Links to Lord of the Rings Resources

Anke Eissmann - Talented young German artist works primarily in watercolor. She has developed an extensive series of illustrations for The Lord of the Rings, the Silmarillion, and other lesser-known Tolkien works. About her Tolkien-inspired work she says, "When illustrating Tolkien I try to avoid clichés often occuring in fantasy-art nowadays, such as pointed ears for Elves. I attempt to retain the realism the author creates in his works despite their mythological content. I use a lot of historical reference, especially when it comes to the authentical and realistical rendering of weapons, costumes and architecture, especially from early medieval periods in north-western Europe."

John Howe, Illustrator - Official home page. Beautiful work, much of which inspired the film. News, forum, biography. Online portfolio with over 1800 images includes sections on The Lord of the Rings and concept art for the films, from Bag-end to the Black Gates.

Lord of the Rings Fan Art - An archive for artwork, contests, photographs and other work related to the "LotR_FanArt Yahoo! Group." Hundreds of illustrations, plus links to related sites.

Middle Earth Tours - Perhaps the best resource on the Net for images of The Lord of the Rings and other Tolkien works. The well-organized tour showcases hundreds of images, including both art and movie photographs. All are shown at good viewing resolution, with links to the original sources of higher resolution images. The coverage of thirteen Tolkien-inspired artists is especially deep. Prepare yourself for immersion.

The Art of Alan Lee - Master watercolorist Alan Lee illustrated the anniversary editions of both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. He and Howe worked with Peter Jackson to create the visual designs for the Lord of the Rings films. This article discusses his life and work and provides examples of his paintings.

Encyclopedia of Arda - Extensive reference guide to the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Hundreds of articles, with most entries sorted both alphabetically and topically. Maps, illustrations, dictionary of archaic words, "movie-goers guides" detailing differences between books and movies.

Andy Serkis Official Website - In-depth coverage of Serkis' career on stage, in television and movies. News, photo galleries, reviews and interactive features, information about the book Gollum. If you are browsing at work, be warned, the site has music with a rather repetitive driving beat.

Billy Boyd - Official Billy Boyd web site features a brief biography and filmography, RealMedia interviews, an image gallery and news updates.

Miranda Rivers: "Lord's" Lord of Casting, Newsweek, Dec. 6, 2001 - Delightful article on the challenge of casting the 4,000 extras used in the Lord of the Rings. "What was most interesting for me was that each character started to take on personality traits.... You put a bunch of elves together and you find no one's eating and there's a lot of whinging [complaining] and there's a lot of hair and makeup required. It became a running joke with us."

Premiere Magazine: 4 Hobbits Walk Into a Bar . . . (Dec '03) - Long, energetic article celebrates the friendship that developed between the four hobbit actors (Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd) and their fellow cast and crew members. Discussion of the film-making: "Pete related to hobbits the most. We embodied not only what he loved most about the film but I think what he loves most about life--that kind of carefree nature; the positivity, affection, friendship, and warmth. When we came on the set, he was at his happiest." Teasing Orlando Bloom: "We had parties, and we'd dress him up in an apron." (His response: "They're suffering from elf envy. But it's hard when you're three foot six.") Several fart jokes. And zany photographs of the four in non-LOTR settings.

Sean Astin Official Home Page - In-depth site covers Astin's career as an actor and director. His writings include poetry, and a book on the making of The Lord of the Rings entitled There and Back Again, to be published fall of 2004.

Sir Ian McKellan: 'The Book is the Book, This is the Film', Newsweek, Dec. 6, 2001 - Lively interview with McKellan about New Zealand, working with Peter Jackson, and the challenge of taking the Lord of the Rings to the big screen.

Sir Ian McKellen Official Home Page - Site chronicles Sir Ian McKellen's four-decade career, including stage appearances worldwide and leading roles in scores of films, television, and radio productions. In addition to his detailing his acting achievements, the site catalogues Sir Ian's writings and his activism as an openly gay man. Lord of the Rings fans will be particularly interested in his journals, FAQs and many photographs of the filming of the movies.

The Compleat Sean Bean - "Compleat" says it all. This site seems to cover everything Sean has done since birth, focusing of course on his stage, film and TV career. Filmography, biography, news, interviews, stories, photographs, links. A wealth of LOTR information is linked from their Lord of the Rings section, including pages of production notes on Fellowship of the Ring.

