The One Ring Forums: Tolkien Topics: Main: TIME - April 26 and TORn's Anniversary!

The One Ring Forums: Tolkien Topics: Main:
TIME - April 26 and TORn's Anniversary!

grammaboodawg
Elvenhome

Apr 26 2025, 1:33pm

Views: 63257

TIME - April 26 and TORn's Anniversary!

Today in Middle-earth

April 26, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. Wednesday. An Unexpected Party.
(determined from text – referencing Karen Wynn Fonstad, The Atlas of Middle-earth)
...""Dwalin and Balin here already, I see," said Kili [with Fili]. "Let us join the throng!"
..."Throng!" thought Mr. Baggins. "I don't like the sound of that. I really must sit down for a minute and collect my wits... ...when, ding-don-a-ling-dang, his bell rang again, as if some naughty little hobbit-boy was trying to pull the handle off.
...Bilbo rushed along the passage, very angry, and altogether bewildered and bewuthered—this was the most awkward Wednesday he ever remembered. He pulled open the door with a jerk, and they all fell in, one on top of the other. More dwarves, four more! And there was Gandalf behind, leaning on his staff and laughing. He had made quite a dent on the beautiful door... ...[and] knocked out the secret mark that he had put there the morning before.
..."Carefully! Carefully!" he said. "It is not like you, Bilbo, to keep friends waiting on the mat, and then open the door like a pop-gun! Let me introduce Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, and especially Thorin!'
...'At your service!" said Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur standing in a row. Then they hung up two yellow hoods and a pale green one; and also a sky-blue one with a long silver tassel. This last belonged to Thorin, an enormously important dwarf, in fact no other than the great Thorin Oakenshield himself, who was not at all pleased at falling flat on Bilbo's mat with Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur on top of him....

...'...Now we are all here!" said Gandalf, looking at the row of thirteen hoods—the best detachable party hoods—and his own hat hanging on the pegs. "Quite a merry gathering! I hope there is something left for the late-goers to eat and drink! What's that? Tea! No thank you! A little red wine, I think, for me...."
...'...Mr. Baggins... ...was feeling positively flummoxed, and was beginning to wonder whether a most wretched adventure had not come right into his house. By the time he had got all the bottles and dishes and knives and forks and glasses and plates and spoons and things piled up on big trays, he was getting very hot, and red in the face, and annoyed...."

[After the Throng feasted and followed up with music and song, the discussion of the purpose for the merry gathering began.]

...[Thorin speaks...] "We are met to discuss our plans, our ways, means, policy and devices. We shall soon before the break of day start on our long journey, a journey from which some of us, or perhaps all of us... ...may never return. It is a solemn moment. Our object is, I take it, well known to us all. To the estimable Mr. Baggins, and perhaps to one or two of the younger dwarves... ...the exact situation at the moment may require a little brief explanation----"

..."...Poor Bilbo couldn't bear it any longer. At may never return he began to feel a shriek coming up inside, and very soon it burst out like the whistle of an engine coming out of a tunnel. All the dwarves sprang up knocking over the table... ...the poor little hobbit could be seen kneeling on the hearth-rug, shaking like a jelly that was melting. Then he fell flat on the floor, and kept on calling out "struck by lightning, struck by lightning...!"

..."...Excitable little fellow," said Gandalf, as they sat down again. "Gets funny queer fits, but he is one of the best, one of the best—as fierce as a dragon in a pinch."
...If you have ever seen a dragon in a pinch, you will realize that this was only poetical exaggeration applied to any hobbit... ...however, Bullroar's gentler descendant was reviving in the drawing-room. After a while and a drink he crept nervously to the door of the parlour...."

... "...Pardon me," [Bilbo] said, 'if I have overheard words that you were saying. I don't pretend to understand what you are talking about, or your reference to burglars, but I think I am right in believing... ...that you think I am no good. I will show you. I have no signs on my door..."

..."...I assure you there is a mark on this door [said Gloin] —the usual one in the trade, or used to be. Burglar wants a good job, plenty of Excitement and reasonable Reward, that's how it is usually read. You can say Expert Treasure-hunter instead of Burglar if you like.... ...Gandalf told us that there was a man of the sort in these parts looking for a Job at once...."
..."...Of course there is a mark," said Gandalf. "I put it there myself. For very good reasons. You asked me to find the fourteenth man for your expedition, and I chose Mr. Baggins. Just let any one say I chose the wrong man or the wrong house, and you can stop at thirteen and have all the bad luck you like, or go back to digging coal.""

April 26, 1999
1. TheOneRing.net officially draws its first breath.
...On this day, TORn is officially registered and begins exclusive reporting on Peter Jackson's films and related topics. It also spawns multiple Discussion Boards where all things Tolkien and Jackson are discussed.

April 26, 2009
1. TheOneRing.net celebrates its 10-year Anniversary.
...On this auspicious Anniversary, TORn Discussion Board Members begin an annual Founders Day celebration honouring its Founders, Admins, and fellow-posters.
TORn 10th Anniversary Bash! by Altaira

April 26, 2014
1. TheOneRing.net celebrates its 15-year Anniversary.
...TORn celebrates two very special and exclusive holidays: TORn Founders Day begins it's 5th Party to honour our Founders with this announcement by Kelvarhin.
...We also we kicked off our Founders Day and TORn's 15th Anniversary Party during Fiesta Friday hosted by dernwyn.

April 26, 2019
1. TheOneRing.net celebrates its 20-year Anniversary and 10-year Founders Day Anniversary.
...On this day, TORn celebrates 20 years since it officially registered... **20th Anniversary and Founders Day Collection, 2019
**21FD - TheOneRing.net Timeline 1999-2020

April 26, 2024
1. TheOneRing.net celebrates its 25-year Anniversary and 15-year Founders Day Anniversary.
...On this day… 25 years ago…TORn is officially registered and begins exclusive reporting on Peter Jackson's films and related topics. On 4/26/1999, TheOneRing.net officially registers: Guess what happened today in 1999? This immediately developed into creating multiple Discussion Boards where all things Tolkien and Jackson are discussed. These Boards are kept very busy by the 130,308 Registered Users who have made this such an exceptional community! We are also celebrating the 15th Anniversary of Founders Day and our four TORn Founders Corvar, Xoanon, Tehanu, Calisuri!

We have been there and back again.

TIME Google Calendar

Ataahua
Forum Admin / Moderator

Apr 26 2025, 8:07pm

Views: 62991

Happy quarter-century to our wonderful TORN!

What a buzz to read those early news posts. They capture the excitement and scarcity of hard news at the time. Thanks for linking to it, gramma!

Celebrimbor: "Pretty rings..."
Dwarves: "Pretty rings..."
Men: "Pretty rings..."
Sauron: "Mine's better."

"Ah, how ironic, the addictive qualities of Sauron’s master weapon led to its own destruction. Which just goes to show, kids - if you want two small and noble souls to succeed on a mission of dire importance... send an evil-minded beggar with them too." - Gandalf's Diaries, final par, by Ufthak.

Fantasy novel - The Arcanist's Tattoo

My LOTR fan-fiction

dernwyn
Forum Admin / Moderator

Apr 26 2025, 10:28pm

Views: 62754

Happy TORniversary, TORn!

And thank you for all these links to the "blasts from the past"! Heart

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I desired dragons with a profound desire"

Kimi
Forum Admin / Moderator

Apr 27 2025, 12:03am

Views: 62540

Happy Anniversary to TORn!

Just amazing to think how long our wee corner of the 'net has been around. Thanks for the links, Gramma!

The Passing of Mistress Rose
My historical novels

Do we find happiness so often that we should turn it off the box when it happens to sit there?

- A Room With a View

grammaboodawg
Elvenhome

Apr 27 2025, 2:28pm

Views: 60414

TIME - April 27

Today in Middle-earth

April 27, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. Thorin and Company ride out of Hobbiton at 11:00 a.m.
(determined from text – referencing Karen Wynn Fonstad, The Atlas of Middle-earth)
..."...Bilbo began to whistle loudly and to forget about the night before. In fact he was just sitting down to a nice little second breakfast in the dining-room by the open window, when in walked Gandalf.
..."My dear fellow... ...whenever are you going to come? What about an early start?---and here you are having breakfast, or whatever you call it, at half past ten. They left you the message...."
..."...What message?" said poor Mr. Baggins all in a fluster.
..."Great Elephants!" said Gandalf, "you are not at all yourself this morning---you have never dusted the mantelpiece!"
..."What's that got to do with it? I have had enough to do with washing up for fourteen!"
..."If you had dusted the mantelpiece, you would have found this just under the clock," said Gandalf, handing Bilbo a note...."

