Lord Of The Fantasies: Looking Back on ‘FotR’

Ten years ago, “The Lord of the Rings” still sounded too “classical” to me. I had my Narnia. Why add another fantasy world? Then, before reading the books or seeing the film, I heard Howard Shore’s film score. And I was drawn into Middle-earth.
— E. Stephen Burnett —

Lord Of The Fantasies: Beyond The Swordfights

In “The Lord of the Rings” films, elf-maiden Arwen almost joined the fight at Helm’s Deep, and King Aragorn almost dueled the dark lord Sauron. But the movie-makers chose otherwise. How come, and how does this show truly rare heroism?
— E. Stephen Burnett —

‘The Hobbit’ Story Group 1: An Unexpected Party

One great way to explore “The Hobbit” is by reading it yourself. Yet if reading stories is worship, we should also read and discuss this classic together.
— E. Stephen Burnett —

‘The Hobbit’ Story Group 2: Roast Mutton

In chapter 2, Bilbo Baggins, the reluctant member of Thorin Oakenshield’s Dwarf-company, first tries to put his “burglar” skills to the test.
— E. Stephen Burnett —

‘The Hobbit’ Story Group 4: Over Hill and Under Hill

Reviewers, publishers, and readers keep making up Middle-earth myths, including the notion that it can’t have “stone-giants,” as mentioned in “The Hobbit” chapter 4.
— E. Stephen Burnett —

Seeking A Better Country Than Middle Earth

Watching Peter Jackson interpret J.R.R. Tolkien is like watching a master jazz impresario play Beethoven. The original is classic; the interpretation as a new work is equally brilliant.
— Rebecca LuElla Miller —

News and Views: Ben-man, Gnosticism, The Doctor

Ben Affleck as Batman, Kathy Tyers reboots Gnostic notions, “Doctor Who” news, author Brett McCracken’s nonfiction “Gray Matters.”
— E. Stephen Burnett —

‘The Hobbit’ Story Group 7: Queer Lodgings

Tolkien introduces Beorn the non-“were-bear,” a creature of vague loyalties and mixed methods.
— E. Stephen Burnett —

‘The Hobbit’ Story Group 9: Barrels Out Of Bond

You’ll see Bilbo and the Dwarves escape in the new film version, yet Tolkien’s escape is much less visible.
— E. Stephen Burnett —

Exploring ‘The Hobbit’ Chapter 14: Fire and Water

J.R.R. Tolkien’s images of a horrific dragon attack rivals today’s disaster-prone filmmakers.
— E. Stephen Burnett —
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