Timewaster's Guide Archive

Yesterday was very, very, good.

Wow, thanks a ton, that's going to keep my busy for a while.   Not that I'm complaining in any way. 

Any more suggestions?

LOL. Yeah, that was odd to find out you are friends w/ my cuz. (I hope she's not the one who phoned you at 4pm and wrested you from your nap, etc., etc. as mentioned on the grumpy thread post.)

It was pretty much out of the blue for me, though when I met her I did think the name Bylund sounded vaguely familiar.  I actually was her, but it was actually less that I was mad and more that I'm a grumpy person when woken before I plan to be.  I like my nap time, what can I say.

You come up with more theories, of course!  Also, if you haven't done so yet, try reading the Simarillion.  It's a tough read, but there are a couple of really good stories in there.  You'll freak when you find out just how old Galadriel was.

I don't know, what I personally thought was funny was realizing that since Elrond and Aragorn were related way back, when Aragorn married Arwen he was technically marrying a cousin a long way removed.

I would second the Silmarilion though, it really is a great book.  You'll learn a whole ton of cool stuff.  Not really much in the way of a singular story arc though.

I'm grumpy because my friend woke me up from a nap and then proceeded to yell at me for sleeping in until four without giving me time to tell her I had been taking a nap.  To top it off the reason she called was to get me to organize a hangout, because for some reason if I don't plan what we do nothing ever happens.  Even when other people try it falls apart.

Well they hate me even more because I read WoA about a year before it came out, and HoA about four months after that, and despite numerous attempts I've remained tight lipped.  It's actually pretty funny though, because through trying to convert people I actually found out that I'm friends with Shrain's cousin, and that I'm also friends with someone whose older sister is also an alpha reader, though I have no idea who. 

Okay, so I just had one of what my friend and I refer to as  "brain on" experiences, which is where my brain finally processes information I've had for a while.  I've read a couple of your blog posts recently however, and therefore realize that you most likely will not be able to answer these questions for a while.  I figured I had a better chance for answers on the boards though, considering how long it took last time I used email way back when you had more free time.

In this case I am referring to the fact that you went to Korea for your mission.   I actually took up two Korean martial arts about eight months ago, which is why that information has now become extremely interesting to me.  Basically I'm interested to know if you heard about Haidong Gumdo at all on your mission and if so, what?  I'm also interested to know pretty much anything about the culture there and the differences and contrasts between here and there.  Languages, attitudes, whatever.  Think of me as a humorous parody of a dog begging for scraps. 

Also if you'd be willing to share any conversion stories you have as well that would be really cool, however I am aware of the sometimes sensitive nature of such.  I am certainly understanding if you don't want to or would rather do so over email, seeing as I am not particularly interested in causing religious controversy on the boards.  Not really my style.

Anyway, thanks in advance for any questions you choose to answer, meanwhile I'll go back to recruiting for your undead army.

I always Anduril to be magical. It's not explicitly stated, but then again, Tolkien's version of magic is always somewhat mysterious and vague. For instance, in the Hobbit, it is said that Gandalf always seemed to just appear places, but it wasn't clarified whether it was through magic, or just craft. I remember something about Anduril and Aiglos together being an unbeatable combination of weapons. Again, it's up for interpretation, maybe Tolkien just meant that Gil-Galad and Elendil were that skilled at wielding them, but I always took Anduril to be more than just an heirloom.

My conclusion from reading the Silmarilion was that Anduril was magical.  The elves had great craft and would pour some of their being into the things that they made, which is the technique that Sauron tricked them into teaching him in order to forge the One Ring.  It was also the technique responsible for the creation of the Silmarils, which could not be duplicated by the Valar and were even powerful enough to become vitally important in the battle against Morgoth.  Therefore Anduril would be a magical blade.  At least it is if my memory is correct, I read the book back in fifth grade.