Lydia writes: TheOneRing.net very kindly posted a press release I submitted on June 20, 2010 entitled ‘British artist, who drew the maps for J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Lord of the Rings’ visits the USA’ and I am writing hoping that you will upload another article.

I am the daughter of Stephen Raw, (said British artist) and have been tasked to promote the limited edition copies of the original maps. Looking on your blog, I am astounded that the real story of the map does not appear to be common knowledge among your readership. In a bid to change this I have written the following article in response to a posting from September of 2010, ‘Why are there no ‘towers of a distant city‘ by Ringer Squire.

This is in part a response to the essay posted on this site in September of 2010, ‘Why are there no ‘towers of a distant city’ on the map of Middle-earth. In his piece, Ringer Squire shares his surprise at how Tolkien, despite his visual talents, failed to use the maps to their full potential, describing them as ‘a rather unsatisfactory use of space’. He explains that his disappointment steams from the idea that Tolkien ‘resisted seeing a map as another excellent way to sub-create a world. [Rather they] were always just organizers: they only echoed the text, they never extended it. They don’t tell us, all by themselves, that further stories exist’ Continue reading “The Lord of the Rings Maps: The Real History”

Staffer Kristin Thompson has written from the road with a great giveaway item and a hot rumor. Expect this TORn exclusive to heat up the internet today but it seems the spy network has checked in. Kristin says:

“At MIPCOM, a television trade show held in Cannes on October 3 to 6, this great bag with an image of Bilbo was being given away. It’s trademarked by New Line Cinema and MGM. Rumor has it that a few minutes of footage from THE HOBBIT were also screened!” Continue reading “Exclusive: The first screening of ‘Hobbit’ footage?”

For those of you waiting as long as we have been, the time is finally here! You can now order the PEZ The Lord of the Rings gift set online at PEZ’s official website. Each set is labeled with a gold sticker featuring its exclusive number in the production series.

The Lord of the Rings collector’s set includes eight dispensers, each depicting key characters from the trilogy, and two six packs of candy.  The characters include Bilbo, Frodo, Samwise, Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Gollum.  Those characters who are Hobbits are featured on mini dispensers.  An additional, exclusive set featuring the Eye of Sauron was also developed. (Details on that one to come!) Both sets will retail for approximately $24.99.

“Collectible gift sets have been a growing part of our business. We expect Lord of the Rings to be among the best selling in our history”, stated Joe Vittoria – CEO of PEZ Candy, Inc. “We are considering a second set focusing on key characters from The Hobbit for launch next fall.”

Our very own Quickbeam has a copy of the set and will be sharing his thoughts on this exciting new product in the next few days. In the meantime, snag yours today!!  [Order Today]

Click ‘continue reading’ for the full pictures of the set.

Continue reading “PEZ The Lord of the Rings Gift Set is here!”

We are premiering a brand new t-shirt this year at DragonCon 2011! It is a Dwarven family reunion shirt that features a certain infamous dragon at a certain famous mountain location. The design was created by longtime staffer Asfaloth and truly captures what a dwarf family reunion shirt would look like. TheOneRing.net logo is centered on the front and it comes in two colors – Sport Grey and Serene Green! And best yet – they are only $15 a pop! For those of you going to DragonCon, we’ll be selling these shirts at our fan table. For those of you not going, we are selling them online right now. They will ship once we get back from the road trip – so give us a week or so. We’ve also got TheOneRing.net window stickers to share your Tolkien passion with other drivers. Check out the shirts and the stickers through the following link. [Support our Road-trip with T-Shirts and Stickers]