The Two Towers // Book 3, Chapter 8 // The Road to Isengard

A transitional chapter, this takes a big deep breath right smack dab in the middle of everything. 

And this just popped out at me, but I think friendship features prominently. Not in a gushy touchy-feely way, but in the deep, Jonathan and David, have your back, shoulder to shoulder, proactively think and notice things and go the tough extra mile sort of way.

We have Gimli and Legolas at the beginning of course. And then when we get to the Fords of Isen, Theoden is getting discouraged and heartsore and this interchange happens with Gandalf:

"Look!' said Gandalf. 'Friends have labored here.' And they saw that in the midst of the eyot a mound was piled, ringed with stones, and set about with many spears. 'Here lie all the Men of the Mark that fell near this place,' said Gandalf. 'Here let them rest!' said Eomer. 'And when their spears have rotted and rusted, long still may their mound stand and guard the Fords of Isen!' 'Is this your work also, Gandalf, my friend?' said Theoden. 'You accomplished much in an evening and a night!"

I know 'friend' can just be a colloquial expression, but it's definitely a moment that means a lot to Theoden so I think we should take note.

And finally we have the beginning of our reunion with the hobbits (I love that Theoden has heard of them!), hearkening back to the long chase of our three mighty hunters. 

Other miscellaneous point -- earlier, I love how Gandalf laughs 'long and merrily'.

And then I'd forgotten the riddle he quotes:

"Ere iron was found or tree was hewn, 

When young was mountain under moon;

Ere ring was made, or wrought was woe,

It walked the forests long ago."

Did anyone else find the mention of the ring there interesting?

 

Quotes:

• "I have lived to see strange days."
• "You are not without allies, even if you know them not."
• "A strong place and wonderful was Isengard, and long it had been beautiful; and there great lords had dwelt... But Saruman had slowly shaped it to his shifting purposes, and made it better, as he thought, being deceived -- for all those arts and subtle devices, for which he forsook his former wisdom, and which fondly he imagined were his own, came but from Mordor..." (pretty plain speaking there on Professor Tolkien's part)
• And it's too much to quote at length, but of course I LOVE all the hobbit-y bit at the end so much xD <333
  

 

For thought:

• Which would be first on your adventure-with-a-friend itinerary: the glittering caverns of Helm's Deep or the Forest of Fangorn? :)

The Two Towers // Book 3, Chapter 7 // Helm's Deep

Well, this chapter is just a whole heap o' excitement, isn't it?

The friendship between Gimli and Legolas is firmly cemented and really hitting its stride -- I love the rivalry between them and when they get separated how Legolas is honestly concerned for Gimli's safety and covers it with his whole quip of wanting to boast about his current orc tally.

And then there's the development with Aragorn and Eomer too, now finally drawing sword together. I don't think I'd noticed before how quickly the bond of loyalty grows between them. But that's the whole idea behind being brothers-in-arms. Mettle is tested and after you've been through a night like that together you pretty much know where you're at. Great deeds lie right before you and small talk is dispensed with. 

Finally we have the last charge:

"And with that shout the king came. His horse was white as snow, golden was his shield, and his spear was long. At his right hand was Aragorn, Elendil's heir, behind him rode the lords of the House of Eorl the Young. Light sprang in the sky. Night departed."

And then the entire thing just rolls and swells, tingling and throbbing. Legends forming right before our eyes. <3

 

Quotes:

• "...behind us comes a very storm of Mordor,' said Gandalf."
• "He that flies counts every foeman twice..."
• "This is more to my liking,' said the dwarf, stamping on the stones. 'Ever my heart rises as we draw near the mountains."
• "...oft the unbidden guest makes the best company."
• "Dawn is not far off,' said Gamling, who had now climbed up beside him. 'But dawn will not help us I fear.' 'Yet dawn is ever the hope of men,' said Aragorn."

 

For thought:

• Do you have a favorite moment in this chapter? And in need, which would come handier to you -- a sword, bow, or axe?

