This is one in a series of posts where the content is provided by a guest who has graciously answered five questions about their experience as a Tolkien reader. I am very humbled that anyone volunteers to spend time in this busy world to answer questions for my blog, and so I give my sincerest thanks to Roman and the other participants for this.

To see the idea behind this project, check out this page

I want to thank Donato Giancola for allowing me to use his stunning portrait of J.R.R Tolkien as the featured image for this project. If you would like to purchase a print of this painting, they are available on his website!

If you would like to contribute your own experience, you can do so by using the form on the contact page, or by emailing me directly.

Now, on to Roman’s responses:

1. How were you introduced to Tolkien’s work?

I’m from Russia, and Tolkien’s universe has been with me since I was a really little child. I remember when we lived with my parents in their old apartments, before I was 4 years old. And already at that time I was a fan! I had watched all of Peter Jackson’s trilogy! I don’t remember any moments of my life, in which I didn’t know about Middle-earth.

2. What is your favorite part of Tolkien’s work?

You remember Lurtz? The big orc who killed Boromir? He was the symbol of “Fellowship of the Ring” to me. When I wanted to watch the movie in childhood, I would just call my mom and say: “mom, I wanna watch “Lord of the Rings! With orcius!” (yea, I called him orcius.) The symbol of the second film was definitely Lorien’s elves. You remember their movements, when they entered Helm’s Deep? Yes, I liked to repeat them. It amused the parents very much! And the third film hasn’t a symbol, because my disk was very bad and the DVD-player wouldn’t play it, so I had to watch that film later.

3. What is your fondest experience of Tolkien’s work?

I was read a books when I was… Maybe 9-10 years old. We read it with my dad. It was very interesting to compare the film and books, and now I can accurately say what they do and do not do better. On one hand, Tom Bombadil was cut from films, on the other Peter Jackson’s films remain masterpieces for all times. So I guess I really like both 🙂

4. Has the way you approach Tolkien’s work changed over time?

You know, Luke, I’m telling you very personal thoughts. When I feel bad, I’m literally transported THERE. I imagine I’m a hobbit, and I walk down Hobbiton to my hole, with the garden in front of it. Watching the sunset, Smoking “Old Toby,” and it’s just an amazing feeling. Tolkien was able to create a world that helps me every moment of my life. Movies that have been with me since I was a child, the books came a little later, but anyway, “Two Towers” is my favorite book of all time. The desire to be transported from this world somewhere there, far away from here.

5. Would you ever recommend Tolkien’s work? Why/Why not?

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