Some people who watch the Lord of the Rings movies complain about the sweeping shots of mountains, forests, fields, and rivers. They say that it's all just "eye candy" and that it doesn't add anything to the story.
But what these people don't realize is that these sweeping shots are just a small part of what Tolkien created in his books. He spent hours crafting detailed descriptions of the geography of Middle-earth, from the winding roads of the Shire to the snow-capped peaks of Mordor.
Tolkien's descriptions are so vivid that they can transport the reader to another world. He uses his words to paint a picture of the landscape, using all the senses to create a fully immersive experience.
For example, in one passage, Tolkien describes the road from Rivendell to Lothlórien:
"The road went steeply up, and the trees closed in upon it, so that it became a dark tunnel, high-roofed with branches and leaf-hidden. The air was cool and fragrant, and the travellers felt as if they were entering a secret place."
Tolkien's geographic prose is a work of art. It is not just "eye candy"; it is a way of bringing Middle-earth to life for the reader. It is a testament to Tolkien's love of language and his ability to create a sense of place.