Index for posts concerning LOTR

Book I Ch 2: The Shadow Of The Past by Bieren Skidels
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Book I CH 1: A Long-Expected Party by Bieren Skidels
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Prologue by Bieren Skidels
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On The Author’s Forward by Bieren Skidels
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Book I Ch 2: The Shadow Of The Past

Posted on April 3rd, 2008 by Bieren Skidels.
Categories: LOTR.

Summary:

This chapter picks up right after Bilbo’s long expected party - and covers a period of about 17 years. Keep the film adaptation in mind when reading this chapter - because it was sliced and diced throughout the films and this particular section of Frodo’s adventure only takes up about a “week” or so in the movies.

After Bilbo leaves Frodo begins living on his own in Bagend, and no longer hears from Bilbo. Gandalf returns every few years, his visits usually consisting of quick overnight stays during which he seems only interested in Frodo’s health and says little. During this time the ancient east-west road which runs by the shire sees increased traffic from dwarves and elfs. In fact, many strange beings are observed around the shire during these years and rumors as to the reason for it all. After nine years with no visit, Gandalf finally returns to visit Frodo — looking older and worn out.

The majority of this chapter consists of Gandalf’s visit with Frodo, in which the history of the Ring and the rise of the dark power in Mordor are discussed. The making of the rings is discussed (3 for the Elves, 7 for the Dwarves, and 9 for Men — with one to rule them all). This leads to how Gandalf came to realize that Bilbo’s ring, now in Frodo’s possession, is indeed the “one” ring. The power the ring had over Bilbo had become stronger and stronger while granting Bilbo unnatural long life. This made Gandalf worried, and he had spent these years studying the seeking after the truth about the ring. To verify that Bilbo’s ring was indeed “the one” it was thrown into the fire, which made markings on the ring visible. The famous elven letters, spelling out the power of the ring in the speech of Mordor verified Gandalf’s fears. To make matters worse Gollum had been lured to Mordor where information about the whereabouts of the ring where extracted through torture. It seemed the the dark power must now know the words “Shire” and “Hobbit” (and maybe even “Baggins”). But how did Gollum get the ring in the first place?

Apparently Aaragorn had tracked Gollum down and brought the vile creature to Gandalf - who laboriously got the story out of Gollum. Gollum used to be called “Smeagol” and killed a friend (”his love”) to acquire the ring. The ring’s power immediately took over Gollum and lead to Gollum being banished from his family. Over time, he followed streams to the Misty Mountains where he hid from the sun, deep within the mountains — where the ring went out of knowledge for some time. This, of course, lead to the fateful “stumbling” upon the ring by Bilbo — something the ring had not intended.

The whole story made it clear that to protect the Shire, and in the end, all of Middle Earth — the ring would have to be destroyed which could only be done by throwing it into the fires of Mt. Doom. Frodo is surprisingly willing to set out on such a journey and due to a little “eavesdropping” Sam Gamgee becomes caught up in the affair. Gandalf makes Sam promise to go away with Frodo, to which Sam shouts for joy and then bursts into tears…

Characters: Frodo, Gandalf, Sam, Aaragorn, Gollum

Events: The history of the Ring, Seamgol/Gollum, The rise of the dark power in Mordor

Theories:

4 comments.

Book I CH 1: A Long-Expected Party

Posted on March 9th, 2008 by Bieren Skidels.
Categories: LOTR.

Summary:

So begins the journey - one that will continue for another ~450 days or about 64 weeks. Yesterday, March 8th — we spent about 12 hours watching all three extended version LOTR movies. Now, over the next 10-12 thousand hours we will analyze the book!

In this first chapter, we find Bilbo, the heroin of the “The Hobbit.” It is some sixty years after his previous adventure with a band of Dwarves, in which he conquered a dragon, challenged the Misty Mountains, and in the process found something very precious; a ring. Did Gandalf foresee or understand the implications of what sending a little hobbit on an adventure might mean for all of Middle Earth? That is a question for later - in this chapter, Bilbo is preparing to celebrate his “eventy-first” birthday (and Frodo’s 33rd!).

After returning from his adventure Bilbo had accumulated quite a wealth of gold and “jools.” It was even rumored that bag-end was filled with hidden tunnels full of stolen loot. Another peculiarity was that Bilbo had not seemed to age a day over the past 60 years, looking much the same as he did on his adventure. This not only puzzled the other hobbits (and Gandalf) but spoke to some mysterious power (hint hint). Some years ago the orphaned Frodo, son of Drogo, had come to live with Bilbo. Bilbo had become friends with the young hobbit. Also, Frodo was a Baggins (son of Drogo) and was living with the Brandybuck’s (a very “queer” folk); he had the same birthday as Bilbo (Sep. 22nd); and could provide Bilbo with an heir (thwarting the Sackville-Baginnses’ inheritance of BadEnd). Over the years Frodo and Bilbo had thrown many joint-birthday parties - but this “long-expected party” was to be a rather magnificent affair. Bilbo was turning 111 (a rather strange number) and Frodo was finally “coming of age” at 33, which is what happens for hobbits after their “tweens” (the irresponsible 20’s between childhood and adulthood).

