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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Jun 22 2020, 10:11am
Post #1 of 46
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TIME - June 22
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Today in Middle-earth
June 22, 2942 (S.R. 1342)
1. Bilbo returns to the Shire with the Ring. (That same year, Sauron returns in secret to Mordor)
(determined from text)
..."...a day came at last when they were in sight of the country where Bilbo had been born and bred, where the shapes of the land and of the trees were as well known to him as his hands and toes. Coming to a rise he could see his own Hill... ...And so they crossed the bridge and passed the mill by the river and came right back to Bilbo's own door....
..."...Bless me! What's going on?" he cried. There was a great commotion, and people of all sorts, respectable and unrespectable, were thick round the door, and many were going in and out—not even wiping their feet on the mat, as Bilbo noticed with annoyance.
...If he was surprised, they were more surprised still. He had arrived back in the middle of an auction! There was a large notice in black and red hung on the gate, stating that on June the Twenty-second Messrs. Grubb, Grubb, and Burrowes would sell by auction the effects of the late Bilbo Baggins Esquire, of Bag-End, Underhill, Hobbiton. Sale to commence at ten o'clock sharp. It was now nearly lunchtime, and most of the things had already been sold, for various prices from next to nothing... ...Bilbo's cousins the Sackville-Bagginses were, in fact, busy measuring his rooms to see if their own furniture would fit. In short Bilbo was "Presumed Dead," and not everybody that said so was sorry to find the presumption was wrong.
...The return of Mr. Bilbo Baggins created quite a disturbance, both under the Hill and over the Hill, and across the Water; it was a great deal more than a nine days' wonder. The legal bother... ...lasted for years. It was quite a long time before Mr. Baggins was in fact admitted to be alive again. The people who had got specially good bargains at the Sale took a deal of convincing; and in the end to save time Bilbo had to buy back quite a lot of his own furniture. Many of his silver spoons mysteriously disappeared and were never accounted for. Personally he suspected the Sackville-Bagginses. On their side they never admitted that the returned Baggins was genuine, and they were not on friendly terms with Bilbo ever after. They really had wanted to live in his nice hobbit-hole so very much."
We have been there and back again.
“Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don't have the strength." – Theodore Roosevelt
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CuriousG
Half-elven
Jun 22 2020, 2:28pm
Post #2 of 46
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It was quite a long time before Mr. Baggins was in fact admitted to be alive again.
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Lily Fairbairn
Half-elven
Jun 22 2020, 2:44pm
Post #3 of 46
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I've always been amused and gratified...
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...that this happens today, on my birthday 
As always, gramma, thank you for assembling our calendar!
Where now the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing?
Where is the helm and the hauberk, and the bright hair flowing?
Where is the hand on the harpstring, and the red fire glowing?
Where is the spring and the harvest and the tall corn growing?
They have passed like rain on the mountain, like a wind in the meadow;
The days have gone down in the West behind the hills into shadow....
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CuriousG
Half-elven
Jun 22 2020, 2:58pm
Post #4 of 46
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Do we really know Lily is here? I just got a good deal on her spoons, and I say she's not!
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Happy Birthday!  
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Lily Fairbairn
Half-elven
Jun 22 2020, 3:08pm
Post #5 of 46
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Considering the state of my spoons, I'd hope you got a good deal!
Where now the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing?
Where is the helm and the hauberk, and the bright hair flowing?
Where is the hand on the harpstring, and the red fire glowing?
Where is the spring and the harvest and the tall corn growing?
They have passed like rain on the mountain, like a wind in the meadow;
The days have gone down in the West behind the hills into shadow....
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Jun 23 2020, 10:41am
Post #6 of 46
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Here's a Book Spoiler continuing the story of The Hobbit's return and how it became part of the "legend of Bilbo" through the gaffer's interpretation... for a moment of Tolkien-zen. From A Long-Expected Party: The Fellowship of the Ring
..."'...I reckon it was a nasty knock for those Sackville-Bagginses. They thought they were going to get Bag End, that time when he went off and was thought to be dead. And then he comes back... ...and he goes on living and living, and never looking a day older, bless him! And suddenly he produces an heir, and has all the papers made out proper. The Sackville-Bagginses won't never see the inside of Bag End now....'
...'There's a tidy bit of money tucked away up there, I hear tell,' said a stranger, a visitor on business from Michel Delving in the Westfarthing. 'All the top of your hill is full of tunnels packed with chests of gold and silver, and jools, by what I've heard.'
