The Tolkien Society

Though there are many Tolkien Societies this one is the original started as an educational charity formed in 1969. In their own words:

The Tolkien Society is an international organisation registered in the U. K. as an educational charity, number 273809. Our aim is to encourage and further interest in the life and works of the late Professor J.R.R. Tolkien C.B.E., author of two of the most well-known and best-loved books of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. This site has information about JRR Tolkien (not, as often stated, JRR Tolkein), the books he wrote, his life, books others have written about him, our Society and its events, and a host of other items that you can find in the sections below. We also work with Tolkien Society Trading, which has a mail order list of books and many other items connected with Tolkien's works.

On their website you will find news of events, literature news, and articles on various topics related to Tolkien's work. You can also become a member of this society and receive many more amenities.

The Tolkien Society

Middle-earth Journeys.com

Middle-earth Journeys.com is an open forum. MeJ, as it is known to its' members, is a site dedicated to Tolkien related discussions. The literature is the focus however, there is much to offer in the form of the arts, scholarly topics as well as members writings on Tolkien and their adventures to Tolkien events. There is also fun subjects to challenge your Middle-earth knowledge and occasionally contests too.

A few of it's other attributes are the Great Years Calendar, The Hobbit Calendar (still in progress)and The Tolkien Research Library.

A small Gallery of members artwork is also available to view.

I highly recommend this small but dedicated website called Middle-earth Journey.com

Ardalambion

Ardalambion is as far as I can find the best site to read, explain and understand all of Tolkien's created language. From Elvish (all forms), Khuzdul, Entish, Orkish and the Black Speech you will get a full explaination and much more of these languages.

You will also find three languages Tolkien created while a young lad and a huge (and I mean huge) list of reference links included.

Helge Kåre Fauskanger created this site out of love and you can read her explanation on this page. This much work deserves recognition.

Narwain Estel

Narwain Estel

My name is Rhîw an apt name
for days like this; endless
but not without daily cheer.
Although the air snaps so does
a warm hearth inside a bar.
In Taure-Ndaedelos

there by Enchanted River
I wait for ethuil
and the maiden bell flowers.
I wait to kiss the last brown
stalk before the anor wakes
Yavanna’s gifts to Arda.

The Elvish words I’ve used are Sindarin. Here is a glossary:

Narwain = January
Estel = Hope
Rhîw = winter
bar = home
Taure-Ndaedelos = Name given to Mirkwood Forest after the War of the Ring
ethuil = spring
anor = sun

@LM Gildersleeve

The Tolkien Library

This website is run by Pieter Collier a collector of Tolkien literature. Pieter not only collects books and the like he also keeps this wonderful site updated with the latest in Tolkien literature news. Whether it is for collecting references, interviews or the terrific links page, The Tolkien Library is the place to browse.

 Visit the library HERE.

Sue Wookey

@Sue Wookey

Every so often you find art, really good art work that is from a budding artists just on the cusp of something great. Sue Wookey is just that golden nugget of discovery. I've known her for several years on-line and has just recently this year retired early to pursue her dream of becoming a paid artist.

For years she's been a J.R.R. Tolkien fan and now has taken her talent and transformed the tales we know into vibrant reality.

"Art is a strange thing. Anything can be a subject but only certain things will truly inspire you and draw out real creativity. For me, at the moment, there are several things that make me want to grab my paints: the mysterious prehistory of Britain, ancient multilayered symbols which seem to occur throughout the world (like the maze and the World Tree), and the works of JRR Tolkien."

Having illustrated one cover of the Tolkien Society's journal Amon Hen, another will be published with the above illustration in March 2009.

Her debut exhibition will be held at the Purple Poppy Gallery located in Ampthill, Bedford from June 18th till June 21st, 2009.

To see more of Sue's work visit her blog Gallery Hill Art or her website of the same name Gallery Hill Art.

The Hunt for Gollum

The Hunt for Gollum

This is one of two independent films in the works due on line in 2009. There are trailers to view as well as stills. You can watch the progression of the project and join their guest book too.

I think it looks promising and for those of us who crave Middle-earth in film, this could be something special.

To watch the clip go here for The Hunt for Gollum.

Changes for this blog

Hello,

As you regulars can see there have been changes in the format of this blog. Due to time constraints I can no longer keep up with current events (at the rate I was doing) in the art and literature world. Besides, who wants to read the news twice!

Instead, I wanted to collect articles, sites, art and literature information on all things (or give it a good try) Tolkien. Realizing there is a new movie rendition of The Hobbit in the works, I'll let the experts (The One Ring.net) keep up with that news.

So, I am anxious to get going and have added several new posts.

Bilbo and his friends set out

Sung to the tune 'Good King Wenceslas'

Bilbo and his friends set out
Mirkwood gladly leaving;
Travelled for a month about,
Their way homeward weaving.
Brightly shone the moon one night,
‘twas the eve of Yule.
Bilbo disappeared from sight
Gath’ring winter fuel.

“Hither, Beorn, stand by me,
If thou know’st it, telling
Yonder hobbit, where is he?
Is he trees a-felling?”
“Gandalf, he has vanished hence
(Wizardry discounting).
Has he lost his hobbit-sense
Since the Lonely Mountain?”

“Bring your staff and I’ll bring mine
To the forest thither!
Foolish Bilbo shall we find
And we’ll bring him hither!”
Beorn and Gandalf, forth they went,
Forth they went together.
Fruitless hours in search they spent
In the bitter weather.

Then came faint cries: “Help me now!
You are both much stronger!
I am caught, I know not how,
I can shout no longer!”
Right into a a trapper’s cage
Bilbo had trod boldly!
Rescuers forgot their rage,
Bilbo shivered coldly.

Weary back to camp they trod,
Soon the firelight glinted.
Safe and warm, began to nod;
“Rest now!” Gandalf hinted,
“You are none the worse for your
Episode distressing.
We‘ll keep watch o‘er you for sure -
And we’ll count our blessings!”

~Marbretherese

Anke Eissman

@Anke Eissmann

Every so often I come across artists sites that gets me excited about art all over again. Although I've known about this artist for sometime I find when I rediscover her work it's like, well Christmas.

She's an illustrator and graphic designer. Her medium is primarily watercolors. I find her paintings both tranquil and soft even when illustrating the most serious of topics.

If you enjoy fantasy art especially Tolkien take a look and judge for yourself.

Anke Eissmann

In the spirit

lm gildersleeve