..."...That leaves you just ten minutes. You will have to run," said Gandalf.
..."But---" said Bilbo.
..."No time for it," said the wizard.
..."But---" said Bilbo again.
..."No time for that either! Off you go!"
...To the end of his days Bilbo could never remember how he found himself outside, without a hat, walking-stick or any money, or anything that he usually took when he went out; leaving his second breakfast half-finished..."
..."...That's how they all came to start, jogging off from the inn one fine morning just before May, on laden ponies and Bilbo was wearing a dark-green hood (a little weather-stained) and a dark-green cloak borrowed from Dwalin....

......They had not been riding very long when up came Gandalf very splendid on a white horse. He had brought a lot of pocket-handkerchiefs, and Bilbo's pipe and tobacco."

We have been there and back again.

TIME Google Calendar

NottaSackville
Doriath

Apr 28 2025, 12:19pm

Views: 59426

Happy Torniversary! Praise TPTB with great praise and very little tpppbppbttt! //

Happiness: money matters, but less than we think and not in the way that we think. Family is important and so are friends, while envy is toxic -- and so is excessive thinking. Beaches are optional. Trust is not. Neither is gratitude. - The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner as summarized by Lily Fairbairn. And a bit of the Hobbit reading thrown in never hurts. - NottaSackville

grammaboodawg
Elvenhome

Apr 28 2025, 1:59pm

Views: 59220

TIME -- April 28

Today in Middle-earth

April 28, 3018 (S.R. 1418)
1. Frodo begins plans for his adventure
(not from the appendices)
..."'You ought to go quietly, and you ought to go soon,' said Gandalf. Two or three weeks had passed, and still Frodo made no sign of getting ready to go.
...'I know. But it is difficult to do both,' he objected. 'If I must vanish like Bilbo, the tale will be all over the Shire in no time.'
...'Of course you mustn't vanish... ...That wouldn't do at all! I said soon, not instantly! If you can think of any way of slipping out of the Shire without its being generally knows, it will be worth a little delay. But you must not delay too long.'
...'What about the autumn, on or after Our Birthday?' asked Frodo. 'I think I could probably make some arrangements by then....'
......he was very reluctant to start, now that it had come to the point. Bag End seemed a more desirable residence than it had for years, and he wanted to savour as much as he could of his last summer in the Shire. When autumn came, he knew that part at least of his heart would think more kindly of journeying, as it always did at that season. He had indeed privately made up his mind to leave on his fiftieth birthday: Bilbo's one hundred and twenty-eighth.... ...Following Bilbo was uppermost in his mind, and the one thing that made the thought of leaving bearable. He thought as little as possible about the Ring, and where it might lead him in the end. But he did not tell all his thoughts to Gandalf. What the wizard guessed was always difficult to tell. He looked at Frodo and smiled. 'Very well... ...I think that will do—but it must not be any later. I am getting very anxious. In the meanwhile, do take care, and don't let out any hint of where you are going! And see that Sam Gamgee does not talk. If he does, I really shall turn him into a toad.'
...'As for where I am going... ...it would be difficult to give that away, for I have no clear idea myself, yet.'
...'Don't be absurd!' said Gandalf. 'I am not warning you against leaving an address at the post-office! But you are leaving the Shire—and that should not be known, until you are far away... ...and the direction should certainly not be known.'
...'I have been so taken up with the thought of leaving Bag End, and of saying farewell, that I have never even considered the direction,' said Frodo. 'For where am I to go? And by what shall I steer? What is to be my quest? Bilbo went to find a treasure, there and back again; but I go to lose one, and not return, as far as I can see.'
...'But you cannot see very far... ...Neither can I. It may be your task to find the Cracks of Doom; but that quest may be for others: I do not know. At any rate you are not ready for that long road yet...'
...'...make for Rivendell,' answered the wizard. 'That journey should not prove too perilous though the Road is less easy than it was, and it will grow worse as the year fails.'
...'Rivendell!' said Frodo. 'Very good: I will go east, and I will make for Rivendell. I will take Sam to visit the Elves; he will be delighted.' He spoke lightly; but his heart was moved suddenly with a desire to see the house of Elrond Halfelven, and breathe the air of that deep valley where many of the Fair Folk still dwell in peace."

April 28, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The Host departs from Ithilien.
(not from the appendices)
..."...when the month of May was drawing near the Captains of the West set out again; and they went aboard ship with all their men, and they sailed from Cair Andros down Anduin to Osgiliath; and there they remained for one day."

[TIME entries in this calendar are maintained and updated by fans of The Lord of the Rings, and are in no way affiliated with Tolkien Enterprises or the Tolkien Estate. Copyrights and trademarks for the books from which dates and short quotes are taken are held by their respective owners and their use is allowed under the fair use clause of the Copyright Law.

We have been there and back again.

TIME Google Calendar

OldestDaughter
Nargothrond

Apr 28 2025, 7:30pm

Views: 58215

Happy Anniversary TORn!

Honestly can't believe I will be here for ten years in July, I remember looking at these Forums before I even joined back when the last Hobbit was releasing. Such a great forum board!

Ataahua
Forum Admin / Moderator

Apr 29 2025, 12:54am

Views: 57165

I like how it keeps chugging along,

continuing more through community than as purely a response to the movies/TV show.

grammaboodawg
Elvenhome

Apr 29 2025, 1:08pm

Views: 54437

TIME - April 29

Today in Middle-earth

April 29, 3018 (S.R. 1418)
1. Frodo begins plans for his departure.
(not from the appendices-no text)
... Now that the beginnings of a plan had been made, Frodo went to the chest and pulled out some old maps that Bilbo had left behind. He often pondered over these faded reminders of the old hobbit and wondered which direction he had gone.Did he find adventure during his travels; if he was contented in a safe place or was never to be seen again. Frodo didn't dwell on the fear of Bilbo being lost. He always felt he would see him again, but how or when seemed far off. Now he began to hope the maps would lead him to Bilbo and they would once again share stories over pipes and pints in front of a warm hearth.

I'm including this original response to this TIME post from dernwyn in 2006... just because it's (typically) brilliant and so thought-provoking!

________________________________________ Quote ________________________________________

Reply To: TIME - April 29, 2006 [7:31] (1/1)

...This reminds me of the scene in the movie, Gandalf seeing the mess in Bilbo's study, and he picks up a map, and - geeky delight! It's Christopher T's map of Middle-earth!
...Meanwhile, while Frodo's thinking of Bilbo, certain ones of his friends are quietly thinking about him, and making their own plans to ensure his safe, secret, and accompanied getaway... Plans of their own
...They had been scouring the edges of Buckland for weeks now, considering all possibilities, and this one seemed perfect. Down a less-used lane, surrounded by both hedge and trees, a house but hole-like enough; close to stabling, but more important, to the Hedge - perfect.
...Now, to convince his cousin that he should move there: nothing outright, of course, just little hints dropped here and there, enough to plant the seed in his mind and make him think it was his own idea to “find” this house...
..."Yes, that ought to work out quite well," thought Merry.
________________________________________

April 29, 2004
1. "Where to from here?"
... This was a question posed by TheOneRing.net co-Founder, Tehanu, in her report on TORn's 2004 Oscar Party. Check it out right here in Tehanu's Twenty-second Note.

We have been there and back again.

TIME Google Calendar

(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Apr 29 2025, 1:18pm)

grammaboodawg
Elvenhome

Apr 29 2025, 2:12pm

Views: 54142

True, true!

I really can't imagine my days without TORn or what my past 25 years would have been like. Heart

Travel, friendships, writing, artwork, roofing... ;)

We have been there and back again.

TIME Google Calendar

CuriousG
Gondolin

Apr 29 2025, 4:00pm

Views: 53703

Happy Anniversary to TORn! May our beards grow ever longer!

