? :s
No, you're not the only one. I read it in one day and found it within my ability to grasp.

Artanis, don't tell people to skip the Ainulindale and Valaquenta! I loved those parts! But that may just be my myth-crazed brain speaking.
Once again, same here. I really loved how Tolkien took the ancient mythologies, Christianized them, and really gave a definitive order to them. They're among my favorite things to read of the Silmarillion.

[azalea]

Hey, I need a cheer, too. I'm still only about halfway through, and I've been reading it since Jan. (with long pauses). Well, right now I have a little of an excuse since it's packed. But I guess it's just that the writing style is hard for me to enjoy -- it feels like I'm reading a history book (which I am, really) rather than a story as in TLotR or The Hobbit, Farmer Giles, etc., all of which I whip through every time. I miss that personal feel, I suppose, that comes from reading about the characters inner thoughts in a very intimate way. But I am enjoying the story itself. It's just very hard for me to get through. I'm determined to do it though! I may even read it again!

[entss89]

yeahhhhhh im not alone!:D well well i will give you a boost then im am very slowwwwwwwwwwwww too . i think me and you will become very good friends. he he. ohh pats for entss im on chapter 4! yay.

[The Lady of Ithilien]

But I guess it's just that the writing style is hard for me to enjoy -- it feels like I'm reading a history book (which I am, really) rather than a story as in TLotR or The Hobbit, Farmer Giles, etc., all of which I whip through every time.That, and the Elves don't act very much like they do in LotR or Hobbit...they're either much more ethereal (like the Vanyar) or feisty (like the Noldor). It's just so darned big, too.

You know what helps? I found this out accidentally by trying the summarize how Cirdan got to the Havens of Mithlond for an Entmoot post in another thread: take a character, preferably one of the minor ones or one who continues on into the LotR or Hobbit, and write his or her story out. You'll be surprised at how the tale comes alive after that.

[azalea]

That's a good idea because, quite frankly, it's very hard for me to keep up with all of the characters. I think I'll do that when I read it again, so that I can have a better understanding of the thing as a whole.

[katya]

I also want to agree on not skipping the valaquenta and the other one. the valaquenta especially helped me to know who exactly these people were instead of just reading a name and being like "oh look, yet another name i dont know about".
I am reading the silmarillion for the first time also and i am on about chapter 6 or 7. its really hard so i take my timeadn read most chapters twice. i think i have a pretty good understanding so far. once you grasp stuff its a nice book. nobody ought to give up on it unless maybe they are saving it for later... ok maybe thats not so good either unless you are way too young.

[entss89]

he he im almost finished! i did not understand a word of anything but im almost FINISHED! so lets see here if i can finish it in a week . maybe. lets do a countdown of how many days i have left starting today.



7 more days till i have to finish my book...................................

p.s. this is corny but hey its something to do!ha ha

[The Lady of Ithilien]

am on about chapter 6 or 7. its really hard so i take my timeadn read most chapters twice Chapter 5 just about blew me away the first few times I read it: all those names, not just of Eldar but place names and Valar and their assistants. :confused: You feel it's all going to be equally important and you try to pay attention to it all, and pretty soon you find yourself not in Arda at all, but sitting there making up a grocery list or something. It's a chapter to go back to later on rather than struggle through now.

Chapter 6 is pretty good -- if you're in it now, then in view of what is coming up, concentrate on Feanor (I like his name: he had a fana like the sun :cool: ), on Finwe, and on the distance between Feanor and his two half-brothers, Fingolfin and Finarfin, which will become very important in the next chapter.

If only King Finwe had put the wellbeing of his people ahead of that of his own family . . . .

Chapter 7 is where it starts turning into a story, once Melkor is back on the scene, walking around pretending to be a good guy and secretly getting the Noldor all fired up. Add in a fiery Feanor and three jewels with the very light of heaven locked inside them (the only light that will soon be left, as you'll see in Chapter 8), and you've got a mix even Manwe can't handle.

[katya]

Yeah I pretty much have Finwe and his sons and their sons (to an extent) clear. Now that i am more motivated I think I can finish soon. It seems somehow easier as I go along.

[entss89]

yes i am learning how this book operats! im almost finished i think there will be no more problems anymore its getting very easy now!


P.s. yes its almost finished and only 6 more days!

[entss89]

i have finished yes i rule the world i have the most power in the world! all shale love me and despare! i have the one ring of the sil. and no one can take thy power away! i now understand what the whole book was about like the beggining of the world practically! now you may bow down! thanxs for your surport and now someone may close this thread, thanks you all!
:D ;) :p :cool: :rolleyes: :D ;) :p :rolleyes: :cool:

[Lanelf]

*Stands and applauds Entss89* I knew you could do it! YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYY Entss!
Lanelf.

