The Fellowship of the Ring // Book 2, Chapter 8 // Farewell to Lorien

I'm back, I'm back! My dear husband got me a lovely working laptop for Christmas AND I found another audio version of LOTR that works (sit down reading time is honestly reeeaally hard to fit in during this current season) so the cogs are all flowing together smoothly and the stars have aligned and I'm back with our next chapter. :) :) Thank you so much for your patience!

Also, I had to share pictures of our very own mallorn tree in the garden. (Actually, we're trying to figure out if it's a cottonwood or poplar. Point is, we call it our blessing tree as it was a completely surprise volunteer, creating very very welcome shade near the house, and has shot up like a weed, literally growing about ten feet this year. It's amazing.)

~

As for our chapter... 

Near the beginning Celeborn says, "Now is the time... when those who wish to continue the Quest must harden their hearts to leave this land. Those who no longer wish to go forward may remain here, for a while. But whether they stay or go, none can be sure of peace. For we are come now to the edge of doom. Here those who wish may await the oncoming of the hour till either the ways of the world lie open again, or we summon them to the last need of Lorien. Then they may return to their own lands, or else go to the long home of those that fall in battle."

I love how, like Elrond, he gives any who are fainthearted an honorable out. They're standing on the knife edge of a dark crumbling precipice and there are no sure calls. At the same time, hope is a definite theme of this chapter. Not in a rosy we-know-how-it's-all-going-to-work-out-so-don't-worry-about-it-fashion, but in the way of warriors grimly going forth. They're going to do or die in the attempt, but the fight is worth it and there's light on the horizon.

I'm also realizing how much I like Gimli's character. Near the end of the chapter he says, 

"Truly Elrond spoke, saying that we could not foresee what we might meet upon our road. Torment in the dark was the danger that I feared, and it did not hold me back. But I would not have come, had I known the danger of light and joy." 

Which of course reminds me as always of one of my favorite Lewis quotes, 

“Joy is distinct not only from pleasure in general but even from aesthetic pleasure. It must have the stab, the pang, the inconsolable longing.” 

Both quotes are just... words fail me. <333

Quotes:

• "Sleep in peace! Do not trouble your hearts overmuch with thought of the road tonight. Maybe the paths that you each shall tread are already laid before your feet, though you do not see them."
• "...Aragorn answered: 'Lady, you know all my desire, and long held in keeping the only treasure that I seek. Yet it is not yours to give me, even if you would; and only through darkness shall I come to it.' 'Yet maybe this will lighten your heart,' said Galadriel; 'for it was left in my care to be given to you, should you pass through this land.' Then she lifted from her lap a great stone of a clear green, set in a silver brooch that was wrought in the likeness of an eagle with outspread wings; and as she held it up the gem flashed like the sun shining through the leaves of spring. 'This stone I gave to Celebrian my daughter, and she to hers; and now it comes to you as a token of hope. In this hour take the name that was foretold for you, Elessar, the Elfstone of the house of Elendil!' Then Aragorn took the stone and pinned the brooch upon his breast, and those who saw him wondered; for they had not marked before how tall and kingly he stood, and it seemed to them that many years of toil had fallen from his shoulders." (Love the phrasing + references to Arwen.)
• "...the Lady unbraided one of her long tresses, and cut off three golden hairs, and laid them in Gimli's hand. 'These words shall go with the gift,' she said. 'I do not foretell, for all foretelling is now vain: on the one hand lies darkness, and on the other only hope. But if hope should not fail, then I say to you, Gimli son of Gloin, that your hands shall flow with gold, and yet over you gold shall have no dominion."
  

 

For thought:

• I hope this doesn't sound silly, but I'm curious. Do any of you know the difference between 'Lorien' and 'Lothlorien'? Tolkien seems to use them interchangeably sometimes. Is Lorien just a short hand reference?
  

The Fellowship of the Ring // Book 2, Chapter 7 // The Mirror of Galadriel

Well! Obviously my posting plan didn't pan out as intended, so we'll just forget about that. *face palm* Thank you so so much for your patience, dear fellow readers!

~

This is a dreamy chapter: both in the deep, golden peace and safety all round our weary travelers -- and then the whole mirror sequence, with its glimpses of uncertain doings in the outside world, most of them flashing like scenes in a nightmare.

I know this might cause an outcry, but I think this chapter is where I really start loving Master Samwise. Dear Sam.

And reading through the whole passage where Frodo and Sam are further processing the grief and loss of Gandalf, I realized how much I think LOTR shaped me during my growing up. I mean, I knew it, but I hadn't thought of it in this area before. It was in learning to see the depths, and the interrelation between dark and light threads. He's not laying it on heavy 'i.e. here's a lesson book to hand your children to learn how to deal with the heavy stuff'. He's just telling what is simple and deeply true. It's a personal thing, hard to describe, and I can't really go into it right now, but I'm very grateful and it's yet another reason to, yes, read Tolkien to your children.

We also see the thread yet again of how those who are truly wise and venerable are wise because they know how little they can really be sure of; they know how to weigh the balances, and every bit of their advice is tempered like the fine point of a steel blade because they have seen much and know all ways can lead to unexpected turnings -- going astray but also potentially very very aright.

Quotes:

• "...the Dwarf, hearing the names given in his own ancient tongue, looked up and met her eyes; and it seemed to him that he looked suddenly into the heart of an enemy and saw there love and understanding. Wonder came into his face, and then he smiled in answer." 
• "...not in vain will it prove, maybe, that you came to this land seeking aid, as Gandalf himself plainly purposed. For the Lord of the Galadhrim is accounted the wisest of the Elves of Middle-earth, and a giver of gifts beyond the power of kings."
  
• "...even now there is hope left. I will not give you counsel, saying do this, or do that. For not in doing or contriving, nor in choosing between this course and another, can I avail; but only in knowing what was and is, and in part also what shall be. But this I will say to you: your Quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while all the Company is true."
• "...the Mirror shows many things, and not all have yet come to pass. Some never come to be, unless those that behold the visions turn aside from their path to prevent them." 
• "Frodo bent his head. 'And what do you wish?' he said at last. 'That what should be shall be,' she answered. '...For the fate of Lothlorien you are not answerable, but only for the doing of your own task."
• "She lifted up her hand and from the ring that she wore there issued a great light that illumined her alone and left all else dark. She stood before Frodo seeming now tall beyond measurement, and beautiful beyond enduring, terrible and worshipful. Then she let her hand fall, and the light faded, and suddenly she laughed again, and lo! she was shrunken: a slender elf-woman, clad in simple white, whose gentle voice was soft and sad."
  

 

For thought:

• Sam says, "...I reckon there's Elves and Elves. They're all elvish enough, but they're not all the same. Now these folks aren't wanderers or homeless, and seem a bit nearer to the likes of us: they seem to belong here, more even than Hobbits do in the Shire. Whether they've made the land, or the land's made them, it's hard to say, if you take my meaning. ...If there's any magic about, it's right down deep, where I can't lay my hands on it, in a manner of speaking." It's an interesting comparison and not one I would have initially thought of. One similarity that does jump out at me is how both are very content dwelling within the confines of their own borders, protected and caring little what happens beyond its confines (though the elves do have long memories of the elder days, but I mean in the sense that they're little concerned with the doings of other folk). Can you think of any other similarities and/or dissimilarities?

• I don't agree with everything (or rather, have to keep thinking on some points), but this easy to read essay on Celeborn is well worth a read, particularly if you've ever thought he comes across as weaker than his consort. So far I have to say it's revolutionizing my perception of his character. Here's the link. I'd definitely like to hear your thoughts on it! (The author also makes an interesting point on his and Galadriel's hair color, which I'd love to have your feedback on.)
  
• Here's a beautiful, wistful, and lilting version of Frodo's Lament for Gandalf.
  

Stories are Soul Food Podcast // Tolkien Ep

Popping in to share a thought provoking new podcast I just ran across, specifically their recent episode on Tolkien. 