Thanks for the trip down memory lane, Gramma.

grammaboodawg
Elvenhome

Apr 30 2025, 1:59pm

Views: 48323

TIME - April 30

Today in Middle-earth

April 30, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The Captains of the West return.
(not from the appendices)
..."...they came to the green fields of the Pelennor and saw again the white towers under tall Mindolluin, the City of the Men of Gondor, last memory of Westernesse, that had passed through the darkness and fire to a new day...
......there in the midst of the fields they set up their pavilions and awaited the morning; for it was the Eve of May, and the King would enter his gates with the rising of the Sun."

2. Minas Tirith prepares for the return of the victors
(not from the appendices)
..."All things were now made ready in the City; and there was great concourse of people, for the tidings had gone out into all parts of Gondor... ...and the far coasts of the sea; and all that could come to the City made haste to come. And the City was filled again with women and fair children that returned to their homes laden with flowers; and from Dol Amroth came the harpers that harped most skillfully in all the land... ...there were players upon viols and upon flutes and upon horns of silver, and clear-voiced singers from the vales of Lebennin.
...At last an evening came when from the walls the pavilions could be seen upon the field, and all night lights were burning as men watched for the dawn."

We have been there and back again.

TIME Google Calendar

grammaboodawg
Elvenhome

May 1 2025, 1:24pm

Views: 42861

TIME - May 1

Today in Middle-earth

May 1, 2942 (S.R. 1342)
1. Gandalf and Bilbo reach Rivendell.
(determined from text – referencing Karen Wynn Fonstad, The Atlas of Middle-earth)
..."It was on May the First that the two came back at last to the brink of the valley of Rivendell, where stood the Last (or the First) Homely House... ...their ponies were tired, especially the one that carried the baggage; and they all felt in need of rest. As they rode down the steep path, Bilbo heard the elves still singing in the trees, as if they had not stopped since he left..."

May 1, 3018 (S.R. 1418)
1. Sarn Ford where Gandalf and Aragorn met
(not from the appendices)
..."Strider looked grave. '...I came west with [Gandalf] in the spring. I have often kept watch on the borders of the Shire in the last few years, when he was busy elsewhere. He seldom left it unguarded. We last met on the first of May: at Sarn Ford down the Brandywine... ...his business with you had gone well, and that you will be starting for Rivendell in the last week of September. As I knew he was at your side, I went away on a journey of my own. And that has proved ill; for plainly some news reached him, and I was not at hand to help."

May 1, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. Crowning of King Elessar.
(from the appendices)
..."And when the sun rose in the clear morning above the mountains in the East... ...upon the White Tower of the citadel the standard of the Stewards, bright argent like snow in the sun, bearing no charge nor device, was raised over Gondor for the last time.
...Now the Captains of the West led their host towards the City, and folk saw them advance in line upon line... ...And so they came before the Gateway and halted a furlong from the walls. As yet no gates had been set up again, but a barrier was laid across the entrance to the City, and there stood men at arms in silver and black with long swords drawn. Before the barrier stood Faramir the Steward, and Húrin Warden of the Keys, and other captains of Gondor, and the Lady Éowyn of Rohan with Elfhelm the Marshal and many knights of the Mark; and upon either side of the Gate was a great press of fair people in raiment of many colours and garlands of flowers....
......A hush fell upon all as out from the host stepped the Dúnedain in silver and grey; and before them came walking slow the Lord Aragorn. He was clad in black mail girt with silver, and he wore a long mantle of pure white clasped at the throat with a great jewel of green that shone from afar; but his head was bare save for a star upon his forehead bound by a slender fillet of silver. With him were Éomer of Rohan, and the Prince Imrahil, and Gandalf robed all in white, and four small figures that many men marvelled to see.
...'Nay, cousin! they are not boys,' said Ioreth to her kinswoman... ...who stood beside her. 'They are Periannath, out of the far country of the Halflings, where they are princes of great fame, it is said... ...I had one to tend in the Houses. They are small, but they are valiant. Why, cousin, one of them went with only his esquire into the Black Country and fought with the Dark Lord all by himself, and set fire to his Tower... ...At least that is the tale in the City. That will be the one that walks with our Elfstone. They are dear friends, I hear. Now he is a marvel, the Lord Elfstone: not too soft in his speech... ...but he has a golden heart, as the saying is; and he has the healing hands. "The hands of the king are the hands of a healer", I said; and that was how it was all discovered. And Mithrandir, he said to me: "Ioreth, men will long remember your words", and ----'
...But Ioreth was not permitted to continue the instruction of her kinswoman... ...for a single trumpet rang, and a dead silence followed. Then forth from the Gate went Faramir with Húrin of the Keys, and no others, save that behind them walked four men in the high helms and armour of the Citadel, and they bore a great casket....
......Faramir met Aragorn in the midst of those there assembled, and he knelt, and said: "The last Steward of Gondor begs leave to surrender his office.' And he held out a white rod; but Aragorn took the rod and gave it back, saying: 'That office is not ended, and it shall be thine and thy heirs' as long as my line shall last. Do now thy office!'
...Then Faramir stood up and spoke in a clear voice: 'Men of Gondor... ...Behold! one has come to claim the kingship again at last. Here is Aragorn son of Arathorn, chieftain of the Dúnedain of Arnor, Captain of the Host of the West, bearer of the Star of the North, wielder of the Sword Reforged, victorious in battle, whose hands bring healing, the Elfstone, Elessar of the line of Valandil, Isildur's son, Elendil's son of Númenor. Shall he be king and enter into the City and dwell there?'
...And all the host and all the people cried yea with one voice...

...'...Men of Gondor, the loremasters tell that it was the custom of old that the king should receive the crown from his father ere he died; or... ...that he should go alone and take it from the hands of his father in the tomb where he was laid. But since things must now be done otherwise, using the authority of the Steward, I have today brought hither from Rath Dinen the crown of Eärnur the last king, whose days passed in the time of our longfathers of old.'
......Faramir opened the casket, and he held up an ancient crown... ...wings at either side were wrought of pearl and silver in the likeness of the wings of a sea-bird, for it was the emblem of kings who came over the Sea; and seven gems of adamant were set in the circlet, and upon its summit was set a single jewel the light of which went up like a flame.
...Then Aragorn took the crown and held it up and said; 'Et Eärello Endorenna utúlien. Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta!'
...'...those were the words that Elendil spoke when he came up out of the sea on the wings of the wind: 'Out of the Great Sea to Middle-earth I am come. In this place will I abide, and my heirs, unto the ending of the world.'
......Aragorn did not put the crown upon his head, but gave it back to Faramir, and said: 'By the labour and valour of many I have come into my inheritance. In token of this I would have the Ring-bearer bring the crown to me, and let Mithrandir set it upon my head... ...for he has been the mover of all that has been accomplished, and this is his victory.'
...Then Frodo came forward and took the crown from Faramir and bore it to Gandalf; and Aragorn knelt, and Gandalf set the White Crown upon his head, and said:
...'Now come the days of the King, and may they be blessed while the thrones of the Valar endure!'
......when Aragorn arose all that beheld him gazed in silence, for it seemed to them that he was revealed to them now for the first time. Tall as the sea-kings of old, he stood above all that were near; ancient of days he seemed and yet in the flower of manhood; and wisdom sat upon his brow, and strength and healing were in his hands, and a light was about him. And then Faramir cried:
...'Behold the King!'
...And... ...all the trumpets were blown, and the King Elessar went forth and came to the barrier, and Húrin of the Keys thrust it back; and... ...the King passed through the flower-laden streets, and came to the Citadel, and entered in; and the banner of the Tree and the Stars was unfurled upon the topmost tower, and the reign of King Elessar began, of which many songs have told."

[furlong = .125 miles or 220 yards]

2. Elrond and Arwen set out from Rivendell.
(from the appendices-no text)
…On the day Aragorn entered the City to claim his kingship, a great Company departed from Rivendell on a journey to the south. Elrond and members of his house were among the escort of Arwen Undómiel as she moved to fulfill her fate and a promise.

