|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Immortal
Mar 16 2010, 12:11pm
Post #1 of 14
(310 views)
Shortcut
|
|
TIME after TIME
|
Can't Post
|
|
I'm sorry for starting a thread whilst the same type is still on the board, but I'm leaving town until around the 25th of March, and there's so much going on in the story, I felt compelled to just plant them all in one post where they could be followed over the next several days.
The posts will also have more breaks (... ...) in them than in the past in honour of copyright and giving Tolkien's works protection.
Thanks lots... and good days to all :)
Wanna NZ Moot?
 
"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~
I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.
TORn's Observations Lists
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Immortal
Mar 16 2010, 12:12pm
Post #2 of 14
(183 views)
Shortcut
|
Today in Middle-earth.
March 17, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. Battle of Dale. King Brand and King Dáin Ironfoot fall.
(from the appendices)
..."At the same time as the great armies besieged Minas Tirith a host of the allies of Sauron that had long threatened the borders of King Brand crossed the River Carnen, and Brand was driven back to Dale. There he had the aid of the Dwarves of Erebor; and there was a great battle at the Mountain's feet. It lasted three days, but in the end both king Brand and King Dáin Ironfoot were slain..."
2. Many Dwarves and Men take refuge in Erebor and are besieged.
(from the appendices)
... "...the Easterlings had the victory. But they could not take the Gate, and many, both Dwarves and Men, took refuge in Erebor, and there withstood a siege.
...When news came of the great victories in the South, then Sauron's northern army was filled with dismay; and the besieged came forth and routed them, and the remnant fled into the East and troubled Dale no more."
3. Shagrat brings Frodo's cloak, mail-shirt, and sword to Barad-dûr.
(from the appendices)
..."[Sam] sprang out to meet Shagrat with a shout. He was no longer holding the ring, but it was there, a hidden power, a cowing menace to the slaves of Mordor; and in his hand was Sting, and its light smote the eyes of the orc like the glitter of cruel stars in the terrible elf-countries... ...Shagrat could not both fight and keep hold of his treasure. He stooped, growling, baring his fangs. Then one more, orc-fashion, he leapt aside, and as Sam sprang at him, using the heavy bundle as both shield and weapon, he thrust it hard into his enemy's face. Sam staggered, and before he could recover, Shagrat darted past and down the stairs.
...Sam ran after him, cursing, but he did not go far... ...Away below Shagrat went leaping down the stairs and out over the court and through the gate. Bearing his precious burden."
4. Aragorn musters the armies while Gandalf, Pippin, Legolas, and Gimli prepare to depart for Mordor.
(not from the appendices)
..."...at once swift riders were sent out to gather what news they could northwards; and eastwards, from Osgiliath and the road to Minas Morgul.
...And when they had reckoned up all their strength and taken thought for the journeys they should make and the roads they should choose, Imrahil suddenly laughed aloud.
...'Surely,' he cried, 'this is the greatest jest in all the history of Gondor: that we should ride with seven thousands... ...to assail the mountains and the impenetrable gate of the Black Land! So might a child threaten a mail-clad knight with a bow of string and green willow! If the Dark Lord knows so much as you say, Mithrandir, will he not rather smile than fear, and... ...crush us like a fly that tries to sting him?'
...'No, he will try to trap the fly and take the sting,' said Gandalf. 'And there are names among us that are worth more than a thousand mail-clad knights apiece. No, he will not smile.'
...'Neither shall we,' said Aragorn. 'If this be jest, then it is too bitter for laughter. Nay, it is the last move in a great jeopardy, and for one side or the other it will bring the end of the game.' Then he drew Andúril and held it up glittering in the sun. 'You shall not be sheathed again until the last battle is fought,' he said."
5. In the Houses of Healing, Faramir, Éowyn, and Merry recover from their wounds on the Pelennor field.
(not from the appendices-no text)
...Éowyn still rested from her wounds, confined to her bed. Merry visits with Pippin, Legolas and Gimli before their departure the next day. Faramir rises, restless and heavy-hearted.
6. Frodo and Sam continue their scramble over the rocky terrain.
(not from the appendices)
..."'Well, I suppose we must be going on again,' Frodo said. 'I wonder how long it will be before we really are caught and all the toiling and the slinking will be over, and in vain.' He stood up. 'It's dark, and we cannot use the Lady's glass. Keep it safe for me, Sam. I have nowhere to keep it now, except in my hand, and I shall need both hands in the blind night. But Sting I give to you. I have got an orc-blade, but I do not think it will be my part to strike any blow again.'"
"'...Begging your pardon, Mr. Frodo,' he said, 'but have you any notion how far there is still to go?'