They make some really interesting points, including some great observations on how Tolkien's lengthy descriptive passages fit into the entire story -- for which reason I immediately wanted to share with y'all.

(I do take a little issue with the ending discussion, i.e. where I'm realizing I'm much more in Tolkien's camp on various deep myth questions than Lewis's/at least with Narnia. Don't get me wrong, I do love Narnia, but, big picture wise, I love and am so much more comfortable with Tolkien's approach. N.D. Wilson seems to be on the other side of the discussion... but that particular myth debate is open-ended and will probably keep going for generations. ;))

LISTEN HERE

I'd love to hear what you think!

The Fellowship of the Ring // Book 2, Chapter 6 // Lothlorien

Since I somehow just posted one chapter last week I'll trrrrrrry to post three this week so we can stay on track for finishing The Fellowship next week. (Yikes! I know I've been a bit off lately, but can you believe we're that close?!)

~

And ahhhhhhhhh, we've made it to Lothlorien. <3 *taking a deep breath*

I have a bunch of miscellaneous little observations that popped to mind while reading.

-- In the last couple chapters Gimli was able to give a bit of a cultural introduction to the dwarves and now Legolas gets a turn with the elves. So that's kinda neat (juxtaposed like that I mean). And while they're kindred, they're both not From There, if you follow my meaning. Gimli is from the Lonely Mountain/Dale (yet with history of older generations taking over/delving in Moria) and Legolas is from Mirkwood (his kindred tying back, but separating in long days past from those in Lothlorien).

-- I like the little moments between Frodo and Gimli; with Gimli wanting him to see the pool of Kheled-zaram and then both bringing up the rear and listening to the noises behind and round them.

-- While we're on the subject of Gimli, I noticed he's actually the one who first thought of sleeping in the trees. It's just a little thing, but it made me laugh.

-- And did you notice how earlier, Boromir defended the true faith of Rohan to the council and now Aragorn makes a similar argument about Lothlorien? I don't have a lot to say about that, but the parallel is striking.

-- I love the description of crossing the Nimrodel: "One by one they climbed down and followed Legolas. For a moment Frodo stood near the brink and let the water flow over his tired feet. It was cold but its touch was clean, and as he went on and it mounted to his knees, he felt that the stain of travel and all weariness was washed from his limbs."

There are definite Edenic connotations; and I'm not necessarily drawing any sort of direct comparison, but the phrasing in this section + any mention of the Great River, Anduin, (so concepts in the entire chapter and running right through their stay in Lothlorien, I guess), just reminded me of this passage from Ezekiel (47:1-12):

"Then he brought me back to the door of the temple; and there was water, flowing from under the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the front of the temple faced east; the water was flowing from under the right side of the temple, south of the altar. He brought me out by way of the north gate, and led me around on the outside to the outer gateway that faces east; and there was water, running out on the right side. 

"And when the man went out to the east with the line in his hand, he measured one thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the water came up to my ankles. Again he measured one thousand and brought me through the waters; the water came up to my knees. Again he measured one thousand and brought me through; the water came up to my waist. Again he measured one thousand, and it was a river that I could not cross; for the water was too deep, water in which one must swim, a river that could not be crossed. He said to me, 'Son of man, have you seen this?' Then he brought me and returned me to the bank of the river. 

"When I returned, there, along the bank of the river, were very many trees on one side and the other. Then he said to me: 'This water flows toward the eastern region, goes down into the valley, and enters the sea. When it reaches the sea, its waters are healed. And it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live. There will be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters go there; for they will be healed, and everything will live wherever the river goes. It shall be that fishermen will stand by it from En Gedi to En Eglaim; they will be places for spreading their nets. Their fish will be of the same kinds as the fish of the Great Sea, exceedingly many. But its swamps and marshes will not be healed; they will be given over to salt. Along the bank of the river, on this side and that, will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine.”

Quotes:

• "You, Legolas, must answer to us for them. Call us, if anything is amiss! And have an eye on that dwarf!" (Just makes me laugh.)
  
• "Alas for the folly of these days!' said Legolas. 'Here all are enemies of the one Enemy, and yet I must walk blind, while the sun is merry in the woodland under leaves of gold!' 'Folly it may seem,' said Haldir. 'Indeed in nothing is the power of the Dark Lord more clearly shown than in the estrangement that divides all those who still oppose him."
• "The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater."
• "In Rivendell there was memory of ancient things; in Lorien the ancient things still lived on in the waking world."
• "The others cast themselves down upon the fragrant grass, but Frodo stood awhile still lost in wonder. It seemed to him that he had stepped through a high window that looked on a vanished world. A light was upon it for which his language had no name. All that he saw was shapely, but the shapes seemed at once clear cut, as if they had been first conceived and drawn at the uncovering of his eyes, and ancient as if they had endured for ever. He saw no color but those he knew, gold and white and blue and green, but they were fresh and poignant, as if he had at that moment first perceived them and made for them names new and wonderful. In winter here no heart could mourn for summer or for spring. No blemish or sickness or deformity could be seen in anything that grew upon the earth. On the land of Lorien there was no stain. He turned and saw that Sam was now standing beside him, looking round with a puzzled expression, and rubbing his eyes as if he was not sure that he was awake. 'It's sunlight and bright day, right enough,' he said. 'I thought that Elves were all for moon and stars: but this is more elvish than anything I ever heard tell of. I feel as if I was inside a song, if you take my meaning."
  

 

For thought:

• "Say not unscathed, but if you say unchanged, then maybe you will speak the truth,' said Aragorn. ...'Then lead on!' said Boromir. 'But it is perilous.' 'Perilous indeed,' said Aragorn, 'fair and perilous; but only evil need fear it, or those who bring some evil with them." 

Our current definition of fair as meaning either 'beautiful' or 'just' dates from the mid-19th century. The Old English sense of the word was associated with 'beautify' and 'appear or become clean' (which could also tie in with the later judicial definition). (And it's more than possible Tolkien knew both definitions very well, of course... but that's just an interesting brain teaser.) 

The question is: what is this saying about beauty? Do you think of beauty, pure beauty -- unstained or washed clean -- as being something vivid and powerful, dangerous and feared by its enemies?

The Fellowship of the Ring // Book 2, Chapter 5 // The Bridge of Khazad-Dum

(Our internet's down again this morning so I'm typing this off my phone, but I think we can manage all right. :))

Well, this chapter's just packed full of excitement, isn't it?

And sorrow. Such grief and sorrow... both in the beginning and the ending. 

It's crazy how short (meaning how few chapters) the duration of the fellowship actually takes place in, but it's all these adventures and misadventures that forge everyone tightly together even through all the separations that happen in the subsequent books. In the last chapter they went through ice and now they're literally going through and under fire together.

We start in Balin's tomb with the discovery of the Book of Records, detailing the foolhardy but nonetheless brave last stand of the dwarves -- and then our brave little company promptly finds itself in the same situation. We have the whole courageous firework-y bit with everyone fighting back to back, swords out in real battle. (When they're heading out I love how Aragorn snatches Frodo up -- it's 'no man left behind' bred into the bone.)

And then after a final mad scamper through the dark, we have the Balrog. And Gandalf's last stand. And rich imagery just popping everywhere.

Bear with me for a short history lesson (and this can be confusing, so feel free to add/correct any details in the comments ;)): as I understand it, in Tolkien's legendarium, Iluvatar is the creator and source of life. The Valar (Ainur, angelic spirits), brought into being by his thought, assisted him in the creation of the earth, and obviously there are a bunch of subsidiary details about how exactly they then entered into and shepherded the creation. So keeping this straightforward, Iluvatar is at the top and center and the Valar are his angelic emissaries. Melkor (aka Morgoth) was greatest of the Ainur, but (in very short form here) he rebelled, defying the will of Iluvatar and trying to take power for himself. So we have Iluvatar, the Valar, and then the Maiar, who are lesser spirits, vassals of the Valar. Some of the Maiar are Istari, appearing in the form of old men with great powers that are supposed to be used in fighting the darkness. Sauron was also created as a Maia, but became Melkor's lieutenant in the early wars and after the fall of his master became what he is in our current tale (trying not to give any spoilers here). The Balrog is made of the same stuff and status, though following a different path -- a Maia, likewise corrupted by Morgoth. So Sauron has grown great in wickedness, cunning, and forbidden powers, but originally he, Gandalf, and the Balrog were of similar standing in the creation order.