...'Then you've heard more than I can speak to.... ...I know nothing about jools. Mr. Bilbo is free with his money, and there seems no lack of it; but I know of no tunnel-making. I saw Mr. Bilbo when he came back, a matter of sixty years ago, when I was a lad. I'd not long come prentice of old Holman... ...but he had me up at Bag End helping him to keep folks from trampling and trapessing all over the garden while the sale was on. And in the middle of it all Mr. Bilbo comes up the Hill with a pony and some mighty big bags and a couple of chests. I don't doubt they were mostly full of treasure he had picked up in foreign parts, where there be mountains of gold... ...but there wasn't enough to fill tunnels...'
......But the Gaffer did not convince his audience. The legend of Bilbo's wealth was now too firmly fixed in the minds of the younger generation of hobbits. ...'Ah, but he has likely enough been adding to what he brought at first,' argued the miller, voicing common opinion. 'He's often away from home. And look at the outlandish folk that visit him: dwarves coming at night, and that old wandering conjuror, Gandalf, and all. You can say what you like, Gaffer, but Bag End's a queer place, and its folk are queerer.'"
We have been there and back again.
“Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don't have the strength." – Theodore Roosevelt
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Jun 23 2020, 10:45am
Post #7 of 46
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It was admitted... but was it believed?
We have been there and back again.
“Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don't have the strength." – Theodore Roosevelt
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Jun 23 2020, 10:54am
Post #8 of 46
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*geeky hand clapping* Happy Birthday!!!! :D
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How Much Fun Is This!!!???!!! :D You're "literally" woven into the story! Spoons and all!!
I hope you're Birthday was not as hectic and Mr. Baggins' homecoming ;)
*massive hug*
We have been there and back again.
“Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don't have the strength." – Theodore Roosevelt
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Lily Fairbairn
Half-elven
Jun 23 2020, 2:45pm
Post #9 of 46
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I had a very quiet birthday, thank you, even though my cake wasn't nearly as pretty as the on in your photo.
Where now the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing?
Where is the helm and the hauberk, and the bright hair flowing?
Where is the hand on the harpstring, and the red fire glowing?
Where is the spring and the harvest and the tall corn growing?
They have passed like rain on the mountain, like a wind in the meadow;
The days have gone down in the West behind the hills into shadow....
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CuriousG
Half-elven
Jun 23 2020, 2:58pm
Post #10 of 46
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I think gramma's cake looks like something an Ent would decorate.
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There's definitely no Sauron motif going on in there (which means it's not devil's food cake inside).
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Jun 24 2020, 11:21am
Post #11 of 46
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Carrot cake with walnuts ;)
We have been there and back again.
“Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don't have the strength." – Theodore Roosevelt
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Jun 24 2020, 11:22am
Post #12 of 46
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Today in Middle-earth
June 24, 2942 (S.R. 1342)
1. Bilbo as host.
(determined from text-no text-drabble)
...To the indignity and confusion of the townsfolk, Gandalf remained at Bag End for many days. Most of them weren't convinced that Bilbo hadn't had a spell cast on him by the wizard. Some insisted it wasn't Bilbo at all but some play-acting spy of Gandalf's out to get Bag End. But Bilbo was so content to be back in his home that he hardly noticed the whispers and wide berths he was given by those he met along Bagshot Row. Gandalf, however, was concerned for Bilbo's ability to re-enter his life and was careful not to show himself unnecessarily.
June 24, 3018 (S.R. 1418)
1. Frodo as host.
(not from the appendices-no text)
...Gandalf continues to enjoy a stay with Frodo at Bag End whilst Frodo slowly begins to lay his plans for leaving the Shire with the Ring.
June 24, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The Fellowship rests in Minas Tirith.
(not from the appendices-no text)
...Each of the Companions found it easy to adjust to life in the White City. They were warmly greeted by everyone they passed in the streets, enjoyed sleeping on soft feather pillows and with a roof over their heads, and to the delight of the Hobbits, the meals came regularly and in plenty.
June 24, 3020 (S.R. 1420)
1. Frodo as family.
(not from the appendices-no text)
...Newlyweds Sam and Rosie Gamgee have moved into Bag End with Frodo as the Shire enjoys the most pleasant Summer any can remember.