White Lady of Rohan - Under construction but still a good resource for those interested in learning more about Eowyn. I appreciated her page of quotes. "And yet, Eomer, I say to you that she loves you more truly than me; for you she loves and knows; but in me she loves only a shadow and a thought."

Land of Rohan - Active, friendly group. Forums range from idle chat to serious discussion of Tolkien's books. One section is devoted to role-playing and writing.

Middle-earth Journeys - Discussion forum about the works of J.R.R. Tolkien created by Riv Res and Philipa of Viggo Works and Merry from Writers of Rohan (WRoR). Site includes calendar of Middle Earth events, links into the WRoR's descriptive Tolkien library, and rich discussion.

Writers of Rohan - In-depth discussions of Tolkien's work, original writings with community feedback, movie discussions, general chat. Friendly, supportive group.

Coralie's Corner - An Aussie in King Aragorn's Court - Coralie is flying down an Australian ski slope when she suddenly finds herself on Mt. Caradhras, pursued by orcs. After she helps the Fellowship fight them off, she teaches Legolas to snowboard, shares her shades with Frodo, and is accepted as their 10th member. The best news is that she continues to travel with the boys through 40+ episodes, providing ROFL moments and touching scenes in every chapter. PG-13 rating. Warning: episode 40, written Oct 2003, is a cliffhanger, and as of 29-May-04 there is no episode 41. So if you don't want to be "suspended" you might want to stop around episode 34.... but keep checking back as the author indicates that she does hope to finish it. (All the episodes are being moved to this Coralie's Corner area but only the first ones are there now. Here's another link that shows all.) Note: Coralie's Corner is part of the Tolkien Online Reading Room, where you will find hundreds of other Tolkien-inspired stories and essays.

Henneth Annun Story Archive - All-volunteer staff provides an archive for peer-reviewed fan fiction stories based on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Poetry and critical essays about JRRT's works and about JRRT oriented fan fiction are also welcomed. Diverse genres, ratings and varied combination of main characters, but all works are reviewed for quality before being accepted. Site is searchable by character, era, author, and genre. Author support includes forum and Challenges.

LOTR Fanfiction Web Ring - Ring of over sixty sites with a wide range of fan fiction based on Lord of the Rings. Note: quite a few of the sites feature slash, so proceed with caution if that bothers you.

Memoirs of the Shire - A collection of sweetly touching stories offering a further glimpse into the lives of Frodo Baggins and Sam Gamgee, set before and after their journey to Mordor. Pippin and Merry are also featured in some stories. Rated G, no slash. Site also offers photos, avatars and wallpapers of the hobbit actors and characters.

Stories of Arda - A collection of fanfiction stories set in the universe of J.R.R. Tolkien, with respect for his original work. Rated G-R, no slash. The goal is to offer entertaining and well-written stories created by people who take pride in their work. Authors are screened but individual works are not reviewed.

The Reading Room - Features fan-written fiction, poetry, and scholarly writings, all inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien and the people and places who inhabit his worlds. Many other Tolkien resources on the site.

A Hobbit's Tale - Reference on Tolkien, the books, Middle Earth, and cast and characters of the films. Good depth in many areas. Photo galleries, links, forum.

Council of Elrond - In addition to the usual (news, photo gallery, collection of wallpapers, fan fiction, themes and video clips), the site includes wonderful reference to Elvish and other languages and a guide to decorating your home in Middle Earth styles. Busy, friendly forums discuss all aspects of J.R.R. Tolkien's books, the movies, games and collectibles, and general community topics.

Khazad-Dum - Broad reference, descriptive pages for characters and places. The best collection of high-res screen-sized images outside of lordoftherings.net.

Nine Companions.net - Online reference material includes an extensive selection of audio clips and stills from the movies, translations for much of the Elvish dialogue, and text of all of the poems and songs in the books.

The Lord of the Rings: A Visual Journey - Large collection of downloadable images, good quality and nicely organized. Descriptions of characters.

The One Ring.net - This mega-site offers the latest news, reviews by staff and fans, articles, background information and chat rooms. Downside: threaded discussion board is slow and awkward to read, advertising sometimes distracts from the content.

