|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Sep 30, 1:09pm
Post #1 of 9
(237 views)
Shortcut
|
TIME - September 30
|
Can't Post
|
|
Today in Middle-earth
September 30, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. There is excitement in the Elvenking's palace.
(determined from text)
..."In the meanwhile the Wood-elves had gone back up the Forest River with their cargoes, and there was great excitement in the king's palace... "
September 30, 3018 (S.R. 1418)
1. Crickhollow and the Inn at Bree are raided in the early hours.
(from the appendices)
..."Fatty Bolger opened the door cautiously and peered out... ...As he stared out into the gloom, a black shadow moved under the trees... ...Terror seized him. He shrank back, and for a moment he stood trembling in the hall. Then he shut and locked the door...
......Outside the gate... ...three black figures entered, like shades of night creeping across the ground. One went to the door, one to the corner of the house on either side...
...'...Open, in the name of Mordor!' said a voice thin and menacing...
......the door yielded and fell back, with timbers burst and lock broken. The black figures passed swiftly in.
...At that moment, among the trees nearby, a horn rang out. It rent the night like fire on a hill-top.
AWAKE! FEAR! FIRE! FOES! AWAKE! ...Fatty Bolger had not been idle... ...he knew that he must run for it, or perish. And run he did... ...he reached the nearest house, more than a mile away, he collapsed on the doorstep. 'No, no, no!' he was crying.... ...At last they got the idea that enemies were in Buckland, some strange invasion from the Old Forest. And then they lost no more time.
FEAR! FIRE! FOES! ...The Brandybucks were blowing the Horn-call of Buckland, that had not sounded for a hundred years, not since the white wolves came in the Fell Winter, when the Brandywine was frozen over.
FEAR! FIRE! FOES! ...Far-away answering horns were heard. The alarm was spreading.
...The black figures fled from the house. One of them let fall a hobbit-cloak on the step, as he ran. In the lane the noise of hoofs broke out, and gathering to a gallop, went hammering away into the darkness. All about Crickhollow there was the sound of horns blowing, and voices crying and feet running. But the Black Riders rode like a gale to the North Gate. Let the little people blow! Sauron would deal with them later...
......In the early night Frodo woke from deep sleep, suddenly, as if some sound or presence had disturbed him. He saw that Strider was sitting alert in his chair: his eyes gleamed in the light of the fire... ...Frodo soon went to sleep again; but his dreams were again troubled with the noise of wind and of galloping hoofs...
......As soon as Strider had roused them all, he led the way to their bedrooms. When they saw them they were glad that they had taken his advice: the windows had been forced open and were swinging, and the curtains were flapping; the beds were tossed about, and the bolsters slashed and flung upon the floor... '...We will leave at once,' said Strider. 'Never mind about breakfast: a drink and a bite standing will have to do. We shall be packed in a few minutes....'
......The ponies had vanished! The stable-doors had all been opened in the night, and they were gone... ...Strider sat silent for a while, looking at the hobbits, as if he was weighing up their strength and courage. 'Ponies would not help us to escape horsemen,' he said at last, thoughtfully, as if he guessed what Frodo had in mind. 'We should not go much slower on foot, not on the roads that I mean to take. I was going to walk in any case. It is the food and stores that trouble me.... ...How much are you prepared to carry on your backs?'
...'As much as we must,' said Pippin with a sinking heart, but trying to show that he was tougher than he looked (or felt). 'I can carry enough for two,' said Sam defiantly...'
......No horse or pony was to be got for love or money in the neighbourhood—except one: Bill Ferny had one that he might possibly sell. 'A poor old half-starved creature it is,' said Bob; 'but he won't part with it for less than thrice its worth, seeing how you're placed, not if I knows Bill Ferny...'"
2. Frodo leaves Bree.
(from the appendices)
... "...They said goodbye to Nob and Bob, and took leave of Mr. Butterbur with many thanks... ...Sam was chewing an apple thoughtfully. He had a pocket full of them... '...Apples for walking, and a pipe for sitting,' he said. 'But I reckon I'll miss them both before long...' ...Over the hedge another man was staring boldly... '...Morning, Longshanks!' he said. 'Off early? Found some friends at last?' Strider nodded, but did not answer.