May 1, 3020 (S.R. 1420)
1. Samwise marries Rose.
(from the appendices)
..."'When are you going to move in and join me, Sam?' [asked Frodo]
...Sam looked a bit awkward.
...'There is no need to come yet, if you don't want to… …But you know the Gaffer is close at hand, and he will be very well looked after by Widow Rumble,'
...'It's not that, Mr. Frodo,' said Sam, and he went very red.
...'Well, what is it?'
...'It's Rosie, Rose Cotton,' said Sam. 'It seems she didn't like my going abroad at all, poor lass; but as I hadn't spoken, she wouldn't say so. And I didn't speak because I had a job to do first. But now I have spoken and she said: "Well, you've wasted a year, so why wait longer?" "Wasted?... ...I wouldn't call it that." Still I see what she means. I feel TORn in two, as you might say.'
...'I see,' said Frodo: 'you want to get married, and yet you want to live with me in Bag End too? But my dear Sam, how easy! Get married as soon as you can, and then move in with Rosie. There's room enough in Bag End for as big a family as you could wish for.'
...And so it was settled. Sam Gamgee married Rose Cotton in the Spring of 1420... ...and they came and lived at Bag End."

We have been there and back again.

TIME Google Calendar

grammaboodawg
Elvenhome

May 2 2025, 12:31pm

Views: 37185

TIME - May 2

Today in Middle-earth

May 2, 2942 (S.R. 1342)
1. Bilbo finds rest in Rivendell.
(determined from text)
..."When the tale of their journeying was told, there were other tales, and yet more tales, tales of long ago, and tales of new things, and tales of no time at all, till Bilbo's head fell forward on his chest, and he snored comfortably in a corner.
...He woke to find himself in a white bed, and the moon shining through an open window. Below it many elves were singing loud and clear....
..."...Well, Merry People!" said Bilbo looking out. "What time by the moon is this? Your lullaby would waken a drunken goblin! Yet I thank you."
..."And your snores would waken a stone dragon—yet we thank you," they answered with laughter. "It is drawing towards dawn, and you have slept now since the night's beginning. Tomorrow... ...you will be cured of weariness."
...A little sleep does a great cure in the house of Elrond," said he; "but I will take all the cure I can get. A second good night, fair friends!" And with that he went back to bed and slept till late morning."

May 2, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The glad days of Gondor.
(not from the appendices)
..."In the days that followed the King sat on his throne in the Hall of the Kings and pronounced his judgements. And embassies came from many lands and peoples... ...and from the borders of Mirkwood, and from Dunland in the west. And the King pardoned the Easterlings that had given themselves up, and sent them away free, and he made peace with the peoples of Harad; and the slaves of Mordor he released and gave to them all the lands about Lake Núrnen to be their own."

We have been there and back again.

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Elvenhome

May 3 2025, 1:18pm

Views: 31420

TIME - May 3

Today in Middle-earth

May 3, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The glad days of Gondor.
(not from the appendices)
..."And there were brought before him many to receive his praise and reward for their valour; and last the captain of the Guard brought to him Beregond to be judged.
...And the King said... '...Beregond, by your sword blood was spilled in the Hallows, where that is forbidden. Also you left your post without leave... ...For these things, of old, death was the penalty. Now therefore I must pronounce your doom.
...'All penalty is remitted for your valour in battle, and still more because all that you did was for the love of the Lord Faramir. Nonetheless you must leave the Guard of the Citadel, and you must go forth from the City....'
......Then the blood left Beregond's face, and he was stricken to the heart and bowed his head. But the King said:
...'So it must be, for you are appointed to the White Company, the Guard of Faramir, Prince of Ithilien, and you shall be its captain and dwell in Emyn Arnen in honour and peace, and in the service of him for whom you risked all, to save him from death.'
...And then Beregond, perceiving the mercy and justice of the King, was glad, and kneeling kissed his hand, and departed in joy and content. And Aragorn gave to Faramir Ithilien to be his princedom... ...in the hills of Emyn Arnen within sight of the City.
...'For,' said he, 'Minas Ithil in Morgul-vale shall be utterly destroyed, and though it may in time to come be made clean, no man may dwell there for many long years.'"

We have been there and back again.

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Elvenhome

May 4 2025, 2:34pm

Views: 28055

It's time for some BS!

May the Fourth Be With You

Here are some LotR and TH Book Spoilers honouring the Fourth wherever and whenever it occurs... for a moment of Tolkien-zen.

From the Prologue: Note on the Shire Records: The Fellowship of the Ring

… "At the end of the Third Age the part played by the Hobbits in the great events that led to the inclusion of the Shire in the Reunited Kingdom awakened among them a more widespread interest in their own history; and many of their traditions, up to that time still mainly oral, were collected and written down.... ...By the end of the first century of the Fourth Age there were already to be found in the Shire several libraries that contained many historical books and records....
… ...the Red Book of Westmarch.... ...most important source for the history of the War of the Ring was so called because it was long preserved at Undertowers, the home of the Fairbairns, Wardens of the Westmarch."

From A Knife in the Dark: The Fellowship of the Ring

…"Their camping-place was damp, cold, and uncomfortable; and the biting insects would not let them sleep... ...abominable creatures haunting the reeds and tussocks that from the sound of them were evil relatives of the cricket. There were thousands of them, and they squeaked all round, neek-breek, breek-neek, unceasingly all the night, until the hobbits were nearly frantic.
… The next day, the fourth, was little better, and the night almost as comfortless. Though the Neekerbreekers (as Sam called them) had been left behind, the midges still pursued them."

From The Great River: The Fellowship of the Ring

… "Sam had long ago made up his mind that, though boats were maybe not as dangerous as he had been brought up to believe, they were far more uncomfortable than even he had imagined. He was cramped and miserable, having nothing to do but stare at the winter-lands crawling by...
… ...As dusk drew down on the fourth day, he was looking back over the bowed heads of Frodo and Aragorn... ...Suddenly something caught his sight: at first he stared at it listlessly, then he sat up and rubbed his eyes; but when he looked again he could not see it any more."

From The Riders Of Rohan: The Two Towers

… "'Your news is all of woe!' cried Éomer in dismay. 'Great harm is [Boromir's] death to Minas Tirith, and to us all. That was a worthy man... ...and likely to prove a great captain of his people when his time came. But we have had no word of this grief out of Gondor. When did he fall?'
… 'It is now the fourth day since he was slain,' answered Aragorn; 'and since the evening of that day we have journeyed from the shadow of Tol Brandir.'
… 'On foot?' cried Éomer.
… 'Yes, even as you see us.'
… Wide wonder came into Éomer's eyes. 'Strider is to poor a name, son of Arathorn,' he said. 'Wingfoot I name you. This deed of the three friends should be sung in many a hall. Forty leagues and five you have measured ere the fourth day is ended! Hardy is the race of Elendil!""

From The Black Gate is Closed: The Two Towers

… "[Frodo] sat upon the ground for a long while, silent... ...striving to recall all that Gandalf had said to him. But for this choice he could recall no counsel. Indeed Gandalf's guidance had been taken from them too soon...
…...Frodo's head was bowed over his knees, but Sam leaned back, with hands behind his head, staring out of his hood at the empty sky... ...Then presently Sam thought he saw a dark bird-like figure wheel into the circle of his sight, and hover, and then wheel away again. Two more followed, and then a fourth... ...He covered his eyes and bent forward, cowering. The same warning fear was on him as he had felt in the presence of the Black Riders, the helpless horror that had come with the cry in the wind and the shadow on the moon... ...Frodo felt it too. His thought was broken. He stirred and shivered, but he did not look up. Gollum huddled himself together like a cornered spider. The winged shapes wheeled, and stooped swiftly down, speeding back to Mordor."

From Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit: The Two Towers

… "The two hobbits trussed their small packs, and put them on ready for flight, and then crawled deeper into the fern. There they crouched listening.
…There was no doubt of the voices. They were speaking low and furtively, but they were near, and coming nearer. Then quite suddenly one spoke clearly close at hand.
…'Here! Here is where the smoke came from!' it said. ''Twill be right at hand... ...we shall learn what kind of thing it is.'
…'Aye, and what it knows!' said a second voice.
…At once four men came striding through the fern from different directions. Since flight and hiding were no longer possible, Frodo and Sam sprang to their feet, putting back to back and whipping out their small swords.
…If they were astonished at what they saw, their captors were even more astonished... ...All had swords at their sides, and were clad in green and brown of varied hues... ...their faces were hooded and masked with green, except for their eyes, which were very keen and bright...
…'...We have not found what we sought,' said one. 'But what have we found?'
…'Not Orcs,' said another, releasing the hilts of his sword, which he had seized when he saw the glitter of Sting in Frodo's hand.
…'Elves?' said a third, doubtfully.
…'Nay! Not Elves,' said the fourth, the tallest, and as it appeared the chief among them. 'Elves do not walk in Ithilien in these days. And Elves are wondrous fair to look upon, or so 'tis said.'
…'Meaning we're not, I take you,' said Sam. 'Thank you kindly. And when you've finished discussing us, perhaps you'll say who you are, and why you can't let two tired travellers rest.'"

