#hobbit village new zealand

[zedson]

what good filming locations/area do you think they should use for the Zelda movie?

(for me first thing that came to mind was New Zealand because that's where LOTR and The Hobbit, but i also hope my country, The Philippines, would be included at some point in the filming)

I also thought that New Zealand would be a great place to film the Zelda movie, lol.

For other areas, i'm thinking Europe in general. There are many places with ancient castles & cities that I think would fit the world's setting. A lot of it inspired the game's villages/locations too. France, Germany, places like that. But I think the Philippines would be a great location to film as well. Maybe even Japan, since Kakariko village in botw/totk is very much inspired by Japanese villages. I envision the sheikah tribe itself would be played by asian actors.

[lynniceberg]

New Zealand travel sketches 2 of 2

Here's the second batch of my travel sketches from my trip to New Zealand with my buddy, Brian. We were there for only about a week so we stuck to the North Island. If I have a chance to go again I will definitely try to stay longer. It's a beautiful country with impressive natural environments and our stay was too short to see even a small part of it.

We started our tour in Auckland so, of course, I've a few sketches of the space needle there. It's a coastal city of a very maritime country so lots of boats and water, too. I was very taken with the very old and twisty trees all over Auckland, as well.

We rented a car and drove around the Coromandel Peninsula which has a beautiful coastline. From Coromandel we went on to Rotorua which has a lot of geothermal activity around it. We walked the Waimangu Volcanic Valley which has a lot of hot, spewing geysers. I took photos thinking I might attempt sketches of it later, which clearly I didn't.

We saw a lot of farmland, grazing sheep, and bee hives! Lots of bee hives which I found heartening. The hills formed from volcanic activity are large, mound-like, and very different from what we have in the United States. New Zealand as a country seems concerned about conservation and protecting their environment from invasive species. We saw a lot of signs (literal and figurative) reminding people to value and protect the natural beauty.

We also made our way to the idiosyncratic toothbrush fence mentioned in "Flight of the Conchords." I didn't attempt to draw this famous fence, either. It's best seen with one's own eyes.

I did feel the need to capture Hobbiton, where the Hobbiton scenes of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies were filmed. Yes, it's probably the most touristy spot in New Zealand but a must-see for fantasy and movie fans like us. The place is full of fun little details that make it feel like you're really visiting a Hobbit village - including bee hives! It's a very well-run and fun tourist destination and a great example of how the landscape of Aotearoa lands itself to fantastical imagination.

While New Zealand is known for their wine, which I liked, I preferred the beer. Panhead was my favorite. I took the time to chronicle the Kiwi beers we drank so others who come after us know what to seek out. You're welcome.

[christiangittingsblog]

Sheep of the Hobbit village

Sheep Have Taken Over Hobbit Holes on The Lord of The Rings Set //Aww cute the sheep want to cosplay being Hobbits from the Lord of the rings / The Hobbit

(old article but still cute, the Hobbit village is now open to the public)

[jorahssquire]

Hobbiton Village New Zealand

Ever just want to become a HOBBIT and get away from it all...

[airbnbdiaries]

