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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Sat, 2:55pm
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TIME - November 8
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Today in Middle-earth
November 8, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. Lonely Mountain is approached by the men of Lake-town and Elves of Mirkwood.
(determined from text)
..."The morning was still pale when they saw a company approaching. From behind their wall they watched them come up to the valley's head and climb slowly up... ...men of the lake armed as if for war and elvish bowmen were among them. At length the foremost of these climbed the tumbled rocks and appeared at the top of the falls; and very great was their surprise to see the pool before them and the Gate blocked with a wall of new-hewn stone.
...As they stood pointing and speaking to one another Thorin hailed them: "Who are you... ...that come as if in war to the gates of Thorin son of Thráin, King under the Mountain, and what do you desire?"
...But they answered nothing. Some turned swiftly back, and the others after gazing for a while at the Gate and its defences soon followed them. That day the camp was moved... ...The rocks echoed then with voices and with song, as they had not done for many a day. There was the sound, too, of elven-harps and of sweet music; and as it echoed up towards them it seemed that the chill of the air was warmed, and they caught faintly the fragrance of woodland flowers blossoming in spring.
...Then Bilbo longed to escape from the dark fortress and to go down and join in the mirth and feasting by the fires. Some of the younger dwarves were moved in their hearts... ...and they muttered that they wished things had fallen out otherwise and that they might welcome such folk as friends; but Thorin scowled.
...Then the dwarves themselves brought forth harps and instruments regained from the hoard, and made music to soften his mood; but their song was not as elvish song, and was much like the song they had sung long before in Bilbo's little hobbit-hole."
November 8, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. News travels through the Shire.
(not from the appendices-no text)
...Word has reached the homes and farms in the far corners of the Shire that the ruffians have been driven out and that it was the wayward hobbits turned warriors that did it!
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Sun, 2:13pm
Post #2 of 8
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Today in Middle-earth
November 9, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. Claims are made for Smaug's treasure.
(determined from text)
..."Again Thorin hailed them in a loud voice: "Who are you that come armed for war to the gates of Thorin son of Thráin, King under the Mountain?" This time he was answered.
...A tall man stood forward, dark of hair and grim of face... "...Hail Thorin! Why do you fence yourself like a robber in this hold? We are not yet foes, and we rejoice that you are alive beyond our hope. We came expecting to find none living here; yet now that we are met there is matter for a parley and a council."
..."Who are you, and of what would you parley?"
..."I am Bard, and by my hand was the dragon slain and your treasure delivered... ...Moreover I am by right descent the heir of Girion of Dale, and in your hoard is mingled much of the wealth of his halls and town, which of old Smaug stole... ...Further in his last battle Smaug destroyed the dwellings of the men of Esgaroth, and I am yet the servant of their Master. I would speak for him and ask whether you have no thought for the sorrow and misery of his people. They aided you in your distress, and in recompense you have thus far brought ruin only, though doubtless undesigned."
...Now these were fair words and true... ...and Bilbo thought that Thorin would at once admit what justice was in them... ...he did not reckon with the power that gold has upon which a dragon has long brooded, nor with dwarvish hearts. Long hours in the past days Thorin had spent in the treasury, and the lust of it was heavy on him. Though he had hunted chiefly for the Arkenstone...
..."...You put your worst cause last and in the chief place," Thorin answered. "To the treasure of my people no man has a claim, because Smaug who stole it from us also robbed him of life or home... ...The price of the goods and the assistance that we received of the Lake-men we will fairly pay—in due time. But nothing will we give, not even a loaf's worth, under threat of force. While an armed host lies before our doors, we look on you as foes and thieves...."
..."...we are not robbers. Moreover the wealthy may have pity beyond right on the needy that befriended them when they were in want. And still my other claims remain unanswered."
..."I will not parley... ...with armed men at my gate. Nor at all with the people of the Elvenking, whom I remember with small kindness. In this debate they have no place. Begone now ere our arrows fly! And if you would speak with me again, first dismiss the elvish host to the woods where it belongs, and then return laying down your arms before you approach the threshold."
