Long time (but young) Lord of the Rings fan. I actually read the Lord of the Rings before The Hobbit but found both enjoyable reads.

I love the films as well. I'm definitely a ringnut geek as I have all the extended editions and believe me, I've watched them extensively.

In terms of fantasy and films I also love the Narnia Chronicles and had them to read to me at a very young age.

I've read these forums a bit already. I was particularly interested in the arguments for religious presence in the books and Tolkien's dislike of allegorical claims in his story. I'm personally a Christian and have actually read "Finding God in Lord of the Rings" although I'd argue that it's a book that contains Christian themes or elements that Christians can pick out rather than it being allegorical.

Gandalfs Beard, Beren, Show, Barrel the pony (if that's right?) and a few others look like very interesting debaters.

I look forward to chatting with you all!

Two hours north west of Glasgow actually so probably more than a wee bit.

Its great with some new blood and new points of view! Im looking forward to your posts !

haha....I'm 17. It was really funny when I revealed my age last December to GB, Otto's World, Show, and the rest of the "founders" (if you will) of the forum.
Go to the section about the Silmarillion, and click on p. 2 of the "How many movies..." forum. That's where it all happened....hilarious

It was indeed fun to read, Beren. I am not that surprised actually, I often get the same reaction as you did. You see, Im quite young myself, but I do love litterature of all my heart, especially Tolkien.