[Artanis]

Congrats entss89! Biiiig applaude! :)

[BeardofPants]

Congrats entss89. Now you can start on HoME. :p

[Rían]

Congrats entss89!! *cheers loudly & throws ent-shaped confetti*

And I think that you should be promoted to entss90 in honor of the occasion!! :D

[Blackboar]

I could do with a bit of support myself!!!

I've never read the Silmarillion because I thought it woulnt have much to do with LotR!
How wrong was I!!!!
Yesterday I bought a version and I am going to try reading it for the 1st time!!!
I have been looking through this forum and it does look quite complicated and hard (I guess) to read so I could do with some support!!!!;)

[markedel]

Think of it this way-once you read the sil. everything in the book has depth, and thus more signifigance. It enhances the experience.

[Rían]

Go Blackboar Go! Rah rah rah!! :)

Stick with it, it's great!



And I just found The Lays of Beleriand for $7 at a discount bookstore - now I have 3 of the HoME series! I've only read a few pages, but what beautiful writing it is!

[Blackboar]

ThankS!!!!!!:D :D

[Blackboar]

As I havn't actually started yet, I'm just wondering is The Silmarillion basically like a bible for Middle Earth!:confused:

[Falagar]

Something like that, yes :D

[Sister Golden Hair]

Originally posted by Blackboar
As I havn't actually started yet, I'm just wondering is The Silmarillion basically like a bible for Middle Earth!:confused: The Silmarillion is like a history book. It relays the accounts of the Elder Days, the First and Second Ages. The creation of the world, the awakening of Elves and Men, the making of the Silmarils, the Exile of the Noldor, the rising of the sun and moon and the events of Elves and Men in Middle-earth and their struggle against Morgoth who is the Dark Lord. The voyage of Earedil, and the Fall of Numenor, just to give you an idea.

[Blackboar]

Thank you:D

That helps me understand what it is about alot better:D

[L@ur@y Elven Warrior]

I didn't understand when I firt joined but know I understand.

[Vortûriel]

I tried reading the Sil before I knew what it was and found it impossible, that was about 5 years ago. I was actually really disappointed as I was expecting another LOTR. I picked it up again about 5 months ago with full knowledge of what it was and that it wasn't going to be 'easy-reading' and read it in about a month. I am so so so glad that I did, it has added depth to everything else I have read by Tolkien and fuelled my obsession more than anything else I have seen.

I think everyone has their own way of absorbing it, I managed it by trying to get the gist as I went along without being too concerned about little bits of detail that I wasn't sure about (although I did go back to the geneology charts - as has already been said all the Fs are mucho confusing) and reading each chapter as a separate story with a running theme. I intend to read it again as soon as I have read BOLT 1 and 2 to see if I can get more out of it. I believe it is one of those books that you will get more from each time you read it. Just to add my bit regarding the Valaquenta and the Ainulindale, they are tricky but I think a lot of the book wouldn't have made sense without reading them first.
:D

[Artanis]

Welcome Vortûriel! You may want to introduce yourself in the Newbies thread in the General Messages forum.

I'm glad you made your way through the Sil, so that you could volunteer to do a chapter in the Sil project. :D

Is that Luthien escaping from the tree-house in your avatar?

[Vortûriel]

Thanks for the welcome Artanis, I will pop over to the newbies thread in just a mo, didn't know about that so thanks for the advice.

Yes I was lucky enough to find a picture of my favourite character in my favourite part of the Sil illustrated by my favourite artist so thought it would be fitting to use as it gives an indication of me in relation to Tolkien's work!

:D

I'll pop over to the Newbies section now as I am in great danger of taking this discussion off topic!

[Alquagarwaen]

Is really very hard, but it is so admirable the Tolkien´s job, it there where I come back to my child age and discover every time that I open the book a world of fantasy where I can dream and play to the hero.Is there where all my question are answered.
And when I enter in this site I feel a little closer of that amazing world.

That thinking cames to me every time that I think that mybrain is going to blow up, and I rediscover that Tolkien maked it cost.:)

[The Lady of the Wood]

i know what you mean it is VERY confusing! :confused:

[Aryaveiel Skycryer]

Everybody's right, it is worth it. But you can skip the Aiundale (I know I spelled that wrong. It's midnight and I'm too lazy to look it up). There is a summary of it in the beginning of the Valaquenta! Ooh it made me so mad when I read that whole chapter only to find a summary on the next page!

[Sister Golden Hair]

I wouldn't recommend skipping anything. It is a difficult read. I would think that by skipping any material in this book would make it even more difficult to understand.