From Journey to the Cross-Roads: The Two Towers

…"...[Frodo and Sam] reached the trees, and found that they stood in a great roofless ring, open in the middle to the sombre sky... ...In the very centre four ways met. Behind them lay the road to the Morannon; before them it ran out again upon its long journey south; to their right the road from old Osgiliath came climbing up, and crossing, passed out eastward into darkness: the fourth way, the road they were to take.
…Standing there for a moment filled with dread Frodo became aware that a light was shining; he saw it glowing on Sam's face beside him… …The brief glow fell upon a huge sitting figure, still and solemn as the great stone kings of the Argonath."

From The Houses of Healing: The Two Towers

…"Pippin's face was anxious. 'Well, you had better come with me as quick as you can... ...I wish I could carry you. You aren't fit to walk any further... ...but you must forgive them. So many dreadful things have happened in the City, Merry, that one poor hobbit coming in from the battle is easily overlooked.'
…'It's not always a misfortune being overlooked,' said Merry. 'I was overlooked just now by—no, no, I can't speak of it. Help me, Pippin! It's all going dark again, and my arm is so cold.'
…'Lean on me, Merry lad!' said Pippin. 'Come now... ...It's not far.'
…'Are you going to bury me?' said Merry.
…'No, indeed!' said Pippin, trying to sound cheerful, though his heart was wrung with fear and pity. 'No, we are going to the Houses of Healing.'
…They turned out of the lane that ran between tall houses and the outer wall of the fourth circle, and they regained the main street climbing up to the Citadel. Step by step they went, while Merry swayed and murmured as one in sleep.
…'I'll never get him there,' thought Pippin."

From The Black Gate Opens: The Return of the King

…"...Upon the fourth day from the Cross Roads and the sixth from Minas Tirith they came at last to the end of the living lands, and began to pass into the desolation that lay before the gates of the Pass of Cirith Gorgor... ...so deep the horror that lay on them that some of the host were unmanned, and they could neither walk nor ride further north.
… Aragorn looked at them, and there was pity in his eyes rather than wrath... ...they walked like men in a hideous dream made true, and they understood not this war nor why fate should lead them to such a pass.
… 'Go!' said Aragorn. 'But keep what honour you may, and do not run..!"

From The Tower of Cirith Ungol: The Two Towers

… "Sam was looking at Orodruin, the Mountain of Fire. Ever and anon the furnaces far below its ashen cone would grow hot and with a great surging and throbbing pour fourth rivers of molten rock from chasms in its sides. Some would flow blazing towards Barad-dûr down great channels; some would wind their way into the stone plain, until they cooled and lay like twisted dragon-shapes vomited from the tormented earth. In such an hour of labour Sam beheld Mount Doom, and the light of it... ...now glared against the stark rock faces, so that they seemed to be drenched with blood."

From Queer Lodgings: The Hobbit

…"It was difficult to think of pursuing goblins behind, and when they had put many miles between them and Beorn's house they began to talk and to sing again and to forget the dark forest-path that lay in front. But in the evening... ... most of them slept uneasily with dreams in which there came the howl of hunting wolves and the cries of goblins.
…Still the next morning dawned bright and fair again... ... they rode now for two more days... ...That third evening they were so eager to press on, for Beorn had said that they should reach the forest-gate early on the fourth day, that they rode still forward after dusk... ... As the light faded Bilbo thought he saw away to the right, or to the left, the shadowy form of a great bear prowling along in the same direction. But if he dared to mention it to Gandalf, the wizard only said: "Hush! Take no notice!""

From Flies and Spiders: The Hobbit

…"[Bilbo saw] spiders huge and horrible sitting in the branches above him... ...he realised that these loathsome creatures were speaking one to another... ...he could make out many of the words that they said. They were talking about the dwarves!
…"It was a sharp struggle, but worth it," said one... "...but I'll wager there is good juice inside."
…"Aye, they'll make fine eating, when they've hung a bit," said another.
…"Don't hang 'em too long," said a third. "They're not as fat as they might be..."
…"Kill 'em, I say," hissed a fourth; "kill 'em now and hang 'em dead for a while..."
…"They're dead now, I'll warrant," said the first.
…"...That they are not. I saw one a-struggling just now..."
…...With that one of the fat spiders ran along a rope, till it came to a dozen bundles hanging in a row from a high branch... ...a toe shot up and kicked the spider straight and hard... ...and the enraged spider fell off the branch...
…...The others laughed. "You were quite right," they said, "the meat's alive and kicking!""

We have been there and back again.

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Elvenhome

May 5 2025, 12:13pm

Views: 25271

TIME - May 5

Today in Middle-earth

May 5, 2942 (S.R. 1342)
1. Bilbo finds rest in Rivendell.
(determined from text)
..."Weariness fell from him soon in that house, and he had many a merry jest and dance, early and late, with the elves of the valley. Yet even that place could not long delay him now, and he thought always of his own home."

May 5, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The glad days of Gondor.
(not from the appendices)
..."In the days that followed the King sat on his throne in the Hall of the Kings... ...And last of all Aragorn greeted Éomer of Rohan, and they embraced, and Aragorn said: 'Between us there can be no word of giving or taking, nor of reward; for we are brethren. In happy hour did Eorl ride from the North, and never has any league of peoples been more blessed, so that neither has ever failed the other, nor shall fail. Now... ...we have laid Théoden the Renowned in a tomb in the Hallows, and there he shall lie forever among the Kings of Gondor, if you will. Or if you desire it, we will come to Rohan and bring him back to rest with his own people.'
...And Éomer answered: 'Since the day when you rose before me out of the green grass of the downs I have loved you, and that love shall not fail. But now I must depart for a while to my own realm, where there is much to heal and set in order.... ...when all is made ready we will return for him; but here let him sleep a while.'
...And Éowyn said to Faramir: 'Now I must go back to my own land and look on it once again, and help my brother in his labour; but when one whom I long loved as father is laid at last to rest, I will return.'"

We have been there and back again.

TIME Google Calendar

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Elvenhome

May 6 2025, 1:15pm

Views: 23591

It's time for some BS!

Here's a Book Spoiler that looks at how Black Riders interact with Shire-folk… for a moment of Tolkien-zen.

From Three is Company: The Fellowship of the Ring
… "'There are some Men about,' said Frodo. 'Down in the Southfarthing they have had trouble with Big people, I believe. But I have never heard of anything like this rider. I wonder where he comes from.'
… 'Begging your pardon,' put in Sam suddenly, 'I know where he comes from. It's from Hobbiton that this here black rider comes, unless there's more than one. And I know where he's going to.'
… 'What do you mean?' said Frodo sharply, looking at him in astonishment. 'Why didn't you speak up before?'
… 'I have only just remembered, sir. It was like this: when I got back to our hole yesterday evening with the key, my dad, he says to me: Hallo, Sam! he says. I thought you were away with Mr. Frodo this morning. There's been a strange customer asking for Mr. Baggins of Bag End, and he's only just gone. I've sent him on to Bucklebury. Not that I liked the sound of him. He seemed mighty put out, when I told him Mr. Baggins had left his old home for good. Hissed at me, he did. It gave me quite a shudder… … he wasn't' a hobbit. He was tall and black-like, and he stooped over me. I reckon it was one of the Big Folk from foreign parts. He spoke funny.
… 'I couldn't stay to hear more, sir, since you were waiting; and I didn't give much heed to it myself. The Gaffer is getting old, and more than a bit blind, and it must have been near dark when this fellow come up the Hill and found him taking the air at the end of our Row…'"

We have been there and back again.