...'Morning, my little friends!' he said to the others. 'I suppose you know who you've taken up with? That's Stick-at-nought Strider, that is! Though I've heard other names not so pretty. Watch out tonight! And you, Sammie, don't go ill-treating my poor old pony! Pah!' He spat again.
...Sam turned quickly. 'And you, Ferny,' he said, 'put your ugly face out of sight, or it will get hurt.' With a sudden flick, quick as lightning, an apple left his hand and hit Bill square on the nose. He ducked too late, and curses came from behind the hedge. 'Waste of a good apple,' said Sam regretfully, and strode on."
3. Gandalf comes to Crickhollow, and reaches Bree at night.
(from the appendices)
... "'...I came to Buckland and found it in uproar, as busy as a hive of ants that has been stirred with a stick. I came to the house at Crickhollow, and it was broken open and empty; but on the threshold there lay a cloak that had been Frodo's. Then for a while hope left me, and I did not wait to gather news, or I might have been comforted; but I rode on the trail of the Riders. It was hard to follow, for it went many ways... ...But it seemed to me that one or two had ridden towards Bree; and that way I went, for I thought of words that might be said to the innkeeper.' "Butterbur they call him," thought I. "If this delay was his fault, I will melt all the butter in him. I will roast the old fool over a slow fire." He expected no less, and when he saw my face he fell down flat and began to melt on the spot...'
...'…So overjoyed was I by the news that I got out of him, when he stopped quaking, that I embraced the old fellow... ...I learned that you had gone off that morning with Strider....' '"Ass! Fool! Thrice worthy and beloved Barliman!" said I. "It's the best news I have had since midsummer: it's worth a gold piece at the least. May your beer be laid under an enchantment of surpassing excellence for seven years!"'"
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Oct 1, 1:24pm
Post #2 of 9
(221 views)
Shortcut
|
Today in Middle-earth
October 1, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. It was nearing time to leave.
(determined from text-no text)
...Bilbo was finally over his cold. While Thorin and the Dwarves seemed in no rush to get underway, he grew restless to finally leave for the Lonely Mountain forever looming in the distance. He longed for the comfort of his hole under the hill and familiar surroundings.
October 1, 3018 (S.R. 1418)
1. Gandalf leaves Bree.
(from the appendices)
..."'So I stayed there that night, wondering much what had become of the Riders; for only of two had there yet been any news in Bree, it seemed. But in the night we heard more. Five at least came from the west, and they threw down the gates and passed through Bree like a howling wind; and the Bree-folk are still shivering and expecting the end of the world. I got up before dawn and went after them....
......it seems clear to me that this is what happened. Their Captain remained in secret away south of Bree, while two rode ahead through the village, and four more invaded the Shire. But when these were foiled in Bree and at Crickhollow, they returned to their Captain with tidings, and so left the Road unguarded for a while except by their spies. The Captain sent some eastward straight across country, and he himself with the rest rode along the Road in great wrath.'"
2. But where's he leadin' us? [Aragorn makes for Weathertop]
(not from the appendices)
..."Whether because of Strider's skill or for some other reason, they saw no sign and heard no sound of any other living thing... ...they began to steer a steady course eastwards; and still all was quiet and peaceful."
October 1, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The hobbits rest with Bilbo in Rivendell.
(not from the appendices-no text)
...Bilbo never tired of watching the hobbits' awe with every new discovery as he guided them to another garden or workshop. Sam was delighted to finally learn how to make elven rope.
October 1, 3021 (S.R. 1421)
1. The Hobbits ride home from the Havens.
(not from the appendices)
..."...they rode slowly homewards and spoke very little; but each took great comfort in his friends on the long grey road."
