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cass_nobody's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
A haunting and beautifully written little poem. A great demonstration of Tolkien’s creative process
nerdkitten's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Infertility
Moderate: Death, Murder, Terminal illness, and Child abuse
Minor: Animal death, War, Alcohol, Physical abuse, Classism, Infidelity, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment
lot26's review
5.0
Not only is Tolkein a master in high fantasy literature, with this books he shows his mastery of the english language like never before. The Lay of Aotrou and Itroun is one of the rare books to display the truly epic scope of Tolkein's philological prowess.
jalexpulliamkepler's review
3.0
These are a collection of (good) poems that are Christianized versions of Gaelic fairy tales. If that is your thing, or if you really enjoyed the poetry in Lord of the Rings, then they are worth a read.
The editor’s notes, it should be said, are highly informative and concise.
The editor’s notes, it should be said, are highly informative and concise.
julicke95's review against another edition
5.0
"A witch there was, who webs could weave
To snare the heart and wits to reave,
Who span dark spells with spider-craft,
And as she span she softly laughed"
A fascinating little read, showing Tolkien's wonderful talent of recasting old myths and legends into his own style, while staying true to its original source. In this case, the source was a Breton poem about a childless couple who manage to get twins with the help of a fairy, but with disastrous consequences. Tolkien's versions are markedly darker and put in a different kind of verse, but retain the core of the original story, as well as a number of specifically Breton words. The verse was beautiful and I loved that the fairy or Corrigan seemingly shifted between benevolence and malevolence, while also literally shapeshifting. I just love the unpredictability and moral greyness of fairies in myth and folklore. No good diminutive little winged pixies or evil ugly witches on brooms here. It was also a fun little tidbit to find out that this fairy woman living near a fountain in the woods and giving a phial with a magic potion seemed to be part of the inspiration for a certain elf lady who dwells in Lothlorien.
To snare the heart and wits to reave,
Who span dark spells with spider-craft,
And as she span she softly laughed"
A fascinating little read, showing Tolkien's wonderful talent of recasting old myths and legends into his own style, while staying true to its original source. In this case, the source was a Breton poem about a childless couple who manage to get twins with the help of a fairy, but with disastrous consequences. Tolkien's versions are markedly darker and put in a different kind of verse, but retain the core of the original story, as well as a number of specifically Breton words. The verse was beautiful and I loved that the fairy or Corrigan seemingly shifted between benevolence and malevolence, while also literally shapeshifting. I just love the unpredictability and moral greyness of fairies in myth and folklore. No good diminutive little winged pixies or evil ugly witches on brooms here. It was also a fun little tidbit to find out that this fairy woman living near a fountain in the woods and giving a phial with a magic potion seemed to be part of the inspiration for a certain elf lady who dwells in Lothlorien.
elfianna's review
5.0
Prof. Tolkien is the poet, the philosopher and the genius. A pure delight to read. Always!
gsanta1's review against another edition
3.0
Nice short story. Nice alliteration, and rhymes.
Plot is simple, and standard. I think the prose is the important part more so then the plot.
Plot is simple, and standard. I think the prose is the important part more so then the plot.
bmoore7139's review against another edition
5.0
If you’re not interested in the research behind the “finished” poem, just read the first 30 pages and move on. I, however, found this to be a delightfully dark poem that explores a different side of Tolkien than that which we see throughout Middle Earth.