Whew! Ok, I hope that answered any questions (or maybe raised new ones xD).

After that horrible heart-stopping moment at the edge of the chasm, I love how Aragorn immediately shoulders (well, leaps) to the front to lead them on and out and then Boromir brings up the rear guard without a second thought -- standing between everyone and the orcs and drums and unknown, mind-numbing awfulness behind them.

And then they make the final mad dash to temporary safety out under the sun, into a quiet place with clear air and the wind on their faces.

Quotes:

• "The Balrog made no answer and the fire in it seemed to die, but the darkness grew. It stepped forward slowly on to the bridge, and suddenly it drew itself up to a great height, and its wings were spread from wall to wall; but still Gandalf could be seen, glimmering in the gloom; he seemed small, and altogether alone: grey and bent, like a wizened tree before the onset of a storm."
• "Aragorn smote to the ground the captain that stood in his path, and the rest fled in terror of his wrath."
  

 

For thought:

• In the chamber, why do you think the orc captain went directly for Frodo?

The Fellowship of the Ring // Book 2, Chapter 4 // A Journey in the Dark

(Isn't this picture amazing?)

Pictures aside, I think this chapter and the next are still very probably my least favorite in the entire book. That said, this one is exciting -- what with all the mysterious wolves, the dark pool filled with slimy wriggling arms, getting into Moria, and the whole long long march in the dark.

I do enjoy the whole episode at the gate with Gandalf searching so hard for the password and sensible Merry being on the right track from the beginning.

Once inside, Moria does sound mind-boggling. And I love the description of Aragorn treading along at the back, still not at all thrilled about the turn of events, but grimly being a good sport and serving as rear-guard. On previous reads somehow I always felt like Gandalf knew exactly what he was doing, so it's interesting to notice this time around how often he's unsure of the right path. He's a Maia/angelic being -- so in an entirely different category, with an additional wealth of knowledge and long memory of the elder days -- but I've been really struck this time around by how he still counsels with Aragorn and takes his word/even follows his lead into the snow and all that. Which of course, the truly wise and humble do -- knowing how much Unknown there is running all through and round any decision, and the uncertainty of all roads.

This chapter definitely leaves us smack dab in the middle of things, so I'm looking forward to getting Chapter 5 up early next week. Let us onward!

Quotes:

• "There was a roar and a crackle, and the tree above him burst into a leaf and bloom of blinding flame. The fire leapt from tree-top to tree-top. The whole hill was crowned with dazzling light. The swords and knives of the defenders shone and flickered. The last arrow of Legolas kindled in the air as it flew..."
• "Behind them the sinking Sun filled the cool western sky with glimmering gold."
• "The others looked dismayed; only Aragorn, who knew Gandalf well, remained silent and unmoved."

 

For thought:

• Pippin's fascination with the well/dropping in the stone reminds me of Digory's waking of Jadis in The Magician's Nephew. Both bring up similar questions. In here, do you think it was all just Pippin messing around or were there darker forces at work?
  

The Fellowship of the Ring // Book 2, Chapter 3 // The Ring Goes South

Doesn't this chapter title just give you tingles? At long last, the full Company is chosen and the Sword of Elendil is forged anew and our journey is REALLY under way. (Hurrah!)

Not to strike a down note, but it's really interesting to me that delay was a problem at the beginning when leaving the Shire/giving the Enemy more time to mobilize, but then Tolkien has them delaying their start from Rivendell too while all the scouts go out. Maybe because Rivendell was one of the last fortresses/they were safe and leaving there (in a sense) it's a going to war and they have to properly prepare? Obviously, he was also throwing more adventures in their way and it had to be wintertime etc., but it's an interesting brain teaser.

When it comes to N/S/E/W directions in Middle Earth, I've been realizing I have a very similar brain to Pippin's. I can study the maps, but when journeying along I've realized I needed to turn round all the directions and adjust the position of the sun and the entire mountain range in my head.

I was also brought up short by the description of the Elves of Hollin. Is it surprising to to you, too, thinking of elves delving rock? I always tend to think of them more closely tied with the turning of seasons and trees and falling water, etc. etc.

And we run into our first major roadblock, which of course gives all sorts of room for problem solving. I love how much the different characters and personalities are starting to develop: Boromir concerned for the hobbits, Gimli being both gruff and eloquent, and Legolas running back and forth hassling Aragorn and Boromir as they're plowing through the snow together. <3

Quotes:

• "I can foresee very little of your road; and how your task is to be achieved I do not know. The Shadow has crept now to the feet of the Mountains, and draws nigh even to the borders of the Greyflood; and under the Shadow all is dark to me. You will meet many foes, some open, and some disguised; and you may find friends upon your way when you least look for it."
  
• "Their farewells had been said in the great hall by the fire, and they were only waiting now for Gandalf, who had not yet come out of the house. A gleam of firelight came from the open doors, and soft lights were glowing in many windows. Bilbo huddled in a cloak stood silent on the doorstep beside Frodo. Aragorn sat with his head bowed to his knees; only Elrond knew fully what this hour meant to him. The others could be seen as grey shapes in the darkness." <333 (Such a little moment, but I love it so much.) 
  
• "A fair jaw-cracker dwarf-language must be!"
• "...happily your Caradhras has forgotten that you have Men with you,' said Boromir, who came up at that moment. 'And doughty Men too, if I may say it; though lesser men with spades might have served you better. Still, we have thrust a lane through the drift; and for that all here may be grateful who cannot run as light as Elves."
  

 

For thought:

• Personally, I actually love the idea of the storm coming from Caradhras itself, but what do you think caused it?
• And where do you think the birds are coming from?
  

The Fellowship of the Ring // Book 2, Chapter 2 // The Council of Elrond

Here I am again!! Thank you all so much for your patience.

Ok, whew! What a chapter.

I'd forgotten that Faramir is mentioned (though not by name) in the very chapter we meet Boromir. So he's not an afterthought, rather -- though he can't come in for a while due to the very nature of the plot -- the two brothers, while different, are always shoulder to shoulder. I love the very, very short sentences we have underlining how they were brothers in arms. You know they had each others backs. <3

Akin to when we first meet him in Bree, I love how Aragorn is sitting in a corner all booted and clothed for a journey again. It adds yet more focus on the pressure and imminence of the decision they're all wrangling out. And he's very involved, but also withdrawn, with that air of mystery.

And, possibly small among all the great matters discussed (though isn't that the very theme of this chapter?) we hear of Gwaihir and Shadowfax for the first time.

Quotes:

• "You have come and are here met, in this very nick of time, by chance as it may seem. Yet it is not so. Believe rather that it is so ordered that we, who sit here, and none others, must now find counsel for the peril of the world."
• "White.' he sneered. 'It serves as a beginning. White cloth may be dyed. The white page can be overwritten; and the white light can be broken.' 'In which case it is no longer white,' said I. 'And he that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom."
• "It is not despair, for despair is only for those who see the end beyond all doubt. We do not. It is wisdom to recognize necessity, when all other courses have been weighed, though as folly it may appear to those who cling to false hope. Well, let folly be our cloak, a veil before the eyes of the Enemy!"
• "The road must be trod, but it will be very hard. And neither strength nor wisdom will carry us far upon it. This quest may be attempted by the weak with as much hope as the strong. Yet such is oft the course of deeds that move the wheels of the world: small hands do them because they must, while the eyes of the great are elsewhere."
  
• "If I understand aright all that I have heard,' he said, 'I think that this task is appointed for you, Frodo; and that if you do not find a way, no one will. This is the hour of the Shire-folk, when they arise from their quiet fields to shake the towers and counsels of the Great. Who of all the Wise could have foreseen it?"
• "A nice pickle we have landed ourselves in, Mr. Frodo!' he said, shaking his head."
  