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Oct 2, 11:59am
Post #3 of 9
(199 views)
Shortcut
|
Today in Middle-earth
October 2, 3018 (S.R. 1418)
1. The hobbits and Strider leave Chetwood.
(not from the appendices)
..."...they came out of the Chetwood. The land had been falling steadily, ever since they turned aside from the Road, and they now entered a wide flat expanse of country, much more difficult to manage. They were far beyond the borders of the Bree-land, out in the pathless wilderness, and drawing near to the Midgewater Marshes.
...The ground now became damp, and in places boggy... ...and wide stretches of reeds and rushes filled with the warbling of little hidden birds. They had to pick their way carefully to keep both dry-footed and on their proper course. At first they made fair progress, but as they went on, their passage became slower and more dangerous. The marshes were bewildering and treacherous, and there was no permanent trail even for Rangers to find through their shifting quagmires. The flies began to torment them, and the air was full of clouds of tiny midges that crept up their sleeves and breeches and into their hair.
...'I am being eaten alive!' cried Pippin. 'Midgewater! There are more midges than water!'
...'What do they live on when they can't get hobbit?' asked Sam, scratching his neck."
October 2, 3020 (S.R. 1420)
1. Sam enjoys being home in his Shire.
(not from the appendices)
..."All things now went well, with hope always of becoming still better; and Sam was as busy and as full of delight as even a hobbit could wish. Nothing for him marred that whole year, except for some vague anxiety about his master."
October 2, 3021 (S.R. 1421)
1. Sam's long ride home from the Havens.
(not from the appendices-no text)
...Sam's mind wandered as he rode silently next to Pippin. He thought of the time that had passed since their return from Rivendell. Frodo seemed healed and at peace during their long stay with Bilbo in Imladris, but since they left that realm, Sam knew he suffered from unrest. Why would Frodo hide from him the depth of his wounds? There must have been something he could have done to ease his burden.
October 2, 1980
Tolkien's Unfinished Tales first published.
[45th Anniversary of publication in 2025]
October 2, 1950
Peanuts written and illustrated by Charles M. Schulz was first published.
[75th Anniversary of publication in 2025]
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Oct 3, 1:36pm
Post #4 of 9
(192 views)
Shortcut
|
Today in Middle-earth
October 3, 3018 (S.R. 1418)
1. Into the wild...and into the marshes.
(not from the appendices)
..."...They spent a miserable day in this lonely and unpleasant country. Their camping-place was damp, cold, and uncomfortable; and the biting insects would not let them sleep. There were also abominable creatures haunting the reeds and tussocks that from the sound of them were evil relatives of the cricket (wetas?). There were thousands of them, and they squeaked all round, neek-breek, breek-neek, unceasingly all the night, until the hobbits were nearly frantic....
......Though the neekerbreekers had been left behind, the midges still pursued them. As Frodo lay tired but unable to close his eyes, it seemed to him that far away there came a light in the eastern sky: it flashed and faded many times. It was not the dawn, for that was still some hours off.
...'What is the light?' he said to Strider, who had risen, and was standing, gazing ahead into the night.
...'I do not know,' Strider answered. 'It is too distant to make out... ...like lightning that leaps up from the hilltops.'
...Frodo lay down again, but for a long while he could still see the white flashes, and against them the tall dark figure of Strider, standing silent and watchful. At last he passed into uneasy sleep."
2. He (Gandalf) is attacked at night on Weathertop.
(from the appendices)
..."'I galloped to Weathertop like a gale, and I reached it before sundown on my second day from Bree—and they were there before me. They drew away from me, for they felt the coming of my anger and they dared not face it while the Sun was in the sky. But they closed round at night, and I was besieged on the hill-top, in the old ring of Amon Sűl. I was hard put to it indeed: such light and flame cannot have been seen on Weathertop since the war-beacons of old.'"
[He left clues:]
..."'...I should say,' answered Strider, 'that [the marks] stood for G3, and were a sign that Gandalf was here on October the third... ...It would also show that he was in a hurry and danger was at hand, so that he had no time or did not dare to write anything longer or plainer. If that is so, we must be wary.'