Airbnb Diaries

Jo, Bart and Tahlia. New Zealand citizen. They came to my house on May 26, 2024. It was such a day in Izmir. At this age, I have never seen such a heavy rain. A comprehensive cocktail could be made with the hailstones that fell in the garden of his house. If you put 10 ice buckets it could be full. There was no warm weather to put the beers into the full ice bucket. It wasn't cold either. Classic Izmir weather:) years old short slippers. One long sleeve on top. Or vest . Just put these on. I think Jo and his family came from Hobbit land with their ice. A warm and sweet family :) I'm being ironic. It was a very interesting day. Jo's husband Bart couldn't find the house. They probably couldn't reach me because of the heavy rain. They asked the store next to me. Then those who were marketed to me reached out. I immediately went to the market. In fact, there was someone naked and without slippers in front of me :) We met in front of the market, in the running water, in the village square, which is slightly sloped, regardless of the rain. Our only difference. I had sandals. He jumped out of the car barefoot. He was talking to me. It was a natural meeting. Bartın's daughter Tahlia and his wife Jo were in the car. Somehow we parked the car in the garden. I said to Bart, "Are your shoes too thin?" Let me give you a slipper etc. He said no, I asked for you barefoot. While we are talking about these, meeting etc. Something that would never happen happened. Normally I divide knitted furniture. 10 years. I made nearly 30 thousand mesh tables with tempered glass tops. 30 thousand pieces of glass came to my workshop and the number of glass broken in 10 years is 3-5. 5 out of 30 thousand. Think about it now. The frosted glass of the table we were chatting on shattered with a boom. Is there an evil eye? 3-5 minutes after I told Barta, "Be careful, don't let anything happen to your foot," there were pieces of glass everywhere. Did he show me a miracle too? We even made a deer in the village anyway. There is no city filth. Maybe I said it would be animal droppings at best. You press it. For example; Swallows make a nest on the lamp right at the entrance door of my house. This year they have 7 cubs. And of course the puppies are fed all day and come to my door :) here's your shit. I cleanse 3-4 times a day. Lastly, I put cardboard on the card of the slot. When the glass of the table we were sitting at shattered, I immediately told him to put on slippers etc. That's enough, there is no need to lie down like Bilbo Bagins in The Lord of the Rings. We cleaned up the mess. Thank goodness nothing happened to anyone. Speaking of teas and coffees. I met a beautiful family from New Zealand. Unfortunately, although the conversation is nice, they will wake up at 6am and go to the airport. They were touring the world in two pieces. They told about the places they went. What happened to them. Memories of Bozköy were short-lived. Time is short. It is necessary to rest. I thank them. They also invited me. Those who lost their lives before reaching their homes. He also had sons. I think he's 29 and 23 years old. The photos were looked at. Etc etc. There may be many stories to tell and many guests to host in this life. It's about to be chosen in the stories of people who gave meaning to my life, even if just for a day. Not from the innkeeper's notebook. emrekocdiyebiri

Negative :

Jo rented the house to Bartın's wife

Tahlia: Their 13-year-old daughter was playing upstairs at one point. He will be good at guitar...

Bart: without slippers :)

Me: Innkeeper

airbnb.com/h/emrekoc

[0vxid0]

A Gap Year Adventure in New Zealand: Exploring the Land of Beauty and Conservation

Taking a gap year is a chance to step away from all the studying after school nd to gain new experiences. What better place to do this than New Zealand? Known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich Maori culture, and thrilling activities, New Zealand is the perfect destination for adventure, personal growth, and the opportunity to make a difference.

Why New Zealand?

New Zealand, made up of the North Island and South Island along with numerous smaller islands, boasts a population of about 5 million and has Wellington as its vibrant capital city. Famous for its stunning scenery that served as the backdrop for iconic movies like "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit," New Zealand is a magnet for tourists and adventurers alike. But the most important reason why I want to visit the beautiful country is for it's stunning and unique flora and fauna.

The Journey Begins

Getting to New Zealand from Düsseldorf takes at least 28 hours, but the journey is well worth it. Flights start at 103 euros so looking for a cheap one that takes me ight to my destination will be difficult will be difficult. The best times to visit are in February, May, or August as prices drop during that time and allow me to travel with a smaller budget. From there I will use public transport when I arrive. New Zealand offers an extensive network of affordable buses, making it easy to travel and explore.

During my gap year, I wish to volunteer at the Kiwi Conservation Volunteer & Internship Project. This program offers a unique chance to live close to nature and contribute to crucial conservation efforts. For a application fee of 512.40 euros, I'll be provided with a stay in small cabins equipped with basic necessities and work in expansive forests covering about 2,000 hectares.

As a volunteer, I'll engage in various tasks such as track maintenance, bait station filling and monitoring, GPS trail mapping, trapping, small mammal monitoring, and monitoring endangered species like the kiwi and kokako birds. Not only will this teach me about New Zealand’s native forests and endangered birds, but it’ll also help stabilize the populations of these incredible species.

Social Connections and Cultural Immersion

Volunteering with the Kiwi Conservation project offers more than just work experience. Building social connections with fellow volunteers from different countries, gaining new perspectives and making lifelong friends makes it all the more worth it. The program allows one day off each week, giving aomple time to participate in activities, explore the cities, and get immersed in Maori culture. Attending cultural performances, visiting traditional villages, and learn about the history and customs of the Maori people will prove to be a great way to get even more insight into the rich history of the country and it's inhabitants.