 

For thought:

• So much happened in this chapter: new characters and so much history -- with threads both dark and light; so much character development and different characters playing off each other with all the seeds of tension and foreshadowing -- I'd love to hear what stood out to you the most. And was any part of the recounted stories a surprise/new to you?
  
• What is one of your favorite quotes from this chapter?
  

Quick FYI

Hi friends! I've missed chatting the last few days and so sorry as you're probably all wondering what's up, so just wanted to quickly touch base.

In short, some heavy life things happened recently (don't worry, we're all well here) so I've been processing some roller coaster emotions, and I also had some commitments on my other blog that I'd scheduled to work on quite a while ago, plus as you all know we're on (I think) the longest chapter of the entire trilogy, so yeah, it kind of turned into the perfect storm as far as keeping up with my posting schedule. I've been thinking about all you lovely LOTR friends often though and I'm very very much hoping to get the next chapter up asap. I can't wait to keep catching up on comments and our further discussion.

Hope all is well with you this evening and Happy Thanksgiving! 🧡

The Fellowship of the Ring // Book 2, Chapter 1 // Many Meetings

Book 2 here we come! I'm actually really excited about this.

And here we are in Rivendell. After all the terror and hunger and fatigue, to come into a place of such sweet refreshment -- an oasis, a fortress. Warm and peaceful, where cares can slide off bowed shoulders and be forgotten for a while. After rocky hills, waterfalls and gardens; after the barren wasteland, tables laden with sumptuous fare; after the dark soul shriveling speech of the Riders, poignant living words in a Hall of Fire. 

And clean raiment and Frodo's deliverance at the hands of a skilled healer.

We have seen Elrond, a lord among elves and men. And we have glimpsed his daughter from afar, Arwen Undómiel, Evenstar of her people.

And GANDALF IS BACK. Such wonderfulness!! I love Frodo's catch up session when he awakens.

We also meet Bilbo again. I must admit, it's actually not my favorite Bilbo moment, but I do very much relish the little back and forth as he and Frodo quiz each other on how they reference Aragorn. That is one of my favorite bits. And of course Aragorn himself coming in and all that.

As I was reading the chapter, I noticed how (the writing style doesn't change from what's gone before, of course), but the very phrases and turns of expression glide smoothly along, mirroring the content, creating a refreshing read through and through. There's peace and contentment, and at the end of it I literally heaved a happy sigh.

Quotes:

• "Yes,' he said, 'I am here. And you are lucky to be here, too, after all the absurd things you have done since you left home.' Frodo lay down again. He felt too comfortable and peaceful to argue, and in any case he did not think he would get the better of an argument."
• "Yes, I, Gandalf the Grey,' said the wizard solemnly. 'There are many powers in the world, for good or for evil. Some are greater than I am. Against some I have not yet been measured."
  
• "...to the wizard's eye there was a faint change, just a hint as it were of transparency, about him, and especially about the left hand that lay outside upon the coverlet. 'Still that must be expected,' said Gandalf to himself. 'He is not half through yet, and to what he will come in the end not even Elrond can foretell. Not to evil, I think. He may become like a glass filled with a clear light for eyes to see that can."
• "Frodo was now safe in the Last Homely House east of the Sea. That house was, as Bilbo had long ago reported, 'a perfect house, whether you like food or sleep or story-telling or singing, or just sitting and thinking best, or a pleasant mixture of them all'. Merely to be there was a cure for weariness, fear, and sadness." 
• Frodo halted for a moment, looking back. Elrond was in his chair and the fire was on his face like summer-light upon the trees. Near him sat the Lady Arwen. To his surprise Frodo saw that Aragorn stood beside her; his dark cloak was thrown back, and he seemed to be clad in elven-mail, and a star shone on his breast. They spoke together, and then suddenly it seemed to Frodo that Arwen turned towards him, and the light of her eyes fell on him from afar and pierced his heart. He stood still enchanted, while the sweet syllables of the elvish song fell like clear jewels of blended word and melody."
  

 

For thought:

• If you wanted to do some thinking and musing in the house of Elrond, would you prefer to scramble up to the pine woods or stay near the gardens and waterfall under the shaded portico or find a quiet corner in the Hall of Fire? 
  
• When Bilbo says, "Don't adventures ever have an end?" in the context (to me) he sounds a bit tired and maybe, just maybe, a tad regretful, but it made me think of what C.S. Lewis wrote in The Last Battle, “...the things that began to happen after that were so great and beautiful that I cannot write them. ...now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on forever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.” Do you think adventures have an end? Or do you think they just keep growing and growing and leading into new ones?
  

The Fellowship of the Ring // Book 1, Chapter 12 // Flight to the Ford

Well, finally figured out how to get my internet to cooperate this evening. And here we are at the end of Book 1! Can you believe it?

I forgot this chapter had so much more wandering in the wilderness, especially in the first half. But finding the trolls is such a little spot of unexpected fun; and I love how even Strider lightens up, smacking the stone troll and teasing the hobbits a bit.

And we meet Glorfindel. (I like the little description of the hobbits scrambling up the bank through the heather and bilberry bushes. What are bilberry bushes anyway? ...Ok, I just looked it up and they look like a close twin to blueberries that seem to grow in Scotland/the northern UK etc.)

Glorfindel is not only one of the few who can hold his own against the fell king of Angmar, leader of the Nine, but the two of them have actually met before.

So, I'm no expert on all the kingdoms or ages of Middle Earth history, but we have been hearing references to the fall of Angmar and this meeting takes place during that war, recounted in Appendix A at the back of The Return of the King:

"...so utterly was Angmar defeated that not a man nor an orc of that realm remained west of the Mountains.

"But it is said that when all was lost suddenly the Witch-king himself appeared, black-robed and black-masked upon a black horse. Fear fell upon all who beheld him; but he singled out the Captain of Gondor for the fullness of his hatred, and with a terrible cry he rode straight upon him. Eärnur would have withstood him; but his horse could not endure that onset, and it swerved and bore him far away before he could master it.

"Then the Witch-king laughed, and none that heard it ever forgot the horror of that cry. But Glorfindel rode up then on his white horse, and in the midst of his laughter the Witch-king turned to flight and passed into the shadows. For night came down on the battlefield, and he was lost, and none saw whither he went.

"Eärnur now rode back, but Glorfindel, looking into the gathering dark, said: "Do not pursue him! He will not return to this land. Far off yet is his doom, and not by the hand of man will he fall."

Soo... sound familiar? This prophecy is hugely important of course and I was so excited to find it came from Glorfindel. Did you know that?

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention we have our first mention of athelas, which will have a crucial part to play later too.

Quotes:

• "It's out of his own head, of course," said Frodo. "I am learning a lot about Sam Gamgee on this journey. First he was a conspirator, now he's a jester. He'll end up by becoming a wizard -- or a warrior!"
• "With his last failing senses Frodo heard cries, and it seemed to him that he saw, beyond the Riders that hesitated on the shore, a shining figure of white light; and behind it ran small shadowy forms waving flames, that flared red in the grey mist that was falling over the world."
  

 

For thought:

• Does the cascading flood pouring down on the Black Riders remind you of anything else (i.e. an historical event or a classic myth, etc)?
  

The Fellowship of the Ring // Book 1, Chapter 11 // A Knife in the Dark

Whew! What a chapter. First off, we get the last little glimpse back into the Shire we'll have for a long, long time. Isn't Fatty Bolger a brick?

Then in the same night we have the attack on The Prancing Pony (or rather, the terrifying, unseen visitors coming through as a gale by night), followed by all the subsequent negotiations for our little party getting on the road. It warms my heart that Merry's ponies went back to Tom Bombadil and I like to think of them living out their days in Bree. The little moment with the Neekerbreekers makes me smile too.

And what would our hobbits do without Strider? I shudder to think. I haven't got a lot to say on their character development in here that isn't spelled out pretty clearly and better in the chapter itself, but I like it a great deal.

