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June 04, 2005 - June 30, 2005

6-30-05 Latest News

Hall Of Fire This Weekend - What if Gollum had lived?
Demosthenes @ 8:48 am EST

Sometimes, just sometimes, it's interesting and fun to play 'what if?'. That's why this weekend, we're asking you 'What if Gollum had lived?'. At the climax of the Return of the King, Frodo claims the ring for himself, Gollum grabs him and bites off Frodo's finger. The Precious is his! But as Gollum holds up both ring and finger triumphantly, he slips, dropping both the Ring and Frodo's finger into the fire. Yet he doesn't fall in himself. What happens next?

Perhaps Gollum, in despair or desperation, jumps in after the Ring?

Perhaps he dies more or less straight away because the power of the ring which kept him alive for so much longer than normal is gone?

Perhaps, when the Eagles rescue Sam and Frodo, they leave Gollum to the fire?

Or perhaps, the Eagles rescue Gollum along with Sam and Frodo. After spending time in Imladris or maybe in Hobbiton, he is granted passage into the Uttermost West to seek final healing with Frodo.

Which of these do you think is possible? Which is not? And why?

Or perhaps you have another idea of your own!

Regardless, feel free to join us on the TORn IRC server this Saturday July 2 from 5.30pm EDT in #thehalloffire to share your thoughts!


Time and date:
Saturday July 2

America:
5.30pm EDT
4.30pm CDT
3.30pm MDT
2.30pm PDT

Europe:
10.30pm UK
11.30pm Central Europe

Asia-Pacific:
7.30am (Sunday) Brisbane
7.30am (Sunday) Sydney
9.30am (Sunday) Wellington

Chats usually last 45 mins to an hour, and are very newbie friendly. Simply drop in and join the conversation!


Where?

Chat happens on #thehalloffire on irc.theonering.net - the TORn IRC server. You can connect instantly via our java chat client that works inside your web browser (find it here! ) or choose to install a dedicated chat program such as mIRC on your computer.

To find out more about using mIRC to connect to TORn IRC server, check out these instructions.


Upcoming topics:

"What if gollum lived?"
- Saturday July 2

"Silmarillion Chapter 10 - Of the Sindar"
- Sunday July 10
- Saturday July 16


Got a topic? Let us know your idea!

If you have a burning desire to discuss something in Hall of Fire, drop us a line with your topic at halloffire@theonering.net. If we like it, we'll probably give it a run in the coming weeks - you might even get to guest moderate the session!

Join HoF Announce!

Did you know that Hall of Fire has a mailing list? Join today and get topic announcements and news delivered regularly to your inbox!

Hof-announce@theonering.net
http://www.theonering.net/mailman/listinfo/hof-announce

6-25-05 Latest News

John Howe: There And Back Again
Xoanon @ 3:53 pm EST

NIFFF - NEUCHÂTEL INTERNATIONAL FANTASTIC FILM FESTIVAL PRESENTS: JOHN HOWE THERE AND BACK AGAIN

Directed by Anders Banke and François Boetschi

NEUCHÂTEL - SALLE APOLLO 3
FRIDAY JULY 1ST 2005 – 16.OO pm

Fragile Pictures and Solid Entertainment present

A documentary film about the illustrator and artistic designer of the movie trilogy « The Lord of the Rings » :

With John Howe, Peter Jackson, Alan Lee and HR Giger

Born in Canada and currently living in Switzerland, John Howe is one of today's most famous fantasy artists. His name is from now on closely linked to that of renowned New Zealand film-maker Peter Jackson. From the moment of conception to the making of the films, John Howe has been one of the key players in this challenging adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien's novel. This film tells the story of the artist's life and work and invites the viewer on a fascinating trip into his world. A world built of stone quarried from myth, legend and history, but often constructed in landscapes and places where he has lived during his migratory life.

The viewer is taken on a journey in search of Howe's inspirations, from the cathedral of Strasbourg to the Canton of Neuchâtel and the neighbouring French Jura, the real places that often provided settings for "The Lord of the Rings".

