3. Discussing the Appendices with Real People
I first read the Lord of the Rings when I was 8, and have re-read themalong with The Hobbit and the Silmarillionevery few years since then. And every time I read them, I try to find someone who will discuss with me the background of the Lord of the Rings (as told in the appendices at the end) and, surprisingly, no one will take me up on it. Until now. Ive already had multiple conversationswith
willing conversation partnersabout the events in the movie and whether Gandalf was really concerned about Sauron using Smaug against Middle Earth. People dont laugh or roll their eyes anymore when I discuss the history of Gandalf and the other wizards. They
ask me where Gandalf came from! If all I get out of this movie is the ability to actually participate in pop-culture conversations at boring partiesinstead of mocking whatever show people happen to be enjoying at the timethen I will be happy, sort of.