Budgeting for the Gap Year

Planning the budget is crucial for a successful gap year. In addition to the 512.40 euros application fee, I'll have to allocate at least 420 euros for travel. Activities range from free to at least 34 euros, ensuring I'll be able to find something that fits into my budget. From bungee jumping and skydiving to hiking and skiing, the country provides endless opportunities for adventures. Some highlights include a four-hour day cruise for 71 euros and a ziplining and forest walk on Waiheke Island for 51 euros. Hiking and city explorations are often free, allowing me to enjoy the natural beauty and vibrant urban life without spending my money.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion visiting New Zealand and volunteering there in wildlife conservation really is a great opportunity to break out of the stressful school life I'm used to but still learning new things and contributing to the world.

[nzetaonlinevisa]

top 5 picturesque villages of new zealand

Arrowtown

Nestled beside the Arrow River, Arrowtown is a historic gold mining village with quaint streets lined with preserved 19th-century cottages. Explore the vibrant autumn colors, boutique shops, and cozy cafes that make this village a picture-perfect destination.

2.AKAROA

Located on the Banks Peninsula, Akaroa is a delightful French-inspired village. Enjoy stunning harbor views, dolphin watching, and the unique blend of French and Kiwi culture. Stroll through charming streets, savor delicious cuisine, and immerse yourself in the serene coastal beauty.

3.RUSSELL

As the first permanent European settlement in New Zealand, Russell is rich in history and charm. Situated in the Bay of Islands, this village offers beautiful beaches, historic sites, and waterfront dining. Take a ferry ride, explore the historic buildings,and relax in this idyllic coastal haven.

4.HOBBITON

Step into the magical world of Hobbiton, the movie set village from “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies. Located near Matamata, this enchanting village features lush green pastures, charming hobbit holes, and the iconic Green Dragon Inn. A must-visit for any Tolkien fan!

5.WANAKA

Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps, Wanaka is a paradise for nature lovers. Enjoy outdoor adventures such as hiking, skiing, and kayaking. The village itself boasts vibrant cafes, boutique shops, and a relaxed atmosphere that perfectly complements its natural surroundings.

https://www.nzetaonlinevisa.com/

[flairyourtrip]

New Zealand - Top 5 things to do...🌎

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1) Explore Milford Sound: Located within Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is one of New Zealand's most famous natural wonders. Take a cruise through the fjords and admire the dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife including seals, dolphins, and penguins. You can also kayak or hike the Milford Track to see this unspoiled wilderness up close.

2) Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Considered one of the best day hikes in the world, Tongariro Alpine Crossing offers breathtaking views of volcanic landscapes, emerald lakes and steaming springs. The 19.4km trail passes through the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tongariro National Park, revealing the supernatural beauty of New Zealand's North Island.

3) Experience Māori culture: Explore the rich traditions of indigenous Māori by visiting cultural sites such as Te Papa Tongarewa and the National Museum of New Zealand in Wellington, or attending traditional Māori cultural performances and festivals (hangi). Please soak in. You can also explore Maori villages such as Rotorua's Whakarewarewa and learn more about Maori customs, art and cuisine.

4) Queenstown Adventures: Known as New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown offers a wide range of adrenaline-filled activities. From bungee jumping and skydiving to jet boating and whitewater rafting, there's no shortage of exciting experiences. You can also indulge in more relaxing activities, such as wine tasting in the nearby Gibbston Valley or a cruise on Lake Wakatipu.

5) Visit Hobbiton: Step into the magical world of J.R.R. Experience Tolkien's Middle-earth by visiting the Hobbiton film set in Matamata. Take a guided tour of the Hobbit's cave, carefully recreated in a lush landscape, and enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon's Inn. Whether you're a fan of The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit movies, or just want to admire the mesmerizing scenery, Hobbiton is a must-see destination in New Zealand.

[chromaglitchgaming]

Gallery ID: ChromaGlitch

Lot Name: Hobbit Village

My week 6 build for #BGS5WorldTour and I made a hobbit-inspired village, for New Zealand.

I was inspired by locations in the shire (mainly the areas outside of the main capital), and some of the hobbits mentioned in the books. I wanted to try to figure out how to make the lot feel like there are a bunch of hills where hobbits would live.

[peeyonce]

The locations of the Hobbit trilogy

The most beautiful beaches on Malta

Welcome to a country full of fantastic landscapes, warm hospitality, exciting history and living legends. The Oscar-winning classic also features Ashford Castle, Thoor Ballylee, where W. B. Yeats once lived, and of course the Quiet Man Bridge over the Owenriff River. Of course it also depends on how long you want to stay at each of these places. In the region around Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park, for example, you could easily stay for several weeks without getting bored. So if you want to rent a motorhome or drive with a rental car, I would recommend to book a one-way option. Pick up the camper in Auckland (North Island) so that the spots leave on both islands and then drop off the vehicle in Queenstown (South Island) for example - or vice versa. This will save you the whole way back, but of course this has to go along with the flights.

