A determined team of architects and structural engineers are set to make the ‘Lord of the Rings’ a reality, or technically one city from J.R.R. Tolkien’s work. The group reportedly launched a crowdfunding campaign as it aims to raise approximately £2 billion to create a fully-functioning mock-up of Minas Tirith, a fictional city in Middle Earth, as it was shown in the film adaptation of 'Lord of the Rings.’
The group plans to develop the city in the south of England and has clearly outlined the necessary expenses, including £15 million for land, £188 million for labor and £1.4 billion for materials. Any remaining financial resources will be utilized for "maintenance and public services".
"We all share a love of Tolkien's work, and a desire to challenge the common perception of community and architecture," group leader Jonathan Wilson shared in an official statement on the campaign's IndieGoGo page. "We believe that, in realizing Minas Tirith, we can create not only the most remarkable tourist attraction on the planet, but also a wonderfully unique place to live and work."
With only 60 days to raise the funds and the total balance currently on £13,119, the groups promises that all money will be returned if the goal is not achieved.
If the unlikely goal is attained, investors who have provided large amounts can expect special rewards in return, including their own houses in the city and being declared a Lord or Lady.
Meanwhile, ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ author George R.R. Martin recently praised Tolkien’s work after opening up about his own books and answering fan’s questions when it comes to ending the story.
In an interview with Observer's Sean T. Collins, Martin assures fans that the book series will not end in an apocalypse.
"I haven't written the ending yet, so I don't know, but no. That's certainly not my intent," the 66-year-old writer said. "I've said before that the tone of the ending that I'm going for is bittersweet."
He also praised Tolkien’s approach in putting an end to the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, stating, "It’s no secret that Tolkien has been a huge influence on me, and I love the way he ended 'Lord of the Rings.' It ends with victory, but it's a bittersweet victory. Frodo is never whole again, and he goes away to the Undying Lands, and the other people live their lives."
The New Jersey-born novelist further admired the ‘Scouring of the Shire,’ a timeless portion of ‘Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.’
"And the scouring of the Shire -- brilliant piece of work, which I didn't understand when I was 13 years old," Martin said. "’Why is this here? The story's over?’ But every time I read it I understand the brilliance of that segment more and more. All I can say is that's the kind of tone I will be aiming for.”
“Whether I achieve it or not, that will be up to people like you and my readers to judge,” the author added.
