reading (The Return of the King)

Thus it was that they made it to Mordor and faced their fate. And thus I finished the six books (or one book, or trilogy depending on your outlook) in something around ten days. I'm counting it as three books because the three major sections account for the length of a healthy novel each.

It is a masterful tale blending Arthurian ideals, scientific details, and realism. The things that happen are larger than life, but they don't pass down epic tales for generation on end about ordinary life.

The layers of interaction were lovely storytelling. I really like the natural alliances that developed between the different people. My favorite is still Gimli's relationship with Galadriel. In the mythology, I like how it was the non-human peoples who primarily fought this war. This was the last bit of business they had to finish up. The end of the war brings the Age of Men, but it is the non-human actors who were most critical in all aspects of the war.

I really like the way Tolkien laced in hurt, pain, and the continuance of evil even through the victory celebrations and happy endings. The endgame has symmetry and integrity.

38. J.R.R. Tolkien "The Return of the King"