Lake Pukaki, Mount Cook on the South Island - in the movie: Lakeside Town

Whether and when there will be a film adaptation of Tolkien's Middle Earth work "The Silmarillion" is still in the stars. Like "The Lord of the Rings", the shooting for the "Hobbit" films took place in New Zealand. All the floodplain scenery such as the Hobbit Caves, the Stone Bridge, the Green Dragon Inn and the Old Mill were restored for this purpose. The set of Hobbingen is located in Matamata southeast of Auckland and is permanently preserved for tourist tours. Read more about campervan hire New Zealand here.

In the front gardens grow margarites, cornflowers, lavender and corn poppies, cabbage and potatoes.

It became an independent part of the United Kingdom.

At Whakapapa Ski Field you pass the ski lift on the right, towards a huge rock formation. This place here is the scene of several scenes, including the moment when Sauron is cut off his fingers in retrospect. A little further on you will be surprised by a spectacular view into a valley. Here the battle of Middle-earth might have taken place. It was here, in the snow-sugar-frosted volcano Ngauruhoe, that Frodo threw the ring in the movie to break the power of Sauron. Due to its exposed location, this film set was very well visible from afar and attracted a lot of attention in the rural environment. After the shooting was finished, the provisionally built and finely decorated caves were largely dismantled. 17 caves remained i

[vonhauntsims-blog]

The Hobbit in New Zealand

Bergretter locations: this is where the popular ZDF-series

is created You would love to move into one of the houses yourself and celebrate with the Hobbits. And this is exactly what is possible, because the Shire is open to visitors from all over the world. The Tongariro National Park in the centre of the North Island was already an important location in the The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Visitors can explore the mountain either by skiing or hiking.

Depending on the starting point, plan two to three hours for the tour. Green hills, wide fields, small rivers and brooks - that's how we know and love the Auenland! Hobbingen (originally "Hobbiton") with its famous Hobbiton houses is a pleasant, idyllic gem in the middle of this peaceful nature. Visitors can swap wooden barrels for much more comfortable kayaks and make stops at waterfalls and film locations on one of the guided tours. There is even the possibility to camp overnight in the forest - only 100 meters from the film location. For us at billiger-mietwagen.de, travelling is both a hobby and a profession. In the travel world, the editorial team therefore provides you with the most important travel information and cool insider tips.

Each of the 45 Hobbit Caves is lovingly and faithfully designed, the homes of beekeepers, cheesemakers and carpenters can be recognized by their work utensils.

From here, you will first drive along State Highways 76 and 1.

Although the country is larger than Italy, there are only a few large cities.

In Kaitoke Regional Parkin Wellington the scenes for Rivendell were shot, where Frodo is recovering from the knife attack.

{{{li>Thereupon he forged the One Ring in Mount Doom. > Thereupon he forged the One Ring in Mount Doom. But when the people from the West arrived and formed the Last Covenant with the Elves, Mordor was overrun and the buildings of evil destroyed. Mordor lay in the southeast of Middle-earth and was surrounded by steep mountain ranges in the north, west and south. The northwest, the Plain of Gorgoroth, was the center of power in the land.

When was the Lord of the Rings turned?

Hobbits or halflings are fictitious, 60 to 120 cm tall human-like creatures in the fantasy world of Middle Earth created by J. R. R. Tolkien. They play a leading role in the novels The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, as well as in the film adaptations of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings by Peter Jackson. One of the most magical places from the Hobbit trilogy is Earnslaw Burn. Here, 800-metre-high granite walls tower into the sky from the valley basin and a monumental glacier feeds numerous thunderous waterfalls that plunge over the cliffs. After their departure from Bruche Valley, Bilbo and the

[dollunited]

The Hobbit film set in New Zealand

[table-cat-games]

Visited the Hobbit village in New Zealand and at the last part of the tour there was a cat in the bar sleeping in a chair in front of a fire.

Everyone was respectful and didn't touch the cat, we all admired it and took pics.

