Well friends, can you believe it was 71 weeks ago, on September 23rd 2002 (the
day after Bilbo and Frodo’s birthdays, which seems appropriate), that we began
our discussion of The Lord of the Rings. And what a wonderful,
enlightening, satisfying discussion it’s been!
We’ve had scores of brilliant character analyses, priceless insights from
people who’ve read other Tolkien works, startling (and funny) UUTs, war
strategies, analyses of geography, flora and fauna, middle-earth economics,
rousing discussions of the extent of the involvement of the Valar ;), and of
course, many, many attempts to get inside our dear professor’s head.
We’ve laughed pure, unadulterated belly-laughs at some of the great humor
posted in the course of the discussion and, I daresay, have also cried a few
tears. Tears for Frodo and Sam, tears for the rest of the Fellowship and,
sadly, tears for one of our most cherished members, having lost Reverend this
year.
On brighter note (a very bright one), we gained many wonderful new members who
will hopefully be with us for many discussions to come. A very warm
welcome to all of you!
Now, I would be remiss if I didn't thank some very important people:
First, I’d like to thank our preciousssss, preciousssss volunteers! These
people volunteered to be called on with little (or no) notice when real life
got in the way of scheduled discussion leaders’ ability to lead their
discussions. And, with a 71 week discussion time frame, you can bet they
were called on a lot! I don't think I'm exaggerating by saying they all
exceeded our highest expectations!
RR Volunteers (called on):
drogo_drogo
gullygilly
hatster
Kimi
nerdanel50
notlost
RR Volunteers (your time WILL come ;)).
Curious
NZ Strider
Oh, and special recognition and kudos go to drogo_drogo who started preparing
several times, only to have the scheduled discussion leader show up at the last
minute. Thank you so much for your perseverance, but mostly for you
graceful, good-humored acceptance of situations that would have driven a lesser
person crazy (granted, I can’t see if there are any ‘head indentations’ in your
walls ;)).
Next, I’d like to thank everyone else who led a discussion. Thanks for
all your wonderful insights and efforts. Pulling together an interesting,
week-long discussion is no small task!
LOTR Discussion Leaders
Annael
Arador
Ataahua
Atlas
Cahobbit
Celandine Brandybuck
Ceremony
Corwynn
Daughter of Nienna
Doorwarden of Theoden
Draupne
Eledhwen
Elwen
Entmaiden
Eowyn Dernhelm
Findualas
huorn
Idril
Inferno
Jewel Took
jflower
Kendig
Kiskadee
Lady Aredhel
Lotherienne
Lottelita
lumpkin
Menelwyn
Mim the Petty Dwarf
Morwen
Mrs. Borormir
Narf
Nimfalma Took
Last, but certainly not least, thank-you to everyone who posted to these
discussions. All viewpoints are welcome here and we certainly got some
wonderful ones that touched our hearts, made us think and laugh, and kept our
discussion leaders, and the rest of us, on our toes! Keep up the great
posts!
I think that’s it. If I forgot anyone, shame on me and please speak
up. Otherwise, here’s to our precious RR Fellowship of friends, the
upcoming discussion of The Hobbit, and many, many great discussions to
come!
