2009 Elbenwald Blatt von Tüftler (Gert Heidenreich)

Leaf by Niggle

Release Date: 2009.06.10
Reader: Gert Heidenreich
Language: German
Translator: Margaret Carroux
Organisation: der Hörverlag
ISBN: 9783867175036
Duration: 53 minutes
Unabridged: Yes
Country: German
Licenced: Yes
Formats: CD, Digital

Gert Heidenreich is a prominent German author, journalist, and voice artist born in Eberswalde in 1944. He is widely recognized as one of the most significant voices in German audiobooks, particularly for his work on epic fantasy and literary classics. Noted for his deep, resonant, and warm timbre, he approaches the text with a sense of “archaic dignity.”

The recording uses the translation by Margaret Carroux who had worked on The Lord of the Rings under Tolkien’s own guidance. The German title translates “Niggle” as “Tüftler” (someone who tinkers or works meticulously on small details), which perfectly preserves the character’s essence for German listeners.

The title “Elbenwald” (elven forest) is a branding choice by the publisher to link Tolkien’s shorter stories to the broader appeal of Middle-earth, even though Leaf by Niggle is an independent allegory. Some German fans have noted that this title is a bit of a “marketing trick.” The story Blatt von Tüftler has no actual elves in it; however, the name has become the standard title for the German audio version of this story.

This release is Volume 1 of a six-part series published by Der Hörverlag titled Tolkiens kleinere Werke (Tolkien’s Smaller Works). The series includes:

VolumeGerman TitleEnglish TitleNarrator
1Elbenwald – Blatt von TüftlerLeaf by NiggleGert Heidenreich
2Bauer Giles von HamFarmer Giles of HamHans Paetsch
3Der ElbensternSmith of Wootton MajorGert Heidenreich
4Die Briefe vom WeihnachtsmannLetters from Father ChristmasChristian Hoening
5Herr GlückMr. BlissGert Heidenreich
6RoverandomRoverandomUlrich Noethen

Release History:

2009CD9783867175036
2011Digital9783844507201