...'I wish we could feel sure that he made the marks, whatever they may mean,' said Frodo. 'It would be a great comfort to know that he was on the way, in front of us or behind us.'"
October 3, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. Sam and Frodo feel the call to leave Rivendell.
(not from the appendices)
..."'Well, Mr. Frodo, we've been far and seen a deal, and yet I don't think we've found a better place than this. There's something of everything here, if you understand me: the Shire and the Golden Wood and Gondor and Kings' houses and inns and meadows and mountains all mixed. And yet... ...I feel we ought to be going soon. I'm worried about my gaffer, to tell you the truth.'
...'Yes, something of everything, Sam, except the Sea,' Frodo had answered; and he repeated it now to himself: 'Except the Sea.'"
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Sat, 1:21pm
Post #5 of 9
(182 views)
Shortcut
|
Today in Middle-earth
October 4, 3018 (S.R. 1418)
1. Gandalf leaves Weathertop and rides to Rivendell.
(from the appendices)
..."'At sunrise I escaped and fled towards the north. I could not hope to do more. It was impossible to find you... ...and it would have been folly to try with all the Nine at my heels. So I had to trust to Aragorn. But I hoped to draw some of them off, and yet reach Rivendell ahead of you and send out help. Four Riders did indeed follow me, but they turned back after a while and made for the Ford, it seems. That helped a little, for there were only five, not nine, when your camp was attacked.'"
October 4, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The hobbits reach the end of their rest in Rivendell.
(not from the appendices)
... "When nearly a fortnight had passed Frodo looked out of his window... ...suddenly he knew that he must go, and say good-bye to Bilbo.... ...He had a feeling that it was time he went back to the Shire. Sam shared it....
... In the evening they went to say good-bye to Bilbo. 'Well, if you must go... ...I am sorry, I shall miss you. It is nice just to know that you are about the place. But I am getting very sleepy.' Then he gave Frodo his mithril-coat and Sting, forgetting that he had already done so; and he gave him also three books of lore that he had made at various times, written in his spidery hand, and labelled on their red backs: Translations from the Elvish, by B. B.
... To Sam he gave a little bag of gold. 'Almost the last drop of the Smaug vintage... ...May come in useful, if you think of getting married, Sam.' Sam blushed.
... 'I have nothing much to give to you young fellows,' he said to Merry and Pippin, 'except good advice.' And when he had given them a fair sample of this, he added a last item in Shire-fashion: 'Don't let your heads get too big for your hats... ...you are going to find hats and clothes expensive.'
... 'But if you want to beat the Old Took,' said Pippin, 'I don't see why we shouldn't try and beat the Bullroarer.'
...Bilbo laughed, and he produced out a pocket two beautiful pipes with pearl mouth-pieces and bound with fine-wrought silver. 'Think of me when you smoke them... ...The Elves made them for me, but I don't smoke now.' And suddenly he nodded and went to sleep for a little; and when he woke up again he said: 'Now where were we? Yes, of course, giving presents. Which reminds me: what's become of my ring, Frodo, that you took away?'
... 'I have lost it, Bilbo dear,' said Frodo. 'I got rid of it, you know.'
... 'What a pity!' said Bilbo. 'I should have liked to see it again. But no, how silly of me! That's what you went for, wasn't it: to get rid of it? But it is all so confusing...'"
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Sun, 2:35pm
Post #6 of 9
(181 views)
Shortcut
|
Today in Middle-earth
October 5, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. The Elven King suspected the Dwarves' intentions.
(determined from text)
..."[Thranduil] knew now the dwarves' errand, or thought he did, and he said to himself:
..... "Very well! We'll see! No treasure will come back through Mirkwood without my having something to say in the matter. But I expect they will all come to a bad end, and serve them right!" He... ...did not believe in the dwarves fighting and killing dragons like Smaug, and he strongly suspected attempted burglary or something like it—which shows he was a wise elf and wiser than the men of the town, though not quite right... ...He sent out his spies about the shores of the lake and as far northward towards the Mountains as they would go, and waited."
