These are the archives from 2010-2018 for the discussion forum hosted by the UNM Hobbit Society at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM, USA. The purpose of our group is to meet and associate with others interested in Tolkien, and to learn more about the author, his written works, and his sources through discussion, guest lectures and academically oriented activities. This blog is intended to expand discussion among UNM Hobbit Society members beyond what meeting times allow.
I loved that this group discussed Tolkien's dedication to the language in this work. The fact that he translated it and figured out how to keep the pattern of alliteration and rhyme scheme in the translation is incredible, and really seems to make this translation unique.
I read the story in high school, and I'd forgotten most of it. It was fun to revisit the story itself and to learn some new things about it. I really enjoyed the discussion on all the symbolism in the story. Like Vana said, the pentangle was especially interesting. I agree with the group that it's strange that Morgan le Fay made such a brief appearance in the story.
The part of this presentation that I found most interesting was the discussion of the size of the Green Knight in the painting that serves as the cover art for the Tolkien version. When I had read this story before I thought that maybe the green knight would be like really tall, 7 or 8 feet, but not the size of the one in the painting! And I had imagined that the knight was somewhat like a regular knight- chain mail, helmet, armor- but the one in the image was more like a mossy/hairy giant. Another part of the presentation that I found really interesting was the discussion of the pentangle and its meaning and significance. I had some knowledge of pentagrams in Pagan culture but the discussion in class really brought up some new ideas that I thought were absolutely central to the story- like when it was pointed out that the story dedicates so much time to explaining such a feature, and therefore it must be of great significance. I thought that this portion of the presentation was well done and very informative.
5 comments:
I loved that this group discussed Tolkien's dedication to the language in this work. The fact that he translated it and figured out how to keep the pattern of alliteration and rhyme scheme in the translation is incredible, and really seems to make this translation unique.
I was actually really interested in this group's discussion of the pentangle on Gawain's shield and its importance.
I read the story in high school, and I'd forgotten most of it. It was fun to revisit the story itself and to learn some new things about it. I really enjoyed the discussion on all the symbolism in the story. Like Vana said, the pentangle was especially interesting. I agree with the group that it's strange that Morgan le Fay made such a brief appearance in the story.
I enjoyed the fact that the story ended up being simply a joke played on the main character. The large green man also seemed very Tolkien-esque.
The part of this presentation that I found most interesting was the discussion of the size of the Green Knight in the painting that serves as the cover art for the Tolkien version. When I had read this story before I thought that maybe the green knight would be like really tall, 7 or 8 feet, but not the size of the one in the painting! And I had imagined that the knight was somewhat like a regular knight- chain mail, helmet, armor- but the one in the image was more like a mossy/hairy giant.
Another part of the presentation that I found really interesting was the discussion of the pentangle and its meaning and significance. I had some knowledge of pentagrams in Pagan culture but the discussion in class really brought up some new ideas that I thought were absolutely central to the story- like when it was pointed out that the story dedicates so much time to explaining such a feature, and therefore it must be of great significance. I thought that this portion of the presentation was well done and very informative.
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