I have started and finished reading the first book of The Lord of the Rings. I don’t know how many times I have read it, but I still keep reading it again and again.

Tolkien’s world always mesmerizes me. It is simply fascinating. With each scene, quick flashes appear in my mind — I start wondering what Tolkien was doing while writing that scene and how he got those ideas. Just thinking about it feels amazing.

I truly believe that with every re-read, I discover something new — a new picture, a new understanding of the story. It feels like slowly enjoying my favorite fruit, savoring every bite. It is almost an addiction for me.

For this reason, I don’t own hundreds of books, although I hoard the ones I love like a dragon (hence the bibliomania 😅).

This time too, I enjoyed the book in a new light. I could imagine the plot differently. Everything felt much clearer in my head.

It is often said that “The Shadow of the Past” is the oldest part of the book. But I slightly disagree. There are many sections that feel even older. For example, the Tom Bombadil chapters, where Frodo and the Hobbits visit Tom.

The journey itself is stunning, with an incredible level of storytelling by J. R. R. Tolkien. He describes every scene, landscape, and place with meticulous detail.

I wish Hollywood would someday make a web series that follows the book exactly. I’m not saying the movies are bad — they are great — but so many beautiful parts are missing.

For example:
Tom Bombadil and Goldberry,
the Hobbits’ stay at Tom’s house,
the confrontation with the Barrow-wights,
and how the Hobbits receive their weapons.

All of this is absent from the movies. Even Glorfindel, an important character, is missing.

I also wanted to see more of Lothlórien on screen.

I am enjoying this reading journey as always.

I will continue reading and will post another blog about the second book soon.