October 5, 3018 (S.R. 1418)
1. Gandalf draws the Nazgűl away from Weathertop.
(not from the appendices)
..."'I hoped to draw some of them off... ...Four Riders did indeed follow me...'"
2. Day six in the Wild
(not from the appendices)
..."'...they left the last straggling pools and reed-beds of the marshes behind them... ...Away in the distance eastward they could now see a line of hills. The highest of them was at the right of the line and a little separated from the others. It had a conical top, slightly flattened at the summit.
...'That is Weathertop,' said Strider. 'The Old Road, which we have left far away on our right, runs to the south of it and passes not far from its foot. We might reach it by noon tomorrow, if we go straight towards it. I suppose we had better do so.'
...'What do you mean?' asked Frodo.
...'I mean: when we do get there, it is not certain what we shall find. It is close to the Road.'
...'But surely we were hoping to find Gandalf there?'
...'Yes; but the hope is faint... ...it is not safe for him or for us to wait there long... ...there are many birds and beasts in the country that could see us, as we stand here, from that hilltop. Not all the birds are to be trusted, and there are other spies more evil than they are.'
...The hobbits looked anxiously at the distant hills. Sam looked up into the pale sky, fearing to see hawks or eagles hovering over them with bright unfriendly eyes. 'You do make me feel uncomfortable and lonesome, Strider!' he said."
October 5, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The hobbits' last visit with Bilbo (continued)
(not from the appendices)
... "The evening deepened in the room, and the firelight burned brighter; and they looked at Bilbo as he slept and saw that his face was smiling. For some time they sat in silence… …then Sam looking round at the room… …said softly:
... 'I don't think, Mr. Frodo, that he's done much writing while we've been away. He won't ever write our story now.'
... At that Bilbo opened an eye, almost as if he had heard… …'You see, I am getting so sleepy,' he said. 'And when I have time to write, I only really like writing poetry. I wonder, Frodo my dear fellow, if you would very much mind tidying things up a bit before you go? Collect all my notes and papers, and my diary too, and take them with you… …Get Sam to help, and when you've knocked things into shape, come back, and I'll run over it. I won't be too critical.'
... 'Of course I'll do it!' said Frodo. 'And of course I'll come back soon: it won't be dangerous any more. There is a real king now, and he will soon put the roads in order.'
... 'Thank you, my dear fellow!' said Bilbo. 'That really is a very great relief to my mind.' And with that he fell fast asleep again."
October 5, 3021 (S.R. 1421)
1. The Grey Havens are left behind, the Shire lies ahead.
(not from the appendices-no text)
...The hobbits were in familiar lands now coming to their last evening of travel. While Pippin and Merry prepared camp for the night, Sam wandered down to a nearby stream. He was still troubled and thought a splash of cold water would clear his mind. As he washed his face and the back of his neck, he raised up and caught his reflection on the water's surface. Lingering, he found himself studying the small scar near his hairline. It stirred thoughts of Frodo stabbed with a poisoned blade by the Nazgul riding long through the Wild; lying stricken for days in Rivendell; falling lifeless from a poisonous sting; bound and whipped in a darkened filthy room high in the tower; struggling through Mordor's brutal lands under the torment of the Eye and the Ring. Sam understood that there was nothing he could do to change what had happened or what was happening. He realized Frodo's choice was the only one left for him.
...He stood for a moment and sighed while looking at the glowing image of the moon and stars reflected on the calm water. Then he turned and walked back to join the others.
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Mon, 3:28pm
Post #7 of 9
(178 views)
Shortcut
|
Today in Middle-earth
October 6, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. Thorin requests supplies
(determined from text)
..."At the end of a fortnight Thorin began to think of departure. While the enthusiasm still lasted in the town was the time to get help. It would not do to let everything cool down with delay. So he spoke to the Master... ...and said that soon he and his company must go on towards the Mountain.