[hobbity-things]

Michael 

A small hobbit house; from the set of The Hobbit

Hobbiton Village, Matamata, New Zealand

Free to use under the Unsplash License

Tea is at four

[astrovian]

Richard Armitage interview in Reader's Digest UK (due out January 2022) via. Twitter (14/12/21)

Part 1/2

Part 2 here

Full transcript for interview (both part 1 & 2) under cut

Richard Armitage on Hollywood, the Hobbit and Hard Work

From bursting onto the musical theatre stage, the prolific actor has gone on to star in Hollywood blockbusters and hit TV shows – all while being “shy”

 

He’s been in the Hobbit franchise, featured in the Marvel universe and has a string of acclaimed TV performances under his belt. But having got his start in musical theatre, Richard Armitage never envisioned a career beyond the stage.

“I wasn’t sure somebody like me had a place in film or television,” the now very much in-demand actor admits to thinking when he was growing up in Leicestershire. “I thought I might be able to do something on stage but I never dreamed about working on scree and it was only later in life when people started giving me chances that I thought, Maybe I can do this.”

I ask him what he means by “somebody like me” and Richard elaborates: “Somebody who’s a bit shy and not necessarily a showoff. I felt like you had to have this supreme confidence to be an actor in film and TV, but having met a lot more people in the business who are like me I’ve realised there are two kinds of actors – people who have big personalities and enjoy putting them on film, then other people who use character as a skin to hide in or escape to. I fall under the latter category and it’s provided me with the most incredible adventures.”

Those adventures includes playing an assassin in the huge-budget Captain America: The First Avenger, filming the Hobbit trilogy in New Zealand and being directed by Tim Burton in Alice Through the Looking Glass on the big screen, while also starring in Spooks, The Vicar of Dibley, Robin Hood and Hannibal on the small one. And when we catch up via. Zoom, 50-year-old Armitage is dialling in from Seville, where he’s currently filming crime drama The Man From Rome.

The subject at hand, though, is the new eight-part Netflix thriller Stay Close, which is based on the Harlan Coben book of the same name and centres around three people – working mum Megan (Cush Jumbo), former documentary photographer Ray (Richard) and detective Broome (James Nesbitt) – whose pasts come back to haunt them.

Having previously been in another Coben adaptation, last year’s The Stranger he was drawn to Stay Close because it meant being reunited with the same team. Plus, he saw Ray as a fascinating, dishevelled, heavily tattooed, and ultimately down-on his-luck character.

Richard’s hair is shorter and tidier when we chat and his arms aren’t covered in tattoos, but the actor says there is some common ground between him and Ray.

“There’s a slight solitude to him, although that’s through circumstance rather than choice, but I understand that side of him because I have a tendency to be a recluse or introvert. Ray also has quite an artistic brain and artistic mind, which I related to and enjoyed.”

Born in the village of Huncote, near Leicester, Armitage mastered the cello and played in local orchestras before studying drama and dance at Pattinson College boarding school, recalling: “It was quite strict but that served me well because it gave me discipline and it made me a very hard-worker.”

Having worked in Budapest for six months to gain his Equity Card (Equity is a UK trade union for actors), he then returned to the UK and did lots of musical theatre, appearing in the likes of 42nd Street, Annie Get Your Gun and Cats. “Then I started thinking about what the rest of my life might shape up to be and I didn’t want to just move around various musicals in the West End before ending up teaching somewhere – not that there’s anything wrong with that, but I felt there was something else in me, another facet to my personality that wasn’t being fulfilled. I felt I needed a career with more longevity.”

So he enrolled at LAMDA and after graduation worked for the Royal Shakespeare Company before slowly inching his way into television, eventually landing the role of John Thornton in BBC’s 2004 North & South (notably his first and so far only period drama).

Two years later he was Guy of Gisborne in Robin Hood and also got to romance Dawn French in The Vicar of Dibley, saying: “That was like a little diamond in a field of coal. When they asked me, I was like ‘Really? Have they seen what I usually do? That’s not my bag’. But it was great fun and it was my first experience of a live studio audience, seeing the marriage of theatre and TV together and how brilliant Dawn was at bringing the audience in.”

After a regular gig as MI5 protégé Lucas North in Spooks he then found himself playing dwarf leader Thorin Oakenshield under the direction of Peter Jackson. “I was obsessed with his Lord of the Rings films and wished I’d been in them. Then I managed to get in a room with him and by some bolt of lightning he decided I was right for the role. That was one of those life-changing moments where I had to pick myself up off the floor.”

Also in the Hobbit trilogy was Richard’s Stay Close co-star James Nesbitt. “So we reminisced a lot about being in New Zealand for nearly two years, having this extraordinary experience.” He laughs. “Most of my memories are about surviving the costume and make-up because it was so hot and heavy, Most of the time you were sitting in a chair wheezing and trying not to collapse.”

