Tolkien's decision to represent an initial "k"-sound in Elvish words with "c" was a late and hesitant one, conditioned by classical Latin and a desire to not appear "uncouth" to English readers. Tolkien himself recognized the problem of this choice when he advised readers in the appendices NOT to pronounce "Celeborn" as "Seleborn" (often not heeded). It's a fact though that "c" in Elvish names and words is always to be pronounced as "k".

I've always remember that it's "Keleborn" not "Seleborn" for pronunciation. Things like that, I can get behind , and use, but one I have trouble with is "Hurin" or "Turin" - I SAY them as "hurin" (like huron), rather than as "hoorin." Basically, an actual 'U' instead of a double 'O' effect. I know I'm saying it wrong, though my tongue like that way better haha.

Uruloke's post about Kirith Ungol has led to my taking a couple of copies of RK from the shelf; a late 1st, and an early 2nd ed.

I see I was right in remembering that river-names begin with a 'K', too; Kiril and Kelos.
I always liked those names; I think they're kinda kewl.

garm wrote:

I see I was right in remembering that river-names begin with a 'K', too; Kiril and Kelos.

Off-hand, are those rivers on the Gondor/Rohan/Mordor map, or the Middle-earth map?

Kiril appears in both maps; Kelos in the Gondor/Mordor map only; it's a tributary to Sirith.

garm wrote:

Uruloke's post about Kirith Ungol has led to my taking a couple of copies of RK from the shelf; a late 1st, and an early 2nd ed.

I see I was right in remembering that river-names begin with a 'K', too; Kiril and Kelos.
I always liked those names; I think they're kinda kewl.

I love Kelos. Such a great name. It is not related but the flower celosia (one of my favourites) comes from the Greek Keleos meaning burning. Years ago I was hiking with a friend and we came to a flowing river over rocks and it reminded me of Kelos, the sun made the water look like it was on fire as it washed through the rocks and the imagery instantly made me think of Kelos. And the next flower I noticed was celosia.

Celosia is also very common around Bloemfontein and its leaf can be eaten.

A complete side track, I apologise.

Finally got myself a set (through Blackwells who ships to the USA). Just starting to go through it.

Anyone else have this printing error in their map in Return of the King (front endpapers)? It looks pretty clearly to be printed (not a smudge in just a single copy)

Urulókë wrote:

Finally got myself a set (through Blackwells who ships to the USA). Just starting to go through it.

Anyone else have this printing error in their map in Return of the King (front endpapers)? It looks pretty clearly to be printed (not a smudge in just a single copy)

My copy has an identical error.

Mine does not have that error.

I have the same error on my copy as well.