I also tend to think of Sauron as being the arch-enemy/a Satan figure, but here we're reminded that he himself was but a servant of the Great Enemy, Melkor, who rebelled against Eru Ilúvatar (in Tolkien's high myth, the creator of all existence and supreme being of all the universe; Eru in Elvish meaning 'The One'). 

As for the Ring-wraiths. Quoting from Wikipedia, "Steve Walker, a Tolkien scholar, writes that the story gives the Ringwraiths credibility through a 'gradual incarnation of bodiless presence'. Little by little, in his view, Tolkien increases the reader's insight into their nature, starting with Black Riders who are 'spies more human than diabolical', rather than [immediately] developing their character. Walker sees this as appropriate in psychological terms: the Nazgûl's main weapons are psychological, namely fear and despair. He writes that the progressive revelation of their capabilities... builds up in the reader's mind an 'increasingly infernal vision.'"

So I've got a lot of thoughts on the Nine, but I'm gonna hold off on delving into those till later: partly for spoiler reasons, partly because this time around I want to focus on how Tolkien keeps adding those layers and layers of depth as we go along. (But of course, if you've got a good thought/question you'd like to share in the comments feel free! No problem with that. ;))  

Quotes:

• "Following its line eastward with their eyes they saw the Mountains: the nearer foothills were brown and sombre; behind them stood taller shapes of grey, and behind those again were high white peaks glimmering among the clouds."
  
• "How far is Rivendell?' asked Merry, gazing round wearily.The world looked wild and wide from Weathertop."
• "They stood for a while silent on the hill-top, near its southward edge. In that lonely place Frodo for the first time fully realized his homelessness and danger."
• "As Strider was speaking they watched his strange eager face, dimly lit in the red glow of the wood-fire. His eyes shone, and his voice was rich and deep."

 

For thought:

• Got a bunch of links for you today! Here's one for Tolkien reading Gil-galad was an Elven-king. And the Tolkien Ensemble's version of it here. It's so sad and wistful, but that's not a bad thing and I've come to like it, especially the second half. I also just ran across this interesting version.
  
• And Aragorn's Lay of Beren and Luthien from the TE (one of my favorites <3). I'd love to hear what you think. If you like it, there's a kinda sweet mix for it here. And again, the great man himself reading it here. (I'm not sure I'll include the Tolkien links every time -- there're just so many(!) -- but if you follow through to the channel and play lists etc. you can see all of them.)
  
• Have you read The Silmarillion?

The Fellowship of the Ring // Book 1, Chapter 10 // Strider

This is one of my favorite chapters. It's just so good. Humor, tension; hobbits being sensible; and a dark mysterious stranger, grim yet with flashes of gentleness. Yup. Definitely a favorite. Not to mention that I love the Butterbur bits. And Nob is a brick.

And of course there's the sheer, heart-stopping poetry:

"All that is gold does not glitter,

Not all those who wander are lost;

The old that is strong does not wither,

Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,

A light from the shadows shall spring;

Renewed shall be blade that was broken,

The crownless again shall be king."

*always major tingles... and emotional sniffs <333* I'm curious, did this passage take you by surprise at all? Or were you looking forward to it with eager anticipation? :)

A lot is covered in this chapter, and so smoothly it might be easy to miss how pivotal it is in continuing to transition us from the lighter-hearted, rambly adventures of the beginning to the hard-edged wilderness we'll soon be entering. We get little hints and shadows of Strider's backstory and find, too he is much older than he appears. The Black Breath is made mention of for the first time. And we now also have a Clear Action Plan for the next stage of the journey. (Was anyone else smiling when Butterbur discovers Merry went for a walk and says, "Well, you do want looking after and no mistake: your party might be on a holiday!") 

We also get Frodo's quote about the servants of the Enemy: "I think one of his spies would -- well, seem fairer and feel fouler, if you understand." "I see," laughed Strider. "I look foul and feel fair. Is that it?"

Earlier on Strider says, "...caution is one thing and wavering is another. You will never get to Rivendell now on your own, and to trust me is your only chance." I know it's not specifically talking about this, but -- as someone who is a chronic over-thinker, analyzing every possible future scenario in depth before committing to the first step of any of them -- it got me thinking how Tolkien juxtaposes wisdom, caution, and risk altogether in this one little moment. Deliberate, yes. Think carefully, yes. But then firmly make up your mind and take risks.

Last but not least -- with Aragorn, Butterbur, and Nob -- our help-found-round-unexpected-corners theme is coming popping up again. I love how, after Gandalf's letter is read, Butterbur's caution melts away and suddenly everyone becomes a close little circle -- small players some of them, but each and every one willing to have each others back and do anything they possibly can -- however small it might initially seem -- to stand together against the darkness and the terrifying unknown. It's just all around wonderful. <3  

Quotes:

• "PPPS. I hope Butterbur sends this promptly. A worthy man, but his memory is like a lumber-room: thing wanted always buried. If he forgets, I shall roast him. Fare Well!" This one always makes me laugh. I need to use it more in everyday life.
• "...I did not intend to tell you all about myself at once. I had to study you first, and make sure of you. The Enemy has set traps for me before now. ...I must admit,' he added with a queer laugh, 'that I hoped you would take to me for my own sake. A hunted man sometimes wearies of distrust and longs for friendship."
• After Sam's doubts: "He stood up, and seemed suddenly to grow taller. In his eyes gleamed a light, keen and commanding. Throwing back his cloak, he laid his hand on the hilt of a sword that had hung concealed by his side. They did not dare to move. ...'But I am the real Strider, fortunately,' he said, looking down at them with his face softened by a sudden smile. 'I am Aragorn son of Arathorn; and if by life or death I can save you, I will.'
  

 

For thought:

• Practically speaking, when making decisions do you think the line between wavering and proper caution is always easy to see in real life?
• Were you surprised by the idea of Aragorn himself being pursued and hunted down even before he joined with the hobbits? (For some reason that little line had always slipped by me.)
  

The Fellowship of the Ring // Book 1, Chapter 9 // At the Sign of the Prancing Pony

Hooray! We've emerged out of the mist and into a bit of good, down homey jollity, with crackling fires and frothing cups of ale and talk in warm chimney corners (only not completely, there's still the feel of the edges of danger lurking and hovering in the wings, we're very much on the edges of the wilds after all). 

Doesn't Bree honestly seem like such an interesting, cosmopolitan little place? It makes me think of the enclosed little world of a stage stop, usually with its hodgepodge of locals and fairly isolated, but with all the passers-through bringing bits and pieces of news from the outside world.

AND Y'ALL, STRIDER IS NOW IN THE PICTURE. (*coughs* I won't elaborate on this much more, but all you have to do is look at my header here to tell I consider this slightly more than a big deal. ;D) I'm so excited. Now we're rolling!

And Butterbur and Nob are just the best. <3 I mean, they just make you smile, don't they? In fact, let's all have a round in their honor. *raising figurative mug and drinking deep*

Can't wait for the next chapter!

Quotes:

• "The Men of Bree were brown-haired, broad, and rather short, cheerful and independent: they belonged to nobody but themselves; but they were more friendly with Hobbits, Dwarves, Elves, and other inhabitants of the world about them than was (or is) usual with Big People."
• "The Big Folk and the Little Folk (as they called one another) were on friendly terms, minding their own affairs in their own ways, but both rightly regarding themselves as necessary parts of the Bree-folk."
• "In a twinkling the table was laid. There was hot soup, cold meats, a blackberry tart, new loaves, slabs of butter, and a half ripe cheese: good plain food, as good as the Shire could show, and homelike enough to dispel the last of Sam's misgivings (already much relieved by the excellence of the beer)."
  
• "(Frodo) wondered how many private talks he would have before he got to bed..."
  

 

For thought:

• Do you think the vanishing incident was orchestrated by the Ring itself? Or that some other devious commanding power was at work? Or maybe it was just an accident?
  
• Make sure to listen to this link for Frodo's song. Let me know what you think!

