Nate Gordon’s Experience — Tolkien Experience Project (154)

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 fan.

To see the idea behind this project, or if you are interested in sharing your own, visit the project homepage. If you enjoy this series, please consider helping us fund the project using the support page.

I want to thank Donato Giancola for allowing me to use his artwork for this project. Prints are available on his website!

Now, on to Nate Gordon’s responses:


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

I think it was 2nd or 3rd grade (late 70’s) when my parents turned the channel to the Rankin-Bass Hobbit movie’s TV airing. A few days later, I was in the school library, and a friend said he would check out the book version of it. My reaction was, “There’s a book?” it all followed from that.

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

The gradual elevation in the language throughout LOTR – from the informal Hobbit language in the opening chapters to the high speech of Gondor.

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

A long road trip when I listened to the audiobook FOTR – particularly the joy of hearing Rob Inglis sing the first lines of Tom Bombadil.

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

I look more now to the connections and the subtle aspects hidden behind the main story arcs. Little details, such as a recent realization that the “Lords of the West” who sent the messenger Eagle to Gondor was not a reference to Aragorn or Gandalf.

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

Why wouldn’t I? It would never occur to me not to.


You can see more from Nate Gordon on his Instagram!

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