The Two Towers // Book 3, Chapter 6 // The King of the Golden Hall

We're in Rohan!!!!!!! And this entire chapter is just wonderful. <3

There's so much going on: what with the new place, all the new characters, and then all the bandying wordplay.

Just a short summary in case anyone's confused -- Theoden (Lord of the Mark/King of Rohan) is listening to cunning, craven counsel from a henchman planted by Saruman, who has been trying to maneuver Rohan into staying out of the war and/or ultimately just giving in to despair and rolling over in easy defeat.

But then our three travelers arrive and expose all his machinations, bringing light and clarity and purpose and courage. The helped are now giving help.

And we meet Eowyn for the first time.

"The woman turned and went slowly into the house. As she passed the doors she turned and looked back. Grave and thoughtful was her glance, as she looked on the king with cool pity in her eyes. Very fair was her face, and her long hair was like a river of gold. Slender and tall she was in her white robe girt with silver; but strong she seemed and stern as steel, a daughter of kings. Thus Aragorn for the first time in the full light of day beheld Eowyn, Lady of Rohan, and thought her fair, fair and cold, like a morning of pale spring that is not yet come to womanhood. And she now was suddenly aware of him: tall heir of kings, wise with many winters, greycloaked, hiding a power that yet she felt. For a moment still as stone she stood, then turning swiftly she was gone."

And we can soon see she very quickly has feelings for Aragorn, which -- perceptive and honorable man that he is and faithful to his love, Arwen -- troubles him. I've got some more to say on that, but I think I'll save it till matters further develop. 

Growing up, I didn't exactly figure out what Wormtongue's full designs on Eowyn were and now that I have more of an idea what he could've been up to... ugh, I don't particularly want to speculate on whatever slimy manipulations and blackness he had in his devious mind. I just grinned all over this time when Theoden says that Eomer threatened death to Grima in his hall, mostly over that. I so wish we got an entire description of that episode, but you can pretty much imagine it already, can't you? Three cheers for Eomer!

Something else I noticed this time... Running all through LOTR we have the theme of small, unlikely figures being called to huge, unlikely tasks. What I noticed in this chapter (and which seems to be ongoing as it'll come out later with Faramir too), is the idea of unexpectedly taking on the weight of a position you'd never planned on or expected. Of course, Eomer (and Faramir, though not going too much there yet due to spoilers) were already great lords in their own right and raised to be leaders of men, but at the same time they were a nephew and a younger son -- neither expecting to be the heir of their house. It reminds me of King Alfred the Great, coming to the throne after the untimely death of his four older brothers. That might all seem obvious and transparent, but I just want to pay special attention to it on this read through and see if I notice any more as we go along. 

All of which.... was absolutely and entirely unintentional XD, but made a great segue into my last point. We love watching the BBC Time Team round these parts. (They're off on prehistory dates, of course, but otherwise it's a program I highly HIGHLY recommend. Amazon Prime has 18 seasons/all in order, but I think you can find most of them on Youtube as well.) Anyway, last week we watched one where they discovered evidence for the largest Saxon hall ever found in Britain. Part way through, it was brought up how very little was/is actually known about the Saxons + they mentioned the link with Tolkien/LOTR/Rohan as he was good friends with the archaeologist who originally excavated round the area they were working on. Tingly stuff. <3 Anyhow, I'll leave the link below and hope you're able to check it out. The program as a whole is fascinating and generally relaxing and at the same time sometimes gets me all fired up with my brain going a mile-a-minute. ;D

 

Quotes:

• "A king will have his way in his own hall..."
• "...behold! the storm comes, and now all friends should gather together, lest each singly be destroyed." 
• "I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a serving-man till the lightning falls."
• "Too long have you sat in shadows and trusted to twisted tales and crooked promptings."
• "A man may love you and yet not love Wormtongue or his counsels,' said Gandalf."
• "I owe much to Eomer,' said Theoden. 'Faithful heart may have forward tongue.' 'Say also,' said Gandalf, 'that to crooked eyes truth may wear a wry face."
• "Their spears were like a springing wood."
  

