do you we need separate encyclopedia to understand LOTR characters?

I agree Tolkien was brilliant! :)

J.R really created a complete world. Like the above post - any Hobbit/Rings fan should and need to read the Silmarilion. What I like best about the world he created is the broad variety of characters. Almost everyone can relate to a character - 'that's me!' syndrome that you find in popular works. It's even better when you realize that it's not just the 'main' characters that matter... J.R. really did make a masterpiece that will stand the test of time.

Seriously, Tolkien was amazing with his whole world of characters. Have you read The Silmarilion? I never finished it. It reads like the Bible. Someday I might try again.

of course, yes. actually, the cause is that it consists of larger than life characters. so, it becomes all the more important to co-relate with the right person. i mean, the right name to the right person. then only picturising in the mind becomes possible. bye and take care..