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cats16
Gondolin

May 6 2025, 9:10pm

Views: 22489

A very belated TORn anniversary to all! //

Join us every weekend in the Hobbit movie forum for this week's CHOW (Chapter of the Week) discussion!

(This post was edited by cats16 on May 6 2025, 9:11pm)

grammaboodawg
Elvenhome

May 7 2025, 1:35pm

Views: 22273

It's time for some more BS!

Here's another Book Spoiler that looks at how Black Riders interact with Shire-folk… for a moment of Tolkien-zen.

From A Shortcut to Mushrooms: The Fellowship of the Ring

… "'There are some funny things going on today. Of course, we do get queer folk wandering in these parts at times… …[Farmer Maggot] said, shaking his head. 'But this fellow was the most outlandish I have ever set eyes on. He won't cross my land without leave a second time, not if I can stop it...
… …He went up the lane towards the causeway not a long while back. He was a funny customer and asking funny questions… …What do you think that funny customer asked me…?'
… '…Well,' the farmer continued, approaching his point with slow relish, 'he came riding on a big black horse in at the gate, which happened to be open, and right up to my door. All black he was himself, too, and cloaked and hooded up, as if he did not want to be known. "Now what in the Shire can he want?" I thought to myself. We don't see many of the Big Folk over the border; and anyway I had never heard of any like this black fellow.
… '"Good-day to you!" I says, going out to him. "This lane don't lead anywhere, and wherever you may be going, your quickest way will be back to the road." I didn't like the looks of him; and when Grip came out, he took one sniff and let out a yelp as if he had been stung: he put down his tail and bolted off howling. The black fellow sat quite still.
… '"I come from yonder," he said, slow and stiff-like, pointing back west, over my fields, if you please. "Have you seen Baggins?" he asked in a queer voice, and bent down towards me. I could not see any face, for his hood fell down so low; and I felt a sort of shiver down my back. But I did not see why he should come riding over my land so bold.
… '"Be off… …There are no Bagginses here. You're in the wrong part of the Shire. You had better go back west to Hobbiton--but you can go by road this time."
… '"Baggins has left," he answered in a whisper. "He is coming. He is not far away. I wish to find him. If he passes will you tell me? I will come back with gold."
… '"No you won't… …You'll go back where you belong, double quick. I give you one minute before I call all my dogs."
… 'He gave a short hiss. It might have been laughing, and it might not. Then he spurred his great horse right at me, and I jumped out of the way only just in time. I called the dogs, but he swung off, and rode through the gate and up the lane towards the causeway like a bolt of thunder….'"

We have been there and back again.

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Elvenhome

May 8 2025, 12:41pm

Views: 22226

TIME - May 8

Today in Middle-earth

May 8, 2942 (S.R. 1342)
1. Gandalf and Bilbo leave Rivendell for Hobbiton.
(determined from text – referencing Karen Wynn Fonstad, The Atlas of Middle-earth)
..."[Bilbo] said farewell to Elrond, and giving him such small gifts as he would accept, he rode away with Gandalf.
...Even as they left the valley the sky darkened in the West... ...and wind and rain came up to meet them.
..."Merry is May-time!" said Bilbo, as the rain beat into his face. "But our back is to legends and we are coming home. I suppose this is a first taste of it."
..."There is a long road yet," said Gandalf.
..."But it is the last road," said Bilbo.
...They came to the river that marked the very edge of the borderland of the Wild, and to the ford beneath the steep bank... ...The water was swollen both with the melting of the snows at the approach of summer, and with the daylong rain; but they crossed with some difficulty, and pressed forward, as evening fell, on the last stage of their journey."

May 8, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. Éomer and Éowyn depart for Rohan with the sons of Elrond.
(from the appendices)
..."So the glad days passed; and the Riders of Rohan made ready, and rode away by the North-way; and it was lined with people to do them honour and praise them, from the Gate of the City to the walls of the Pelennor.... ...in the City there was labour of many willing hands to rebuild and renew and to remove all the scars of war and the memory of the darkness.
...The Hobbits still remained in Minas Tirith, with Legolas and Gimli; for Aragorn was loth for the Fellowship to be dissolved. 'At last all such things must end,' he said, 'but I should have you wait a little while longer... ...A day draws near that I have looked for in all the years of my manhood, and when it comes I would have my friends beside me.' But of that day he would say no more.
...In those days the Companions of the Ring dwelt together in a fair house with Gandalf, and they went to and fro as they wished. And Frodo said to Gandalf: 'Do you know what this day is that Aragorn speaks of? For we are happy here... ...but the days are running away, and Bilbo is waiting; and the Shire is my home.'
...'As for Bilbo... ...he is waiting for the same day, and he knows what keeps you. And as for the passing of the days, it is now only May and high summer is not yet in; and though all things may seem changed, as if an age of the world had gone by, yet to the trees and the grass it is less than a year since you set out.'"

We have been there and back again.

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Elvenhome

May 9 2025, 12:21pm

Views: 22137

TIME - May 9

Today in Middle-earth

May 9-?, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. Bilbo's adventure is already getting old.
(determined from text)
..."...the party went along very merrily, and they told stories or sang songs as they rode forward all day, except of course when they stopped for meals. These didn't come quite as often as Bilbo would have liked them, but still he began to feel that adventures were not so bad after all.
...At first they had passed through hobbit-lands, a wild respectable country inhabited by decent folk, with good roads, and inn or two, and now and then a dwarf or a farmer ambling by on business. Then they came to lands where people spoke strangely, and sang songs Bilbo had never heard before."

We have been there and back again.

TIME Google Calendar

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Elvenhome

May 10 2025, 2:27pm

Views: 21814

It's time for some BS!

Here's a Book Spoiler that looks at the description of Maggot's Farm... for a moment of Tolkien-zen.

From A Shortcut to Mushrooms: The Fellowship of the Ring

... [In the Eastfarthing of the Shire] "'...Before long the wood came to a sudden end. Wide grass-lands stretched before them... ...Away over the flats they could glimpse the low hill of Bucklebury across the River, but it was now to their left. Creeping cautiously out from the edge of the trees, they set off across the open as quickly as they could....
......the land became steadily more tame and well-ordered. Soon they came into well-tended fields and meadows; there were hedges and gates and dikes for drainage. Everything seemed quiet and peaceful, just an ordinary corner of the Shire... ...The line of the River grew nearer... ...They passed along the edge of a huge turnip-field, and came to a stout gate. Beyond it a rutted lane ran between low well-laid hedges towards a distant clump of trees. Pippin stopped.
... 'I know these fields and this gate!' he said. 'We are on old Farmer Maggot's land. That must be his farm away there in the trees...'
... '...folk down here are near the border and have to be more on their guard...'
......They went along the lane, until they saw the thatched roofs of a large house and farm-building peeping out among the trees ahead. The Maggots, and the Puddifoots of Stock, and most of the inhabitants of the Marish, were house-dwellers; and his farm was stoutly built of brick and had a high wall all round it. There was a wide wooden gate opening out of the wall into the lane....

......They went into the farmer's kitchen, and sat by the wide fire-place. Mrs. Maggot brought out beer in a huge jug, and filled four large mugs....

......Two of Maggot's sons and his three daughters came in, and a generous supper was laid on the large table. The kitchen was lit with candles... ...Mrs. Maggot bustled in and out. One of two other hobbits belonging to the farm-household came in. In a short while fourteen sat down to eat. There was beer in plenty, and a mighty dish of mushrooms and bacon, besides much other solid farmhouse fare...

... [Maggot] 'drove out of the gate [and up the lane towards the causeway]... ...After a mile or two the lane came to an end, crossing a deep dike, and climbing a short slope up on to the high-banked causeway... ...It was five miles or more from Maggot's lane to the Ferry...."

We have been there and back again.

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Elvenhome

May 11 2025, 2:08pm

Views: 17155

It's time for some BS! Happy Mother's Day!!!

Some Book Spoilers of Middle-earth Mothers on this Mother's Day-- A hearty Happy Mother's Day to all, past and present and all varieties!

From A Knife in the Dark: The Fellowship of the Ring

..."'From [Lúthien Tinúviel] the lineage of the Elf-lords of old descended among Men. There live still those of whom Lúthien was the foremother, and it is said that her line shall never fail. Elrond of Rivendell is of that Kin. For of Beren and Lúthien was born Dior Thingol's heir; and of him Elwing the White whom Eärendil wedded, he that sailed his ship out of the mists of the world into the seas of heaven with the Silmaril upon his brow. And of Eärendil came the Kings of Númenor, that is Westernesse.'"

