The Tookish Tag, Celebrating Tolkien’s Works & LOTR’s Birthday!

I found this tag via author friend C.B. Cook‘s blog, and knew that, as a Tolkien fan myself, I had to do this challenge! Especially since today is the birthday of Lord of The Rings! *cheering loudly* This is also a conclusion to the #SilmarillionAwards that have been going on all this summer long!

Okay, so, the Rules

• Link back to the blogger who nominated you
• Answer questions
• Tag some of your own fellow Tolkienknights!

Now here be the Questions!

1. How were you first introduced to LotR/TH and was it love at first sight/read?

I was first introduced to LoTR when The Fellowship of the Ring movie came out. My parents had read the books when they were young, so they were eager to see the new movie, and bring young highschooler me along. 🙂 Let me tell you, a movie had never captured my heart and imagination like that before. I was transported to another world, I felt the danger and desperation Frodo and his friends were facing, I jumped out of my theater seat when that massive troll had Frodo pinned…! And the way the movie ended…you know. I felt like I had gone on that great adventure with the Fellowship, and then was dropped off back into the real world. I wasn’t too happy to be back. I wanted to live in Middle Earth. But with no second movie to run and go see, I resorted to diving into the books. I couldn’t wait until next year to find out what happened to Frodo, Aragorn, Legolas and the team! And it was this diving into the sequels that began my appetite for fantasy novels, and flamed my desire to create complex, creative worlds for my own books.

After finishing reading LoTR, I read The Hobbit. I’d say that for both LoTR and TH, it was love at first sight and first read!

2. If you could meet the actors who portray the characters in the movies, would you?

Of course!!! It would be even more exciting to meet them in the actual Hobbit Village in New Zealand, too! (I dream of going there)

3. What is your favorite credit song from LotR/TH?

Ooh, I think Song of the Lonely Mountain, and Gollum’s Song. Love the mystery.

4. The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit – which is your favorite?  *evil laugh*  (And no, you don’t actually have to decide.  I’m merciful like that. *magnanimous smile*)

I’d have to say Lord of the Rings, because the scope of the story and world is so vast and epic. The battle scenes, the ents, the characters, the villains…everything! Though I do love The Hobbit too!

5. Who is your favorite all-around character?

Really? That’s too hard! And to be honest, it’s changed a lot over the years, haha. Probably because I was young when the movie came out.

First was Legolas, because: cool elf guy, expert with bow, can slide down Helm’s Deep stairs on a shield while firing his bow, brings down Oliphants single-handed, is an elegant elf…yeah. 😉
Then Frodo and Pippin, because even though they were weak and small, they were brave and faced daunting dangers to help save the world.
Then Sam and Arwen, because both are such caring and supportive characters throughout the story. And Gimli, because he’s so funny, and loyal to his friends!

I could go on, but I can’t choose just one favorite of the Fellowship. I love them all.

6. What is your opinion on Boromir?

I didn’t like him at first. But then the movie’s ending came, and… Let’s just say it’s hard to make me cry during a movie. But that scene…it did not leave a dry eye! Boromir changed as a person, and it made me want to forgive him, and give him a second chance at life. He was a lost soul that needed guidance, and only found it at the very end. *sniffle*

7. How many times have you watched the movies/read the books?

I’ve read the books once, but watched the movies who-knows-how-many-times. I would like to reread LoTR sometime though.

8. What book is your favorite?

Ooh, that’s tough, but, I’ll have to say Two Towers. The intensity, the Ents, and Legolas and Gimli at Helm’s Deep, and Gollum, the Marshes… So many things happening! It’s a close tie to Return of the King, though.

9. Who is your favorite female character (other than your answer to question #5)?

Arwen, for sure. She’s been through so much, and has a hard future ahead of her. She’s willing to do anything for the one she loves. And I must add that she’s got some cool skills! (summoning water horses) Being an elf also makes her my favorite, I can’t help it.

10. Who is your favorite male character (other than your answer to question #5)?

You mean, other than Legolas? Hmm, either Sam or Gimli then. Sam is the ultimate example of a true loyal friend. He sticks with Frodo through thick and thin, even when Frodo turns on him. Sam never walked away, and never gave up, and the ring wouldn’t have been destroyed without Sam’s help in getting Frodo to Mount Doom! Gimli is also loyal, and an all-around good person. Despite his short height and the odds he faces, Gimli laughs in the face of battle! He’s also an encouraging friend to the Hobbits. But his friendship with Legolas is still one of my favorite friendships in literature today.

11. Which of the movies, in your opinion, has the best ending?

That’s tough, but Fellowship of the Ring ends on a very dramatic note, and leaves us with the Fellowship separating and embarking on different quests. We are left wanting more, and it’s that “wanting more” that drove me to read the books, and dive into the fantasy genre. So I’ll have to say Fellowship has the best ending.

12. Which hobbit is your favorite?

Pippin is hilarious, and quite a clumsy “fool of a Took.” I can’t help but like him! Maybe he reminds me of my clumsy self. Despite it all, he perseveres and plays a big role in helping to save the world, showing us that you don’t have to be tough, wise, or the right size to accomplish something great.

Bilbo comes second. I love his curious nature, even when Hobbits are not supposed to be curious or seek adventure. He may have been against the adventure Gandalf suddenly brought to his doorstep, but Bilbo did decide to give it a try and explore what lay beyond the Shire. He was willing to try something new, and break away from Hobbit tradition—and that I love. 🙂

As for tagging, I’ll leave this open! If you want to do this tag, go right ahead, and link back to this post so we can all read it!

This post is part of the Lord of The Rings Birthday Party and Link-up! Our beloved fantasy series first came to be on July 29, and so we celebrate!

Here’s our LOTR link-up:

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