Tolkien Online (TheOneRing.com) - General reference, quite a bit of fan fiction in the Reading Room. Gallery with lots of quality fan art. Their White Council Forums feature well-informed discussion of the books and films, and a lively community. (Site formerly at TolkienOnline.com, now at TheOneRing.com, not to be confused with TheOneRing.net.)

White Tree Press - Celevon Elensar is asking J.R.R. Tolkien fans to share true stories that describe how reading the book or watching the film version of The Lord of the Rings has enriched your life. She and a few friends are compiling these stories into a collection called Lembas for the Soul. (And while you are at that site, click on the "Regalement" link for a good laugh.)

Ballad of Bilbo Baggins by Leonard Nimoy - Yes I know this little music video from 1968 is about The Hobbit, not The Lord of the Rings. You may find it hilarious or revolting but it's hard to be neutral. See also these reviews about this and other aspects of the dark side of Leonard Nimoy. Haven't gotten enough? Try this Flash version by Tom Kerr; personally I think it's even better. What's this? You want stills? See Sagralisse's Balad of Bilbo Baggins screen caps and icons.

Condensed Parody Version of The Two Towers - Lemonlye (Molly Winter) manages to capture the essence of TTT in one funny page:
ROHIRRIM GUARD: Sire, there are some really femmy people at the gate. They have bows.
ARAGORN: Those are Elves. Let them in.
ROHIRRIM GUARD: Oh! Elves! Wow, I didn't expect that.
PEOPLE WHO READ THE BOOK: Neither did I...

Fraud of the Rings Cartoons - Devoted Tolkien fan John Cook has developed a series of over 40 cartoons that gently spoof the Lord of the Rings movies. The best news is that he is still drawing more. Readers are invited to comment or submit their own captions, and there is an ongoing punchline contest.

Hobbit Name Generator - Enter your real name, and the program will give you a Hobbit equivalent. There is also an Elvish Name generator on the same site. You will henceforth please address me as Pansy Gamwich of the Bree Gamwiches, or Gilraen Táralóm. :)

John Howe's Garden Gandalf - (Scroll about halfway down to page.) Why settle for a gnome in your garden when you can enjoy one of artist John Howe's Garden Gandalves? Or perhaps a Bird Bath Balrog?

Lord of the Rings Breadbox Editions - Evadne at fanfiction.net offers condensed parody editions of all three movie scripts: Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, Return of the King. You will probably enjoy them more if you've read the books.

Tolkien Name Generator - This handy script will generate your elven, hobbit, wizard or dwarf name. I rather like being "Nenoic 'Headstrong' Leagallow of the Shire" especially the headstrong part. And how else would I have known my wizard name to be Annatar Ever-young? From MyPrecious.us.

Waiting for Frodo - Cartoon strip chronicles a group of Lord of the Rings fans as they wait in line for each of the three movies. Caution: there are a lot of installments and it's easy to get hooked!

IMDb: Memorable Quotes from Fellowship of the Ring - Several pages of quotes and dialogue excerpts from the film.

Aragorn: "Are you frightened?"
Frodo: "Yes."
Aragorn: "Not nearly frightened enough. I know what hunts you."

IMDb: Memorable Quotes from Return of the King - Several pages of quotes and dialogue excerpts.

IMDb: Memorable Quotes from The Two Towers - Several pages of quotes and dialogue excerpts.

Salon: Middle Earth Mania - Collection of Salon's reviews and other articles about J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings books, and Peter Jackson's films. Includes a fascinating 4-page historical treatise about the books by science fiction author David Brin. Membership or signing up for a free "day pass" may be required to view all contents.

Caryn's Wallpaper Corner - Large selection of desktop backgrounds featuring the actors and the characters of Lord of the Rings and other shows. Nicely done, clean designs, some collages, each available in 800x600 and 1024x768.

Elessar's Realm - Beautiful collection of blended wallpaper collages in 800x600 and 1024x768 sizes. Focus is on Aragorn, but Faramir, Arwen, Frodo, Boromir, Gandalf, Eowyn, and other characters are featured as well. See also her Viggo wallpapers. See Lessy's LiveJournal for her latest creations.

Minas Tirith Wallpapers - Huge selection of high quality original Lord of the Rings movie desktop wallpapers. Organized by character or place. All major and many minor characters and creatures are included; even Gamling, Tom Bombadil and the Easterlings make appearances. Each in 800x600 or 1024x768 resolution.