 

For thought:

• A couple musical settings I like: Aragorn's Lament of the Rohirrim and Gandalf's Song of Lorien. What's your favorite rendition for both of these?

  And make sure to check out that Time Team ep HERE.
  

  Finally, what are your impressions of Theoden and Eowyn so far? Are you as excited to get to Rohan as I am?
  

Quick check-in

What ho my fellow adventurers! 

This is mostly an apology for not posting earlier last week. I probably should've just taken the week off here to begin with, but in my over ambitious plan I was thinking, "Host a period drama party on AtB, keep up with LOTR posts AND declutter the kitchen and stay on top of house cleaning? Totally doable." Only.... then I had a magnificent, revolutionary idea for my current historical novel-in-progress (not that I got to writing it yet, I was too busy jotting down all the red hot ideas as they came flying over the plate -- while loading dishes and scrubbing sticky cupboards), but yeah, turns out apparently I only have so much brain space and/or it's really hard to be in that many different worlds at once. ;P

But! This week we should be back into it asap and I did discover some interesting details I'm really excited to share and discuss soon.

Hoping you all have a lovely Sunday!

The Two Towers // Book 3, Chapter 5 // The White Rider

I love this chapter so so much.

What with all the personality dynamics... Gimli stamping and snorting and being all suspicious and even Legolas asking questions too and Aragorn being his diligent self.

And then there's the surprise and the joy. The rich, stirring, piercing joy. *sniffs* <333

We discussed this a little earlier in reference to beauty, but here Gandalf says something slightly different:

"Dangerous!' cried Gandalf. 'And so am I, very dangerous: more dangerous than anything you will ever meet, unless you are brought alive before the seat of the Dark Lord. And Aragorn is dangerous, and Legolas is dangerous. You are beset with dangers, Gimli son of Gloin; for you are dangerous yourself, in your own fashion. Certainly the forest of Fangorn is perilous -- not least to those that are too ready with their axes; and Fangorn himself, he is perilous too; yet he is wise and kindly nonetheless."

Not all kittens and flowers but a roaring storm and a thunderclap, goodness can be a dangerous and a fearsome thing.

 

Quotes:

• "The old man was too quick for him. He sprang to his feet and leaped to the top of a large rock. There he stood, grown suddenly tall, towering above them. His hood and his grey rags were flung away. His white garments shone. He lifted up his staff, and Gimli's axe leaped from his grasp and fell ringing on the ground. The sword of Aragorn, stiff in his motionless hand, blazed with a sudden fire. Legolas gave a great shout and shot an arrow high into the air: it vanished in a flash of flame. 'Mithrandir!' he cried. 'Mithrandir!' 'Well met, I say to you again, Legolas!' said the old man. They all gazed at him. His hair was white as snow in the sunshine; and gleaming white was his robe; the eyes under his deep brows were bright, piercing as the rays of the sun; power was in his hand. Between wonder, joy, and fear they stood and found no words to say."
• "We meet again. At the turn of the tide. The great storm is coming, but the tide has turned."
• "It was not in vain that the young hobbits came with us, if only for Boromir's sake. But that is not the only part they have to play. They were brought to Fangorn, and their coming was like the falling of small stones that starts an avalanche in the mountains. Even as we talk here, I hear the first rumblings. Saruman had best not be caught away from home when the dam bursts!"
• "He laughed, but the sound now seemed warm and kindly as a gleam of sunshine."
• "Gandalf laughed again. 'Yes, my good Dwarf,' he said, 'it is a comfort not to be mistaken at all points. Do I not know it only too well! But, of course, I never blamed you for your welcome of me. How could I do so, who have so often counselled my friends to suspect even their own hands when dealing with the Enemy. Bless you, Gimli, son of Gloin! Maybe you will see us both together one day and judge between us!"
• "A thing is about to happen which has not happened since the Elder Days: the Ents are going to wake up and find that they are strong."
• "...we have met in time, who otherwise might have met too late."
• "Go where you must go, and hope!"
  

