Epic Tolkien Bookclub: Week One

[sigridhr]

 *smashes a bottle of champagne over the post* And we're off!

Epic Tolkien Bookclub: Week One (The Hobbit)
Chapter I: An Unexpected Party
Chapter II: Roast Mutton

Rules

I very much doubt we'll require much in the way of formal rules, but just for the sake of formality and clarity:

• Discussion is welcome and encouraged, as is disagreement. Name-calling and personal attacks will be punished by a barefoot gauntlet walk across a set of lego pieces. 
  
• There is no spoiler policy in place. Although we're reading the Hobbit, please feel free to bring in things from other Tolkien works, any of the films, the History of Middle Earth, the Letters of JRR Tolkien, and, if you should like, other literary sources. 
• There is no such thing as too nerdy. Or too excited. 
• If you have any concerns at any point, I'm the closest thing this gong show has to a mod, so feel free to get in touch. I can be reached either by PM through this site, or directly by email at sigridhr.lokidottir@gmail.com. 

Discussion on this post will officially run from Friday 11th January 2013 to Friday 18th January 2013. However, the post will remain open after that point, so you're more than welcome to continue discussions on. 

(I'm cheating a bit, as it's not quite the 11th here yet, but I want to get this up before I go to work tomorrow, and 6am posting is just asking for disaster). Have at it, guys! :) 

Comments

[hibari-sensei.livejournal.com]

Your comparison of Thorin, Aragorn, Eowyn, and Bilbo reminded me of the Twelfth Night quote: "Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them."

Even though Thorin's quest is one of vengeance, I see some similarities with Aragorn's. They both have to achieve the greatness they would have been born with had their ancestors not lost their kingdoms to greed and evil forces. I find it interesting that they differ in pride. Thorin knows he's royalty and acts like it (I like Tolkien mentioned that he's "too important" for dishes) whereas Aragorn doubts his leadership decisions and doesn't seize the throne when he's in Gondor. Obviously Tolkien views humility as an important trait to have.