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A Tolkien Virgin: Of the Noldor in Beleriandby Mark-Edmond The Journey Continues Very nice. Very nice indeed. This chapter is a refreshing return to Tolkien's element. Some noteworthy developments come to pass in these pages: the construction of Gondolin and the move of Turgon and his people (amazing); Melian uncovers more of the story of the Noldor from Galadriel (this part gave me tingles); the rest of the story of the Noldor is uncovered. Thingol was made aware of the evil past of the Noldor via Cirdan (how 'bout that? I knew there was something special about him--more to...

A Tolkien Virgin: Of the Return of the Noldorby Mark-Edmond The Journey Continues So much happens in this chapter that I can't comment on all of it. But, if I had to choose one thing that sticks with me the most from this chapter, it is Fingon's rescue of Maedhros from Thangorodrim. It's such a beautiful story. I actually got a little misty eyed when Manwe more than answered the prayer of Fingon--saving the life of Maedhros by sending Thorondor to Fingon's aid. It's heart rending (in a good way) to know that Manwe had not given up on...

A Tolkien Virgin: Of the Flight of the Noldorby Mark-Edmond The Journey ContinuesHere we go. Tolkien really does a brilliant job in this chapter. Evil knows not its own face. It's incredible the turns the story takes at this point. That Feanor would be so utterly blind to his own folly and evil deeds because of his hate for Melkor is immensely affecting. In my heart I'm pleading, "don't do it Feanor, don't do it! Can't you see you're becoming the thing you hate most!" At first, Feanor broke my heart, but as his deeds became progressively more evil, I...

A Tolkien Virgin: Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldorby Mark-Edmond The Journey ContinuesAt long last! The Silmarils! Tolkien titled this volume "The Silmarillion," so something tells me these little fellas are going to be even more important than Feanor. But, at the same time, since he created them, whatever happens, he will have a hand in it. For without Feanor there would be no Silmarils...and therefore no Silmarillion. Perhaps this great deed, the creating of the Silmarils, is his supernatural act. Perhaps, this is why he sapped so much strength and energy from his mother at...