Terminologies:
Tolkienist = an individual who studies, and is a fan of the works of J.R.R Tolkien
Ringer = an ardent reader of The Lord of the Rings – but more specifically, a fan of the films
…
A few days ago, I came across a post on an online forum with reference to my blog. The user kindly linked A Tolkienist’s Perspective to the post, under the heading “… very interesting Tolkien blogs”.
However, the user also went on to say about the blog:
“I think it’s a bit of a stretch to call yourself a tolkienist when you are so enthusiastic about the films”.
I have nothing against this individual whatsoever – and am thankful he or she posted the link to this blog. I also think there’s nothing wrong with what was written.
However, what confuses me is: why does someone have to be either a “tolkienist” or a “fan of the films”? Why can’t they be both?
I admit that it is thanks to Peter Jackson’s adaptation of The Lord of the Rings that I am here, right now, writing this post.
Without seeing The Fellowship of the Ring back in 2001, I would never have picked up a book (let alone a set of Tolkien books filled with thousands of pages of material, strange names and unimaginably-complex storylines).
It is perfectly possible to be able to separate the books from their adaptations. I’m both a film fan in general and an ardent reader.
