Are you of Sam’s opinion, that Gollum is just a ‘stinker’, with ‘naught left in him but lies and deceit’? Or are you on Frodo’s side, believing Smeagol has good in him yet? Does he redeem himself at the end, with his sacrifice, or does an accidental tumble into lava not count for redemption?
In a bizarre piece of news, a court in Turkey has called in experts to debate this very issue. A doctor is accused of insulting the Turkish President by comparing him to Gollum; his lawyer is arguing, in his defense, that Gollum is not a bad character – so a team of five (including a ‘movie expert’) has been put together to decide.
What would your decision be, if you were called to sit on such a panel?!
Read more about this news story here and here. Thanks to spies davem, Lanirth and Manitou333 for sending us the news!
Have you finished all of your Christmas shopping yet? Or are you yet to start? If you’re like us, you’ll definitely have a few more things on your list and what better way to complete the task than buying some Tolkienesque presents. TORn’s staffers deej, Elessar, Earl, Altaira and Kelvarhin scoured the internet to find the perfect presents to celebrate the holidays and we were astounded by how many wonderful choices there are. So, without further ado, here are some lovely gift suggestions for your favourite Tolkien fan (even if that happens to be you). All prices are in U.S. dollars.
Evolutionary scientists have been studying the remains of Homo floresiensis, known as the ‘hobbit,’ due to its diminutive size, since its discovery on an Indonesian island in 2003. Early speculation was that it might be a modern human with a growth disorder. However, as reported in this article by the Scientific American, recent results from studying its teeth suggest it was a separate species. Of course, this comes as little surprise to Tolkien fans. If further research reveals that they had wooley feet, lived in holes in the ground and smoked pipes, we’ll resist the urge to say: “I told you so.” Read More…
Today, Sir Peter Jackson turned 54 years old! We here at TORN hope he had a most wonderful day and wish him many happy returns. (May the hair on his toes never fall out!)
Thank you, Peter, for all you’ve gifted us with – from the very first online preview for The Lord of the Rings to the Extended Cut of The Battle of the Five Armies. May the coming year, and those after, be most prosperous for you. Continue reading “Happy Birthday Peter Jackson!”
In Paşabahçe Picnic Area in eastern Turkey there is a hole in the ground – two so far to be exact. Inspired by the homes inhabited by Hobbits in J.R.R. Tolkien’s books and Peter Jackson’s movies, two small homes have been built into the side of a hill overlooking a valley. Each 65 square meter house (about 700 square feet) has a kitchen, bathroom, toilet and bedroom. The plan is to rent them out fully furnished as part of a hotel complex.
“We planned the project as an apart-hotel. People will be able to book a house for 10 days.” said Mayor Sami Aydin. “I’m baffled at the demand. I was expecting some attention but not this much.” 50 to 60 houses are currently planned, including one that looks more like the familiar hobbit holes in the movies. The hope is to increase interest in tourism both in the Sivas Province and in Turkey. Check out the original story on hurriyetdailynews.com in Turkish and in English.
We here at TheOneRing.net would like to wish the wonderful Sir Ian McKellen a very Happy Birthday! Ian was born on May 25, 1939 in Burnley, Lancashire. Today he turns 76.
Thank you Ian for all that you’ve done for the fans of Middle-earth. You’ve led us there and back again, and we couldn’t have had a better guide. We wish you many happy returns. Continue reading “Happy Birthday to Sir Ian McKellen!”
Are you of Sam’s opinion, that Gollum is just a ‘stinker’, with ‘naught left in him but lies and deceit’? Or are you on Frodo’s side, believing Smeagol has good in him yet? Does he redeem himself at the end, with his sacrifice, or does an accidental tumble into lava not count for redemption?
Have you finished all of your Christmas shopping yet? Or are you yet to start? If you’re like us, you’ll definitely have a few more things on your list and what better way to complete the task than buying some Tolkienesque presents. TORn’s staffers deej, Elessar, Earl, Altaira and Kelvarhin scoured the internet to find the perfect presents to celebrate the holidays and we were astounded by how many wonderful choices there are. So, without further ado, here are some lovely gift suggestions for your favourite Tolkien fan (even if that happens to be you). All prices are in U.S. dollars.
