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PaperclipPerfector  2d ago (text post)   2227 thread views

Small-Scale Question Sunday for September 20, 2026

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I'm currently reading LOTR (after having read The Hobbit) for the first time.

It's hard to give it an objective view because a) I saw the films first, and so I know the major parts of the story, b) I'm long past the age where reading it might make a big impression, and c) I've never been into fantasy.

Interestingly in the films it was Legolas I couldn't stand while in the books it's Gimli. It also feels like a lot of scenes are weirdly underworked for such a long story. Like when they release Theoden from Wormtongue's influence after what feels like five minutes of just pointing at him and going "Mate, his name is Wormtongue. Worm Tongue! Mate, come on!" and Theoden is all like "Yes, you make a persuasive argument. Wormtongue, you have been revealed as an enemy agent and a traitor to our kingdom, and for that there can only be one punishment: Sending to Coventry".

It’s not about revealing Wormtongue (which is a nickname anyway), it’s about giving Theoden the courage to do what he already knows needs to be done. Wormtongue is providing a plausible excuse to do nothing, that’s all.

Sure, it's just an example of how lightly what would seem to be important events are handled by both the writer and his characters. Meanwhile lesser events are dwelt on at length.

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