Post by Stormrider on Jan 25, 2009 10:56:23 GMT -6
From: Algamesh_of_Arnor (Original Message) Sent: 3/15/2003 3:40 AM
In Book IV, Chapter 8, Samwise describes what he believes characterizes "Adventure Stories". The text is rather long and I believe it is quite easy to locate so I will not re-print it here.
Now ... this topic may take a bit of research so locate a copy of Tolkien's essay - "On Fairy-Stories" (I've got mine in "The Tolkien Reader" - Ballantine edition) and compare it with what Sam has just described. Do we see a direct relationship between Sam and Tolkien on this topic? Are there any major or minor deviations between them?
Sam soon goes on to describe the epic of Beren and the Silmaril. Did you realize that Sam was so well versed in the ancient histories of Middle-earth or were you a bit surprised by this revelation? What were Sam's primary sources of knowledge?
* * *
From: Ruscosenda Sent: 3/15/2003 10:29 PM
Algamesh,
Sam does seem to know a lot about ancient history. On weathertop, he surprises everyone with his knowledge of the "Fall of Gil-Galad". He also knows about Oliphanuts and other such creatures like elves, dwarves, dragons, and trolls. I have always assumed that, since he had never been out of the Shire, he probably heard these tales from Bilbo, and that Bilbo learned them during his time in Rivendell or during his adventures.
However, it shouldn't be too surprising that he was familiar with the tale of Beren and the Silmarils. Aragorn told them part of the tale at Weathertop, and he spent about a month in Rivendell where he probably heard many elvish songs..
-- Rusco
In Book IV, Chapter 8, Samwise describes what he believes characterizes "Adventure Stories". The text is rather long and I believe it is quite easy to locate so I will not re-print it here.
Now ... this topic may take a bit of research so locate a copy of Tolkien's essay - "On Fairy-Stories" (I've got mine in "The Tolkien Reader" - Ballantine edition) and compare it with what Sam has just described. Do we see a direct relationship between Sam and Tolkien on this topic? Are there any major or minor deviations between them?
Sam soon goes on to describe the epic of Beren and the Silmaril. Did you realize that Sam was so well versed in the ancient histories of Middle-earth or were you a bit surprised by this revelation? What were Sam's primary sources of knowledge?
* * *
From: Ruscosenda Sent: 3/15/2003 10:29 PM
Algamesh,
Sam does seem to know a lot about ancient history. On weathertop, he surprises everyone with his knowledge of the "Fall of Gil-Galad". He also knows about Oliphanuts and other such creatures like elves, dwarves, dragons, and trolls. I have always assumed that, since he had never been out of the Shire, he probably heard these tales from Bilbo, and that Bilbo learned them during his time in Rivendell or during his adventures.
However, it shouldn't be too surprising that he was familiar with the tale of Beren and the Silmarils. Aragorn told them part of the tale at Weathertop, and he spent about a month in Rivendell where he probably heard many elvish songs..
-- Rusco