The Fellowship of the Ring // Book 1, Chapter 8 // Fog on the Barrow-Downs

Apologies for the delay everyone. I knew it was gonna be kinda crazy this week/I got a little overly ambitious for what I could fit in & I should've had this written up in advance. :p Currently my plan is to post on Tuesdays & Fridays. Does anyone want that speed bumped up to three chapters a week? Not this week, obviously xD, but moving into November? *EDIT: unless I get a bunch of you who think it'd be best, we'll stick with the two chapters a week. Also, with tomorrow (Saturday) being what it is, I can't get the next chapter up this week *face palm*, but I'm planning to reply to comments and get #9 up on Monday of this next week. Not planned, but it should actually work out well cause then we can do the two Bree chapters in the same week and end Book 1 on Friday of the next week, all nice and even like. Thanks for bearing with me as we get started (in future I'll try to give you more advance notice of any changes) and have a lovely weekend!* <3

~

So, even with everything else that happens later, this has gotta be the creepiest (and possibly unusual, though not entirely unhistorical) chapter of the entire trilogy. It does feel very Old English to me (or rather, ancient Brit) so that's interesting. And I will say after reading the earlier Bombadil poems last week it does seem to fit a bit more with the entire overarching Middle Earth world this time around (before it was always kind of like 'whhaaaat? and..... just whyyyyy exactly?'), but yes, still kinda a weird episode.

It does give Frodo his first major chance to prove his loyalty to his friends and develop his courageous muscle. So there is that.

Oh, one thing I did notice this time was that during prior reads I think I've focused even more on the shreds and tatters and heavy fog/the creepiness vibe, but all of that is sandwiched between Goldberry bidding them farewell in the beginning, with her golden hair about her, and then coming out of the barrow into glittering sunshine and blue sky. I'm not saying it's a deep metaphorical anything. Just an interesting feeling I got reading.

Quotes:

• "...either in his dreams or out of them, he could not tell which, Frodo heard a sweet singing running in his mind: a song that seemed to come like a pale light behind a grey rain-curtain, and growing stronger to turn the veil all to glass and silver, until at last it was rolled back, and a far green country opened before him under a swift sunrise. The vision melted into waking; and there was Tom whistling like a tree-full of birds; and the sun was already slanting down the hill and through the open window. Outside everything was green and pale gold."
  
• "The night was railing against the morning of which it was bereaved, and the cold was cursing the warmth for which it hungered."
  
• "Few now remember them," Tom murmured, "yet still some go wandering, sons of forgotten kings walking in loneliness, guarding from evil things folk that are heedless." (tingles ;))
  
• "They looked back and saw the top of the old mound on the hill, and from it the sunlight on the gold went up like a yellow flame."
  

 

For thought:

• A test of courage or loyalty is hardly a test if the temptation to escape it isn't there too, rearing its ugly head. Do you think Frodo's initial thought of putting on the Ring and escaping the barrow alone was highly reasonable/easy to identify with given the disorienting circumstances?
  
• If this was your first time reading, was this chapter what you expected?
  

The Fellowship of the Ring // Book 1, Chapter 7 // In the House of Tom Bombadil

I've realized I love this chapter. So much.

For a long time Goldberry and Bombadil seemed like such a mismatched couple to me, but now I think it's all just beautiful. <3 His jolliness and her grace, and how they perfectly weave together such gorgeous soul-filling hospitality -- not through pointing to themselves but, with mysterious tantalizing joy, laying out food and warmth and lights and then inviting everyone to eat, and eat again.

Tolkien said he put Bombadil in because he wanted an adventure along the way. (Personally, I think part of the reason, too may have been that he just loved Bombadil and delighted in getting to spend more time with him, pure and simple. ;)) Bombadil as a character long predates the entirety of Lord of the Rings. I hadn't read either of the earlier poems about him till this week (I've linked them below if you want to check them out), but they're lighthearted and nonsensical and unexpected. They also mention Goldberry (of course), badgers, Old Man Willow, and Barrow-wights. All written years earlier. So there ye go. :)

I've heard Bombadil being described as a figure of hope, which I think could have a lot of validity, but (and this might be from reading too much Chesterton XD), I think also he could be showing us the face of true innocence -- certainly an innocence that's free from the fallenness intrinsically tied with the lust for absolute power. And thus he's the antithesis of Sauron. (Note: I'm not the first one to come up with this idea, but I've wracked my brains and honestly can't remember where I first read it. :/)

In at least one instance Tolkien referenced Bombadil as being a guardian spirit/somewhat symbolic of Old England, and in creation language he definitely has god-like qualities: needing no explanation -- he was there when the stars filled the sky and before even dwarves and elves walked the earth. And in many ways he seems to operate in Time, but also outside of Time itself. 

This is a bit of a spin-off, but this G.K.C. quote has definitely been coming to mind again and again as I've been thinking on what real innocence looks like:

“Because children have abounding vitality, because they are in spirit fierce and free, therefore they want things repeated and unchanged. They always say, "Do it again"; and the grown-up person does it again until he is nearly dead. For grown-up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning, "Do it again" to the sun; and every evening, "Do it again" to the moon. It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike; it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we.” G.K. Chesterton

Circling back to the beginning, does anyone else get as disoriented as the hobbits when Tom, the Master, and Goldberry (clearly akin to a queen) -- together the Lord and Lady -- wait on their guests with their own hands: bringing food and water, preparing deep soft beds; off scene, washing clothes and gardening? Both obviously bearing a deep power and authority -- worthy of honor -- yet serving with their own hands. It's so intensely beautiful.

Quotes:

• "Before long, washed and refreshed, the hobbits were seated at the table, two on each side, while at either end sat Goldberry and the Master. It was a long and merry meal. Though the hobbits ate, as only famished hobbits can eat, there was no lack. The drink in their drinking-bowls seemed to be clear cold water, yet it went to their hearts like wine and set free their voices. The guests were suddenly aware that they were singing merrily, as if it was easier and more natural than talking."
  
• "He opened his eyes and looked at them with a sudden glint of blue..."
• "He knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless..."
• "After they had eaten, Goldberry sang many songs for them, songs that began merrily in the hills and fell softly down into silence; and in the silences they saw in their minds pools and waters wider than any they had known, and looking into them they saw the sky below them and the stars like jewels in the depths."
  

 

For thought:

• Have you read either of the Bombadil poems (i.e. The Adventures of Tom Bombadil or Bombadil Goes Boating)?
• As y'all know, there are zillions of Tolkien pages and threads and deep rabbit holes on the internet, but I highly recommend you skim through the Wikipedia page here on Bombadil. It's very interesting, a quick read, and pulls everything together really clearly and succinctly. At one point, Tolkien wrote that he did not think Tom was improved by philosophizing, saying at another time (one of my favorite quotes), "even in a mythical Age there must be some enigmas, as there always are. Tom Bombadil is one (intentionally)." Do you agree?
  

The Fellowship of the Ring // Book 1, Chapter 6 // The Old Forest

Annnnnd..... *drumroll* we now officially set out on the great adventure! (With, granted, several detour-ish chapters here of Hobbit like adventures & misadventures.) There's all sorts of debate out there on whether these and the next two chapters are necessary, but I think we should trust to Tolkien's meticulous editing process and purely from a plot standpoint (at least in the books) they do transition us smoothly from the carefree life of the Shire to the big dark scary world outside.

And remember that help-found-at-unexpected-times theme I mentioned recently? Well, here it is again. Right when things are at their worst, an un-looked for stranger appears and proves himself a friend.

Ok, so. I know not everyone feels this way and it's very definitely not everyone's cuppa tea ;), but personally I love this chapter. It's actually one of my favorites. Yes, not much happens, but if I could be sure Tom Bombadil was close at hand, I'd love to spend a day dabbling along the Withywindle, feeling the magic all round me and running out my fingertips.

Yes, the Forest shows us a good creation that's fallen and twisted, but there's still intense beauty there, living remnants of glory. And I know Bombadil isn't a direct allegory (Tolkien explicitly stated he wasn't), but he does have certain godlike qualities -- for one, he speaks with authority and when he commands, it is done.

