Because I'm a Lord of the Rings fan and enthusiast.
Tumblr world is rockin' because 10 years ago on December 10, The Fellowship of the Ring hit the theaters and changed the meaning of motion pictures. For those who had never yet heard of Gandalf and Frodo and the Ring, this was an introduction into a new fantasy world. For the rest of us who read the books before we watched the movies, this was a dream come true, the shaping and making of something so long hazy and blurry in our minds into a somewhat tangible reality.
As I scroll through my Tumblr dashboard, I can't help but reminisce. 10 years ago?! Why, I was only twelve years old back then! I had just finished Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia for the umpteenth time and was looking a new fantasy to read. I think I had read The Hobbit and found it a great deal to my liking. Well, The Fellowship of the Ring started showing in the movie theaters and I started cutting out posters, articles, write-ups, you name it! from newspapers, magazines, and anything else I could get my hands on. Pretty soon, the whole family became interested and Dad bought an on-sale set of The Lord of the Rings from National Bookstore.
Over the next few years, they released The Two Towers and The Return of the King respectively. Every time, I'd wait for it to come out and cut clippings from the newspapers and magazines I could get my hands on. Every time, I'd scour the internet for possible clues about what might happen in the movies. I started memorizing the names and profiles (including birthdays!) of the actors and actresses, all down to the last Orc (yep, major fan girl here!).
A few years ago, we established a tradition in our family: A Lord of the Rings marathon during the last week of December. I think I've pretty much memorized Galadriel's opening lines as she narrates the making of the Ring. But every time we watch it, we pretend like we've never seen it before. We still feel the despair when Gandalf goes down with the Balrog. We still hate Denethor to a passion because of the way he pours all his love out to Boromir, and leaves nary a drop for poor Faramir. We still laugh with Merry and Pippin's antics and the way they lighten up the screen even in the darkest scenes.
Ten years may have gone by, but I think for those who have Middle Earth blood in their veins, ten years are mere yesterdays. This trilogy is not something for us to leave on our shelves. We take it down once in a while, read it, or watch it, and re-live those precious memories.
Next year, with the coming of the first part of The Hobbit, will give us a new reason to celebrate and more memories to create.
Photo Courtesy: Peregrint
I *still* need to read the books (or, at the very least, watch the movies)....
ReplyDeleteI know, I know. I procrastinate too much.
A few years ago, we established a tradition in our family: A Lord of the Rings marathon during the last week of December.
Sounds like a wonderful tradition! :-)
An excitement that I never knew I kept in the phial of Galadriel, is about to explode a blinding light! But nay, nay, nay... it must be kept in until we arrive in December 2012. I shall wait properly like a shieldmaiden should. :)
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