...'No, not any clear notion, Sam,' Frodo answered. 'In Rivendell before I set out I was shown a map of Mordor that was made before the Enemy came back here; but I only remember it vaguely... ...I guess that we have gone about twelve leagues north from the bridge now. Even if all goes well, I could hardly reach the Mountain in a week. I am afraid, Sam, that the burden will get very heavy, and I shall go still slower as we get nearer.'
...Sam sighed. 'That's just as I feared.' he said. 'Well, to say nothing of water, we've got to eat less, Mr. Frodo, or else move a bit quicker... ...One more bite and all the food's ended, save the Elves' waybread.'
...'I'll try and be a bit quicker, Sam,' said Frodo, drawing a deep breath. 'Come on then! Let's start another march!'"
Wanna NZ Moot?
"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~
I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.
TORn's Observations Lists
(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Mar 16 2010, 12:12pm)
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Immortal
Mar 16 2010, 12:13pm
Post #3 of 14
(168 views)
Shortcut
|
Today in Middle-earth.
March 18, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The Host of the West marches from Minas Tirith.
(from the appendices)
..."Legolas and Gimli were to ride again together in the company of Aragorn and Gandalf, who went in the van with the Dúnedain and the sons of Elrond... ...In the same company Pippin was also to go, as a soldier of Gondor. Merry could see him not far off, a small but upright figure among the tall men of Minas Tirith. At last the trumpets rang and the army began to move. Troop by troop, and company by company, they wheeled and went off eastward.
..."Ere noon the army came to Osgiliath.... ...the vanguard passed on through the ruins of Old Gondor, and over the wide River... ...horsemen pressed on and ere evening they came to the Cross Roads and the great ring of trees, and all was silent. No sign of the enemy had they seen, no cry or call had been heard, no shaft had sped from rock or thicket by the way, yet ever as they went forward they felt the watchfulness of the land increase. Tree and stone, blade and leaf were listening..."
..."Aragorn set trumpeters at each of the four roads that ran into the ring of trees, and they blew a great fanfare, and the heralds cried aloud: "The Lords of Gondor have returned and all this land that is theirs they take back.'"
2. Merry, Faramir and Éowyn are still confined to the Houses of the Healing; but Merry rose up for the army's departure.
(not from the appendices)
..."Merry to his shame was not to go with them. 'You are not fit for such a journey,' said Aragorn. 'But do not be ashamed. If you do no more in this war, you have already earned great honour. Peregrin shall go and represent the Shirefolk; and do not grudge him his chance of peril, for though he has done as well as his fortune allowed him, he has yet to match your deed."
..."...So despondently Merry now stood and watched the mustering of the army. Bergil was with him... ...(Merry) remained with bowed head and heavy heart, feeling friendless and alone. Everyone that he cared for had gone away into that gloom that hung over the distant eastern sky; and little hope at all was left in his heart that he would ever see any of them again. As if recalled by his mood of despair, the pain in his arm returned, and he felt weak and old, and the sunlight seemed thin. He was roused by the touch of Bergil's hand.
...'Come, Master Perian!' said the lad. 'You are still in pain... ...I will help you back to the Healers. But do not fear! They will come back. The Men of Minas Tirith will never be overcome. And now they have the Lord Elfstone, and Beregond of the Guard too.'"
3. Frodo comes in sight of the Isenmouthe; he is overtaken by Orcs on the road from Durthang to Udûn.
(from the appendices)
..."'We've come to a dead end, Sam,' said Frodo. 'If we go on, we shall only come up to that orc-tower, but the only road to take is that road that comes down from it—unless we go back....' '...Then we must take the road, Mr. Frodo,' said Sam. 'We must take it and chance our luck, if there is any luck in Mordor. We might as well give ourselves up as wander about any more, or try to go back. Our food won't last. We've got to make a dash for it!'
...'All right, Sam,' said Frodo. 'Lead me! As long as you've got any hope left. Mine is gone. But I can't dash, Sam. I'll just plod along after you...'"
..."...suddenly in the stillness of the night they heard the sound that all along they had secretly dreaded: the noise of marching feet. It was still some way behind them, but looking back they could see the twinkle of torches coming round the bend less than a mile away, and they were moving fast; too fast for Frodo to escape by flight along the road ahead...
...'I feared it, Sam,' said Frodo. 'We've trusted to luck, and it has failed us... ...We're trapped at last!' said Frodo. He sank to the ground beneath the wall of rock and bowed his head.
...'Seems so,' said Sam. 'Well, we can but wait and see.' And with that he sat down beside Frodo under the shadow of the cliff.... ...Now Sam too bowed his head, hoping that it would hide his face when the torches reached them; and he set their shields before their knees to hide their feet."
..."Then suddenly, one of the slave-drivers spied the two figures by the road-side.... 'Come on, you slugs!' he cried....
.....They struggled to their feet, and keeping bent, limping like footsore soldiers... ...the company started off again at a brisk trot.
