The Realm of Nienna decided to ask an older fan’s thoughts on life and LotR. As Magoleth has the unique distinction of being the oldest member of the Realm of Nienna (although “only by nine days” can usually be heard from the direction of Rosearialelven at that point) she was our willing accomplice in bringing another perspective to our favourite obsession.
So, exactly how old are you, Magoleth?
I am 59 – 60 on January 19th 2006.
Any little (or big) feet pattering around your home?
I am a mother of four, all grown up and left home now, a grandmother of six – with another one on the way in the next couple of weeks, and a great grand mother of two little boys. I have been married to my second husband for 34 years – 35 next year in May!
What are your hobbies or addictions outside of the world of LotR?
I love gardening, meeting people, and belong to a local drama group, and like directing plays more than acting in them (must be my creative side as a Capricorn!), although I am due to appear in the next play in October. (Still have not learned my lines – naughty me!)
How exactly did you become hooked on LotR?
I saw the movies before I read the books. The movies were wonderful and I went to see ROTK 11 times at the cinema before they took it off! Then I had so many questions unanswered that I kept badgering my son for answers, he had read the books, and all he would say was – “Read the books, Mother!”
Well, really, it is his fault in a way that I am so hooked now. The movies were wonderful and I loved them and I laughed and cried all on my own as I had no one in those days to go with. No one else in the family was all that keen on going with me. They had seen the movies (except my husband – very down to earth person who does not like Fantasy or Sci Fi movies at all) and that was the end for them, but I could not get enough.
So, one weekend when my son was going away for a few days, I stole into his bedroom and pinched the books. It took me from Friday morning until the following Friday to read all four books and I might add the appendices. And that was it – I was hooked!
I joined Council of Elrond, I joined the Tolkien Society, and I met our illustrious leader Rosearialelven. That changed my life because now I had someone to talk to about my love of the books. I had very major surgery last year and my love of the books kept me going when I did not feel too good.
I went to London to see Howard Shore conduct the Lord of the Rings Symphony at the Royal Albert Hall. I went to the Master of the Rings Convention in Manchester and this year Rose and I attended one day only of the Fellowship Festival in London.
I have also found, as an amateur director, that the extra DVDs which accompanied the movies give a lot of useful insights into how things can be done.
Why did you decide to join the Realm of Nienna in particular?
I joined the Realm of Nienna because it seemed to be the place where people really cared about other people. Where we could make friends who would help us and also others whenever possible. If we had a problem, even of a personal nature, we could ask for help and get it. There are some really wonderful Weepers here and when the need arises, we weep for the world and all its ills and joys.
The Shadow passes washed away by our tears.
What are your favourite activities within the Realm of Nienna?
Now I write in Yesterday’s Memories, Tomorrow’s Dreams as Mirfain, and in Istarnie’s story. I also write in Tales of Arnor. Because of writing I have met many other wonderful people: Rose, of course, Bellemaine, Istarnie, Karamy, and they are wonderful people to write with. And they also managed to restore my sanity after several years of illness, writing is seeing me through. It has re-awoken in me a childhood love of writing and for that I am grateful.
I like the FE thread and occasionally drop in, the four word story, and I used to frequent the Purple Duck, but I go in the Rose and Arrow now. The food is better!
What is your favourite part of the world of Tolkien?
My family still think I have lost the plot, but I have only once before been moved to tears by a book I had read – HMS Ulysees by Alistair Maclean – so the Professor captured me heart and soul.
I love the way the books are written. Professor Tolkien’s descriptive paragraphs and build up of his characters, places and peoples of Middle-earth are to me awe-inspiring. His creation of a whole world and the back history to it all leaves me amazed at his imagination and inventiveness.
I would love to have walked through Lothlórien with Celeborn and Galadriel and seen the beauty of the Mallorn Trees in Spring, or listened to Elrond in Rivendell and sat in the Hall of Fire and hearing the songs and poetry there. To do some gardening at Bag End or to sit on Amon Hen or Amon Lhaw and see and hear the world.
Okay, so I am a nearly 60-year-old nut, but hey – why not?
by Magoleth and lanfear