..."The Elvenking is my friend, and he has succoured the people of the Lake in their need, though they had no claim but friendship on him... ...We will give you time to repent your words. Gather your wisdom ere we return!" Then he departed and went back to the camp.
...Ere many hours were past, the banner-bearers returned, and trumpeters stood forth and blew a blast:
..."In the name of Esgaroth and the Forest... ...we speak unto Thorin Thráin 's son Oakenshield, calling himself the King under the Mountains, and we bid him consider well the claims that have been urged, or be declared our foe. At the least he shall deliver one twelfth portion of the treasure unto Bard, as the dragon-slayer, and as the heir of Girion. From that portion Bard will himself contribute to the aid of Esgaroth; but if Thorin would have the friendship and honour of the lands about, as his sires had of old, then he will give also somewhat of his own for the comfort of the men of the Lake."
...Then Thorin seized a bow… …and shot an arrow at the speaker. It smote into his shield and struck there quivering.
..."Since this is your answer... ...I declare the Mountain besieged. You shall not depart from it, until you call on your side for a truce and a parley. We will bear no weapons against you, but we leave you to your gold. You may eat that, if you will."
...With that the messengers departed swiftly, and the dwarves were left to consider their case. So grim had Thorin become, that even if they had wished, the others would not have dared to find fault with him; but indeed most of them seemed to share his mind—except perhaps old fat Bombur and Fili and Kili. Bilbo... ...disapproved of the whole turn of affairs. He had by now had more than enough of the Mountain, and being besieged inside it was not at all to his taste.
..."The whole place still stinks of dragon," he grumbled to himself, "and it makes me sick. And cram is beginning simply to stick in my throat.""
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Mon, 2:18pm
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Today in Middle-earth
November 10, 3018 (S.R. 1418)
1. Rivendell does its magic
(not from the appendices)
..."...such was the virtue of the land of Rivendell that soon all fear and anxiety was lifted from their minds...
...…So the days slipped away, as each morning dawned bright and fair, and each evening followed cool and clear. But autumn was waning fast... ...the lingering leaves fell from the naked trees. A wind began to blow chill from the Misty Mountains to the east. The Hunter's Moon waxed round in the night sky, and put to flight all the lesser stars. But low in the South one star shone red. Every night, as the Moon waned again, it shone brighter and brighter. Frodo could see it from his window, deep in the heavens, burning like a watchful eye that glared above the trees on the brink of the valley."
November 10, 2011
1. Half-way point for principle photography of The Hobbit
Day 127 of the 254 days of filming The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012), The Desolation of Smaug (2013), The Battle of Five Armies (2014).
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Tue, 2:55pm
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TIME - November 11 and a Salute to Veteran's / Armistice Day BS
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Today in Middle-earth
November 11, 1954
1. The Two Towers is published.
...The second of 3 volumes of The Lord of the Rings was published in the United Kingdom. This volume contains the 3rd and 4th of Tolkien's 6 "books" of his epic tale. It also holds The Breaking of the Fellowship, Gandalf is reborn, Saruman's war against men, and Frodo and Sam's journey to Mordor with Sméagol.
November 11 - A special BS collection in honour of our Veterans
We honour all by observing two minutes of silence to mark the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month when the Armistice was signed in 1918.
Here are some Book Spoilers in salute to our Veterans on this Remembrance / Poppy / Armistice / Veteran's Day and in honour of those who fought for the good of all... for a moment of Tolkien-zen. Thank you to all Vets and to your families!
From The Field of Cormallen: The Return of the King ..."'The King of Gondor and the Lord of the Western Lands,' said Gandalf; '… has taken back all his ancient realm. He will ride soon to his crowning, but he waits for you.'
...'What shall we wear?' said Sam; for all he could see was the old and tattered clothes that they had journeyed in, lying folded on the ground beside their beds.
...'The clothes that you wore on your way to Mordor,' said Gandalf. 'Even the orc-rags that you bore in the black land, Frodo, shall be preserved. No silks or linens, nor any armour or heraldry could be more honourable. But later I will find some other clothes, perhaps....
......As they came to the opening in the wood, they were surprised to see knights in bright mail and tall guards in silver and black standing there, who greeted them with honour and bowed before them. And then one blew a long trumpet, and they went on through the aisle of trees beside the singing stream. So they came to a wide green land... ...But on the field where they now stood a great host was drawn up, in ranks and companies glittering in the sun. And as the Hobbits approached swords were unsheathed, and spears were shaken, and horns and trumpets sang, and men cried with many voices and in many tongues.
'Long live the Halflings! Praise them with great praise!
Cuio i Pheriain anann! Aglar'ni Pheriannath!
Praise them with great praise, Frodo and Samwise!
Daur a Berhael, Conin en Annûn! Eglerio!
Praise them!
Eglerio!
A laita te, laita te! Andave laituvalmet!
Praise them!
Cormacolindor, a laita tárienna!
Praise them! The Ring-bearers, praise them with great praise!'
...And so the red blood blushing in their faces and their eyes shining with wonder, Frodo and Sam went forward and saw... ...three high-seats built of green turves. Behind the seat upon the right floated, white on green, a great horse running free; upon the left was a banner, silver upon blue, a ship swan-prowed faring on the sea... ...behind the highest throne in the midst of all a great standard was spread in the breeze, and there a white tree flowered upon a sable field beneath a shining crown and seven glittering stars. On the throne sat a mail-clad man, a great sword was laid across his knees, but he wore no helm. As they drew near he rose. And then they knew him, changed as he was, so high and glad of face, kingly, lord of Men, dark-haired with eyes of grey.
...Frodo ran to meet him, and Sam followed close behind. 'Well, if it this isn't the crown of all... ...Strider, or I'm still asleep!'
...'Yes, Sam, Strider,' said Aragorn. 'It is a long way, is it not, from Bree, where you did not like the look of me? A long way for us all, but yours has been the darkest road.'
...And then to Sam's surprise and utter confusion he bowed his knee before them; and taking them by the hand, Frodo upon his right and Sam upon his left, he led them to the throne, and setting them upon it, he turned to the men and captains who stood by... ...crying:
...'Praise them with great praise!'
...And when the glad shout had swelled up and died away again, to Sam's final and complete satisfaction and pure joy, a minstrel of Gondor stood forth, and knelt, and begged leave to sing...
...'...Lo! lord and knights and men of valour unashamed, kings and princes, and fair people of Gondor, and Riders of Rohan, and ye sons of Elrond, and Dúnedain of the North, and Elf and Dwarf, and greathearts of the Shire, and all free folk of the West, now listen to my lay. For I will sing to you of Frodo of the Nine Fingers and the Ring of Doom.'
......when Sam heard that he laughed aloud for shear delight, and he stood up and cried: 'O great glory and splendour! And all my wishes have come true!' And then he wept.
...And all the host laughed and wept, and in the midst of their merriment and tears the clear voice of the minstrel rose like silver and gold, and all men were hushed. And he sang to them, now in the Elven-tongue, now in the speech of the West, until their hearts, wounded with sweet words, overflowed, and their joy was like swords, and they passed in thought out to regions where pain and delight flow together and tears are the very wine of blessedness..."
And Bilbo also had recovery after the Battle of Five Armies in "The Return Journey: The Hobbit" and mourned the loss of his friends.
..."Bilbo turned away, and he went by himself, and sat alone wrapped in a blanket, and, whether you believe it or not, he wept until his eyes were red and his voice was hoarse. He was a kindly little soul. Indeed it was long before he had the heart to make a joke again. "A mercy it is... ...that I woke up when I did. I wish Thorin were living, but I am glad that we parted in kindness. You are a fool, Bilbo Baggins... ...there was a battle, in spite of all your efforts to buy peace and quiet, but I suppose you can hardly be blamed for that.""
Faramir's wish for peace in "The Window on the West: The Two Towers" after learning of Boromir's death during the dark days of Sauron.
..."'For myself,' said Faramir, 'I would see the White Tree in flower again in the courts of the kings, and the Silver Crown return, and Minas Tirith in peace: Minas Anor again as of old, full of light, high and fair, beautiful as a queen among other queens: not a mistress of many slaves... ...not even a kind mistress of willing slaves. War must be, while we defend our lives against a destroyer who would devour all; but I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend...'"
We have been there and back again.
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(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Tue, 3:01pm)
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dernwyn
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1:02pm
Post #6 of 8
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...has so many "layers" to it! Where did you find it?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
2:04pm
Post #7 of 8
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Meeting Fatty [Fredegar] Bolger
Here are some Book Spoilers that focus on Fatty Bolger... the 4th Conspirator. This got long, but Fatty has earned a place of honour by playing his part in saving the Shire... for a moment of Tolkien-zen.
From: The Shadow of the Past ..."[Frodo] lived alone, as Bilbo had done; but he had a good many friends, especially among the younger hobbits... ...who had as children been fond of Bilbo and often in and out of Bag End. Folco Boffin and Fredegar Bolger were two of these; but his closest friends were Peregrine Took (usually called Pippin), and Merry Brandybuck (his real name was Meriadoc, but that was seldom remembered)."
From: Three is Company September 13, 3018
..."...Frodo began to worry about Gandalf... ...The Birthday, and the removal, drew nearer, and still he did not come, or send word. Bag End began to be busy. Some of Frodo's friends came to stay and help him with the packing... ...Fredegar Bolger and Folco Boffin, and of course his special friends Pippin Took and Merry Brandybuck. Between them they turned the whole place upside-down."
September 20, 3018
..."On September 20th two covered carts went off laden to Buckland, conveying the furniture and goods that Frodo had not sold to his new home... ...The thought that he would so soon have to part with his young friends weighed on his heart....
......The four younger hobbits were... ...in high spirits and the party soon became very cheerful... ...When they had sung many songs, and talked of many things they had done together, they toasted Bilbo's birthday, and they drank to his health and Frodo's together according to Frodo's custom....
......The next morning they were busy packing another cart with the remainder of the luggage. Merry took charge of this, and drove off with Fatty.... '...Someone must be there and warm the house before you arrive,' said Merry. 'Well, see you later--the day after tomorrow, if you don't go to sleep on the way!'"
From: A Conspiracy Unmasked September 25, 3018 (S.R. 1418)
1. Fatty learns about the Black Riders
..."The ferry-boat moved slowly across the water. The Buckland shore drew nearer...
......The four hobbits stepped off the ferry. Merry was tying it up, and Pippin was already leading the pony up the path, when Sam... ...said in a hoarse whisper:
...'Look back, Mr. Frodo! Do you see anything..?'
......they could just make out a figure... ...it seemed to move and sway this way and that, as if searching the ground. It then crawled... ...back into the gloom beyond the lamps.
...'What in the Shire is that?' exclaimed Merry.
...'Something that is following us,' said Frodo. 'But don't ask any more now! Let's get away at once... ...Let's get indoors and then we can talk.'
...'All right! You and Pippin know your way; so I'll just ride on and tell Fatty Bolger that you are coming. We'll see about supper and things... ...Give me that basket!' said Merry, and rode ahead into the darkness.
...It was some distance from the Brandywine to Frodo's new house at Crickhollow... ...As they walked up the green path from the gate no light was visible; the windows were dark and shuttered. Frodo knocked on the door, and Fatty Bolger opened it. A friendly light streamed out. They slipped in quickly and shut themselves and the light inside...
......Merry and Fatty went into the kitchen on the other side of the passage, and busied themselves with the final preparations for a late supper...
......They had supper in the kitchen on a table near the fire. 'I suppose you three won't want mushrooms again?' said Fredegar without much hope.
...'Yes we shall!' cried Pippin.
...'They're mine!' said Frodo. 'Given to me by Mrs. Maggot, a queen among farmers' wives. Take your greedy hands away, and I'll serve them...'
......when they had finished even Fatty Bolger heaved a sigh of content. They pushed back the table, and drew chairs round the fire.
...'We'll clear up later,' said Merry. 'Now tell me all about it... ...I want to know what was the matter with old Maggot, and why he spoke to me like that. He sounded almost as if he was scared, if that is possible.'