The film explores the sometimes intangible border between fantasy and reality, how together they create a third universe, that of the artist. [NIFFF.CH]

6-24-05 Latest News

Painting That Was Inspiration For Gandalf To Be Auctioned
Demosthenes @ 9:28 am EST

Tosaanne writes that Josef Madlener's hitherto lost original painting that was the inspiration for Tolkien's Gandalf has been rediscovered. It will be auctioned by Sotheby's in London on 12 July 2005. You can check out the item, here.

Dr. Philip W. Errington, Department of Printed Books and Manuscripts, Sotheby's, wrote the following backgrounder on the item.

In his 1977 biography, Humphrey Carpenter recorded details of Tolkien's 1911 holiday in Switzerland:

"Before setting off on the return journey to England, Tolkien bought some picture postcards. Among them was a reproduction of a painting by a German artist, J. Madelener [sic]. It is called Der Berggeist, the mountain spirit, and it shows an old man sitting on a rock under a pine tree. He has a white beard and wears a wide-brimmed round hat and a long cloak. He is talking to a white fawn that is nuzzling his upturned hands, and he has a humorous but compassionate expression; there is a glimpse of rocky mountains in the distance. Tolkien preserved this postcard carefully, and long afterwards he wrote on the paper cover in which he kept it: 'Origin of Gandalf'."

This painting - hitherto known only from a few copies of the postcard - has attained a legendary status in Tolkien studies. An article, 'The Origin of Gandalf and Josef Madlener' by Manfred Zimmerman (Mythlore 34, Winter 1983) provides further research into this 'lost treasure' and concludes '...as for the original, nobody has the slightest idea as to its whereabouts... ...perhaps it is... catching dust in someone's attic, unhonoured and unrecognized for what it is.'

Zimmerman interviewed the artist's daughter for his article and discovered that the painting was thought to date from around the mid to late 1920s. When asked about the discrepancy in date Carpenter noted that his statement was 'based on some notes that [Tolkien] wrote on the envelope which contains his copy of the card'. Carpenter also noted that he received 'endless inquiries from Tolkien enthusiasts who want to see a copy, and cannot find any trace of it' and felt he ought to have reproduced the postcard in the biography. It is therefore currently accepted that Tolkien acquired a copy of the postcard in the mid 1920s around the time when he began telling his children the stories that were eventually to become The Hobbit.

The present owner met the artist twice and remembers Madlener as being tall - approximately six foot, or six foot one. Madlener liked to bake and, for a second visit in 1946 or 1947 had made some bread, similar to Stollen, and there was much conversation, bread and coffee. Having seen Der Berggeist on the previous visit, the present owner told the artist how much he loved it. Madlener promptly told his guest to give it a good home. It has remained in this private collection for the last sixty years.

The painting, lot 423, is featured in Sotheby's 12 July sale of 'English Literature, History, Children's Books and Illustrations' (L05407), estimated at £20,000 - 30,000. Other Tolkien material includes two copies of The Hobbit, presentation copies of The Lord of the Rings, and two letters from Tolkien concerning a production of The Hobbit and the source of the name 'Bag-End'.

6-23-05 Latest News

Hall Of Fire This Weekend - What if Gollum had lived?
Demosthenes @ 11:27 pm EST

Sometimes, just sometimes, it's interesting and fun to play 'what if?'. That's why this weekend, we're asking you 'What if Gollum had lived?'. At the climax of the Return of the King, Frodo claims the ring for himself, Gollum grabs him and bites off Frodo's finger. The Precious is his! But as Gollum holds up both ring and finger triumphantly, he slips, dropping both the Ring and Frodo's finger into the fire. Yet he doesn't fall in himself. What happens next?

Perhaps Gollum, in despair or desperation, jumps in after the Ring?

Perhaps he dies more or less straight away because the power of the ring which kept him alive for so much longer than normal is gone?

Perhaps, when the Eagles rescue Sam and Frodo, they leave Gollum to the fire?

Or perhaps, the Eagles rescue Gollum along with Sam and Frodo. After spending time in Imladris or maybe in Hobbiton, he is granted passage into the Uttermost West to seek final healing with Frodo.

