The author of several posts on this site, Tolie Bowkien is my online identity, a name chosen to reflect my major influences. My name, combined with the above image should give you all the clues you need to work out the major influences of my view of my own identity. Tolkien and Bowie Two surnames immediately recognisable to many people. For myself these are names that conjure feelings of comfort, familiarity and thoughts of myself. I will use this very…
For the 50th moot of the Tolkien Society, East Farthing Smialite (yes, that’s a word now) @hesir (also goes under the pseudonym of Gareth Sleightholme) has had dedicated Tolkien artwork displayed at this seminal event. Take a look yourself below; for myself, I do feel that @hesir’s work will be seminal itself! If you’re attending, please do take a look. Should you wish to discuss further, Gareth is more than willing to chat with you. In fact, he has stated…
A recent visit to Aachen to pursue mediaeval interests has provided an excuse to relay two favourite Tolkien excerpts; one from The Children of Húrin and another from The Lord of the Rings. From The Children of Húrin I return to one of my favourite characters, Túrin Turambar as well as another favourite, Beleg “Strongbow” Cúthalion. Here is the tragic (of course it’s “tragic”, it’s Túrin!) episode where Túrin after being rescued by Beleg, mistakes Beleg for an Orc and…
A look at the inspirations that Elias Lönnrot provided Tolkien with his work, Kalevala, and his country Finland
One of the major influences behind this site are books. Lots of books. And when you’re using lots of books all at the same time you soon easily lose your place from one book to another. To help you with your research, and your warm Sunday afternoon reading, East Farthing Smial‘s great illustrator, @hesir (Gareth Sleightholme to you and me) has kindly provided two fantastic pieces of art that East Farthing Smial have been able to turn into very valuable,…
February Smial – Music, Food and Tolkien
I was recently caught up in Newcastle-upon-Tyne on a Saturday; a relaxing relief following the previous week’s working week. Whilst enjoying a late brunch (at the Olive & Bean café which easily caters for us gluten sufferers), I decided to check out what connections the area had with Tolkien aside from the North-Eastern fan that is Jay Johnstone.Unsurprisingly (it appears most major English cities appear to claim some connection), there were quite a few results after googling “Tolkien Newcastle” including…