...It was hard enough for poor Sam, tired as he was; but for Frodo it was a torment, and soon a nightmare."
... "...Frodo's strength began to give out and his will wavered. He lurched and stumbled. Desperately Sam tried to help him and hold him up, though he felt that he could himself hardly stay the pace much longer. At any moment now he knew that the end would come: his master would faint or fall, and all would be discovered, and their bitter efforts be in vain. 'I'll have that big slave-driving devil anyway,' he thought.
...Then just as Sam was putting his hand to the hilt of his sword, there came an unexpected relief... ...it chanced that several companies came together at the road... ...At once there was great jostling and cursing...
...Dazed as he was with pain and weariness, Sam woke up, grasped quickly at his chance, and threw himself to the ground, dragging Frodo down with him. Orcs fell over them, snarling and cursing. Slowly on hand and knee the hobbits crawled away out of the turmoil, until at last un-noticed they dropped over the further edge of the road....
......They lay still for a while. It was too dark to seek for cover, if indeed there was any to find; but Sam felt that they ought at least to get further away from the highways and out of the range of torchlight.
...'Come on, Mr. Frodo!' he whispered. 'One more crawl, and then you can lie still.'
...With a despairing effort Frodo raised himself on his hands, and struggled on for maybe twenty yards. Then he pitched into a shallow pit that opened unexpectedly before them, and there he lay like a dead thing."
Wanna NZ Moot?
"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~
I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.
TORn's Observations Lists
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Immortal
Mar 16 2010, 12:13pm
Post #4 of 14
(176 views)
Shortcut
|
Today in Middle-earth.
March 19, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The Host comes to Morgul-vale.
(from the appendices)
..."...when the main host came up, they set a strong guard upon the Cross Roads to make some defence, if Mordor should send a force over the Morgul Pass, or should bring more men up from the South. For that guard they chose mostly archers who knew the ways of Ithilien and would lie hid in the woods and slopes... ...But Gandalf and Aragorn rode with the vanguard to the entrance of Morgul Vale and looked on the evil city. It was dark and lifeless; for the Orcs and lesser creatures of Mordor that had dwelt there had been destroyed in battle, and the Nazgûl were abroad. Yet the air of the valley was heavy with fear and enmity..."
2. Frodo and Samwise escape and begin their journey along the road to the Barad-dûr.
(from the appendices)
..."Sam tried to guess the distances and to decide what way they ought to take. 'It looks every step of fifty miles,' he muttered gloomily... ...and that'll take a week, if it takes a day, with Mr. Frodo as he is.' He shook his head, and as he worked things out, slowly a new dark thought grew in his mind. Never for long had hope died in his staunch heart, and always... ...he had taken some thought for their return. But the bitter truth came home to him at last: at best their provision would take them to their goal; and when the task was done, there they would come to an end, alone, houseless, foodless in the midst of a terrible desert. There could be no return.
...'So that was the job I felt I had to do when I started,' thought Sam: 'To help Mr. Frodo to the last step and then die with him? Well, if that is the job then I must do it. But I would dearly like to see Bywater again, and Rosie Cotton and her brothers, and the Gaffer... ...and all. I can't think somehow that Gandalf would have sent Mr. Frodo on this errand, if there hadn't a' been any hope of his ever coming back at all. Things all went wrong when he went down in Moria. I wish he hadn't. He would have done something.'
...But even if hope died in Sam, or seemed to die, it was turned to a new strength. Sam's plain hobbit-face grew stern... ... as the will hardened in him, and he felt through all his limbs a thrill, as if he was turning into some creature of stone and steel that neither despair nor weariness nor endless barren miles could subdue...
...Sam went back to his master. He had no need to rouse him. Frodo was lying on his back with eyes open, staring at the cloudy sky. 'Well, Mr. Frodo,' said Sam, 'I've been having a look around and thinking a bit. There's nothing on the roads, and we'd best be getting away while there's a chance. Can you manage it?'
...'I can manage it,' said Frodo. 'I must.'"
3. In the Houses of Healing.
(not from the appendices-no text)
...Éowyn remained confined to her bed by the Warden of the Houses of Healing, but Faramir and Merry would rise for short measures of time as they slowly recovered.
...As her strength returned, Merry would sit with Éowyn and they would speak lightly of what they could see of the White City from their windows, yet they never spoke of the great ride of the Rohirrim nor the battle that followed. They would often find themselves quietly sitting. No words need be said. He could sense the shadow that enshrouded the fair Lady of Rohan and the sadness in her eyes broke his heart.
Wanna NZ Moot?
"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~
I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.
TORn's Observations Lists
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Immortal
Mar 16 2010, 12:14pm
Post #5 of 14
(173 views)
Shortcut
|
Today in Middle-earth.
