eldritchhobbit: (LOTR/Secret Gate)
[personal profile] eldritchhobbit
Today is the birthday of J.R.R. Tolkien, creator of Dwarves and Elves and all of Middle-earth, who was born this day in 1892. You're invited to participate in The Tolkien Society's International Birthday Toast for 2017. Thank you, Professor, for your words!



From The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien, here's one of my favorite passages, as Samwise Gamgee sings:

In western lands beneath the Sun
the flowers may rise in Spring,
the trees may bud, the waters run,
the merry finches sing.
Or there maybe 'tis cloudless night
and swaying beeches bear
the Elven-stars as jewels white
amid their branching hair.

Though here at journey's end I lie
in darkness buried deep,
beyond all towers strong and high,
beyond all mountains steep,
above all shadows rides the Sun
and Stars forever dwell:
I will not say the Day is done,
nor bid the Stars farewell.

Date: 2017-01-03 02:57 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] estellye.livejournal.com
*Raises a pint for the professor*

Thinking of you! I know there is another birthday you'll be remembering, today. *hugs!*

Date: 2017-01-03 09:38 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com
*raises a glass with you*

Thinking of you! I know there is another birthday you'll be remembering, today. *hugs!

Oh, bless you for recalling this! And thank you so much for the hugs. *hugs you back* It's not the easiest of days.

Date: 2017-01-03 04:19 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] acciochocolate.livejournal.com
Thanks for the reminder! I do like that song. :)

Date: 2017-01-03 09:38 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com
My pleasure! :)

Date: 2017-01-03 04:27 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] mrua7.livejournal.com
Time to start my annual re-read of the The Hobbit, and the Trilogy...or maybe I'll start on the other books like the Silmarillion? So many to read, so little time.

Thanks for Sam's song and the reminder. :D
Edited Date: 2017-01-03 04:28 pm (UTC)

Date: 2017-01-03 05:18 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] mosinging1986.livejournal.com
I did a Hobbit/LOTR re-read this past year. I'll have to try the Silmarillion again. I think I've read it 2 or 3 times. Maybe it will get easier with each time? I love it, but it's not exactly easy going!

Date: 2017-01-03 05:32 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] mrua7.livejournal.com
The real challenge is trying to get through the 12 books of the history of Middle Earth.

I think I'll just do the trilogy this time around. "F

Date: 2017-01-03 09:39 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com
Hey, you can't go wrong no matter what you choose! :) I'm due for a reread myself!

Date: 2017-01-04 05:22 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] acciochocolate.livejournal.com
I need to start my usual annual re-read myself!

Date: 2017-01-03 05:16 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] mosinging1986.livejournal.com
Aw, I just finished my re-read of The Hobbit and LOTR! I'm so thankful for his gifts to us.

Date: 2017-01-03 09:40 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com
Perfect timing! You're right: we have a lot to be thankful for.

Date: 2017-01-03 05:49 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] jan-u-wine.livejournal.com
How can we ever thank that wonderful man enough for all the beautiful words?

Happy birthday, dear Professor! I only wish you were here to talk a bit with us, share even more stories, enjoy the Sea and the trees and the sunlight. I fear you would not be impressed by what has gone on in this (the 7th?) Age.....

(although my partner in Tolkien 'crime' has not posted an entry today for The Birthday (RL interference!), I thought I might share one of our 'old' Birthday posts with hopes it might be enjoyed:

http://mechtild.livejournal.com/129642.html

To the Professor!

Date: 2017-01-03 09:41 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com
Oh, that is SO GORGEOUS! Thank you, thank you for sharing! It's the perfect thing for the day.

To the Professor!

Date: 2017-01-04 12:03 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] jan-u-wine.livejournal.com
To the Professor! Long may he inspire us!

(looking at that LJ makes me sad....so many things which were and are not any longer. It underscores the need to use wisely the time given......)

(in that case, i will take my time mixing myself a nice, neat martini!)

Date: 2017-02-01 03:14 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com
looking at that LJ makes me sad....so many things which were and are not any longer.

Me, too, my friend. Soooooo much.

*joins you with a virtual martini*

Date: 2017-02-07 02:39 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] jan-u-wine.livejournal.com
sorry to have not replied before now.....i've had the Narsty Something Or Other. Feeling better today.....

Guess I just must be approaching decrepitude, pining after all of the old days and the old ways......lately it seems to me that the whole world is Lorien and I, that sole remaining Elf with the Sea longing shouting in my ears.....

Date: 2017-01-08 02:00 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] i-llbedammned.livejournal.com
I love the last line of that passage in particular.

Date: 2017-02-01 03:12 pm (UTC)

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