Which of these do you think is possible? Which is not? And why?

Or perhaps you have another idea of your own!

Regardless, feel free to join us on the TORn IRC server this Sunday, June 26 from 2.00pm EDT in #thehalloffire to share your thoughts!


Time and date:
Sunday June 26

America:
2.00pm EDT
1.00pm CDT
12.00pm MDT
11.00am PDT

Europe:
7:00pm UK
8:00pm Central Europe

Asia-Pacific
4.00am (Monday) Brisbane
4.00am (Monday) Sydney
6.00am (Monday) Wellington

Chats usually last 45 mins to an hour, and are very newbie friendly. Simply drop in and join the conversation!


Where?

Chat happens on #thehalloffire on irc.theonering.net - the TORn IRC server. You can connect instantly via our java chat client that works inside your web browser (find it here! ) or choose to install a dedicated chat program such as mIRC on your computer.

To find out more about using mIRC to connect to TORn IRC server, check out these instructions.


Upcoming topics:

"What if gollum lived?"
- Sunday June 26
- Saturday July 2

"Silmarillion Chapter 10 - Of the Sindar"
- Sunday July 10
- Saturday July 16


Got a topic? Let us know your idea!

If you have a burning desire to discuss something in Hall of Fire, drop us a line with your topic at halloffire@theonering.net. If we like it, we'll probably give it a run in the coming weeks - you might even get to guest moderate the session!

Join HoF Announce!

Did you know that Hall of Fire has a mailing list? Join today and get topic announcements and news delivered regularly to your inbox!

Hof-announce@theonering.net
http://www.theonering.net/mailman/listinfo/hof-announce

6-11-05 Latest News

Hall Of Fire This Weekend - Star Wars And LoTR!
Demosthenes @ 8:53 am EST

Fantasy fiction has become a dominant force in modern society.

In a time of 15-second attention spans, the longevity of Lord of the Rings shows little sign of abating. And since bursting onto the silver screen in 1977, Star Wars has grabbed and held the imagination of generations of fans.

This weekend in Hall of Fire, we'll be asking you what it is about these two tales that has created such an enduring passion amongst their devotees to the extent that each appears to have become a world-wide phenomenon.

Is it the themes they encapsulate? Good and evil? Respect for nature? Implicit religious aspects and pseudo-mysticism? Or is just because - at heart - they're quintessential quest tales where you can tune in, watch the good guys beat up the bad guys, and witness the triumph of the little guy against seemingly insurmountable odds?

Do they have fundamentally different audiences, or is there an overlap?

And what sort of effect have they had on their fans and on popular culture in general? Are they truly universal in nature, or do we overestimate their impact on the collective consciousness?

And which will prove more enduring? Indeed, can we expect that in 50 or a hundred years people will still care about LoTR or Star Wars, or will they have faded from consciousness totally?

Join us on the TORn IRC server this Saturday June 12 in #thehalloffire as we discuss whether or not Lord of the Rings is really unfilmable.

Time and date:
Sunday June 12

America:
2.00pm EDT
1.00pm CDT
12.00pm MDT
11.00am PDT

Europe:
7:00pm UK
8:00pm Central Europe

Asia-Pacific
4.00am (Monday) Brisbane
4.00am (Monday) Sydney
6.00am (Monday) Wellington

Chats usually last 45 mins to an hour, and are very newbie friendly. Simply drop in and join the conversation!


Where?

Chat happens on #thehalloffire on irc.theonering.net - the TORn IRC server. You can connect instantly via our java chat client that works inside your web browser (find it here! ) or choose to install a dedicated chat program such as mIRC on your computer.

To find out more about using mIRC to connect to TORn IRC server, check out these instructions.


Upcoming topics:

"LoTR and Star Wars"
- Sunday June 12

Special guest - LoTR stunt and body double Kiran Shah
- Saturday June 18

"What if gollum lived?"
- Sunday June 26
- Saturday July 2

"Silmarillion Chapter 10 - Of the Sindar"
- Sunday July 10
- Saturday July 16


Got a topic? Let us know your idea!