March 20, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The Host continued their defiant march to Mordor.
(not from the appendices)
..."All the land now brooded as at the coming of a great storm: for the Captains of the West had passed the Cross Roads and set flames in the deadly fields of Imlad Morgul.
... ...It was some hundred miles by that way from the Cross Roads to the Morannon, and what might befall them before they came so far none knew.... "
2. As Minas Tirith was busily repairing and fortifying the White City for the next onslaught, the White Lady of Rohan rises from her sickbed.
(not from the appendices)
..."Éowyn bade the women who tended her to bring her raiment, and she would not be gainsaid, but rose; and when they had clothed her and set her arm in a sling of linen, she went to the Warden of the Houses of Healing.
...'Sir,' she said, 'I am in great unrest, and I cannot lie longer in sloth.'
...'Lady,' he answered, 'you are not yet healed, and I was commanded to tend you with especial care. You should not have risen from your bed for seven days yet... ...I beg you to go back.'
...'I am healed,' she said, 'healed at least in body, save my left arm only, and that is at ease. But I shall sicken anew, if there is naught that I can do....'
...'...There is a marshal over the Riders of Rohan;' [said the Warden] 'and the Lord Húrin, I am told, commands the men of Gondor. But the Lord Faramir is by right the Steward of the City.'
...'Where can I find him?'
...'In this house, Lady. He was sorely hurt, but is now set again on the way to health. But I do not know----'
...'Will you not bring me to him? Then you will know.'
...The Lord Faramir was walking alone in the garden of the Houses of Healing, and the sunlight warmed him, and he felt life run anew in his veins; but his heart was heavy, and he looked out over the wall eastward. ...the Warden spoke his name, and he turned and saw the Lady Éowyn of Rohan; and he was moved with pity, for he saw that she was hurt, and his clear sight perceived her sorrow and unrest.
...'My lord,' said the Warden, 'here is the Lady Éowyn of Rohan. She rode with the king and was sorely hurt... ... But she is not content, and she wishes to speak to the Steward of the City.'
...'Do not misunderstand him, lord,' said Éowyn. 'It is not lack of care that grieves me. No houses could be fairer, for those who desire to be healed. But I cannot lie in sloth, idle, caged. I looked for death in battle. But I have not died and the battle still goes on.'
...At a sign from Faramir, the Warden bowed and departed. 'What would you have me do, lady?' said Faramir. 'I also am a prisoner of the healers.' He looked at her, and being a man whom pity deeply stirred, it seemed to him that her loveliness amid her grief would pierce his heart. And she looked at him and saw the grave tenderness in his eyes, and yet knew... ... that here was one whom no Rider of the Mark would outmatch in battle.
...'What do you wish?' he said again. 'If I lies in my power, I will do it.'
...'I would have you command this Warden, and bid him let me go,' she said; but though her words were still proud, her heart faltered, and for the first time she doubted herself. She guessed that this tall man, both stern and gentle, might think her... ...like a child that has not the firmness of mind to go on with a dull task to the end.
...'I myself am in the Warden's keeping,' answered Faramir. 'Nor have I yet taken up my authority in the City. But had I done so, I should still listen to his counsel, and should not cross his will in matters of his craft, unless in some great need.'
...'But I do not desire healing,' she said. 'I wish to ride to war like my brother Éomer, or better like Théoden the king, for he died and has both honour and peace.'
...'It is too late, lady, to follow the Captains, even if you had the strength,' said Faramir. 'But death in battle may come to us all yet... ...You will be better prepared to face it in your own manner, if while there is still time you do as the Healer commanded. You and I, we must endure with patience the hours of waiting.'
...She did not answer, but as he looked at her it seemed to him that something in her softened, as though a bitter frost were yielding at the first faint presage of Spring. A tear sprang in her eye and fell down her cheek... ...Her proud head drooped a little. Then quietly, more as if speaking to herself than to him: 'But the healers would have me lie abed seven days yet,' she said. 'And my window does no look eastward.' Her voice was now that of a maiden young and sad.
...Faramir smiled, though his heart was filled with pity. 'Your window does not look eastward?' he said. 'That can be amended... ...If you will stay in his house in our care, lady, and take your rest, then you shall walk in his garden in the sun, as you will; and you shall look east, whither all our hopes have gone. And here you will find me, walking and waiting, and looking east. It would ease my care, if you would speak to me, or walk at whiles with me.
...Then she raised her head and looked him in the eyes again; and a colour came in her pale face. 'How should I ease your care, my lord?' she said. 'And I do not desire the speech of living men.'
...'Would you have my plain answer?' he said.
...'I would.'
...'Then, Éowyn of Rohan, I say to you that you are beautiful. In the valleys of our hills there are flowers fair and bright, and maidens fairer still; but neither flower nor lady have I seen till now in Gondor so lovely, and so sorrowful. It may be that only a few days are left ere darkness falls upon our world, and when it comes I hope to face it steadily; but it would ease my heart... ... if I could see you still. For you and I have both passed under the wings of the Shadow, and the same hand drew us back.'
...'Alas, not me, lord!' she said. 'Shadow lies on me still. Look not to me for healing! I am a shieldmaiden and my hand is ungentle. But I thank you for this at least, that I need not keep to my chamber. I will walk abroad by the grace of the Steward of the City.' And she did him a courtesy and walked back to the house. But Faramir for a long while walked alone in the garden, and his glance now strayed rather to the house than to the eastward walls.
...When he returned to his chamber he called for the Warden, and heard all that he could tell of the Lady of Rohan.
... 'But I doubt not, lord... ...that you would learn more from the Halfling that is with us; for he was in the riding of the king, and with the Lady at the end, they say.'
...And so Merry was sent to Faramir, and while that day lasted they talked long together, and Faramir learned much, more even than Merry put into words; and he thought that he understood now something of the grief and unrest of Éowyn of Rohan. And in the fair evening, Faramir and Merry walked in the garden, but she did not come."
3. Frodo and Sam
(not from the appendices)
..."So the desperate journey went on, as the Ring went south and the banners of the kings rode north. For the hobbits each day, each mile, was more bitter than the one before, as their strength lessened and the land became more evil. They met no enemies by day. At times by night, as they cowered or drowsed uneasily in some hiding beside the road, they heard cries and the noise of many feet or the swift passing of some cruelly ridden steed."
Wanna NZ Moot?
"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~
I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.
TORn's Observations Lists
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Immortal
Mar 16 2010, 12:15pm
Post #6 of 14
(172 views)
Shortcut
|
Today in Middle-earth.
March 21, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The Host continues their march to Mordor.
(not from the appendices)
..."...the army began its northward march along the road. It was some hundred miles by that way from the Cross Roads to the Morannon, and what might befall them before they came so far none knew. They went openly but heedfully, with mounted scouts before them on the road, and others on foot upon either side..."
..."Ever and anon Gandalf let blow the trumpets, and the heralds would cry: 'The Lords of Gondor are come! Let all leave this land or yield them up!' But Imrahil said: 'Say not the Lords of Gondor. Say The King Elessar. For that is true, even though he has not yet sat upon the throne; and it will give the Enemy more thought, if the heralds use that name.' And thereafter thrice a day the heralds proclaimed the coming of the King Elessar. But none answered the challenge.
...Nonetheless, though they marched in seeming peace, the hearts of all the company, from the highest to the lowest, were downcast, and with every mile that they went north foreboding of evil grew heavier on them..."
2. Minas Tirith waits.
(not from the appendices)
..."...as Faramir came from the Houses, he saw her, as she stood upon the walls; and she was clad all in white, and gleamed in the sun. And he called to her, and she came down, and they walked on the grass or sat under a green tree together, now in silence, now in speech. And each day after they did likewise."
3. Frodo and Sam's strength is giving out.
(not from the appendices)
..."... far worse than all such perils was the ever-approaching threat that beat upon them as they went: the dreadful menace of the Power that waited, brooding in deep thought and sleepless malice behind the dark veil about its Throne. Nearer and nearer it drew, looming blacker, like the on-coming of a wall of night at the last end of the world."
Wanna NZ Moot?
"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~
I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.
TORn's Observations Lists
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Immortal
Mar 16 2010, 12:15pm
Post #7 of 14
(176 views)
Shortcut
|
Today in Middle-earth.
March 22, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The dreadful nightfall.
(from the appendices)
..."...And from that evening onward the Nazgûl came and followed every move of the army. They still flew high and out of sight of all save Legolas, and yet their presence could be felt, as a deepening of shadow and a dimming of the sun; and though the Ringwraiths did not yet stoop low upon their foes and were silent, uttering no cry, the dread of them could not be shaken off."
2. Frodo and Samwise leave the road and turn south to Mount Doom.
(from the appendices)
..."There came at last a dreadful nightfall; and even as the Captains of the West drew near to the end of the living lands, the two wanderers came to an hour of blank despair. Four days had passed since they had escaped from the orcs, but the time lay behind them like an ever-darkening dream. All this last day Frodo had not spoken, but had walked half-bowed, often stumbling, as if his eyes no longer saw the way before his feet. Sam guessed that among all their pains he bore the worst, the growing weight of the Ring a burden on the body and a torment to his mind. Anxiously Sam had noted how his master's left hand would often be raised as if to ward off a blow, or to screen his shrinking eyes from a dreadful Eye that sought to look in them. And sometimes his right hand would creep to his breast, clutching, and then slowly, as the will recovered mastery, it would be withdrawn.
...Now as the blackness of night returned Frodo sat, his head between his knees, his arms hanging wearily to the ground where his hands lay feebly twitching. Sam watched him, till night covered them both and hid them from one another. He could no longer find any words to say; and he turned to his own dark thoughts."
..."As for himself, though weary and under a shadow of fear, he still had some strength left. The lembas had a virtue without which they would long ago have lain down to die. It did not satisfy desire, and at times Sam's mind was filled with the memories of food, the longing for simple bread and meats. And yet this waybread of the elves had a potency that increased as travellers relied on it alone and did not mingle it with other foods. It fed the will, and it gave strength to endure, and to master sinew and limb beyond the measure of mortal kind...'"
..."'Water, water!' muttered Sam. He had stinted himself, and in his parched mouth his tongue seemed thick and swollen; but for all his care they now had very little left, perhaps half his bottle, and maybe there were still days to go..."
..."At last wearied with his cares Sam drowsed, leaving the morrow till it came; he could do no more. Dream and waking mingled uneasily. He saw lights like gloating eyes, and dark creeping shapes, and he heard noises as of wild beasts or the dreadful cries of tortured things; and he would start up to find the world all dark and only empty blackness all about him. Once only, as he stood and stared wildly round, did it seem that, though now awake, he could still see pale lights like eyes; but soon they flickered and vanished."
3. Third assault on Lórien.
(from the appendices)
...Lórien had been assailed from Dol Guldur, but besides the valour of the elven people of that land, the power that dwelt there was too great for any to overcome, unless Sauron had come there himself. Though grievous harm was done to the fair woods on the borders, the assaults were driven back… "
4. In Minas Tirith, Éowyn and Faramir met daily in the gardens facing east.
(not from the appendices)
..."...the Warden [of the Houses of Healing] looking from his window was glad in heart, for he was a healer, and his care was lightened; and certain it was that, heavy as was the dread and foreboding of those days upon the hearts of men, still these two of his charges prospered and grew daily in strength."
March 22, 2006
1. In memorium.
The passing of our dear friend, Greg. Balin bows.
Wanna NZ Moot?
"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~
I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.
TORn's Observations Lists
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Immortal
Mar 16 2010, 12:16pm
Post #8 of 14
(180 views)
Shortcut
|
Today in Middle-earth.
March 23, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The Host passes out of Ithilien.
(from the appendices)
..."So time and the hopeless journey wore away. Upon the fourth day from the Cross Roads and the sixth from Minas Tirith they came they came at last to the end of the living lands, and began to pass into the desolation that lay before the gates of the Pass of Cirith Gorgor..."
2. Aragorn dismisses the faint-hearted.
(from the appendices)
..."...and they could descry the marshes and the desert that stretched north and west to the Emyn Muil. So desolate were those places and so deep the horror that lay on them that some of the host were unmanned, and they could neither walk nor ride further north.
...Aragorn looked at them, and there was pity in his eyes rather than wrath; for these were young men from Rohan... ...and to them Mordor had been from childhood a name of evil, and yet unreal, a legend that had no part in their simple life; and now they walked like men in a hideous dream made true, and they understood not this war nor why fate should lead them to such a pass.
...'Go!' said Aragorn. 'But keep what honour you may, and do not run! And there is a task which you may attempt and so be not wholly shamed. Take your way south-west till you come to Cair Andros, and if that is still held by enemies... ...then re-take it, if you can; and hold it to the last in defence of Gondor and Rohan!'
...Then some being shamed by his mercy overcame their fear and went on, and the others took new hope, hearing of a manful deed within their measure that they could turn to, and they departed. And so, since many men had already been left at the Cross Roads, it was with less than six thousands that the Captains of the West came at last to challenge the Black Gate and the might of Mordor."
3. Frodo and Samwise cast away their arms and gear.
(from the appendices)
..."...Sam took out all the things in his pack. Somehow each of them had become dear to him, if only because he had borne them so far with so much toil. Hardest of all it was to part with his cooking-gear. Tears welled in his eyes at the thought of casting it away.
...'Do you remember that bit of rabbit, Mr. Frodo? And our place under the warm bank in Captain Faramir's country, the day I saw an oliphaunt?'
...'No, I am afraid not, Sam. At least I know that such things happened, but I cannot see them. No taste of food, no feel of water, no sound of wind, no memory of tree or grass or flower, no image of moon or star are left to me. I am naked in the dark, Sam, and there is no veil between me and the wheel of fire. I begin to see it even with my waking eyes, and all else fades.'