...Then for the first time the Master was surprised and a little frightened; and he wondered if Thorin was after all really a descendant of the old kings. He had never thought that the dwarves would actually dare to approach Smaug... ...He was wrong. Thorin, of course, was really the grandson of the King under the Mountain, and there is no knowing what a dwarf will not dare and do for revenge or the recovery of his own.
...But the Master was not sorry at all to let them go. They were expensive to keep, and their arrival had turned things into a long holiday in which business was at a standstill. "Let them go and bother Smaug, and see how he welcomes them!" he thought. "Certainly, O Thorin Thráin 's son Thrór's son..! ...You must claim your own. The hour is at hand, spoken of old. What help we can offer shall be yours, and we trust to your gratitude when your kingdom is regained.""
October 6, 3018 (S.R. 1418)
1. Gandalf heads for Rivendell after escaping Weathertop.
(not from the appendices)
..."I hoped to draw some of them off, and yet reach Rivendell ahead of you and send out help. Four Riders did indeed follow me, but they turned back after a while and made for the Ford, it seems. That helped a little, for there were only five, not nine, when your camp was attacked.'
2. The camp under Weathertop attacked at night. Frodo is wounded.
(from the appendices)
..."Well, here we are!' said Merry. 'And very cheerless and uninviting it looks! There is no water and no shelter. And no sign of Gandalf. But I don't blame him for not waiting—if he ever came here....'
... ...They stood for a while silent on the hill-top, near its southward edge. In that lonely place Frodo for the first time fully realized his homelessness and danger. He wished bitterly that his fortune had left him in the quiet and beloved Shire. He stared down at the hateful Road, leading back westward—to his home. Suddenly he was aware that two black specks were moving slowly along it... ...and looking again he saw that three others were creeping eastward to meet them. He gave a cry and clutched Strider's arm.
...'Look,' he said, pointing downwards.
...At once Strider flung himself on the ground behind the ruined circle, pulling Frodo down beside him. Merry threw himself alongside.
...'What is it?' he whispered.
...'I do not know, but I fear the worst,' answered Strider... "
[later]
... "...Sam and Merry got up and walked away from the fire. Frodo and Pippin remained seated in silence. Strider was watching the moonlight on the hill intently. All seemed quiet and still, but Frodo felt a cold dread creeping over his heart, now that Strider was no longer speaking. He huddled closed to the fire... ...Sam came running back from the edge of the dell.
...'I don't know what it is,' he said, 'but I suddenly felt afraid. I durstn't go outside this dell for any money; I felt that something was creeping up the slope....'
...'Keep close to the fire, with your faces outward!' cried Strider. 'Get some of the longer sticks ready in your hands..!'
......Over the lip of the little dell, on the side away from the hill, they felt, rather than saw, a shadow rise... ...Soon there could be no doubt: three or four tall black figures were standing there on the slope, looking down on them. So black were they that they seemed like black holes in the deep shade behind them... ...Then the shapes slowly advanced.
...Terror overcame Pippin and Merry, and they threw themselves flat on the ground. Sam shrank to Frodo's side. Frodo was hardly less terrified than his companions; he was quaking as if he was bitter cold, but his terror was swallowed up in a sudden temptation to put on the Ring. The desire to do this laid hold of him, and he could think of nothing else... ...He could not speak. He felt Sam looking at him, as if he knew that his master was in some great trouble, but he could not turn towards him. He shut his eyes and struggled for a while; but resistance became unbearable, and at last he slowly drew out the chain, and slipped the Ring on the forefinger of his left hand.
...Immediately, though everything else remained as before, dim and dark, the shapes became terribly clear. He was able to see beneath their black wrappings. There were five tall figures; two standing on the lip of the dell, three advancing... ...Their eyes fell on him and pierced him, as they rushed towards him. Desperate, he drew his own sword, and it seemed to him that it flickered red, as if it was a firebrand. Two of the figures halted. The third was taller than the others: his hair was long and gleaming and on his helm was a crown. In one hand he held a long sword, and in the other a knife; both the knife and the hand that held it glowed with a pale light. He sprang forward and bore down on Frodo.
