Welcome to an open discussion group with a single purpose: to read and understand Tolkien’s Middle-Earth. This group began life in a blog entry entitled “Silmarillion Blues,” hence the title (suggested by vox populi).

We are beginning with The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, followed by a group consensus of whichever books we need to explore to fully understand the realm, with the final goal of tackling The Silmarillion. This group is designed around the idea of literary exploration and examination. Regardless of your level of experience and understanding, the goal is to maximum appreciation of these works.

We will be operating at the rate of one chapter a week. Those who merely want to read along will find this an easy pace by which other books and life itself can still happen. Those, like myself, who are in this for deeper understanding, will have the time in which to do that.

Yes, this will take years. It is never too late to join in.

As the end goal is The Silmarillion and appreciation of the lore as a whole, newcomers to Middle-Earth should be aware that there is no spoiler policy in place whatsoever. Everything informs everything else within these books. It’s all connected.

Many people here, myself included, are likely to keep weekly blogs on our journeys. It is encouraged, but not mandatory, that you do so if you feel the need. Links to your blog entries are most welcome under the appropriate chapter headings for each book. Feel free to follow me (know that I’ll likely follow you back). Strength of community is encouraged.

I will open up the next chapter for discussion every Sunday evening, no later than 10 pm US Central Standard Time. Sometimes I might open it earlier, depending on how my schedule unfolds.

We officially begin reading The Hobbit Ch.1 “An Unexpected Party” on Sunday, August 23, 2015. Discussion for that chapter begins one week later on the 30th, as does reading for the next chapter.

Keep it civil, please. As we all share a passion (or at least a curiosity) in Tolkien’s work, please be aware that we all approach this from a variety of experiences and experience levels. Everyone’s insight is welcome and encouraged.

Be aware that Tolkien contradicted himself from time to time as his world grew over the course of a lifetime. These are discussion points that will come up from time to time. Professor Tolkien’s final word on the subject stands in the event of a debate.

There is no such thing as a stupid question, save for the one that goes unasked. Odds are someone else has the same question. Ask.

The goal of this group is discussion and literary analysis. “Shippers” and other fanfic enthusiasts are asked to check such interests at the gate. There’s a place for that elsewhere on the internet, not here.

It is assumed that as Tolkien enthusiasts, you’ll want to join in on the annual birthday toast as Tolkien fans do the world over. For those not familiar, Tolkien’s birthday is January 3. Every year at 9 pm (your local time), you raise a glass of your favorite beverage and simply toast: “The Professor!” After that, sit and enjoy the rest of your drink. It’s just that easy.

Above all else, have fun with this. If you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong!