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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 6, 8:44am
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It's time for some BS!
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Remember when the hobbits and Gandalf were returning to the Shire and gave Barliman some news?
From Homeward Bound: The Return of the King "…better times are coming. Maybe, better than you remember. The Rangers have returned. We came back with them. And there is a king again, Barliman. He will soon be turning his mind this way."
Well, here's a Book Spoiler that shows how strife can bring good things… for a moment of Tolkien-zen.
From APPENDIX A : ANNALS OF THE KINGS AND RULERS : ERIADOR, ARNOR, AND THE HEIRS OF ISILDUR : The North-kingdom and the Dúnedain: The Return of the King ..."There were fourteen Chieftains, before the fifteenth and last was born, Aragorn II, who became again King of both Gondor and Arnor. 'Our King, we call him; and when he comes north to his house in Annúminas restored and stays for a while by Lake Evendim… …everyone in the Shire is glad. But he does not enter this land and binds himself by the law that he has made, that none of the Big People shall pass its borders. But he rides often with many fair people to the Great Bridge, and... ...welcomes his friends, and any others who wish to see him; and some ride away with him and stay in his house as long as they have a mind. Thain Peregrin has been there many times; and so has Master Samwise the Mayor. His daughter Elanor the Fair is one of the maids of Queen Evenstar.'
...It was the pride and wonder of the Northern Line that, though their power departed and their people dwindled, through all the many generations the succession was unbroken from father to son... ...though the length of the lives of the Dúnedain grew ever less in Middle-earth, after the ending of their kings the waning was swifter in Gondor; and many of the Chieftains of the North still lived to twice the age of Men... ...Aragorn indeed lived to be two hundred and ten years old, longer than any of his line since King Arvegil; but in Aragorn Elessar the dignity of the kings of old was renewed."
We have been there and back again.
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(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Nov 6, 8:44am)
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 7, 1:30pm
Post #2 of 29
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Today in Middle-earth
November 7, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. The joint forces reach Dale at dusk.
(determined from text)
... "There came a night when suddenly there were many lights as of fires and torches away south in Dale before them.
... "They have come!" called Balin. "And their camp is very great. They must have come into the valley under the cover of dusk along both banks of the river."
... That night the dwarves slept little."
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 8, 2:07pm
Post #3 of 29
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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
Immortal
Nov 9, 1:42pm
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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
Immortal
Nov 10, 2:15pm
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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
Immortal
Nov 11, 2:12pm
Post #6 of 29
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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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Meneldor
Valinor
Nov 11, 11:14pm
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from myself and all the other veterans, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters, these see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep. -Psalm 107
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 12, 1:56pm
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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 (imho)... 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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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 13, 12:04pm
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Today in Middle-earth
November 13, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. The Dwarves take time for study.
(not from the appendices - no text - a drabble)
...Surrounded by gold, silver, and gems glittering from torches hanging on the cave walls, Bilbo listened to the Dwarves' excited discoveries. They seemed to instinctively split into small territories of treasure throughout the room until all the piles and corners were claimed. He didn't think they noticed this phenomenon. They weren't inclined to examine the pieces together, but suddenly shouted out or stood quietly while turning a trinket over and over in their fingers. All Bilbo knew was that his feet were cold and it spread to his nose. His thoughts, again, turned to his warm hearth in Bag End
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 14, 1:55pm
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Today in Middle-earth
November 14, 3018 (S.R. 1418)
1. The Fellowship rests in Rivendell.
(not from the appendices)
..."Aragorn and Gandalf walked together or sat speaking of their road and the perils they would meet. They pondered the storied and figured maps and books of lore in the library off the great hall. Sometimes Frodo was with them; but he was content to lean on their guidance while he spent as much time as he could with Bilbo…
...…the hobbits sat together in the evening in the Hall of Fire... ...in the day, while Merry and Pippin were out and about, Frodo and Sam were to be found with Bilbo in his own small room."
TORnsib Morwen's response: 2007
...Frodo still depends on Aragorn and Gandalf to lead the way. He knows he has a long road ahead, but I don't think he's considered the possibility he might have to travel part of it without their guidance. I think PJ showed this nicely in the movie by giving Frodo the "Mordor, left or right" line. This shows how much courage it really took for him to make the decision to go on to Mordor only with Sam.
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 15, 1:13pm
Post #12 of 29
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The Battle of 5 Armies is coming up very soon, so we're going to set it up with a bunch of Book Spoilers.
Book Spoiler Part 1 of 4: While the 5 armies are maneuvering and the pieces on the board are moving, let's look at what has brought them all to this point through the lives and eyes of the Dwarves of Durin's Folk… for a moment of Tolkien-zen.
From APPENDIX A: ANNALS OF THE KINGS AND RULERS: III DURIN'S FOLK ..."Durin is the name that the Dwarves used for the eldest of the Seven Fathers of their race, and the ancestor of all the kings of the Long-beards... ...and in the caves above Kheled-zâram in the east of the Misty Mountains he made his dwelling, where afterwards were the Mines of Moria renowned in song.
... There he lived so long that he was known far and wide as Durin the Deathless... ...[though] he died before the Elder Days had passed, and his tomb was in Khazad-dûm; but his line never failed, and five times an heir was born in his House so like to his Forefather that he received the name of Durin... ...held by the Dwarves to be the Deathless that returned...
... ...After the end of the First Age the power and wealth of Khazad-dûm was much increased; for it was enriched by many people and much lore and craft... ...The power of Moria endured throughout the Dark Years and the dominion of Sauron, for though Eregion was destroyed and the gates of Moria were shut, the halls of Khazad-dûm were too deep and strong and filled with a people too numerous and valiant for Sauron to conquer from without. Thus its wealth remained long unravished, though its people began to dwindle.
... It came to pass that in the middle of the Third Age Durin was again its king, being the sixth of that name. The power of Sauron... ...was then again growing in the world... ...All evil things were stirring. The Dwarves delved deep at that time, seeking beneath Barazinbar for mithril, the metal beyond price that was becoming yearly ever harder to win. Thus they roused from sleep a thing of terror that, flying from Thangorodrim, had lain hidden at the foundations of the earth since the coming of the Host of the West: a Balrog of Morgoth. Durin was slain by it, and the year after Náin I, his son; and then the glory of Moria passed, and its people were destroyed or fled far away.
... Most of these that escaped made their way into the North, and Thráin I, Náin's son, came to Erebor, the Lonely Mountain, near the eastern eaves of Mirkwood, and there he began new works, and became King under the Mountain. In Erebor he found the great jewel, the Arkenstone, Heart of the Mountain. But Thorin I his son removed and went into the far North to the Grey Mountains, where most of Durin's folk were now gathering... ...Not long after most of Durin's Folk abandoned the Grey Mountains... ...[ and] returned to Erebor... ...and he and his folk prospered and became rich, and they had the friendship of all Men that dwelt near. For they made not only things of wonder and beauty but weapons and armour of great worth; and there was great traffic of ore between them and their kin in the Iron Hills. Thus the Northmen... ...became strong and drove back all enemies from the East; and the Dwarves lived in plenty, and there was feasting and song in the Halls of Erebor."
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 16, 2:21pm
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Here is Book Spoiler Part 2 of 4: Still looking at what has brought them all to this point through the lives and eyes of the Dwarves of Durin's Folk... for a moment of Tolkien-zen.
From APPENDIX A: ANNALS OF THE KINGS AND RULERS: III DURIN'S FOLK ..."So the rumour of the wealth of Erebor spread abroad and reached the ears of the dragons, and at last Smaug the Golden, greatest of the dragons of his day, arose and without warning came against King Thrór and descended on the Mountain in flames. It was not long before all that realm was destroyed… …the town of Dale near by was ruined and deserted; but Smaug entered into the Great Hall and lay there upon a bed of gold.
...From the sack and the burning many of Thrór's kin escaped… …last of all from the halls by a secret door came Thrór himself and his son Thráin II. They went away south with their family into long and homeless wandering. With them went also a small company of their kinsmen and faithful followers.
... Thrór, now old, poor, and desperate, gave to his son Thráin the one great treasure he still possessed, the last of the Seven Rings… …then he went away with one old companion only, called Nár. Of the Ring he said to Thráin at their parting:
......'This may prove the foundation of new fortune for you yet, though that seems unlikely. But it needs gold to breed gold... ...Our vengeance on Smaug I bequeath to you and your sons. But I am tired of poverty and the scorn of Men. I go to see what I can find.' He did not say where.
... He was a little crazed perhaps with age and misfortune and long brooding on the splendour of Moria in his forefathers' days; or the Ring, it may be, was turning to evil now that its master was awake, driving him to folly and destruction. From Dunland… …he went north with Nár, and they crossed the Redhorn Pass and came down into Azanulbizar.
... When Thrór came to Moria the Gate was open. Nár begged him to beware, but he took no heed of him, and walked proudly in as an heir that returns. But he did not come back. Nár stayed near by for many days in hiding. One day he heard a loud shout and the blare of a horn, and a body was flung out on the steps... ...Nár came up, and found that it was indeed the body of Thrór.... ...Weeping, Nár fled down the Silverlode...
... ...Such was the tale that Nár brought back to Thráin [who cried]... '...This cannot be borne!' That was the beginning of the War of the Dwarves and the Orcs, which was long and deadly, and fought for the most part in deep places beneath the earth....
......Thráin at once sent messengers bearing the tale... ...Durin's Folk gathered all their host, and they were joined by great forces sent from the Houses of other Fathers; for this dishonour to the heir of the Eldest of their race filled them with wrath. When all was ready they assailed and sacked one by one all the strongholds of the Orcs that they could... ...the Dwarves had the victory through their strength, and their matchless weapons, and the fire of their anger, as they hunted for Azog in every den under the mountain.
...At last all the Orcs that fled before them were gathered in Moria, and the Dwarf-host in pursuit came to Azanulbizar... ...When the Dwarves saw the gate of their ancient mansions upon the hill-side they sent up a great shout like thunder in the valley. But a great host of foes was arrayed on the slopes above them, and out of the gates poured a multitude of Orcs that had been held back by Azog for the last need.
...At first fortune was against the Dwarves; for it was a dark day of winter without sun, and the Orcs did not waver, and they outnumbered their enemies, and had the higher ground. So began the Battle of Azanulbizar... ...the memory of which the Orcs still shudder and the Dwarves weep."
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
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Nov 17, 2:09pm
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Here is Book Spoiler Part 3 of 4: Still looking at what has brought them all to this point through the lives and eyes of the Dwarves of Durin's Folk... for a moment of Tolkien-zen.
From APPENDIX A: ANNALS OF THE KINGS AND RULERS: III DURIN'S FOLK ... "The first assault of the vanguard led by Thráin was thrown back with loss, and Thráin was driven into a wood of great trees that then still grew not far from Kheled-zâram. There Frerin his son fell, and Fundin his kinsman, and many others, and both Thráin and Thorin were wounded... ...Coming late and fresh to the field the mailed warriors of Náin, Grór's son, drove through the Orcs to the very threshold of Moria, crying 'Azog! Azog!' as they hewed down with their mattocks all who stood in their way.
...Then Náin stood before the Gate and cried with a great voice: 'Azog! If you are in come out! Or is the play in the valley too rough?'
...Thereupon Azog came forth, and he was a great Orc... ...agile and strong. With him came many like him, the fighters of his guard... ...as they engaged Náin's company he turned to Náin, and said:
...'What? Yet another beggar at my doors? Must I brand you too?' With that he rushed at Náin and they fought. But Náin was half blind with rage, and... ...very weary with battle... ...Azog was fresh and fell... ...Soon Náin made a great stroke with all his strength that remained, but Azog darted aside... ...Then Azog with a swift swing hewed his neck... ...and he fell.
...Then Azog laughed, and he lifted up his head to let forth a great yell of triumph; but the cry died in his throat... ...he saw that all his host in the valley was in a rout, and the Dwarves went this way and that slaying as they would... ...those that could escape from them were flying south, shrieking as they ran... ...all the soldiers of his guard lay dead. He turned and fled back towards the Gate.
...Up the steps after him leaped a Dwarf with a red axe. It was Dáin Ironfoot, Náin's son. Right before the doors he caught Azog, and there he slew him...
......When at last the battle was won the Dwarves that were left gathered in Azanulbizar... ...But no feast nor song was there that night; for their dead were beyond the count of grief. Barely half of their number... ...could still stand or had hope of healing.
...None the less in the morning Thráin stood before them. He had one eye blinded beyond cure, and he was halt with a leg-wound; but he said: 'Good! We have the victory. Khazad-dûm is ours! '
...But they answered: 'Durin's Heir you may be, but.. ...We fought this war for vengeance, and vengeance we have taken. But it is not sweet. If this is victory, then our hands are too small to hold it.'
...And those... ...not of Durin's Folk said also: 'Khazad-dûm was not our Fathers' house. What is it to us, unless a hope of treasure? But now, if we must go without the rewards... ...the sooner we return to our own lands the better pleased we shall be.'
...Then Thráin turned to Dáin, and said: 'But surely my own kin will not desert me?'
...'No… …You are the father of our Folk, and we have bled for you, and will again. But we will not enter Khazad-dûm... ...Only I have looked through the shadow of the Gate. Beyond the shadow it waits for you still: Durin's Bane. The world must change and some other power than ours must come before Durin's Folk walk again in Moria.'
...So it was that after Azanulbizar the Dwarves dispersed again.
..."Thráin said to Thorin Oakenshield: '...Will you come with me back to the anvil? Or will you beg your bread at proud doors?'
...'To the anvil,' answered Thorin. 'The hammer will at least keep the arms strong, until they can wield sharper tools again.'"
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 18, 1:48pm
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Here is Book Spoiler Part 4 of 4: Still looking at what has brought them all to this point through the lives and eyes of the Dwarves of Durin's Folk... for a moment of Tolkien-zen.
From APPENDIX A: ANNALS OF THE KINGS AND RULERS: III DURIN'S FOLK ... "So Thráin and Thorin with what remained of the following (among whom were Balin and Glóin) returned to Dunland, and soon afterwards they removed and wandered in Eriador, until at last they made a home in exile in the east of the Ered Luin... ...Of iron were most of the things that they forged in those days, but they prospered after a fashion, and their number slowly increased...
... ...Of [the] Ring... ...It was believed by the dwarves of Durin's folk to be the first of the Seven that was forged; and they say that it was given to the King of Khazad-dûm, Durin III, by the Elvensmiths themselves and not by Sauron, though doubtless his evil power was on it....
... ...as the Dwarves now believe... ...Sauron by his arts had discovered who had this Ring, the last to remain free, and that the singular misfortunes of the heirs of Durin were largely due to his malice. For the Dwarves had proved untameable by this means. The only power... ...that the Rings wielded was to inflame their hearts with a greed of gold and precious things, so that if they lacked them all other good things seemed profitless, and they were filled with wrath and desire for vengeance on all who deprived them...
......It was therefore perhaps partly by the malice of the Ring that Thráin after some years became restless and discontented. The lust for gold was ever in his mind... ...when he could endure it no longer, he turned his thoughts to Erebor, and resolved to go back there. He said nothing to Thorin of what was in his heart; but with Balin and Dwalin and a few others, he arose and said farewell and departed.
... Little is known of what happened to him… …It would now seem that as soon as he was abroad with few companions he was hunted by the emissaries of Sauron... ...There came a dark night when he and his companions were wandering in the land beyond Anduin, and they were driven by a black rain to take shelter under the eaves of Mirkwood. In the morning he was gone from the camp, and his companions... ...searched for him many days, until at last giving up hope they departed and came at length back to Thorin. Only long after was it learned that Thráin had been taken alive and brought to the pits of Dol Guldur… …was tormented and the Ring taken from him, and then at last he died.
... So Thorin Oakenshield became the Heir of Durin, but an heir without hope... ...The years lengthened. The embers in the heart of Thorin grew hot again, and he brooded on the wrongs of his House and the vengeance upon the Dragon that he had inherited... ...and a great anger without hope burned him as he smote the red iron on the anvil.
... But at last there came about by chance a meeting between Gandalf and Thorin... ...[who] returning west from a journey, stayed at Bree for the night. There Gandalf was also. He was on his way to the Shire, which he had not visited for some twenty years. He was weary, and thought to rest there for a while.
... Among many cares he was troubled in mind... ...he knew then already that Sauron was plotting war... ...But to resist any attempt from the East to regain the lands of Angmar and the northern passes in the mountains there were now only the Dwarves of the Iron hills. And beyond them lay the desolation of the Dragon. The Dragon Sauron might use with terrible effect. How then could the end of Smaug be achieved?
... It was even as Gandalf sat and pondered this that Thorin stood before him, and said: 'Master Gandalf... ...you have often come into my thoughts of late, as if I were bidden to seek you. Indeed I should have done so, if I had known where to find you.'
... Gandalf looked at him with wonder. 'That is strange, Thorin Oakenshield… …For I have thought of you also; and though I am on my way to the Shire, it was in my mind that is the way also to your halls.
... 'Call them so if you will,' said Thorin. 'They are only poor lodgings in exile. But you would be welcome there, if you would come...'
... 'I will come,' said Gandalf; 'for I guess that we share one trouble at least. The Dragon of Erebor is on my mind, and I do not think that he will be forgotten by the grandson of Thrór.'"
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 19, 11:21am
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Today in Middle-earth
November 19, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. Thorin becomes obsessed.
(determined from text)
..."Now the days passed slowly and warily. Many of the dwarves spent their time piling and ordering the treasure; and now Thorin spoke of the Arkenstone of Thráin, and bade them eagerly to look for it in every corner.
..."For the Arkenstone of my father... ...is worth more than a river of gold in itself, and to me it is beyond price. That stone of all the treasure I name unto myself, and I will be avenged on anyone who finds it and withholds it."
...Bilbo heard these words and he grew afraid, wondering what would happen, if the stone was found—wrapped in an old bundle of tattered oddments that he used as a pillow. All the same he did not speak of it, for as the weariness of the days grew heavier, the beginnings of a plan had come into his little head."
November 19, 2006
Peter gave TORn a letter stating that he was not directing The Hobbit (a challenge to New Line):
Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh Talk THE HOBBIT
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grammaboodawg
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Nov 20, 1:26pm
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Today in Middle-earth
November 20, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. The Dwarves of Dain hasten to Erebor.
(determined from text)
..."Each one of his folk was clad in a hauberk of steel mail that hung to his knees, and his legs were covered with hose of a fine and flexible metal mesh, the secret of whose making was possessed by Dain's people. The dwarves are exceedingly strong for their height, but most of these were strong even for dwarves... ...they wielded heavy two-handed mattocks; but each of them had also a short broad sword at his side and a roundshield slung at his back. Their beards were forked and plaited and thrust into their belts. Their caps were of iron and they were shod with iron, and their faces were grim."
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 21, 2:30pm
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TIME - November 21 (Christopher Tolkien's 100th Birthday)
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Today in Middle-earth
November 21, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. Roäc brings news to Thorin.
(determined from text)
..."...the ravens brought news that Dain and more than five hundred dwarves, hurrying from the Iron Hills, were now within about two days' march of Dale....
..."But they cannot reach the Mountain unmarked," said Roäc, "and I fear lest there be battle in the valley. I do not call this counsel good. Though they are a grim folk, they are not likely to overcome the host that besets you; and even if they did so, what will you gain? Winter and snow is hastening behind them. How shall you be fed without the friendship and goodwill of the lands about you? The treasure is likely to be your death, though the dragon is no more!"
...But Thorin was not moved. "Winter and snow will bite both men and elves... ...and they may find their dwelling in the waste grievous to bear. With my friends behind them and winter upon them, they will perhaps be in softer mood to parley with.""
2. Bilbo puts his plan into action.
(determined from text)
..."As soon as Bombur had gone, Bilbo put on his ring, fastened his rope, slipped down over the wall, and was gone. He had about five hours before him...
......He had barely scrambled out on the far bank, shivering and spluttering, when up came elves in the gloom with bright lanterns and searched for the cause of the noise.
..."That was no fish!... ...There is a spy about. Hide your lights! They will help him more than us, if it is that queer little creature that is said to be their servant."
..."Servant, indeed!" snorted Bilbo; and in the middle of his snort he sneezed loudly, and the elves immediately gathered towards the sound.
..."Let's have a light!" he said. "I am here, if you want me!" and he slipped off his ring, and popped from behind a rock.
...They seized him quickly, in spite of their surprise. "Who are you? Are you the dwarves' hobbit? What are you doing? How did you get so far past our sentinels?" they asked one after another.
..."I am Mr. Bilbo Baggins... ...companion of Thorin, if you want to know. I know your king well by sight, though perhaps he doesn't know me to look at. But Bard will remember me, and it is Bard I particularly want to see."
..."Indeed!... ...and what may be your business?"
..."Whatever it is, it's my own, my good elves. But if you wish ever to get back to your own woods from this cold cheerless place," he answered shivering, "you will take me along quick to a fire, where I can dry..." ...some two hours after his escape from the Gate, Bilbo was sitting beside a warm fire in front of a large tent, and there sat too, gazing curiously at him, both the Elvenking and Bard. A hobbit in elvish armour, partly wrapped in an old blanket, was something new to them.
..."Really you know," Bilbo was saying in his best business manner, "things are impossible. Personally I am tired of the whole affair. I wish I was back in the West in my own home, where folk are more reasonable...."
... "... My dear Bard!" squeaked Bilbo. "Don't be so hasty! I never met such suspicious folk! I am merely trying to avoid trouble for all concerned. Now I will make you an offer!!"
..."Let us hear it!" they said.
..."You may see it!" said he. "It is this!" and he drew forth the Arkenstone...
......The Elvenking himself, whose eyes were used to things of wonder and beauty, stood up in amazement. Even Bard gazed marvelling at it in silence. It was as if a globe had been filled with moonlight and hung before them in a net woven of the glint of frosty stars.
..."This is the Arkenstone of Thráin... ...the Heart of the Mountain; and it is also the heart of Thorin. He values it above a river of gold. I give it to you. It will aid you in your bargaining." Then Bilbo, not without a shudder, not without a glance of longing, handed the marvellous stone to Bard, and he held it in his hand, as though dazed.
..."But how is it yours to give?" he asked at last with an effort.
..."O well!" said the hobbit uncomfortably. "It isn't exactly; but, well, I am willing to let it stand against all my claim... ...I may be a burglar—or so they say: personally I never really felt like one—but I am an honest one... ...Anyway I am going back now, and the dwarves can do what they like to me. I hope you will find it useful."
...The Elvenking looked at Bilbo with a new wonder. "Bilbo Baggins... ...You are more worthy to wear the armour of elf-princes than many that have looked more comely in it. But I wonder if Thorin Oakenshield will see it so. I have more knowledge of dwarves in general than you have perhaps. I advise you to remain with us, and here you shall be honoured and thrice welcome."
..."Thank you very much I am sure... ...But I don't think I ought to leave my friends like this, after all we have gone through together. And I promised to wake old Bombur at midnight, too! Really I must be going, and quickly."
...Nothing they could say would stop him; so an escort was provided for him, and as he went both the king and Bard saluted him with honour. As they passed through the camp an old man wrapped in a dark cloak, rose from a tent door where he was sitting and came towards them.
..."Well done! Mr. Baggins!" he said, clapping Bilbo on the back. "There is always more about you than anyone expects!" It was Gandalf.
...For the first time for many a day Bilbo was really delighted."
November 21, 1924
Celebrating the 100th birthday of Christopher Tolkien!
...Christopher John Reuel Tolkien was born the third child of four and is the youngest son of J.R.R. and Edith Tolkien. Thank you for continuing and sharing your Father's wonderful work and expanding the world of Middle-earth!
Christopher Tolkien b.11-21-24 – d.1-16-20
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(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Nov 21, 2:32pm)
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sevilodorf
Tol Eressea
Nov 21, 7:24pm
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Thank you for your steadfastness in posting this calendar.
Fourth Age Adventures at the Inn of the Burping Troll http://burpingtroll.com
Home of TheOneRing.net Best FanFic stories of 2005 and 2006 "The Last Grey Ship" and "Ashes, East Wind, Hope That Rises" by Erin Rua
(Found in Mathoms, LOTR Tales Untold)
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 22, 12:35pm
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Today in Middle-earth
November 22, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. A deal is offered.
(determined from text)
..."About midday the banners of the Forest and the Lake were seen to be borne forth again. A company of twenty was approaching. At the beginning of the narrow way they laid aside sword and spear, and came on towards the Gate... ...the dwarves saw that among them were both Bard and the Elvenking, before whom an old man wrapped in cloak and hood bore a strong casket of iron-bound wood.
..."Hail Thorin!" said Bard. "Are you still of the same mind?"
..."My mind does not change with the rising and setting of a few suns... ...Did you come to ask me idle questions? Still the elf-host has not departed as I bade! Till then you come in vain to bargain with me...."
..."...What of the Arkenstone of Thráin?" said he, and at the same moment the old man opened the casket and held aloft the jewel. The light leapt from his hand, bright and white in the morning.
...Then Thorin was stricken dumb with amazement and confusion....
......Thorin at length broke the silence, and his voice was thick with wrath. "That stone was my father's, and is mine," he said. "Why should I purchase my own?" But wonder overcame him and he added: "But how came you by the heirloom of my house—if there is need to ask such a question of thieves?"
..."We are not thieves," Bard answered. "Your own we will give back in return for our own."
..."How came you by it?" shouted Thorin in gathering rage.
..."I gave it to them," squeaked Bilbo... ...peeping over the wall, by now, in a dreadful fright.
..."You! You!" cried Thorin, turning upon him and grasping him with both hands. "You miserable hobbit! You undersized—burglar!" he shouted at a loss for words, and he shook poor Bilbo like a rabbit.
..."By the beard of Durin! I wish I had Gandalf here! Curse him for his choice of you... ...As for you I will throw you to the rocks!" he cried and lifted Bilbo in his arms.
..."Stay! Your wish is granted!" said a voice. The old man with the casket threw aside his hood and cloak. "Here is Gandalf! And none too soon it seems. If you don't like my Burglar, please don't damage him. Put him down, and listen first to what he has to say!"
..."You all seem in league!" said Thorin dropping Bilbo on the top of the wall. "Never again will I have dealings with any wizard or his friends. What have you to say, you descendant of rats?"
..."Dear me! Dear me!" said Bilbo. "I am sure this is all very uncomfortable. You may remember saying that I might choose my own fourteenth share? Perhaps I took it too literally... ...The time was, all the same, when you seemed to think that I had been of some service. Descendant of rats, indeed! Is this all the service of you and your family that I was promised, Thorin? Take it that I have disposed of my share as I wished, and let it go at that!"
..."I will... ...And I will let you go at that—and may we never meet again..!"
......And so Bilbo was swung down from the wall, and departed with nothing for all his trouble, except the armour which Thorin had given him already. More than one of the dwarves in their hearts felt shame and pity at his going.
..."Farewell!" he cried to them. "We may meet again as friends."
..."Be off!" called Thorin. "You have mail upon you, which was made by my folk, and is too good for you. It cannot be pierced by arrows; but if you do not hasten, I will sting your miserable feet.""
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 23, 1:23pm
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November 23, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. The Battle of Five Armies
(determined from text – referencing Karen Wynn Fonstad, The Atlas of Middle-earth)
..."...suddenly a darkness came on with dreadful swiftness! A black cloud hurried over the sky... ...another blackness could be seen whirling forward; but it did not come with the wind, it came from the North, like a vast cloud of birds, so dense that no light could be seen between their wings.
..."Halt!" cried Gandalf, who appeared suddenly, and stood alone, with arms uplifted, between the advancing dwarves and the ranks awaiting them. "Halt!" he called in a voice like thunder... "...The Goblins are upon you! Bolg of the North is coming. O Dain! whose father you slew in Moria. Behold! the bats are above his army like a sea of locusts. They ride upon wolves and Wargs are in their train...!"
..."...Come!" called Gandalf. "There is yet time for council. Let Dain son of Nain come swiftly to us!"
...So began a battle that none had expected; and it was called the Battle of Five Armies, and it was very terrible. Upon one side were the Goblins and the wild Wolves, and upon the other were Elves and Men and Dwarves.... ...How much Gandalf knew cannot be said, but it is plain that he had not expected this sudden assault.
...This is the plan that he made in council with the Elvenking and with Bard; and with Dain, for the dwarf-lord now joined them: the Goblins were the foes of all, and... ...all other quarrels were forgotten. Their only hope was to lure the goblins into the valley between the arms of the Mountain; and themselves to man the great spurs that struck south and east....
......Soon the thunder passed, rolling away to the South-East; but the bat-cloud came, flying lower, over the shoulder of the Mountain, and whirled above them shutting out the light and filling them with dread.
..."To the Mountain!" called Bard. "...Let us take our places while there is yet time!"
Battle of Five Armies Map from Karen Wynn Fonstad
...On the Southern spur, in its lower slopes and in the rocks at its feet, the Elves were set; on the Eastern spur were men and dwarves. But Bard and some of the nimblest of men and elves climbed to the height of the Eastern shoulder to gain a view to the North... ...They could see the lands before the Mountain's feet black with a hurrying multitude. Ere long the vanguard swirled around the spur's end and came rushing into Dale. These were the swiftest wolf-riders, and already their cries and howls rent the air afar. A few brave men were strung before them to make a feint of resistance... ...As Gandalf had hoped, the goblin army had gathered behind the resisted vanguard, and poured now in rage into the valley, driving wildly up between the arms of the Mountain, seeking for the foe....
......It was a terrible battle. The most dreadful of all Bilbo's experiences, and the one which at the time he hated most—which is to say it was the one he was most proud of, and most fond of recalling long afterwards...
......Day drew on. The goblins gathered again in the valley. There a host of Wargs came ravening and with them came the bodyguard of Bolg, goblins of huge size with scimitars of steel. Soon actual darkness was coming into a stormy sky; while still the great bats swirled about the heads and ears of elves and men, or fastened vampire-like on the stricken. Now Bard was fighting to defend the Eastern spur... ...and the elf-lords were at bay about their king upon the southern arm, near to the watch-post on Ravenhill.
...Suddenly there was a great shout, and from the Gate came a trumpet call. They had forgotten Thorin! Part of the wall, moved by levers, fell outward with a crash into the pool. Out leapt the King under the Mountain, and his companions followed him... ...they were in shining armour, and red light leapt from their eyes. In the gloom the great dwarf gleamed like gold in a dying fire.
...Rocks were hurled down from on high by the goblins above; but they held on, leapt down to the falls' foot, and rushed forward to battle. Wolf and rider fell or fled before them. Thorin wielded his axe with mighty strokes, and nothing seemed to harm him.
..."To me! To me! Elves and Men! To me! O my kinsfolk!" ...his voice shook like a horn in the valley.
...Down, heedless of order, rushed all the dwarves of Dain to his help. Down too came many of the Lake-men, for Bard could not restrain them; and out upon the other side came many of the spearmen of the elves. Once again the goblins were stricken in the valley; and they were piled in heaps till Dale was dark and hideous with their corpses. The Wargs were scattered and Thorin drove right against the bodyguards of Bolg. But he could not pierce their ranks...
......Soon the attackers were attacked, and they were forced into a great ring, facing every way hemmed all about with goblins and wolves returning to the assault. The bodyguard of Bolg came howling against them, and drove in upon their ranks like waves upon cliffs of sand. Their friends could not help them, for the assault from the Mountain was renewed with redoubled force, and upon either side men and elves were being slowly beaten down.
...On all this Bilbo looked with misery.... ..."It will not be long now," thought Bilbo, "before the goblins win the Gate, and we are all slaughtered or driven down and captured. Really it is enough to make one weep, after all one has gone through. I would rather old Smaug had been left with all the wretched treasure, than that these vile creatures should get it...
......Bilbo looked round. He gave a great cry: he had seen a sight that made his heart leap, dark shapes small yet majestic against the distant glow.
..."The Eagles! The Eagles!" he shouted. "The Eagles are coming!"
...Bilbo's eyes were seldom wrong. The eagles were coming down the wind, line after line, in such a host as must have gathered from all the eyries of the North....
..."...The Eagles!" cried Bilbo once more, but at that moment a stone hurtling from above smote heavily on his helm, and he fell with a crash and knew no more....
......But even with the Eagles they were still outnumbered. In that last hour Beorn himself had appeared—no one knew how or from where. He came alone, and in bear's shape; and he seemed to have grown almost to giant-size in his wrath.
...The roar of his voice was like drums and guns; and he tossed wolves and goblins from his path like straws and feathers. He... ...broke like a clap of thunder through the ring. The dwarves were making a stand still about their lords upon a low rounded hill. Then Beorn stooped and lifted Thorin, who had fallen pierced with spears, and bore him out of the fray.
...Swiftly he returned and his wrath was redoubled, so that nothing could withstand him, and no weapon seemed to bite upon him. He scattered the bodyguard, and pulled down Bolg himself and crushed him. Then dismay fell on the Goblins and they fled in all directions."
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
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Nov 24, 2:00pm
Post #23 of 29
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November 24, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. One part of the adventure ends.
(determined from text)
..."When Bilbo came to himself, he was... ...lying on the flat stones of Ravenhill, and no one was near... ...He was shaking, and as chilled as stone, but his head burned with fire.
..."Now I wonder what has happened?" he said to himself. "At any rate I am not yet one of the fallen heroes; but I suppose there is still time enough for that!"
...He sat up painfully. Looking into the valley he could see no living goblins. After a while as his head cleared a little, he thought he could see elves moving in the rocks below... ...Dwarves seemed to be busy removing the wall. But all was deadly still. There was no call and no echo of a song. Sorrow seemed to be in the air.
..."Victory after all, I suppose!" he said, feeling his aching head. "Well, it seems a very gloomy business."
...Suddenly he was aware of a man climbing up and coming towards him.
..."Hullo there!" he called with a shaky voice. "Hullo there! What news?"
..."What voice is it that speaks among the stones?" said the man halting and peering about him not far from where Bilbo sat.
...Then Bilbo remembered his ring! "Well I'm blessed..! ...This invisibility has its drawbacks after all. Otherwise I suppose I might have spent a warm and comfortable night in bed!"
......When Gandalf saw Bilbo, he was delighted. "Baggins!" he exclaimed. "Well I never! Alive after all—I am glad! I began to wonder if even your luck would see you through! A terrible business, and it nearly was disastrous. But other news can wait. Come!" he said more gravely. "You are called for;" and leading the hobbit he took him within the tent.
..."Hail! Thorin... ...I have brought him."
...There indeed lay Thorin Oakenshield, wounded with many wounds, and his rent armour and notched axe were cast upon the floor. He looked up as Bilbo came beside him.
..."Farewell, good thief... ...I go now to the halls of waiting to sit beside my fathers, until the world is renewed. Since I leave now all gold and silver, and go where it is of little worth, I wish to part in friendship from you, and I would take back my words and deeds at the Gate."
...Bilbo knelt on one knee filled with sorrow. "Farewell, King under the Mountain..! ...This is a bitter adventure, if it must end so; and not a mountain of gold can amend it. Yet I am glad that I have shared in your perils—that has been more than any Baggins deserves."
..."No!" said Thorin. "There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure. If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world. But sad or merry, I must leave it now. Farewell!"
...Then Bilbo turned away, and he went by himself, and sat alone wrapped in a blanket, and... ...he wept until his eyes were red and his voice was hoarse.
......All that had happened after he was stunned, Bilbo learned later; but it gave him more sorrow than joy, and he was now weary of his adventure. He was aching in his bones for the homeward journey.
..."Where are the Eagles?" he asked Gandalf that evening, as he lay wrapped in many warm blankets.
..."Some are in the hunt... ...but most have gone back to their eyries. They would not stay here, and departed with the first light of morning. Dain has crowned their chief with gold, and sworn friendship with them for ever."
..."I am sorry. I mean, I should have liked to see them again," said Bilbo sleepily; "perhaps I shall see them on the way home. I suppose I shall be going home soon?"
..."As soon as you like," said the wizard."
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
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Nov 25, 3:15pm
Post #24 of 29
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Today in Middle-earth
November 25, 2941 (S.R. 1341) 1. Thorin is laid to rest.
(determined from text)
..."They buried Thorin deep beneath the Mountain, and Bard laid the Arkenstone upon his breast.
..."There let it lie till the Mountain falls!" he said. "May it bring good fortune to all his folk that dwell here after!"
...Upon his tomb the Elvenking then laid Orcrist, the elvish sword that had been taken from Thorin in captivity. It is said in songs that it gleamed ever in the dark if foes approached, and the fortress of the dwarves could not be taken by surprise. There now Dain son of Nain took up his abode, and he became King under the Mountain... ...many other dwarves gathered to his throne in the ancient halls. Of the twelve companions of Thorin, ten remained. Fili and Kili had fallen defending him with shield and body, for he was their mother's elder brother. The others remained with Dain; for Dain dealt his treasure well."
2. Dain is after the Battle.
(determined from text)
... "Dáin Ironfoot… …who came from the Iron Hills to [Thorin, his cousin's] aid and was also his rightful heir, became then King Dáin II… … the Kingdom under the Mountain was restored, even as Gandalf had desired. Dáin proved a great and wise king, and the Dwarves prospered and grew strong again in his day.
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
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Nov 26, 1:56pm
Post #25 of 29
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Today in Middle-earth
November 26, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. The treasure is divided.
(determined from text)
..."There was, of course, no longer any question of dividing the hoard in such shares as had been planned, to Balin and Dwalin, and Dori and Nori and Ori, and Oin and Gloin, and Bifur and Bofur and Bombur—or to Bilbo. Yet a fourteenth share of all the silver and gold, wrought and unwrought, was given up to Bard... ...Dain said: "We will honour the agreement of the dead, and he has now the Arkenstone in his keeping."
...Even a fourteenth share was wealth exceedingly... ...greater than that of many mortal kings. From that treasure Bard sent much gold to the Master of Lake-town; and he rewarded his followers and friends freely. To the Elvenking he gave the emeralds of Girion, such jewels as he most loved, which Dain had restored to him.
...To Bilbo he said: "This treasure is as much yours as it is mine; though old agreements cannot stand, since so many have a claim in its winning and defence. Yet even though you were willing to lay aside all your claim, I should wish that the words of Thorin, of which he repented, should not prove true: that we should give you little. I would reward you most richly of all."
..."Very kind of you... ...But really it is a relief to me. How on earth should I have got all that treasure home without war and murder all along the way... ...And I don't know what I should have done with it when I got home. I am sure it is better in your hands."
...In the end he would only take two small chests, one filled with silver, and the other with gold, such as one strong pony could carry. "That will be quite as much as I can manage," said he."
November 26, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The Shire is reborn.
(not from the appendices-no text)
...Sam stood back and looked at the wall of bricks he and the others had just finished stacking. This is the fifth hole they've restored in a few short weeks using materials from the enemy's dismantled structures. They are determined to make every hole tight for the coming winter. The group smiled as they exchanged glances and gathered their tools.
... "And now to the Dragon to be sure their stock is in order," he chuckled to the others. "I'll fetch Mr. Frodo and we'll join you there."
We have been there and back again.
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