...'We have all been scared,' said Pippin ... '...You would been, too, if you had been chased for two days by Black Riders...'
......He then gave a full account of their journey from the time when they left Hobbiton. Sam gave various supporting nods and exclamations. Frodo remained silent."
After the Conspiracy is unmasked
..."Frodo sat for a while in thought. 'I have made up my mind,' he said finally. 'I am starting tomorrow, as soon as it is light... ...The only thing to do is to go off in a quite unexpected direction.'
...'But that can only mean going into the Old Forest!' said Fredegar horrified. 'You can't be thinking of doing that. It is quite as dangerous as Black Riders.'
...'Not quite,' said Merry. 'It sounds very desperate, but... ...It is the only way of getting off without being followed at once. With luck we might get a considerable start.'
...'But you won't have any luck in the Old Forest,' objected Fredegar. 'No one ever has luck in there. You'll get lost. People don't go in there.'
...'Oh yes they do!' said Merry. 'The Brandybucks go in--occasionally when the fit takes them...'
...'...Well, do as you think best!' said Fredegar. 'I am more afraid of the Old Forest than of anything I know about: the stories about it are a nightmare; but my vote hardly counts... ...I am not going on the journey. Still, I am very glad someone is stopping behind, who can tell Gandalf what you have done, when he turns up, as I am sure he will before long.'
...Fond as he was of Frodo, Fatty Bolger had no desire to leave the Shire, nor to see what lay outside it... ... he had never been over the Brandywine Bridge. His task, according to the original plans of the Conspirators, was to stay behind and deal with inquisitive folk... ...to keep up as long as possible the pretence that Mr. Baggins was still living at Crickhollow. He had even brought along some old clothes of Frodo's to help him in playing the part. They little thought how dangerous that part might prove.
...'Excellent!' said Frodo, when he understood the plan... '...if Fatty is willing to hold the fort, and I can be sure of Gandalf knowing the way we have gone, that decides me. I am going into the Old Forest first thing tomorrow.'
...'Well, that's that,' said Pippin. 'On the whole I would rather have our job than Fatty's--waiting here till Black Riders come.'
...'You wait till you are well inside the Forest,' said Fredegar. 'You'll wish you were back here with me before this time tomorrow...'"
From: The Old Forest September 26, 3018 (S.R. 1418)
..."...Soon after six o'clock the five hobbits were ready to start. Fatty Bolger was still yawning...
... ...soon they were riding off into the mist... ...After riding for about an hour, slowly and without talking, they saw the Hedge looming suddenly ahead...
...'...How are you going to get through this?' asked Fredegar.
...'Follow me!' said Merry, 'and you will see.' He turned to the left along the Hedge... ...A cutting had been made, at some distance from the Hedge, and went sloping gently down into the ground. It had walls of brick at the sides, which rose steadily, until suddenly they arched over and formed a tunnel that dived deep under the Hedge and came out in the hollow on the other side.
...Here Fatty Bolger halted. 'Good-bye, Frodo... ...I wish you were not going into the Forest. I only hope you will not need rescuing before the day is out. But good luck to you--today and every day!'"
From: A Knife in the Dark September 30, 3018 (S.R. 1418)
..."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... ...[when] he reached the nearest house, more than a mile away, he collapsed on the doorstep. 'No, no, no!' he was crying. 'No, not me! I haven't got it!' It was some time before anyone could make out what he was babbling about. 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."
From: The Grey Havens November 4, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
..."The day after the battle [of Bywater] Frodo rode to Michel Delving and released the prisoners from the Lockholes. One of the first that they found was poor Fredegar Bolger, Fatty no longer. He had been taken when the ruffians smoked out a band of rebels that he led from their hidings... ...by the hills of Scary.
...'You would have done better to come with us after all, poor old Fredegar!' said Pippin, as they carried him out too weak to walk.
...He opened an eye and tried gallantly to smile. 'Who's this young giant with the loud voice?' he whispered. 'Not little Pippin! What's your size in hats now?'"
We have been there and back again.
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