June 24, 3021 (S.R. 1421)
1. Uncle Frodo with his Elanor.
(not from the appendices-no text-drabble)
...Three month old Elanor has completely captured the hearts of all; especially her Uncle Frodo. He would spend endless hours with her sitting before the fire quietly singing or telling stories of her Gaffer and Gammer, Uncles Merry and Pippin, great Uncle Bilbo and Fellowship companions. Elanor would watch his face; listen to his soothing voice and, at times, comedy as evidenced by her laughter. Frodo could be seen with her cradled in his arms walking through Hobbiton and the fields and forest surrounding her home as he introduces her to the river, trees, flowers, and personalities of the sky.
We have been there and back again.
“Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don't have the strength." – Theodore Roosevelt
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dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Jun 24 2020, 12:03pm
Post #13 of 46
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how quickly Sam and Rosie start their family - like making up for lost time, one might say! 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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CuriousG
Half-elven
Jun 24 2020, 3:45pm
Post #14 of 46
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Sam & Rosie are definitely fruitful multipliers. //
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CuriousG
Half-elven
Jun 24 2020, 3:46pm
Post #15 of 46
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Very enjoyable drabbles, grammma--thank you! //
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Jun 25 2020, 10:46am
Post #16 of 46
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See how their Gardners grow ;) //
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We have been there and back again.
“Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don't have the strength." – Theodore Roosevelt
TIME Google Calendar
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Jun 25 2020, 10:48am
Post #17 of 46
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Today in Middle-earth
June 25, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. King Elessar finds the sapling of the white tree.
(from the appendices)
..."There came a day when Gandalf could not be found, and the Companions wondered what was going forward. But Gandalf took Aragorn out from the City by night, and he brought him to the southern feet of Mount Mindolluin; and there they found a path made in ages past that few now dared to tread. For it led up onto the mountain to a high hallow where only the kings had been wont to go... ...to a high field below the snows that clad the lofty peaks, and it looked down over the precipice that stood behind the City. And standing there they surveyed the lands, for the morning was come; and they saw the towers of the City far below them like white pencils touched by the sunlight, and all the vale of Anduin was like a garden, and the Mountains of Shadow were veiled in a golden mist. Upon the one side their sight reached to the grey Emyn Muil, and the glint of Rauros was like a star twinkling far off; and upon the other side they saw the River like a ribbon laid down to Pelargir, and beyond that was... ...the Sea.
...And Gandalf said: 'This is your realm, and the heart of the greater realm that shall be. The Third Age of the world is ended, and the new age is begun... ...it is your task to order its beginning and to preserve what may be preserved. For though much has been saved, much must now pass away; and the power of the Three Rings also is ended. And all the lands that you see, and those that lie round about them, shall be dwellings of Men. For the time comes of the Dominion of Men, and the Elder Kindred shall fade or depart.'
...'I know it well, dear friend,' said Aragorn; 'but I would still have your counsel.'
...'Not for long now,' said Gandalf. 'The Third Age was my age. I was the Enemy of Sauron; and my work is finished. I shall go soon. The burden must lie now upon you and your kindred.'
...'But I shall die,' said Aragorn. 'For I am a mortal man, and though being what I am and of the race of the West unmingled, I may have life far longer than other men... ...when those who are now in the wombs of women are born and have grown old, I too shall grow old. And who then shall govern Gondor and those who look to this City as to their queen, if my desire be not granted? The Tree in the Court of the Fountain is still withered and barren. When shall I see a sign that it will ever be otherwise?'
...'Turn your face from the green world, and look where all seems barren and cold!' said Gandalf.
...'Then Aragorn turned, and there was a stony slope behind him... ...he was aware that alone there in the waste a growing thing stood. And he climbed to it, and saw that out of the very edge of the snow there sprang a sapling tree no more than three foot high. Already it had put forth young leaves long and shapely, dark above and silver beneath, and upon its slender crown it bore one small cluster of flowers whose white petals shone like the sunlit snow.
...Then Aragorn cried: 'Ye! utúvienyes! I have found it! Lo! here is a scion of the Eldest of Trees! But how comes it here? For it is not itself yet seven years old.'
