Researchers have discovered an actual Balrog fossil in Colombia. Well, not really. They’ve discovered the fossil of a ginormous snake-crocodile-thing. The creature is (or rather, was) apparently a new species of crocodilian. Or maybe it’s a new species of dyrosaurids. I’m not really sure. Apparently my fleeting childhood desire to be a paleontologist has not served adult-me well, since I’ve never heard…
Month: July 2014
On the Importance of Glorfindel
Glorfindel, like Tom Bombadil, Quickbeam, and Prince Imrahil, is one of those characters who didn’t make it into Peter Jackson’s films. I understand why Jackson made this decision. There are already plenty of characters to follow. Adding yet another character–one who only appears in two or three scenes–simply causes confusion for the viewers. It’s just sad because Glorfindel has a…
Silmarillion Character Profile: Turgon
One of the most daunting things about reading The Silmarillion is keeping all of the names straight. I love this, so I want to make it more accessible for the general reader with brief character profiles. Name: Turgon Immediate Family: Wife: Elenwë Daughter: Idril Celebrindal Home: born in Valinor, lived in Middle-earth Claim to fame: founded Gondolin, the hidden city Why I…
Ridiculous Moments in the Movies: Skulls. Skulls Everywhere.
I love Peter Jackson for what he did with the films (at least Lord of the Rings; I’m still on the fence about The Hobbit). Although they’re far from perfect, they’re still pretty darn good. I appreciate his (and his team’s!) almost slavish-attention to detail. He certainly is a passionate guy. My admiration and respect for him doesn’t mean that I don’t…