I was nominated by my lovely friend, Lauri (Christine), who hails from Musings of an Elf--a fantastic blog, and one you should go see/read.  She always keeps me laughing, I love her wit, humor, and especially NERDINESS.

Speaking of nerds, this is a TAG! and not just any tag, but a LOTR/HOBBIT tag!!

1.  How were you first introduced to LotR/tH? and was it love at first sight/read?
          Oh dear, tut tut.  Well, when The Fellowship first came to be, way back in 2001 (with the other two movies following in '02 and '03), I would have been 9 years old then.  Aaannnnd on top of that, my siblings and I were pretty sheltered (for which I am grateful to my amazing parents), but I was probably as old as 14 before we even watched the films.  Also, it was a requirement of my dad that we read the books before watching, and I remember liking each pretty equally, though I tend to remember more of the movies--due to the visual aspect--than the books.  As to the whole world of Tolkien in general, I'd say it was definitely love at first sight.

2.  If you could meet the actors who portrayed the characters in the movies, would you?
          Hmmm. . . Well, I suppose that would be neat.  But they would have to be totally in character, I would want to meet Aragorn and Bilbo, not just Viggo Mortenson and Martin Freeman.


3.  What is your favorite credit song from LotR/tH?
          Oh my.  They're all so good!  My favorite song from LotR is probably "Pippin's Song," although I really love the one that both Merry and Pippin sang, even though it's a. . . *cough HACK* drinking song ("To the Bottle I Go").

          My favorite from The Hobbit will have to be "The Last Goodbye," sung by Billy Boyd (Pippin!).  I could cry EVERY time I hear it.

4.  The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit -- which is your favorite? *evil laugh* (And no, you don't actually have to decide. I'm merciful like that. *magnanimous smile*)
          Aces, WHY??  I've gotta say, I favor the Lord of the Rings.  The Hobbit trilogy was great and all, but there was soooo much extra added in, it felt like a whole different story, but with the same characters as Mr. Tolkien's book.  Don't get me wrong! It still ranks among the top of my favorite films, but I must choose LotR.

5.  Who is your favorite all-around character?

6.  What is your opinion on Boromir?
          I think his character was so brilliantly fleshed out.  To me, he represents the whole race of Men.  We are human, and that means we are weak.  It is Christ who gives us strength of mind, body, and soul.
          I like Boromir in the sense that he's not perfect.  Sure, he's irksome and irritating at times, but he definitely cares for those weaker than him, as shown in his relationship to Merry and Pippin.  I also love the bond between him and Faramir.  Even though he is the favored one of their father, he still tries to stand up for Faramir, as an older brother should.
          In the end, he paid the ultimate price, but died a man of honor.  Redeemed.

7.  How many times have you watched the movies/read the books?
          Tut tut, oh dear, oh dear.  Honestly, I have no idea.  Actually, and I'm ashamed to say, I think I've read the LotR trilogy only. . .  *gasp* once.  But I've read through The Hobbit a few times and seen the films more times than I can count. . .
          I do plan to fix this horrible fact, I promise.  Only recently, I just purchased the whole collection (of tH and LotR) in sweet, leather pocket editions.  So, they are on my to-read list.

8.  What book is your favorite?
          Oooooooooh.  I suppose, if I had to choose, I would say The Hobbit, because of the whimsical, adventurous feel to it.  But again, it's been so long since I've read the others. . .

9.  Who is your favorite female character (other than your answer to question 5)?
          BAM:

          I have always loved Arwen.  She's so beautiful and elegant and graceful.  And she's an Elf.  :]  Her character is quiet and soft-spoken, but there's definitely a wise strength underneath; and the fact she's willing to give up everything for Aragorn is truly beautiful.
          I like Eowyn as well!  To me, she's more relate-able.  Maybe a wee bit stubborn and headstrong, but she's willing to stand and fight for those she loves, even if it costs her own life.  And she and Faramir are the perfect couple. So sweet!


10.  Who is your favorite male character (other than your answer to question 5)?
          Oh!  Haldir! (Even though, I believe, he's not in the books near as much as the movies. . .)


11.  Which of the movies, in your opinion, has the best ending?
          The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King.  So sad, and yet perfect.



Many, many thanks to you, dear Lauri!  This was such fun!

And now it's my turn.