...Sam went to him and kissed his hand. 'Then the sooner we're rid of it, the sooner to rest,' he said haltingly... ...'Talking won't mend nothing,' he muttered to himself, as he gathered up all the things that they had chosen to cast away. He was not willing to leave them lying open in the wilderness for any eyes to see. 'Stinker picked up that orc-shirt, seemingly, and he isn't going to add a sword to it. His hands are bad enough when empty. And he isn't going to mess with my pans!' With that he carried all the gear away to one of the many gaping fissures that scored the land and threw them in. The clatter of his precious pans as they fell down into the dark was like a death-knell to his heart.
...He came back to Frodo, and then of his elven-rope he cut a short piece to serve his master as a girdle and bind the grey cloak close about his waist. The rest he carefully coiled and put back in his pack... ...he kept only the remnants of their waybread and the water-bottle, and Sting still hanging by his belt; and hidden away in a pocket of his tunic next to his breast the phial of Galadriel and the little box that she gave him for his own."
..."That day it seemed to Sam that his master had found some new strength, more than could be explained by the small lightening of the load that he had to carry... ...But as the day wore on and all too soon the dim light began to fail, Frodo stooped again, and began to stagger, as if the renewed effort had squandered his remaining strength.
...At their last halt he sank down and said: 'I'm thirsty, Sam,' and did not speak again. Sam gave him a mouthful of water; only one more mouthful remained. He went without himself.'"
..."...He could not sleep and he held a debate with himself. 'Well, come now, we've done better than you hoped,' he said sturdily. 'Began well anyway. I reckon we crossed half the distance before we stopped. One more day will do it.' And then he paused.
...'Don't be a fool, Sam Gamgee,' came an answer in his own voice. 'He won't go another day like that, if he moves at all. And you can't go on much longer giving him all the water and most of the food...'
......'There you are!' came the answer. 'It's all quite useless. He said so himself. You are the fool, going on hoping and toiling. You could have lain down and gone to sleep together days ago, if you hadn't been so dogged. But you'll die just the same, or worse. You might just as well lie down and give it up. You'll never get to the top anyway.'
...'I'll get there, if I leave everything but my bones behind,' said Sam. 'And I'll carry Mr. Frodo up myself, if it breaks my back and heart. So stop arguing!'"
4. In Minas Tirith waits.
(not from the appendices-no text)
...Éowyn and Faramir continue to recover from their wounds and would walk daily in the gardens of the Houses of the Healers which face east. Bergil and Merry spend long hours sharing stories to keep their minds from what they fear the Riders are facing. They've also developed a gift of discretion and were careful to avoid the gardens when Faramir and Éowyn are deep in conversation.
5. Pippin remains with the grim Men of the West.
(not from the appendices—no text)
...As the army moved through the desolate lands of Mordor, Pippin's heavy heart wept as he looked around at the ruination and he thought of Sam and Frodo alone, walking mile after dangerous mile unprotected. As he experienced the oppressive evil that lay on the land, he wondered how they could endure the horror. He feared that they could be lost, captured or perhaps may be dead. His thoughts turned to Merry in the cold White City now far away and wondered what would happen to him if their quest failed. Surrounded by fearsome riders and great leaders of the West, Pippin felt very small, very alone, and longed for the days in the Shire when they were all safe and had no knowledge that such evil and despair ever existed.
Wanna NZ Moot?
"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~
I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.
TORn's Observations Lists
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Immortal
Mar 16 2010, 12:17pm
Post #9 of 14
(202 views)
Shortcut
|
Today in Middle-earth.
March 24, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. Thorin and Gandalf travel to Bree on separate journeys.
(not from the appendices- text/no text)
..."On a time Thorin, returning west from a journey..." decides to go to Bree for a night's stay at the Prancing Pony. At the same time, Gandalf approached Bree "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."
March 24, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. Minas Tirith
(not from the appendices)
..."Over the city of Gondor doubt and great dread had hung. Fair weather and clear sun had seemed but a mockery to men whose days held little hope, and who looked each morning for news of doom. Their lord was dead and burned, dead lay the King of Rohan in their citadel, and the new king that had come to them in the night was gone again to a war with powers too dark and terrible for any might or valour to conquer. And no news came. After the host left Morgul Vale and took the northward road beneath the shadow of the mountains no messenger had returned nor any rumour of what was passing in the brooding East."
2. The Host camps in the Desolation of the Morannon.
(from the appendices)
..."They advanced now slowly, expecting at every hour some answer to their challenge, and they drew together, since it was but waste of men to send out scouts or small parties from the main host. At nightfall of the fifth day of the march from Morgul Vale they made their last camp, and set fires about it of such dead wood and heath as they could find. They passed the hours of night in wakefulness and they were aware of many things half-seen that walked and prowled all about them, and they heard the howling of wolves....
