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 JuanKi 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 JuanKi Kürsch’s responses:

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

I discovered The Hobbit at the public library in Jaén (Spain) when
I was 13. Somebody told me there was “a sequel”…

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

Even if Lord of the Rings is more heroic, dense and adventurous, I
think I still prefer the “natural spontaneity” of The Hobbit as a story.

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

One of the happiest moments in my life was when I successfully
defended my master thesis on the origin and evolution of Gollum (it
was worth the effort).

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

When I was 13-19 years old, I kept on discovering Tolkien’s
mythology; after some decades, I continue looking for linguistic and
philological details.

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

I will always recommend Professor Tolkien’s work to anybody and anywhere.