...At that moment Frodo threw himself forward on the ground, and he heard himself crying aloud: O Elbereth! Gilthoniel! At the same time he struck at the feet of his enemy. A shrill cry rang out in the night; and he felt a pain like a dart of poisoned ice pierce his left shoulder. Even as he swooned he caught... ...a glimpse of Strider leaping out of the darkness with a flaming brand of wood in either hand. With a last effort, dropping his sword, Frodo slipped the Ring from his finger and closed his right hand tight upon it.
...When Frodo came to himself he was still clutching the Ring desperately. He was lying by the fire, which was now piled high and burning brightly. His three companions were bending over him.
...'What has happened? Where is the pale king?' he asked wildly....
......Sam plainly was beginning to have doubts again about Strider; but while they were talking he returned, appearing suddenly out of the shadows. They started, and Sam drew his sword and stood over Frodo; but Strider knelt down swiftly by his side.
...'I am not a Black Rider, Sam,' he said gently, 'nor in league with them. I have been trying to discover something of their movements… …I have found nothing. I cannot think why they have gone and do not attack again. But there is no feeling of their presence anywhere at hand.'
...When he heard what Frodo had to tell, he became full of concern, and shook his head and sighed... ...he got up and walked away, and called Sam to him. 'I think I understand things better now,' he said in a low voice. 'There seem only to have been five of the enemy. Why they were not all here, I don't know; but I don't think they expected to be resisted... ...They will come again another night, if we cannot escape. They are only waiting, because they think that their purpose is almost accomplished, and that the Ring cannot fly much further. I fear, Sam, that they believe your master has a deadly wound that will subdue him to their will. We shall see!'
...Sam choked with tears. 'Don't despair!' said Strider. 'You must trust me now. Your Frodo is made of sterner stuff than I had guessed, though Gandalf hinted that it might prove so. He is not slain, and I think he will resist the evil power of the wound longer than his enemies will expect. I will do all I can to help and heal him. Guard him well, while I am away!' He hurried off and disappeared again into the darkness.'"
October 6, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. Gandalf and the Hobbits leave Rivendell – They cross the Ford of Bruinen.
(from the appendices)
... "Gandalf and the hobbits took leave of Bilbo in his room, for it was cold out of doors; and then they said farewell to Elrond and all his household.
... As Frodo stood upon the threshold, Elrond wished him a fair journey, and blessed him...
... 'I think, Frodo, that maybe you will not need to come back, unless you come very soon. For about this time of the year, when the leaves are gold before they fall, look for Bilbo in the woods of the Shire. I shall be with him.'
... These words no one else heard, and Frodo kept them to himself.
... At last the hobbits had their faces turned towards home. They were eager now to see the Shire again; but at first they rode only slowly, for Frodo had been ill at ease...'"
... "…When they came to the Ford of Bruinen, [Frodo] had halted, and seemed loth to ride into the stream; and they noted that for a while his eyes appeared not to see them or things about him. All that day he was silent. It was the sixth of October.
... 'Are you in pain, Frodo?' said Gandalf quietly as he rode by Frodo's side.
... 'Well, yes I am... ...It is my shoulder. The wound aches, and the memory of darkness is heavy on me. It was a year ago today.'
... 'Alas! there are some wounds that cannot be wholly cured,' said Gandalf.
... 'I fear it may be so with mine,' said Frodo. 'There is no real going back. Though I may come to the Shire, it will not seem the same; for I shall not be the same. I am wounded with knife, sting, and tooth, and a long burden. Where shall I find rest?'
... Gandalf did not answer."
October 6, 3020 (S.R. 1420)
1. Frodo is again ill.
(from the appendices)
..."One evening Sam came into the study and found his master looking very strange. He was very pale and his eyes seemed to see things far away.
...'What's the matter, Mr. Frodo?' said Sam.