......Gandalf coming looked at it, and said; 'Verily this is a sapling of the line of Nimloth the fair; and that was a seedling of Galathilion, and that a fruit of Telperion of many names, Eldest of Trees. Who shall say how it comes here in the appointed hour? But this is an ancient hallow, and ere the kings failed or the Tree withered in the court, a fruit must have been set here... ...the fruit of the Tree comes seldom to ripeness, yet the life within may then lie sleeping through many long years, and none can foretell the time in which it will awake. Remember this. For if ever a fruit ripens, it should be planted, lest the line die out of the world. Here it has lain hidden on the mountain, even as the race of Elendil lay hidden in the wastes of the North. Yet the line of Nimloth is older far than your line, King Elessar.'
...Then Aragorn laid his hand gently to the sapling, and lo! it seemed to hold only lightly to the earth, and it was removed without hurt; and Aragorn bore it back to the Citadel. Then the withered tree was uprooted, but with reverence; and... ...laid to rest in the silence of Rath Dínen. And Aragorn planted the new tree in the court by the fountain, and swiftly and gladly it began to grow; and when the month of June entered in it was laden with blossom.
...'The sign has been given,' said Aragorn, 'and the day is not far off.' And he set watchmen upon the walls."
We have been there and back again.
“Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don't have the strength." – Theodore Roosevelt
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CuriousG
Half-elven
Jun 25 2020, 2:57pm
Post #18 of 46
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Wait, no sword in the stone for King Arthur to pull out?
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I like this variation on it. Tolkien works in his love of trees wherever he can, so a new white tree signals the resurrection of Gondor just as a new Party Tree does for the Shire after the Scouring.
Reading this passage, I remember on first read that I had no idea what Gandalf was talking about, but it sure sounded cool. And of course Telperion had many names, because Tolkien loved names almost as much as trees.
Verily this is a sapling of the line of Nimloth the fair; and that was a seedling of Galathilion, and that a fruit of Telperion of many names, Eldest of Trees.
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Jun 26 2020, 2:33am
Post #19 of 46
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I had the same reaction. And I wondered how Gandalf knew it was there! So many important moments are rooted in trees ;)
We have been there and back again.
“Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don't have the strength." – Theodore Roosevelt
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Jun 26 2020, 11:31am
Post #20 of 46
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Today in Middle-earth
June 26, 3018 (S.R. 1418)
1. Frodo announces his plans to leave Hobbiton
(not from the appendices)
..."One summer's evening an astonishing piece of news reached the Ivy Bush and Green Dragon. Giants and other portents on the borders of the Shire were forgotten for more important matters: Mr. Frodo was selling Bag End, indeed he had already sold it—to the Sackville-Bagginses!
...'For a nice bit, too,' said some. 'At a bargain price,' said others, 'and that's more likely when Mistress Lobelia's the buyer….'
...…Just why Mr. Frodo was selling his beautiful hole was even more debatable than the price. A few held the theory—supported by the nods and hints of Mr. Baggins himself—that Frodo's money was running out: he was going to leave Hobbiton and live in a quiet way on the proceeds of the sale down in Buckland among his Brandybuck relations. 'As far from the Sackville-Bagginses as may be,' some added."
We have been there and back again.
“Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don't have the strength." – Theodore Roosevelt
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CuriousG
Half-elven
Jun 26 2020, 2:21pm
Post #21 of 46
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Yeah, Gandalf the White seems pretty darn clairvoyant
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- Know that Sauron didn't really have Frodo captive
- Knowing ruffians ruled the Shire
- Knowing where to find the White Tree
Gandalfgate: What did Gandalf know, and when did he know it?
Also, how do we get the winning lottery numbers from him???
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Jun 27 2020, 2:57pm
Post #22 of 46
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Today in Middle-earth
June 27, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. Bilbo has a shadow in Rivendell.
(not from the appendices-no text-drabble)
...Being familiar with Elrond’s House, Bilbo noticed things he missed before. He knew he was the first hobbit to visit, but he hadn’t drawn much attention being known by everybody… save one. He felt he was being watched. When he quickly turned to look, there was nothing but a rustle of bushes or crunching of stones on the path. Finally, one day he heard a woman’s soft voice behind the hedge as she led a young boy away. “Come, Estel. I know you’re curious about our new friend; but you mustn’t intrude. Perhaps Lord Elrond will introduce you one day.”
June 27, 3018 (S.R. 1418)
1. The time has come for Gandalf to leave.
(not from the appendices)
..."Then one evening, at the end of June, soon after Frodo's plan had been finally arranged, he suddenly announced that he was going off again next morning. 'Only for a short while, I hope... ...But I am going down beyond the southern borders to get some news, if I can. I have been idle longer than I should.'