Proceeding the party their is much preparation and discussion to be had. Old rumors are rehashed (such as Bilbo’s secret wealth and the death of Frodo’s parents by drowning) — and the strange preparations of Bilbo are observed. Gandalf arrives in the midst of this commotion on a wagon laden with fireworks of Gandalf’s own creation. After arriving at Bag End, there is discussion of some “final plan” which Bilbo has cooked up and apparently this secret plan is a major motivation for the whole event. Anyhow, the event begins with on a beautiful day, one that involves day-long eating and drinking leading up to an evening fireworks show put on by Gandalf. After the amazing fireworks (including faked dragons), supper is served. A special dinner is arranged for 144 “one gross” of Bilbo’s nearer friends and relations. (This must have been one BIG party if the “special dinner” had 144 attendees!). At this dinner Bilbo recalls his old adventure and then tells everyone that he means to leave for good, after which he vanishes! (accompanied by some of Gandalf’s fireworks, giving the hobbits some plausible explanation for the stunt). In reality it had been The Ring that Bilbo found some 60 years ago. He had slid The Ring on his finger, vanished, and slipped out of the party unseen — causing quite a stir among the hobbits. The hobbits found the stunt in rather bad taste, but were distracted by plentiful wine and food.

After returning to Bag End, Bilbo prepares for his final departure from the shire. Gandalf meets him before he has left. A confrontation ensues, in which the power of The Ring is first demonstrated. Bilbo has growing so dependent on The Ring that he cannot sleep without it, and is finding it very difficult to leave behind. In fact, when Gandalf suggests that Bilbo leave The Ring, Bilbo becomes angry and defensive - claiming The Ring as his own all the way to a point at which he begins to draw a sword on Gandalf. Gandalf replies strongly, threatening to show “Gandalf the Grey uncloaked”, after which Bilbo struggles to drop The Ring and leave without it. Bilbo heads off into the night with a company of Dwarves, claiming he is now as happy as he has ever been.

Frodo returns from the party to find Gandalf in deep thought (most probably pondering the meaning of The Ring). Gandalf informs Frodo of Bilbo’s departure and that Frodo is now the master of Bag End (and keeper of The Ring). He urges Frodo not to use the ring under any circumstances. The next day Bag End is filled with commotion. Hobbits from all around are visiting to retrieve gifts left by Bilbo (or simply to get their hands on anything they might steal). The gifts are all labeled by Bilbo in a rather humorous and ironic fashion - leading to many being offended (probably Bilbo’s goal). Finally the hobbits are dismissed from house (some physically removed) and Frodo can retire for cup of tea. However, his tea is interrupted by a sudden visit from Gandalf.

The Chapter ends with a conversation between Gandalf and Frodo. Gandalf seems worried about The Ring and the powers it had gained over Bilbo. He again tells Frodo to “keep it secret” and “keep it safe,” not to use it for any reason. Gandalf plans to return after he has attended to some business (which now seems very urgent as Gandalf is rather “bent” out of shape). Frodo says goodbye - and we are left to wonder: what is Gandalf up to?

Characters: Bilbo, Gandalf, Frodo, Samwise Gamgee, The Gaffer (Hamfast Gamgee), The Sackville-Baginses, Merry (Meriadoc Brandybuck)

Events: Frodo comes to live at Bag End, The long expected party, Bilbo leaves shire and The Ring, Gandalf begins wondering about the ring and leaves on some “business”

Theories:

6 comments.

Prologue

Posted on March 2nd, 2008 by Bieren Skidels.
Categories: LOTR.

Summary:

This chapter is a bit of humor and a great example of Tolkien’s simple details, which make the trilogy so completely captivating. It prepares the reader by giving him background on hobbits, their habits, the history of the ring, and above all introduces Tolkien’s writing style for Tolkien newbies.

1 Concerning Hobbits

First off, Tolkien discusses the hobbits and their habits, their origins and why, and seems to comment every other sentence on their curious preferences (and dislikes too). Apparently hobbits are very small (2-4 ft.), very skillfull (throwing rocks, tool tinkering), food focused homebodies who are capable of moving through nature softly and swiftly (so as to avoid the “big people”). There are three breeds of hobbit, namely: Stoors, big fat hobbits that live on flat plains; Harfoots, darker hobbits who are very plentiful and have lived around dwarves; Fallohides, the light colored hobbits better suited for singing than working (and as such, natural leaders?). Of their origins, it seems “not much is known,” but then again that usually means that Tolkien (through means of a Wizard or passerby) has a detailed history to give, and this is a prime example. In fact, we are told that Hobbits used to live east of the Misty Mountains, and when the population of men increased beyond their liking, they packed up and headed west — picking up habits and language along the way. Upon arriving in Eriador (the large northwest area of middle-earth in which the shire resides), the king of men allowed them to live in the land (Shire), given they were responsible for the upkeep of Brandywine Bridge. Various and sundry details follow including of note: hobbits haven’t fought any wars in a long time, they build houses above ground as well as under (the latter being more “traditional”), also they prefer round doors and windows. Now for something truly entertaining (and odd?):