...'I am wounded,' he answered, 'wounded; it will never really heal.'"
October 6, 3021 (S.R. 1421)
1. Samwise returns to Bag End.
(from the appendices)
..."At last they rode over the downs and took the East Road, and then Merry and Pippin rode on to Buckland; and already they were singing again as they went. But Sam turned to Bywater, and so came back up the Hill, as day was ending once more... ...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 in his chair, and put little Elanor upon his lap.
...He drew a deep breath. 'Well, I'm back,' he said."'
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Tue, 1:37pm
Post #8 of 9
(116 views)
Shortcut
|
Today in Middle-earth
October 7, 3018 (S.R. 1418)
1. The Company flees Amon Sűl.
(not from the appendices)
..."As soon as the daylight was full, they had some hurried food and packed. It was impossible for Frodo to walk, so they divided the greater part of their baggage among the four of them, and put Frodo on the pony... ...the poor beast had improved wonderfully; it already seemed fatter and stronger, and had begun to show an affection for its new masters, especially for Sam. Bill Ferny's treatment must have been very hard for the journey in the wild to seem so much better than its former life.
...They started off in a southerly direction. This would mean crossing the Road… … it was the quickest way to more wooded country. And they needed fuel; for Strider said that Frodo must be kept warm, especially at night, while fire would be some protection for them all. It was also his plan to shorten their journey by cutting across another great loop of the Road...
......There was no sign of the Riders. But even as they were hurrying across they heard far away two cries: a cold voice calling and a cold voice answering. Trembling they sprang forward, and made for the thickets that lay ahead…
......It was a cheerless land, and their journey was slow and gloomy. They spoke little as they trudged along. Frodo's heart was grieved as he watched them walking beside him with their heads down, and their backs bowed under their burdens. Even Strider seemed tired and heavy-hearted.
...Before the first day's march was over Frodo's pain began to grow again, but he did not speak of it for a long time."
October 7, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The hobbits head for home, leaving Rivendell behind.
(not from the appendices)
..."By the end of the next day the pain and unease had passed, and Frodo was merry again, as merry as if he did not remember the blackness of the day before."
October 7, 3020 (S.R. 1420)
1. The day after Sam found Frodo stricken by his old wounds.
(not from the appendices)
... "[Frodo] got up, and the turn [pale and distant] seemed to pass, and he was quite himself the next day. It was not until afterwards that Sam recalled that the date was October the sixth. Two years before on that day it was dark in the dell under Weathertop."
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
1:05pm
Post #9 of 9
(9 views)
Shortcut
|
Today in Middle-earth
October 8, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. It's time to depart Lake-town.
(determined from text-no text)
...Bilbo and the Dwarves prepare to leave Lake-town and lay plans for their trip to the mountain.
October 8, 3018 (S.R. 1418)
1. The Company continues south through the wild.
(not from the appendices - no text)
...Frodo's tolerance of the pain drew all his strength. As his friends continued to follow Strider through the wild, they struggled to keep up with the pace he set. As the second day after leaving Amon Sűl dragged on, they labored to distance themselves from the last known location of the Nazgűl and reach the safety of Rivendell. The skill of this enigmatic Ranger and perceptive manner of the pony to carry Frodo were their only chance to elude the Black Riders.
October 8, 3083 (S.R. 1483)
1. Frodo and Sam in Valinor
(not from the appendices - no text - a drabble)
...Sam stood in the open doorway looking out at the pouring rain. The air smelled fresh, as if untouched by living breath. He marvelled at the flowers lining the path. Indescribable colours and scents filled his mind as he remembered a similar rain-washed day long ago.
... Suddenly, Frodo came jogging across the yard waving his arms above his head. Sam stepped back as he sprang through the door, stopping short next to his friend, smiling triumphantly with only a few drops of the sweet rain on his shoulders.
..."I'll never get used to that," said the gardener shaking his head.
October 8, 2006
...We get word that MGM wants Peter Jackson to film The Hobbit!!
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
|
|
|
|
|