...He spoke lightly, but it seemed to Frodo that he looked rather worried. 'Has anything happened...?'
...'...Well no; but I have heard something that has made me anxious and needs looking into. If I think it necessary after all for you to get off at once, I shall come back immediately, or at least send word. In the meanwhile stick to your plan; but be more careful than ever, especially of the Ring. Let me impress on you once more: don't use it!''"
We have been there and back again.
“Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don't have the strength." – Theodore Roosevelt
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Jun 28 2020, 1:53pm
Post #23 of 46
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Today in Middle-earth
June 28, 3018 (S.R. 1418)
1. Expect me when you see me.
(not from the appendices)
..."He [Gandalf] went off at dawn. 'I may be back any day,' he said. 'At the very latest I shall come back for the farewell party. I think, after all, you may need my company on the Road.'
...At first Frodo was a good deal disturbed, and wondered often what Gandalf could have heard…"
2. What to expect.
(not from the appendices-no text-drabble)
...Soon after Gandalf left, Sam came to work in the gardens. Frodo joined him, tilling around the potatoes and enjoying the summer's routine. They worked silently until Sam asked about Gandalf.
..."He left early this morning," said Frodo. Sam continued working deep in thought.
..."What d'you suppose he heard that made him go off all of a'sudden?" he asked. "I was thinking he'd be with us when…" he broke off, looking around before whispering, "…we're off into the wilds outside."
..."He said he'd be back by then, Sam. Don't worry," Frodo said reassuringly; but he couldn't shake his own concern.
We have been there and back again.
“Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don't have the strength." – Theodore Roosevelt
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Jun 29 2020, 11:50am
Post #24 of 46
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This is a Book Spoiler that tells more of the story of the white tree and of Gondor... for a moment of Tolkien-zen. From The Council of Elrond: The Fellowship of the Ring
... "'In the South the realm of Gondor long endured; and for a while its splendour grew, recalling somewhat of the might of Númenor, ere it fell. High towers... ...and strong places, and havens of many ships; and the winged crown of the Kings of Men was held in awe by folk of many tongues. Their chief city was Osgiliath, Citadel of the Stars, through the midst of which the River flowed. And Minas Ithil they built, Tower of the Rising Moon, eastward upon a shoulder of the Mountain of Shadow; and westward at the feet of the White Mountains Minas Anor they made, Tower of the Setting Sun. There in the courts of the King grew a white tree, from the seed of that tree which Isildur brought over the deep waters, and the seed of that tree before came from Eressëa, and before that out of the Uttermost West in the Day before days when the world was young.
... 'But in the wearing of the swift years of Middle-earth the line of Meneldil son of Anárion failed, and the Tree withered, and the blood of the Númenóreans became mingled with that of lesser men... ...the watch upon the walls of Mordor slept, and dark things crept back to Gorgoroth... ...evil things came forth, and they took Minas Ithil and abode in it, and they made it into a place of dread; and it is called Minas Morgul, the Tower of Sorcery. Then Minas Anor was named anew Minas Tirith, the Tower of Guard; and these two cities were even at war, but Osgiliath which lay between was deserted and in its ruins shadows walked.
... 'So it has been for many lives of men. But the Lords of Minas Tirith still fight on, defying our enemies, keeping the passage of the River from Argonath to the Sea.'"
We have been there and back again.
“Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don't have the strength." – Theodore Roosevelt
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Jun 30 2020, 11:14am
Post #25 of 46
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Today in Middle-earth
1 Lithe, 2941 (S.R. 1341) Midsummer's Eve
1. Bilbo, Gandalf and the Dwarves reach the end of their stay in Rivendell.
(determined from text)
...""They stayed long in that good house, fourteen days at least, and they found it hard to leave. Bilbo would gladly have stopped there for ever and ever—even supposing a wish could have taken him right back to his hobbit-hole without trouble....
......The master of the house was an elf-friend... ...He comes into many tales, but his part in the story of Bilbo's great adventure is only a small one, though important... ...His house was perfect, whether you liked food, or sleep, or work, or story-telling or singing, or just sitting and thinking best, or a pleasant mixture of them all. Evil things did not come into that valley....
......All of them, the ponies as well, grew refreshed and strong in a few days there. Their clothes were mended as well as their bruises, their tempers and their hopes. Their bags were filled with food and provisions light to carry but strong to bring them over the mountain passes. Their plans were improved with the best advice.""