Stay Close was filmed in Manchester, Blackpool and the west of Lancashire. “And it was a really interesting period,” Armitage says of getting back to work after lockdown. “Productions had started up again and we came in at a time when COVID was feeling a little bit more controlled. The world was slowly opening up but we were still in this strict bubble, getting tested twice a week, with masks everywhere. That was an asset having worked with this crew before because meeting people from behind a mask is a bit of a challenge but it was like meeting up with old friends.”

He’s been labelled a method actor but he doesn’t really know what that means, although her does a lot of preparation for a role and writes character diaries to fill in their back-stories. “Maybe some people just learn the lines and turn up but when you’re given a role you start working and you have a plan. That’s my method, I suppose, to read as much as I can, find as many influences as I can and try to get the work done before shooting so when you’re on set your brain can be completely focused on the scene.”

When it comes to his private life, he keeps it very private indeed, not because he’s a guarded interviewee but because of actors like Gary Oldman noting: “The thing that’s great about actors like him is that you only really know them for their characters and you don’t know much about their lives. Likewise I don’t want my life to get in the way of the thing I’m trying to create. If people know less about me and more about the character then I’m doing my job well.”

Richard smiles. “A painter doesn’t paint a portrait, put it on the wall and stand in front of it. They get out of the way.”

[tyrillina]

Wheel of Time: pettiness, and other things

OK OK, so I’ve watched the episodes.

The petty:

Slate roofs in the Two Rivers? *gasp!!!* Cenn Buie would like a word.

Tam was using matches to light that lantern? We all know it was Aludra who invented those things!

Tinker’s costumes aren’t eye-wrenching enough. My eyes demand to be wrenched. I know bright colors exist. Look at Rand’s shirt!

The "as a book reader, these are haunting me at night” reactions:

Ta’veren detectors exist? Uhhuh...

Moraine just. straight up tells everyone she’s Aes Sedai. And just. straight up tells them (and the whole village to boot?) that she thinks one of them is the Dragon Reborn?

And the village just. watches them go? Have fun storming the castle! Bye, we’re not going to worry about you guys getting kidnapped or these Trollocs that are definitely still within sight.

The White Tower turning away a potential candidate just because they’re poor? ... In retrospect I can reason that as “She’s a wilder who’s too old.” (Or, as someone below noted, she was too weak.)

Parent’s like Mat’s existing in Emond’s Field. The Women’s Circle/Village Council I know would come down hard on Mat’s father, who would come out the other end with his tail between his legs. Part of the reason why the Two Rivers was stable independently was they did a good job policing themselves.

Wolves chasing after Perrin? lolwhat. Bruh, wolves really don’t care that much about talking humans.

The channeling in general being all handwavy. I guess it’s more “visual” but (a) it’s slow and (b) that’s what the weaves are for?

Stuff I liked:

Lantern scene and Tam’s speech. Good addition to Bel Tine traditions and wonderful words for the woolhead to remember. *chef’s kiss*

“The Wheel of Time turns and ages come and pass..” Slightly ruined by my great confusion over everyone just watching the party leave but listen. She said it. She said the thing.

All the pretty pretty mountains and valleys. I was hoping, when I heard they were filming in the Czech Republic, that it would be like New Zealand for the Lord of the Rings, and I’d say it is.

The Manetheren song. It’s very Hobbit-esque, breaking out into song. A++++

Thom’s song about, one can assume, Lews Therin. (I’m very cheap for music in general, what can I say?)

Mandarb!! I’m pretty sure we’ve killed off Bela, but we still got Mandarb and Aldieb.

Thom and Mat’s whole scene around the dead Aiel. This Thom is definitely... different than book!Thom. Not bad different. Just odd different. Gravelly voice, more threatening, less friendly, less of a music snob from what we’ve seen. But here we see the similarities. Just as dangerous, just as knowledgeable about the world, with that soft spot for a kid in trouble. “May your soul find water and shade” indeed.

Liandrin is already infuriating. ARRRRRRGH.

Nyneave showing up in different circumstances but it’s almost the exact same reaction of: “How did you find us?” “What, like it’s hard?” lksdgjasdgdfh.

All in all, I am bitching a lot (See above for subset of bitchiness) but I am enjoying myself. I know because (a) I want to see more, which is the main criteria really, and (b) it is currently occupying the same thrilling space in my head that the very best of Doctor Who does.