 

For thought:

• Do you think of goodness as being perilous (i.e. the two things tied together)?
  

The Two Towers // Book 3, Chapter 4 // Treebeard

Hilarious anecdote (speaking facetiously of course), I'm soooo excited about Chapter 5 coming up (and have already listened to it twice) that I didn't realize till I sat down at the computer just now and was staring at the post list that apparently I utterly and completely forgot to post on Chapter 4! *face palm*

Well, let us to it without more delay and then Chapter 5 can come as quickly as ever it can. xD

No two ways about it, Chapter 4 maaaaaay be the longest in the trilogy (if it's not, because I'm being very un-technical in saying so, it's at least gotta be close). In here particularly again, the writing (as reflecting the content itself) is just jumping out at me again -- careful and slow moving, even a bit sleepy in places, but sturdy and deep and abiding. There's clamor pressing outside the forest, but at the moment, snatched away from all the hurly-burly, it's like we're caught inside a rainbow glinting bubble -- all relaxed and dreamy and very quiet, but then moving slowly yet surely with greater and greater impetus into the final rumbling, impetuous, thrilling march to battle.

Ents are so unusual aren't they? And specific to Tolkien's imagination as hobbits are.

I can never quite tell what I think when it comes to the tale of the Ent-wives, especially as I can see both sides of the question. My take on it being the Ents, while shepherding what is, possibly wanting to more let things happen as they will, approach matters in more of a custodial fashion; while the Ent-wives wanted to impose more order, to maybe be involved more in the act of ongoing creativity itself? Sorry, that's kind of a rough-hewn thought. It's all just so sad it's kinda hard to think about. It is interesting in that it's another thread (somewhat similar to Bombadil) which doesn't have any direct bearing on the current events, but I think helps make the entire thing real/into an archetypal story; life, or in this case, Middle Earth -- all those other stories with just one chapter passing through ours or where we just catch a glimpse of the edges, but that go to building up the entire huge tapestry, making a glorious and cohesive creation, yet made of threads running every which way. (And I'm just referencing the little bits of their back story we get here, obviously the Ents themselves will be a big part of our story going forward.)

Anyhow! Treebeard is a brick and it does crack me up when he refers to "young Saruman down at Isengard."

I also find it so interesting how Tolkien says trolls are counterfeit Ents, made by the Enemy. Very neat that.

Quotes:

• "For a moment, Treebeard stood under the rain of the falling spring, and took a deep breath; then he laughed, and passed inside... Treebeard lifted two great vessels and stood them on the table. They seemed to be filled with water; but he held his hands over them, and immediately they began to glow, one with a golden and the other with a rich green light; and the blending of the two lights lit the bay, as if the sun of summer was shining through a roof of young leaves. Looking back, the hobbits saw that the trees in the court had also begun to glow, faintly at first, but steadily quickening, until every leaf was edged with light: some green, some gold, some red as copper..."
  
• "The effect of the draught began at the toes, and rose steadily through every limb, bringing refreshment and vigour as it coursed upwards, right to the tips of the hair. Indeed the hobbits felt that the hair on their heads was actually standing up, waving and curling and growing."
  
• "He has a mind of metal and wheels; and he does not care for growing things..."
• "Good! Good!' said Treebeard. 'But I spoke hastily. We must not be hasty. I have become too hot. I must cool myself and think; for it is easier to shout stop! than to do it.' He strode to the archway and stood for some time under the falling rain of the spring. Then he laughed and shook himself, and wherever the drops of water fell glittering from him to the ground they glinted like red and green sparks."
• "Of course, it is likely enough, my friends,' he said slowly, 'likely enough that we are going to our own doom: the last march of the Ents. But if we stayed at home and did nothing, doom would find us anyway, sooner or later."
• "But there, my friends, songs like trees bear fruit only in their own time and their own way..."
  

 

For thought:

• I know it happened gradually/unfortunately and all for the purposes of the story, but do you think the different approaches to life of the Ents and Ent-wives are actually in contradiction/had to be mutually exclusive?