......It grew cold. As morning came the wind began to stir again, but now it came from the North, and soon it freshened to a rising breeze. All the night-walkers were gone, and the land seemed empty. North amid their noisome pits lay the first of the great heaps and hills of slag and broken rock and blasted earth, the vomit of the maggot-folk of Mordor; but south and now near loom the great rampart of Cirith Gorgor, and the Black Gate amid-most, and the two Towers of the Teeth tall and dark upon either side. For in their last march the Captains had turned away from the old road as it bent east, and avoided the peril of the lurking hills, and so now they were approaching the Morannon from the north-west, even as Frodo had done."
3. Frodo and Samwise make their last journey to the feet of Mount Doom.
(from the appendices)
..."The last stage of the journey to Orodruin came, and it was a torment greater than Sam had ever thought that he could bear. He was in pain, and so parched that he would no longer swallow even a mouthful of food. It remained dark, not only because of the smokes of the Mountain: there seemed to be a storm coming up... ...Worst of all, the air was full of fumes; breathing was painful and difficult, and a dizziness came on them, so that they staggered and often fell. And yet their wills did not yield, and they struggled on.
...The Mountain crept up ever nearer, until... ...it filled all their sight, looming vast before them: a huge mass of ash and slag and burned stone, out of which a sheer-sided cone was raised into the clouds. Before the daylong dusk ended and true night came again they had crawled and stumbled to its very feet.
...With a gasp Frodo cast himself on the ground. Sam sat by him. To his surprise he felt tired but lighter, and his head seemed clear again. No more debates disturbed his mind. He knew all the arguments of despair and would not listen to them. His will was set, and only death would break it. He felt no longer either desire or need to sleep, but rather of watchfulness. He knew that all the hazards and perils were now drawing together to a point: the next day would be a day of doom, the day of final effort of disaster, the last gasp.
...But when would it come? ...Sam began to wonder if a second darkness had begun and no day would ever reappear. At last he groped for Frodo's hand. It was cold and trembling. His master was shivering. 'I didn't ought to have left my blanket behind,' muttered Sam; and lying down he tried to comfort Frodo with his arms and body. Then sleep took him, and the dim light of the last day of their quest found them side by side."
Wanna NZ Moot?
"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~
I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.
TORn's Observations Lists
|
|
|
Lily Fairbairn
Half-elven
Mar 16 2010, 2:35pm
Post #10 of 14
(176 views)
Shortcut
|
...have a great one in NZ, gramma! Thank you for leaving us with such a wealth of Tolkien-y goodness before you leave. We'll miss you!
* * * * * * *
Do we walk in legends or on the green earth in the daylight?
A man may do both. For not we but those who come after will make the legends of our time. The green earth, say you? That is a mighty matter of legend, though you tread it under the light of day!
|
|
|
aranelthehobbit22
Gondor
Mar 17 2010, 1:31am
Post #12 of 14
(255 views)
Shortcut
|
|
Thanks for taking the TIME to do these!
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
And have a great time in New Zealand!!
'Help oft shall come from the hands of the weak when the Wise falter.'
"Yet in that hour was put to the proof that which Mithrandir had spoken, and help came from the hands of the weak when the Wise faltered."
"Give us that Deagol my love . . ."
|
|
|
dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Mar 21 2010, 12:17pm
Post #13 of 14
(103 views)
Shortcut
|
(It feels disruptive to disturb gramma's pristine posts, so I'll place comments as a reply to the first post!)
I don't know if Tolkien deliberately timed that first meeting of Éowynd and Faramir to coincide with the first day of Spring, or come as close to it as possible! But Spring did arrive yesterday, along with these words: "...as though a bitter frost were yielding at the first faint presage of Spring."
What is the bitter frost that Éowyn desires? Death, with "honour and peace": peace especially, for hers has been a bitter life.
But now she is facing the hardest challenge of her young life: the pity, and sympathy, and empathy of one strong in both mind and body and will, calling for her to step out from her self-imposed prison of despair. This will be the hardest battle she has ever fought - and only by losing it, will she win.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
"It struck me last night that you might write a fearfully good romantic drama, with as much of the 'supernatural' as you cared to introduce. Have you ever thought of it?"
-Geoffrey B. Smith, letter to JRR Tolkien, 1915
|
|
|
aranelthehobbit22
Gondor
Mar 21 2010, 3:33pm
Post #14 of 14
(155 views)
Shortcut
|
I felt similar to Merry when he was thinking how terrible it would be for one so young and fair as Eowyn to have to die so miserable.
It is so good that she met Faramir, he really helped her, bringing her out of despair.
I love how everything flows so well in these books, how this meeting, as you noted, coincides with the beginning of Spring.
I marvel at how well Tolkien created his world.
'Help oft shall come from the hands of the weak when the Wise falter.'
"Yet in that hour was put to the proof that which Mithrandir had spoken, and help came from the hands of the weak when the Wise faltered."
"Give us that Deagol my love . . ."
|
|
|
|
|
TIME - March 17
[