All the powers of the Ring notwithstanding, I feel like this section approaches the closest to Deep Magic -- the sort of wonder we see all round us in the very fabric of creation, the kind that's mind-boggling when we catch even the edges of it.

They left all of this out of the movies, and I can see why (+there's more room for discussing it in the next chapter), but big picture wise, it does show there's a deeper magic at work -- beyond the fashioned and manipulated kind bound up in the Ring, heavy-handed in its very nature. 

So yeah, we'll talk more about it as we go along. For today I just wanna soak in that mystery.

Quotes:

• "...Frodo, without any clear idea of why he did so, or what he hoped for, ran along the path crying help! help! help! ...He felt desperate: lost and witless. Suddenly he stopped. There was an answer, or so he thought; but it seemed to come from behind him... He turned round and listened, and soon there could be no doubt: someone was singing a song; a deep glad voice was singing carelessly and happily, but it was singing nonsense..."
• "Frodo and Sam stood as if enchanted. ...There was another burst of song, and then suddenly, hopping and dancing along the path, there appeared above the reeds an old battered hat with a tall crown and a long blue feather stuck in the band. With another hop and a bound there came into view a man, or so it seemed. At any rate he was too large and heavy for a hobbit, if not quite tall enough for one of the Big People, though he made noise enough for one, stumping along with great yellow boots on his thick legs, and charging through grass and rushes like a cow going down to drink. He had a blue coat and a long brown beard; his eyes were blue and bright, and his face was red as a ripe apple, but creased into a hundred wrinkles of laughter. In his hands he carried on a large leaf as on a tray a small pile of white water-lilies."
  

 

For thought:

• Can you think of any comparisons/contrasts between this and Bilbo and the dwarves' adventures in Mirkwood?
• Also, make sure to listen to THIS, and let me know what you think! (If y'all like it I've got more up my sleeve as we go along. ;))
  

The Fellowship of the Ring // Book 1, Chapter 5 // A Conspiracy Unmasked

I love this chapter: especially the title (tisn't it delicious??) and the beginning, and the middle. 

It's nice getting a little glimpse of the Bucklands and I love Merry and Pippin's nonchalance (world wide travelers that they already are by hobbit standards, hee xD), and then dear Sam heading into new country, crossing the Brandywine. Such a big moment! (Btw, I'm thinking there will be rather a lot of dear Sam-ing -- and Merry-ing and Pippin-ing -- over the course of this entire thing so consider yourselves warned. Not that I'm concerned y'all will mind.)

I love Merry's capable planning and efficiency. I also like how much he gets to talk in here -- especially as, obviously, we haven't been able to get to know him much at all yet. So yeah, that's lovely. Also, who else loves the idea of a cottage with a stone flagged bathroom and tubs enough for everyone and a steaming copper water pot at the end of a long trek?

And... in A Shortcut to Mushrooms we met an unexpected friend and now we have old friends proving they can successfully pull off an entire cloak and dagger operation on an oblivious, unsuspecting Frodo. Their real friendship just makes me smile all over and get all warm and cozy inside.  

Quotes:

• I want to write out the entire conspiracy revelation section, but shall settle for this line from Merry that fairly well sums it up: "My dear old hobbit, you don't allow for the inquisitiveness of friends." 
• And again (clearly I'm starting to identify with Merry, which is actually rather 'noice), "It all depends on what you want," put in Merry. "You can trust us to stick to you through thick and thin -- to the bitter end. And you can trust us to keep any secret of yours -- closer than you keep it yourself. But you cannot trust us to let you face trouble alone, and go off without a word. We are your friends, Frodo. Anyway: there it is. We know most of what Gandalf has told you. We know a good deal about the Ring. We are horribly afraid -- but we are coming with you; or following you like hounds."
  

 

For thought:

• What do you think of the friendship description above?
  

The Fellowship of the Ring // Book 1, Chapter 4 // A Short Cut to Mushrooms

This chapter starts out all airy and light, with dappled sunshine, before we slither down the rough hillside and set off into our first bit of wild country (well, y'know, a mini-taste, brambles and briars and all that still nestled in familiar territory). Then the rain shower comes up and we're walking in the woods, and there's the horrible, haunting, frightening moment with the mysterious cries echoing back and forth overhead. The Black Riders are definitely hot on the trail.

Two things jumped out at me that will develop a great deal more as we go along: 1) Sam's wholehearted loyalty to his master and 2) the theme of friendship and help found in unexpected places. I'm really looking forward to following those threads as we continue.

Speaking of which, Farmer Maggot's just THE BEST, isn't he?? A magnificent specimen of a hobbit who keeps dogs. :-) He guards his own little kingdom, with his whole retinue of a family and other farm hands depending on his shrewd, responsible, sturdy stout-heartedness. And his wife gives away baskets of mushrooms as a hospitality gift.

Finally (and this'll come up more), but in different ways Gandalf and Gildor both counseled Frodo not to go alone and to take those who were willing. And it got me thinking on how, in life, we choose our friends, but in another very very real sense, our companions are chosen for us. So that's something to ponder.

Quotes:

• "I know we are going to take a very long road, into darkness; but I know I can't turn back. It isn't to see Elves now, nor dragons, nor mountains, that I want -- I don't rightly know what I want: but I have something to do before the end, and it lies ahead, not in the Shire. I must see it through, sir, if you understand me."
  
• "You slept late, you mean,' said Pippin. 'I was up long before; and we are only waiting for you to finish eating and thinking." (this one just made me smile)

 

For thought:

• Do you leave room in your day just for thinking?
  

The Fellowship of the Ring // Book 1, Chapter 3 // Three is Company

Happy Saturday everyone! Whew, this has been a full week, but I still wanted to get our next chapter up.

~

This chapter has a very wistful, autumnal, lingering feel to me -- a lingering while standing on the very brink of change. So yeah, autumnal.

And we get to meet elves! On elves... I don't know exactly what my feelings are. (With the exception of Legolas, whom we won't talk about cause we haven't been properly introduced yet *shush* ;)), I don't tend to think of them in the close friends category. But you can't not like them. I guess like or dislike doesn't really seem to apply. They always seem more like remote, angelic beings that would be more awe-inspiring to meet than anything else. Though on the flip side, though I LOVE hints and shadows and complexities and rich layers of meaning in a good story, in person I would probably get downright irritated with Gildor. Far more than Frodo did. I like knowing what's what, and learning how to wait patiently to find stuff out, or for a given time to ripen, is really really horribly hard in real life. xD

Back to the chapter... we also meet The Black Riders. For all the bone chilling happenings/incidents later, the episode here with the Black Rider sniffing his way off the road and Frodo in back of the tree has always been one of my shivery-est. And, apart from any other factors in why they missed them, I always forget how stealthily quiet hobbits can be.

As a side note, if this is your first time reading (and you're finding it slow in any way) we're gonna start getting into some more action very shortly! ;)

Quotes:

• "A few creatures came and looked at them when the fire had died away. A fox passing through the wood on business of his own stopped several minutes and sniffed. 'Hobbits!' he thought. 'Well, what next? I have heard of strange doings in this land, but I have seldom heard of a hobbit sleeping out of doors under a tree. Three of them! There's something mighty queer behind this.' He was quite right, but he never found out any more about it." (Kind of an unusual LOTR quote, isn't it?)
• "Pippin afterwards recalled little of either food or drink, for his mind was filled with the light upon the elf-faces, and the sound of voices so various and so beautiful that he felt in a waking dream. But he remembered that there was bread, surpassing the savour of a fair white loaf to one who is starving; and fruits sweet as wildberries and richer than the tended fruits of gardens; he drained a cup that was filled with a fragrant draught, cool as a clear fountain, golden as a summer afternoon." 
• "Courage is found in unlikely places..."

 

For thought:

• Does your heart turn to journeying in the autumn? Do you like walking in the dark?
• I'm curious... if you've seen the movie, are you noticing events unfolding any differently at this point?
  

