Children of Hurin Reading Project

[baragund]

Hi there, Everybody...

By now all of you should have placed your pre-order from Amazon, Barne & Noble, or other bookstore of your choice for The Children of Hurin.:) The new book is supposed to come out in about a month. Would there be any interest in doing a chapter-by-chapter collective reading and commentary like what has been done with the other books? I'm thinking of comparing and contrasting with the stories published so far, critique and commentary of the "new" material, and discussion on whether or not it was worth the $19.95 (or $59.95 if you are getting the illustrated version).

While you are counting off these final days, let's brush up on the existing stories. Hmmm... I'm thinking the published Silmarillion and the "Narn" in Unfinished Tales would be a good start. That way, the basic story will be fresh in your minds when you get the new book.

I'll check back from time to time to see who is tagging along, and to start vetting some discussion topics.

[baragund]

Here are a few things I will be thinking about as I read the existing stories. This will help put the new version into better perspective.

*How is the story "Of Turin Turambar" in the published Silmarillion incomplete?

*Is there anything in that story that creates a conflict or inconsistency with the overall mythology?

*What was Tolkien trying to accomplish as he started writing the "Narn"?

[Urambo Tauro]

I'd love to participate in this!
Unfortunatly, I have some other books on the table right now. I'll be jumping right into TCoH when it arrives, but (alas!) I can't do the prep reading right now.

TCoH-- only three more weeks!

[Snaga]

I'll try to join in with this as I may. One impediment exists: namely that I have to wait for my birthday before I get my copy! I'm under strict instructions on this! But in about a month, I'll join this.

Baragund, your second question is interesting. If there are inconsistencies between the Silmarillion, and the Children of Hurin what then is 'the overall mythology'? And is it reasonable to seek consistency?

[Turgon]

I only learnt of this publication yesterday whilst browsing the forum. Strange that the rekindling of my own interest in Tolkien comes just before a new book. I'm fare buzzing at it I can tell you. I'd love to participate in such an event, Baragund, I don't think TTF has ever held such a event. A new publication I mean.

:)

I'm sure though, Snaga, that this book will cause a lot of controversy amongst scholars. What is 'cannon' an what is not. It's always so isn't it? I'm thinking this book will be a real spark. Hopefully in a good way, though I fear the worse...;) Hardcore Tolkien scholars can be 'alan' to say the least.

Not preordered a copy mind you, kind of planning on strolling into Waterstones and hoping for the best... so we will see.

[baragund]

If there are inconsistencies between the Silmarillion, and the Children of Hurin what then is 'the overall mythology'? And is it reasonable to seek consistency?

Hmmm... Good question. One would think that the Children of Hurin would represent a refinement of the mythology over what is in the published Silmarillion.

I am thinking we could start with simply identifying where the characters, plot, settings, etc. differ between the two works. Then we could discuss whether or not what is in the Children of Hurin represents an improvement.

Glad to see you back, Snaga!:) How's married life treating you and Wonks? Have any orclings arrived yet?

[Arvegil]

I pre-ordered both the hardcopy and deluxe edition, and they have not arrived yet! All the more frustrating because I am so close to the Amazon.com head office I could have walked there and picked them up.

[Snaga]

Hello Baragund. Nice to be back. Wonks are I are doing well, and no... no orclings. (That's a good thing, btw!)

It will be interesting to see what has been selected for this story. If someone is feeling very thorough, they could map out the existing published work (in the Sil, HOME and UT principally), and then we could see what CT has drawn from.

One of the most curious thing for me will be how well CT has patched together disparate styles from disparate sources. I hope the joins don't show!

[Aiwendil2]

One of the most curious thing for me will be how well CT has patched together disparate styles from disparate sources. I hope the joins don't show!

Well, from what I can tell the new version is not made from 'disparate sources'; it's all from the 1950s 'Narn' texts. Most of it is identical to the version of the 'Narn' found in Unfinished Tales.

[Chymaera]

Hi everyone, just to let you know, I have got my copy and Turin and I are just about to become knights of the Marches;)

Okay
I am outside the book and Turin is inside the book and Thingol has just fostered him in Doriath.

A real story and no telling cracks to be seen but I understand that after Turin becomes an Outlaw things change.