If you have a burning desire to discuss something in Hall of Fire, drop us a line with your topic at halloffire@theonering.net. If we like it, we'll probably give it a run in the coming weeks - you might even get to guest moderate the session!

6-10-05 Latest News

Call for Entries for: In Fellowship
Xoanon @ 10:23 am EST

Jo-Anna from The Gathering of the Fellowship writes: Submissions Call from In Fellowship, the Tolkien-based Journal of the Gathering of the Fellowship

We are very pleased to announce the upcoming publication of the premiere issue of In Fellowship in July, 2005. Click here for a sneak preview!

We are now receiving both fiction and non-fiction submissions for our second issue of In Fellowship.

Presenting our second issue Readers Voice: We're sure YOU have a story. What have you done that is 'off the wall' because of your passion for Tolkien? Introducing the Readers Voice for In Fellowship's second issue: "For the love of Tolkien...

In 40 words or less, share the craziest thing you have done 'for the love of Tolkien' with others who will understand."
Please send your responses to general_journal_submissions@tolkiengathering.com

Ad space is now available for our second issue of In Fellowship. We would love to have you advertise with us. For details, please go to www.tolkiengathering.com/journal.html

For the general webpage of the Gathering of the Fellowship, please see www.tolkiengathering.com

6-04-05 Latest News

LoTR Hobbit Double Kiran Shah To Chat With You!
Demosthenes @ 1:52 am EST

TheOnering.net and Hall of Fire is pleased to announce it will be hosting a special Q&A chat with LoTR stunt and body-double Kiran Shah on Saturday June 18 from 5.30 EDT.

In Lord Of The Rings, Kiran doubled as - and did stunts for - all four of the main hobbits at one time or another. He worked most closely with Elijah Wood, doubling for Frodo.

Kiran, born in Nairobi in 1956, broke into show business in the 1970s and has been working ever since. His first film in 1976 was Candleshoe standing-in for a girl called Sara Tamakuni. On location, stunt coordinator Bob Anderson, asked Kiran to do stunts for Sara.

On the same film while being at Pinewood Studios Kiran was spotted by a producer John Dark who asked him to audition for a film The People That Time Forgot for a small part. Since appearing in this film playing Bolum, Kiran has appeared in various films, television productions, commercials and videos.

Just a few of his notable credits include: Titanic, Interview with the Vampire, Braveheart, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Legend, The Indiana Jones Trilogy, Aliens I and II, Return of the Jedi, The Dark Crystal and Superman I and II.

He will also appear as the White Witch's evil offsider, Ginarrbrik, in the adaptation of CS Lewis's The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe later this year.

Kiran also writes poetry, his work has been published in Britain and America. His poems are based on his thoughts and feelings about the places he has been and the experiences he has had. He has written film scripts and currently is working with his nephew Chaitan on a script. He hopes one day these scripts will be produced.

Kiran will be answering questions about his work in Lord of the Rings as well as his other films. He may - non-disclosure agreements permitting - even answer some questions about Narnia.

All are welcome to join us.

This will be a moderated question and answer session, and HoF staff are now accepting questions. So if you have a question, and you don't think you can make it on the day, feel free to e-mail us at halloffire@theonering.net.

The details:

What: Kiran Shah moderated Q&A
Date: Saturday June 18, 5.30pm EDT (US East Coast)
Place: #thehalloffire on the TORn IRC server
Submit a question: E-mail halloffire@theonering.net


Getting onto the TORn IRC server:

Chat happens on #thehalloffire on irc.theonering.net - the TORn IRC server. You can connect instantly via our java chat client that works inside your web browser (find it here! ) or choose to install a dedicated chat program such as mIRC on your computer.

To find out more about using mIRC to connect to TORn IRC server, check out these instructions.


Time and date conversion:
Saturday June 18

America:
5.30pm EDT
4.30pm CDT
3.30pm MDT
2.30pm PDT

Europe:
10.30pm UK
11.30pm Central Europe

Asia-Pacific:
7.30am (Sunday) Brisbane
7.30am (Sunday) Sydney
9.30am (Sunday) Wellington


Go back to Special Reports Archives