From Farewell to Lórien: The Fellowship of the Ring

..."And 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 Celebrían 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. 'For the gifts that you have given me I thank you,' he said, 'O Lady of Lórien of whom were sprung Celebrían and Arwen Evenstar. What praise could I say more?'"

From the Shadow of the Past: The Fellowship of the Ring

...[Smeagol's family]"'…very long ago, there lived by the banks of the Great River on the edge of Wilderland a clever-handed and quiet-footed little people… …they were of a hobbit-kind; akin to the fathers of the fathers of the Stoors…. …There was among them a family of high repute, for it was large and wealthier than most, and it was ruled by a grandmother of the folk, stern and wise in old lore, such as they had.'"

From The Grey Havens: The Fellowship of the Ring

... [Frodo foretells for Rosie and Sam] "'…you have Rose, and Elanor; and Frodo-lad will come, and Rosie-lass, and Merry, and Goldilocks, and Pippin; and perhaps more that I cannot see….'"
...…Sam turned to Bywater, and so came back up the Hill, as day was ending once more. And he went on, and there was yellow light, and fire within; and the evening meal was ready, and he was expected. And Rose drew him in, and set him on his chair, and put little Elanor upon his lap."

Mothers of Middle-earth
Bilbo Baggins - Belladonna Took
Frodo Baggins - Primula Brandybuck
Sam Gamgee – Bell Goodchild
Pippin Took – Eglantine Banks
Merry Brandybuck – Esmeralda Took

Fatty Bolger – Rosamunda Bolger
Lotho – Lobelia [Bracegirdle] Sackville-Baggins
Drogo Baggins – Ruby Bolger
Aragorn - Gilraen

Elrond - Elwing
Arwen/Elrohir/Elladan - Celebrían
Eldarion - Arwen
Lúthien – Melian
Dior/Nimloth - Lúthien

Celebrían – Galadriel
Galadriel - Eärwen
Lúthien - Melian of Doriath
Faramir/Boromir - Finduilas
Elboron - Éowyn

Rose Cotton – Lily Brown

...Rosie Cotton is Mother to Elanor the Fair, Frodo Gardner, Rose, Merry, Pippin, Goldilocks, Hamfast, Daisy, Primrose, Bilbo, Ruby, Robin, Tolman (Tom)

Dis (Thorin's sister) – Fili and Kili

We have been there and back again.

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(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on May 11 2025, 2:09pm)

grammaboodawg
Elvenhome

May 12 2025, 2:36pm

Views: 2539

It's time for some BS!

I'm always fascinated by the way the Fellowship was finally resolved. The Book Spoilers over the next 4 days will have a look at the Fellowship members' last chapters... for a moment of Tolkien-zen.

From The Grey Havens: The Return of the King
The Last of the Third Age

3021 (S.R. 1421)

...On September the twenty-first they set out together, Frodo on the pony that had borne him all the way from Minas Tirith, and was now called Strider; and Sam on his beloved Bill….
...…They took the Stock Road over the hills and went towards the Woody End… …on September the twenty-second they rode gently down into the beginning of the trees…
...'…If that isn't the very tree you hid behind when the Black Rider first showed up, Mr. Frodo!' said Sam pointing to the left. 'It seems like a dream now….'
... …It was evening, and the stars were glimmering in the eastern sky… …Sam was silent, deep in his memories… …he became aware that Frodo was singing softly to himself, singing the old walking-song, but the words were not quite the same.

Still round the corner there may wait
A new road or secret gate;
And though I oft have passed them by,
A day will come at last when I
Shall take the hidden paths that run
West of the Moon, East of the Sun.

And as if in answer, from down below, coming up the road out of the valley, voices sang:

A! Elbereth Gilthoniel!
silivren penna míriel
o menel aglar elenath,
We still remember, we who dwell
In this far land beneath the trees
The starlight on the Western Seas.

... …Frodo and Sam halted and sat silent… …until they saw a shimmer as the travellers came towards them.
...There was Gildor and many fair Elven folk; and there to Sam's wonder rode Elrond and Galadriel. Elrond wore… …upon his finger… …a ring of gold with a great blue stone, Vilya, mightiest of the Three. But Galadriel… [wore upon]…her finger… …Nenya, the ring wrought of mithril, that bore a single white stone… …Riding slowly behind on a small grey pony… …was Bilbo himself.
...Elrond greeted them gravely and graciously, and Galadriel smiled upon them…
... …Bilbo woke up and opened his eyes. 'Hullo, Frodo!' he said. 'Well, I have passed the Old Took today! So that's settled. And now I think I am quite ready to go on another journey. Are you coming?'
...'Yes, I am coming,' said Frodo. 'The Ring-bearers should go together.'
...'Where are you going, Master?' cried Sam, though at last he understood what was happening.
...'To the Havens, Sam,' said Frodo.
...'And I can't come.'
...'No, Sam. Not yet anyway, not further than the Havens. Though you too were a Ring-bearer, if only for a little while. Your time may come…
...…Come now, ride with me!'
... Then Elrond and Galadriel rode on; for the Third Age was over, and the Days of the Rings were passed, and an end was come to the story and song of those times. With them… …rode Sam, and Frodo, and Bilbo, and the Elves delighted to honour them….
......they came to the Far Downs, and to the Towers, and looked on the distant Sea; and so they rode down at last to Mithlond, to the Grey Havens in the long firth of Lune.
...As they came to the gates Círdan the Shipwright came forth… [and] …led them to the Havens, and there was a white ship lying, and upon the quay… …stood a figure robed all in white awaiting them…it was Gandalf; and on his hand he wore the Third Ring, Narya the Great…

...…Sam was now sorrowful at heart, and… …up rode Merry and Pippin in great haste... …Then Frodo kissed Merry and Pippin, and last of all Sam, and went aboard; and the sails were drawn up, and the wind blew, and slowly the ship slipped away... ...the light of the glass of Galadriel that Frodo bore glimmered and was lost. And the ship went out into the High Sea and passed on into the West, until at last on a night of rain Frodo smelled a sweet fragrance on the air and heard the sound of singing that came over the water. And then it seemed to him that as in his dream in the house of Bombadil, the grey rain-curtain turned all to silver glass and was rolled back, and he beheld white shores and beyond them a far green country under a swift sunrise."

We have been there and back again.

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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome

May 13 2025, 1:39pm

Views: 2503

It's time for some more BS!

While the passing of King Elessar and Queen Arwen is well known, there are still more tales to tell. This is Book Spoiler 2 of 4 that looks at how the Fellowship was finally resolved and the members' last chapters... for a moment of Tolkien-zen.

From THE CHIEF DAYS
FROM THE FALL OF THE BARAD-DÛR TO THE END OF THE THIRD AGE: The Return of the King

[Fourth Age] 6 (S.R. 1427)
... "Will Whitfoot resigns. Samwise is elected Mayor of the Shire… …King Elessar issues an edict that Men are not to enter the Shire, and he makes it a Free Land under the protection of the Northern Sceptre."

[Fourth Age] 15 (S.R. 1436)
..."King Elessar rides north. and dwells for a while by Lake Evendim. He comes to the Brandywine Bridge, and there greets his friends (Merry, Pippin, and Sam). He gives the Star of the Dúnedain to Master Samwise, and Elanor is made a maid of honour to Queen Arwen."

[Fourth Age] 21 (S.R. 1442)
..."Master Samwise and his wife [Rosie] and Elanor ride to Gondor and stay there for a year. Master Tolman Cotton acts as deputy Mayor."

[Fourth Age] 55 (S.R. 1469)
..."Master Samwise becomes Mayor for the seventh and last time… ….in 1476, at the end of his office, [he is] ninety-six years old."

[Fourth Age] 61 (S.R. 1482)
..."Death of Mistress Rose, wife of Master Samwise, on Mid-year's Day. On September 22 Master Samwise rides out from Bag End. He comes to the Tower Hills, and is last seen by Elanor, to whom he gives the Red Book afterwards kept by the Fairbairns. Among them the tradition is handed down from Elanor that Samwise passed the Towers, and went to the Grey Havens, and passed over Sea, last of the Ring-bearers."