2. Elrond examines the swords of Thorin and Gandalf, and Thorin's map.
(from Karen Wynn Fonstad, The Atlas of Middle-earth)
..."So the time came to midsummer eve, and they were to go on again with the early sun on midsummer morning.
...Elrond knew all about runes of every kind. That day he looked at the swords they had brought from the trolls' lair... "...These are not troll-make. They are old swords, very old swords of the High Elves of the West, my kin. They were made in Gondolin for the Goblin-wars. They must have come from a dragon's hoard or goblin plunder, for dragons and goblins destroyed that city many ages ago. This, Thorin, the runes name Orcrist, the Goblin-cleaver in the ancient tongue of Gondolin… …This, Gandalf, was Glamdring, Foe-hammer that the king of Gondolin once wore. Keep them well!"
..."Whence did the trolls get them, I wonder?" said Thorin looking at his sword with new interest.
..."I could not say," said Elrond, "but one may guess that your trolls had plundered other plunderers, or come on the remnants of old robberies in some hold in the mountains of the North. I have heard that there are still forgotten treasures of old to be found in the deserted caverns of the mines of Moria, since the dwarf and goblin war...."
..."...I will keep this sword in honour," [Thorin] said. "May it soon cleave goblins once again!"
..."A wish that is likely to be granted soon enough in the mountains!" said Elrond. "But show me now your map!""
..."He took it and gazed long at it, and he shook his head for if he did not altogether approve of dwarves and their love of gold, he hated the dragons and their cruel wickedness… …he grieved to remember the ruin of the town of Dale and its merry bells, and the burned banks of the bright River Running. The moon was shining in a broad silver crescent. He held up the map and the white light shone through it. "What is this?" he said. "There are moon-letters here, beside the plain runes which say 'five feet high the door and three may walk abreast.'"
..."What are moon-letters?" asked the hobbit full of excitement. He loved maps... ...and he also liked runes and letters and cunning handwriting, though when he wrote himself it was a bit thin and spidery.
..."Moon-letters are rune-letters, but you cannot see them," said Elrond, "not when you look straight at them. They can only be seen when the moon shines behind them, and… …with the more cunning sort it must be a moon of the same shape and season as the day when they were written. The dwarves invented them and wrote them with silver pens... ...These must have been written on a midsummer's eve in a crescent moon, a long while ago."
..."What do they say?" asked Gandalf and Thorin together, a bit vexed perhaps that even Elrond should have found this out first, though really there had not been a chance before, and there would not have been another until goodness knows when.
..."Stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks… …and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the key-hole."
..."Durin, Durin!" said Thorin. "He was the father of the fathers of the eldest race of Dwarves, the Longbeards, and my first ancestor: I am his heir."
..."Then what is Durin's Day?" asked Elrond.
..."The first day of the dwarves' New Year," said Thorin, "is as all should know the first day of the last moon of Autumn on the threshold of Winter. We still call it Durin's Day when the last moon of Autumn and the sun are in the sky together. But this will not help us much... ...for it passes our skill in these days to guess when such a time will come again."
..."That remains to be seen," said Gandalf. "Is there any more writing?"
..."None to be seen by this moon," said Elrond, and he gave the map back to Thorin; and then they went down to the water to see the elves dance and sing upon the midsummer's eve."
1 Lithe, 3019 (S.R. 1419) Midsummer's Eve
1. Arwen comes to the City.
(from the appendices)
..."Upon the very Eve of Midsummer, when the sky was blue as sapphire and white stars opened in the East, but the West was still golden, and the air was cool and fragrant, the riders came down the North-way to the gates of Minas Tirith. First rode Elrohir and Elladan with a banner of silver... ...then came Glorfindel and Erestor and all the household of Rivendell, and after them came the Lady Galadriel and Celeborn, Lord of Lothlórien… …and with them many fair folk of their land, grey-cloaked with white gems in their hair; and last came Master Elrond, mighty among Elves and Men, bearing the sceptre of Annúminas, and beside him upon a grey palfrey rode Arwen his daughter, Evenstar of her people."
..."And Frodo when he saw her come glimmering in the evening, with stars on her brow and a sweet fragrance about her, was moved with great wonder… …he said to Gandalf: 'At last I understand why we have waited! This is the ending. Now not day only shall be beloved, but night too shall be beautiful and blessed and all its fear pass away!'"
We have been there and back again.
“Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don't have the strength." – Theodore Roosevelt
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