The Fellowship of the Ring // Book 1, Chapter 2 // The Shadow of the Past

Also known as the First Long Chapter Where Much Is Explained, I feel like this is where we go out of Hobbit territory and we start seeing the edges of momentous things.

And I forgot the mention of Ents in this chapter! I always think of them as being a bit of a surprise further in. But nope, here they are right at the beginning. So that's neat.

I love the short description of Aragorn -- almost easy to miss in passing -- but packed with grim mystery, and tingles, eh?

Then as relates to what Gandalf says regarding not killing Gollum... I'm really looking forward to mulling again over the whole concept of 1) how we don't always see the ultimate reason for something and 2) sometimes repentance from any one person/character looks definitively impossible, but it doesn't matter, the final call isn't ours to make. We can only make decisions based on what's right and what seems wise at a specific time, and the role we've been called to play. Which is all a discussion of Providence, I guess.

And this might seem self-evident to everyone else, but it just smacked into me again. The Ring twists and deadens those in its thrall. So isn't it fascinating that Gandalf says Bilbo took such little hurt from the Ring because he began his holding of it with pity (v. murder in his heart) and here at this point Frodo has no pity, but then over the course of the story matures into it even while already holding the Ring. So yes, sometimes I agree Frodo can come across as one of the weaker characters (though we're definitely going to examine that as we go along), but in essence -- if what I just said is true -- then he must have incredible toughness (moral and otherwise), not only to resist the Ring, but (and I guess through using it as a passing trial?) actually developing virtue while holding it, and must really be a fine specimen of a hobbit. I'm looking forward to putting my theory to the test as we go along.

Finally there's Sam making his full grand entrance -- shears, grass clippings, and all. Dear Sam!

Quotes:

"It was early April and the sky was now clearing after heavy rain. The sun was down, and a cool pale evening was quietly fading into night. He walked home under the early stars through Hobbiton and up the Hill, whistling softly and thoughtfully."

"Among the Wise I am the only one that goes in for hobbit-lore: an obscure branch of knowledge, but full of surprises. Soft as butter they can be, and yet sometimes as tough as old tree-roots."

"I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. "So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."

"Behind that there was something else at work, beyond any design of the Ring-maker. I can put it no plainer than by saying that Bilbo was meant to find the Ring, and not by its maker. In which case you also were meant to have it. And that may be an encouraging thought." 

"My dear Frodo!" exclaimed Gandalf. "Hobbits really are amazing creatures, as I have said before. You can learn all that there is to know about their ways in a month, and yet after a hundred years they can still surprise you at a pinch. I hardly expected to get such an answer, not even from you. But Bilbo made no mistake in choosing his heir, though he little thought how important it would prove."

"Get up, Sam!" said Gandalf. "I have thought of something better than that. Something to shut your mouth, and punish you properly for listening. You shall go away with Mr. Frodo!"

For thought:

-- What stuck out to you in this chapter?

The Fellowship of the Ring // Book 1, Chapter 1 // A Long-Expected Party

 

(Funny anecdote: as I recall, at our wedding reception the folks helping in the kitchen didn't want 

the doorways getting clogged up, so we put up this same notice. Just thought you'd all enjoy that. xD)

Ok! On to the story proper. I always feel like this chapter is a (fairly) lighthearted extension of The Hobbit. What with kind of being in a happy little Shire bubble and of course all the feasting and wine and cakes and good things. Lots and lots of good things. And the general jollity.

I particularly noticed how smoothly Tolkien transitions us from Bilbo to Frodo. One thing I always forget about Frodo is that pretty much the first real glimpse we get into him, is that he's holding back laughter. I do remember touching on this a little with a character study I wrote on him a few years ago, but I wanna hold on to that this time too, seeing how his character develops. He sees the humor around him (you get the sense in a bit of an Elizabeth Bennet-ish sort of fashion), but also with that deep sensitivity and love for ethereal beauty.

Small notes:

1) I was surprised that I actually liked Bilbo more in this chapter than I have on previous reads

2) I love the fireworks <3

3) Story wise, I also like how the dwarves and other folk helping are kept mysterious -- an inner circle -- and so we're already feeling the allure of wide wild mysterious places beyond the border of the Shire.

Quotes:

"...hobbits were easy-going with their children in the matter of sitting up late..." 

"...their cousin, Bilbo, had been specializing in food for many years and his table had a high reputation."

"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve."

"I want to see the wild country again before I die, and the Mountains; but he is still in love with the Shire, with woods and fields and little rivers."

For thought:

-- Have you read The Hobbit?

-- What do you think of Bilbo's exit plan?

LOTR Read-Along: Foreword & Prologue (Concerning Hobbits, Pipe-weed & The Finding of the Ring)

Our long-awaited read-along has arrived. (Yay!) I'm so glad each one of you is here and welcome!

I've been giving some thought to the pace and how often I'll post -- trying to balance between keeping things moving along and also a manageable speed so hopefully everyone can keep up and we don't lose anyone along the way (also leaving breathing space for periodic catch up sessions, etc). And of course, making allowance for Life and all of us possibly reading other books at the same time. 

At the moment I'm thinking of doing two chapters a week, hopefully posted on Mondays and Fridays (maybe an occasional Tues/Th), so you can have the week and then the weekend to read them and comment etc. (And as we go along definitely feel free to let me know how the pacing's working on your end.)

For each chapter I'll write up any short thoughts I have + any favorite quotes and possibly a thought question or two, then you can comment in response to those or with any of your own thoughts, questions, or explanations. And I know this may be slightly different than general blog etiquette (and I can't remember what I did before with Persuasion), but what do you all think of an open forum style in the comments, where anyone can reply to anyone else's comments? (Of course, keeping everything very courteous and civil -- I'll still be presiding moderator. ;P) I feel like it could open it up to some good discussion. What think ye all?

Again, audio books are absolutely allowed (that's mostly how I'll be doing it ;)), so whatever works out best for you. Along with that, I also have a couple print editions and when actually working on posts will probably end up going back and forth between them so may or may not post page numbers with any quotes. 

Also, I'm trying to keep it fresh and just to the chapter we're reading, but I may get carried away with a connection from later in the story somewhere (and the comments section may very well go on rabbit trails anywhere), but due to the ubiquity of the movies etc. I am assuming most people have a nodding acquaintance with the story as a whole, so I won't be giving spoiler alerts. Let me know if that's an issue for any one. 

Whew! Ok, I think that's it for the general details. Let's begin!

Reading the foreword and prologue aren't required to participate (they're a bit slower reading than the book itself), but they are charming and you may find them of interest and/or helpful. Some names and historical details are illuminating to piece together, and if you're not familiar with The Hobbit, the prologue here gives a tidy summary of those events. I don't usually read forewords, but (as well as being history itself now) this one is valuable I think in capturing some of Tolkien's creative process and what he was getting at (i.e. a few things to keep in mind as we proceed through the story).

Quotes:

• I do like this section from the foreword: "...in that time I changed my house, my chair, and my college, and the days though less dark were no less laborious. Then when the 'end' had at last been reached the whole story had to be revised, and indeed largely re-written backwards. And it had to be typed, and re-typed: by me; the cost of professional typing by the ten-fingered was beyond my means."

• I also like how he speaks of "plodding on" etc. during the creative process. As a writer, it's encouraging to know even for Tolkien it wasn't all glamorous and the plot wasn't all spelled out from the beginning.

• From the prologue: "Hobbits are an unobtrusive but very ancient people, more numerous formerly than they are today; for they love peace and quiet and good tilled earth... in the days of Bilbo, and of Frodo his heir, they suddenly became, by no wish of their own, both important and renowned, and troubled the counsels of the Wise and the Great."
  

For thought:

• Do you consider forewords and prologues to be indispensable or do you hurry over them as fast as possible to get into the story proper?

And I talked about pacing above, but since this is our intro post, I may very well put up the first chapter tomorrow or Wednesday, so let me know your thoughts on that. :) 

(Last but not least, we're going on an adventure together, y'all! Hip hip hurray!)