We have been there and back again.

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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome

May 13 2025, 3:15pm

Views: 2467

Addendum - How old was Sam?

Age of Samwise Gamgee when he sails to Valinor. His actual age is a puzzler. Several searches call for (at least) 102 yo. I am drawn to the S.R. (Shire Reckoning) as the dates to use in Sam's age. The Appendices only follow S.R. dates for Sam's timeline. Fo.A. (Fourth Age) dates are given in online sites (i.e Tolkien Gateway, One Wiki to Rule Them All, Encyclopedia of Arda, etc.) which I added for expanded information. I have my own thoughts on that.

According to the Appendices:
...Sam's age is given as 96 yo when he leaves his 7th time as Mayor in S.R. 1476. Sites show Fo.A. 55.
...Sam sails from the Grey Havens in S.R. 1482. Sites show Fo.A. 61.

The difference between S.R. 1476 and S.R. 1482 is 13 years making Sam 109 yo.
The difference between Fo.A. 55 and Fo.A. 61 is 6 years making Sam 102 yo (which the sites use).

Imho, Sam was 109 years old when he left the Shire, went to the Grey Havens and ultimately joined Frodo and the others in Valinor.

We have been there and back again.

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Otaku-sempai
Elvenhome

May 13 2025, 4:08pm

Views: 2458

Sam's Age

In Reply To

It's pretty clear-cut. Samwise was born in Shire-reckoning 1380. Rosie died on Mid-year's Day, 1482, with Sam riding out for the Gray Havens on September 22 (what would have been Bilbo's 192nd birthday and Frodo's 114th).

1482 - 1380 = 102. Sam was 102 years old when he left Middle-earth. I'm not sure where you got an additional 7 years?

“Hell hath no fury like that of the uninvolved.” - Tony Isabella

(This post was edited by Otaku-sempai on May 13 2025, 4:13pm)

grammaboodawg
Elvenhome

May 14 2025, 1:14pm

Views: 2443

It's time for even more BS!

This is Book Spoiler 3 of 4 that looks at how the Fellowship was finally resolved and the members' last chapters... for a moment of Tolkien-zen

From THE CHIEF DAYS
FROM THE FALL OF THE BARAD-DÛR TO THE END OF THE THIRD AGE: The Return of the King

[Fourth Age] 11 (S.R. 1432)
... "Meriadoc, called the Magnificent, becomes Master of Buckland. Great gifts are sent to him by King Éomer and the Lady Éowyn of Ithilien."

[Fourth Age] 13 (S.R. 1434)
... "Peregrin becomes the Took and Thain. King Elessar makes the Shire-thain, the Master of Buckland, and the Mayor of Michel Delving Counsellors of the North-kingdom."

[Fourth Age] 15 (S.R. 1436)
... "King Elessar rides north and dwells for a while by Lake Evendim. He comes to the Brandywine Bridge, and there greets his friends (Merry, Pippin, and Sam)."

[Fourth Age] 63 (S.R. 1484)
... "In the spring of the year a message came from Rohan to Buckland that King Éomer wished to see Master Holdwine once again. Meriadoc was then old (102) but still hale. He took counsel with his friend the Thain, and soon after they handed over their goods and offices to their sons and rode away over the Sarn Ford, and they were not seen again in the Shire...
... ...Master Meriadoc came to Edoras and was with King Éomer before he died in that autumn. Then he and Thain Peregrin went to Gondor and passed what short years were left to them in that realm, until they died and were laid in Rath Dínen among the great of Gondor."

[Fourth Age] 120 (S.R. 1541)
... "In this year on March 1st came at last the Passing of King Elessar... ...the beds of Meriadoc and Peregrin were set beside the bed of the great king."

We have been there and back again.

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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome

May 14 2025, 1:31pm

Views: 2443

There ya go! :D

BOOM! Now see... that was the most obvious math I should have done (born/left dates).

I got the Fo.A. dates from the sites One Wiki to Rule Them All and Tolkien Gateway.

I'll be shying away from doing anything that involves math ;) My poor ol' brain just doesn't bend that way anymore!

Thank you so much for clearing this up. *bows deeply--while shaking head* ;)

We have been there and back again.

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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome

May 15 2025, 1:43pm

Views: 2428

It's time for a bit more BS!

This is Book Spoiler 4 of 4 that looks at how the Fellowship was finally resolved and the members' last chapters... for a moment of Tolkien-zen.

From The Last Debate: The Return of the King

... "The morning came after the day of battle, and it was fair with light clouds and the wind turning westward. Legolas and Gimli were early abroad, and they begged leave to go up into the city…

...…Together the Elf and the Dwarf entered Minas Tirith, and folk that saw them pass marvelled to see such companions; for Legolas was fair of face beyond the measure of Men, and he sang an elven-song in a clear voice as he walked… …but Gimli stalked beside him, stroking his beard and staring about him.
...'There is some good stone-work here,' he said as he looked at the walls; 'but also some that is less good, and the streets could be better contrived. When Aragorn comes into his own, I shall offer him the service of stonewrights of the Mountain, and we will make this a town to be proud of.'
...'They need more gardens,' said Legolas. 'The houses are dead, and there is too little here that grows and is glad. If Aragorn comes into his own, the people of the Wood shall bring him birds that sing and trees that do not die….'

... [They search for Merry and Pippin] [At] …the Houses of Healing… …they found their friends in the garden, and their meeting was a merry one. For a while they walked and talked… …they went and sat upon the wall with the greensward of the Houses of Healing behind them; and away southward before them was the Anduin glittering in the sun, as it flowed away, out of the sight even of Legolas….
...…Legolas fell silent, while the others talked, and he looked out against the sun, and as he gazed he saw white sea-birds beating up the River.
...'Look!' he cried. 'Gulls! They are flying far inland. A wonder they are to me and a trouble to my heart. Never in all my life had I met them, until we came to Pelargir, and there I heard them crying in the air as we rode to the battle of the ships. Then I stood still, forgetting war in Middle-earth… …their wailing voices spoke to me of the Sea. The Sea! Alas! I have not yet beheld it. But deep in the hearts of all my kindred lies the sea-longing, which it is perilous to stir. Alas! for the gulls. No peace shall I have again under beech or under elm.'
...'Say not so!' said Gimli. 'There are countless things still to see in Middle-earth, and great works to do. But if all the fair folk take to the Havens, it will be a duller world for those… …doomed to stay.'
...'Dull and dreary indeed!' said Merry. 'You must not go the Havens, Legolas. There will always be some folk, big or little, and even a few wise dwarves like Gimli, who need you. At least I hope so...'"

From Appendix A: III Durin's Folk: The Return of the King

..."After the fall of Sauron, Gimli brought south a part of the Dwarf-folk of Erebor, and he became Lord of the Glittering Caves. He and his people did great works in Gondor and Rohan. For Minas Tirith they forged gates of mithril and steel to replace those broken by the Witch-king. Legolas... ...brought south Elves out of Greenwood, and they dwelt in Ithilien, and it became once again the fairest country in all the westlands."

From The Return of the King: APPENDICES:
APPENDIX A: ANNALS OF THE KINGS AND RULERS: DURIN'S FOLK

[Fourth Age] 120 (S.R. 1541)
"…when King Elessar gave up his life Legolas followed at last the desire of his heart and sailed over Sea.

Here follows one of the last notes in the Red Book

... "We have heard tell that Legolas took Gimli Glóin's son with him because of their great friendship, greater than any that has been between Elf and Dwarf... ...it is strange indeed: that a Dwarf should be willing to leave Middle-earth for any love, or that the Eldar should receive him, or that the Lords of the West should permit it. But it is said that Gimli went also out of desire to see again the beauty of Galadriel; and it may be that she, being mighty among the Eldar, obtained this grace for him.""

[and there's this]

[Fourth Age] 120 (S.R. 1541)
... "In this year on March 1st came at last the Passing of King Elessar... ...Legolas built a grey ship in Ithilien, and sailed down Anduin and so over Sea; and with him, it is said, went Gimli the Dwarf. And when that ship passed an end was come in the Middle-earth of the Fellowship of the Ring."

We have been there and back again.

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