2 Concerning Pipe-Weed

According to Meriadoc Brandybuck, in his stellar work “Herblore of the Shire,” it was Tobold Hornblower of Long bottom, in the southfarthing, who first grew pipe-weed. He goes on to discuss where he thinks this “weed” came from — postulating it was probably the men of Westernesse who brought it over the sea, and then it moved north from Gondor where it grows abundantly. However, and they are very clear about this point, it was the hobbits who first placed this weed (said to be a type of Nicotiana, or tobacco) in their pipe and smoked it. And if we are to believe for the purpose of fantasy, Tolkien’s implication that this time preceded our own time - we have the hobbits to thank for the prolific tobacco habit through our world. Be on the watch out for the “best home grown” such as Longbottom Leaf, Old Toby, and Souther Star.

3 Of the Ordering of the Shire

Detail goes into overkill here, safe to say, the shire is split into four farthings (north, south, east, west) two “marches” (east and west) and Buckland. As for the rest of the details, they hardly garner room in a summary — read them again at your extreme leisure.

4 On the Finding of the Ring

Herein is recounted the story of The Hobbit and how the ring came to Bilbo. After setting out on his great quest with 13 exiled dwarves (not the least of which was Thorin Oakenshield, son of Kings). Along the way Bilbo is lost in the dark orc caves in the Misty Mountains and there in the dark he happened upon a ring. After a game with the rings troubled owner, Gollum, Bilbo manages to escape the caves (and Gollum) with the help of the ring’s magical powers (making Bilbo invisible). Upon returning Bilbo strangely modified the story to imply that the ring was a gift (just as Gollum had done) and kept the ring thereafter for many years. The chapter ends as Mr. Baggins begins preparation for his hundred and eleventh birthday.

Characters: Bilbo, Frodo, Gollum, Tobold Hornblower, Meriadoc Brandybuck, Gandalf, Thorin Oakenshield

Events: Hobbit migration to shire, Origin of Pipe-weed, Bilbo’s adventure and the finding of the ring

Theories:

3 comments.

On The Author’s Forward

Posted on February 9th, 2008 by Bieren Skidels.
Categories: LOTR.

Contained within the opening pages of my copy of “The Fellowship of the Ring”, a 1974 paperback from Ballantine Books, is a forward written by J.R.R. Tolkien. This forward discusses the origins and purposes of the trilogy. “It was begun soon after The Hobbit was written and before its publication in 1937″, and “went on at intervals during the years 1936 to 1949.” At the outbreak of WWII, the tale had not yet reached the end of Book I (note: there are six). Then “when the ‘end’ had at last been reached” the story had to be revised and re-typed by the Author himself — finally it was published as a trilogy in ‘54 and ‘55, nearly 20 years after its beginnings. Discussing defects of the books, only one is explicitly mentioned — namely, that the book (the trilogy) is too short.

The author goes on to discuss accusations of allegory, or “inner meaning.” He states plainly: “It is neither allegorical, nor topical.” In particular, he denies any symbolic relation between the legendary war and that of the real war going on in Europe.

“If it had inspired or directed the development of the legend, then certainly the Ring would have been seized and used against Sauron; he would not have been annihilated but enslaved, and Barad-dur would not have been destroyed but occupied. Saruman, failing to get possession of the Ring, would in the confusion and treacheries of the time have found in Mordor the missing links in his own researches into Ring-lore, and before long he would have made a Great Ring of his own with which to challenge the self-styled Ruler of Middle-earth. In that conflict both sides would have held hobbits in hatred and contempt: they would not long have survived even as slaves.”

Apparently, Tolkien “cordially” dislikes allegory “in all its manifestations.” However, in spite of his spite toward allegory — he encourages the reader in their freedom of “applicability.” Accordingly, the reader is unshackled from the “domination of the author,” free to shape the text to their own thought and experience. It is this challenge or undertaking, encouraged by the author himself, proposed now to all of us by me. At this starting point, I would like to provide us all a bit more encouragement, not meant to muddy our independent interpretation — but as an example of the admiration I share. As such, the following words by Peter S. Beagle are presented to you:

“For in the end it is Middle-earth and its dwellers that we love, not Tolkien’s considerable gifts in showing it to us. I said once that the world he charts was there long before him, and I still believe it. He is a great enough magician to tap our most common nightmares, daydreams and twilight fancies, but he never invented them either: he found them a place to live, a green alternative to each day’s madness here in a poisoned world. We are raised to honor all the wrong explorers and discoverers — thieves planting flags, murderers carrying crosses. Let us at last praise the colonizers of dreams.”
– Peter S. Beagle, 14 July 1973

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