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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Jan 31 2016, 3:21pm
Post #1 of 18
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It's time for some BS!
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In August 2015, I offered a 3-part look at the Stewards of Gondor (links follow). Continuing with that investigation... here is the first part of a 7-part Book Spoiler... for a moment of Tolkien-zen. From Appendix A: The Stewards: Return of the King
August posts
pt 1 of 3
pt 2 of 3
pt 3 of 3
Here comes the multi-part sequel with pt 1... "In the days of Beren, the nineteenth Steward, a... ...greater peril came upon Gondor. Three great fleets, long prepared, came up from Umbar and the Harad, and assailed the coasts of Gondor in great force... ...the enemy made many landings, even as far north as the mouth of the Isen. At the same time the Rohirrim were assailed from the west and the east... ...their land was overrun, and they were driven into the dales of the White Mountains. In that year (2758) the Long Winter began with cold and great snows out of the North and the East which lasted for almost five months. Helm of Rohan and both his sons perished in that war... ...there was misery and death in Eriador and in Rohan. But in Gondor south of the mountains things were less evil, and before spring came Beregond son of Beren had overcome the invaders. At once he sent aid to Rohan. He was the greatest captain that had arisen in Gondor since Boromir... ...when he succeeded his father (2763) Gondor began to recover its strength. But Rohan was slower to be healed of the hurts that it had received. It was for this reason that Beren welcomed Saruman, and gave to him the keys of Orthanc; and from that year on (2759) Saruman dwelt in Isengard."
Hobbit: BotFA Geeky Observation List draft #5 1/30/15
6th draft of TH:AUJ Geeky Observations List - November 28, 2013
4th draft of TH:DOS Geeky Observations List - May 15, 2014
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
TORn's Geeky Observations Lists for LotR and The Hobbit
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Feb 1 2016, 10:07am
Post #2 of 18
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This is the second part of a 7-part Book Spoiler that looks at the role of the Stewards of Gondor... for a moment of Tolkien-zen. From Appendix A: The Stewards: Return of the King ... "It was in the days of Beregond that the War of the Dwarves and Orcs was fought in the Misty Mountains (2793-9), of which only rumour came south, until the Orcs fleeing... ...attempted to cross Rohan and establish themselves in the White Mountains. There was fighting for many years in the dales before that danger was ended.
... When Belecthor II, the twenty-first Steward, died, the White Tree died also in Minas Tirith; but it was left standing 'until the King returns, for no seedling could be found.
... In the days of Turin II the enemies of Gondor began to move again... ...Sauron was grown again to power and the day of his arising was drawing near. All but the hardiest of its people deserted Ithilien and removed west over Anduin, for the land was infested by Mordor-orcs. It was Túrin that built secret refuges for his soldiers in Ithilien, of which Kenneth Annûn was the longest guarded and manned... ...[and] fortified again the isle of Cair Andros to defend Anórien."
Hobbit: BotFA Geeky Observation List draft #5 1/30/15
6th draft of TH:AUJ Geeky Observations List - November 28, 2013
4th draft of TH:DOS Geeky Observations List - May 15, 2014
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
TORn's Geeky Observations Lists for LotR and The Hobbit
(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Feb 1 2016, 10:07am)
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Feb 2 2016, 10:10am
Post #3 of 18
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This is the third part of a 7-part Book Spoiler that looks at the role of the Stewards of Gondor... for a moment of Tolkien-zen. From Appendix A: The Stewards: Return of the King ..."[Túrin's] chief peril lay in the south, where the Haradrim had occupied South Gondor... ...there was much fighting along the Poros. When Ithilien was invaded in great strength, King Folcwine of Rohan fulfilled the Oath of Eorl and repaid his debt for the aid brought by Beregond, sending many men to Gondor. With their aid Túrin won a victory at the crossings of the Poros; but the sons of Folcwine both fell... ...The Riders buried them after the fashion of their people, and they were laid in one mound, for they were twin brothers. Long it stood... ...high upon the shore of the river, and the enemies of Gondor feared to pass it.
... Turgon followed Turin, but of his time it is chiefly remembered that two years ere his death, Sauron arose again, and declared himself openly; and... ...re-entered Mordor long prepared for him. Then the Barad-dûr was raised once more, and Mount Doom burst into flame, and the last of the folk of Ithilien fled far away. When Turgon died Saruman took Isengard for his own, and fortified it."
Hobbit: BotFA Geeky Observation List draft #5 1/30/15
6th draft of TH:AUJ Geeky Observations List - November 28, 2013
4th draft of TH:DOS Geeky Observations List - May 15, 2014
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
TORn's Geeky Observations Lists for LotR and The Hobbit
(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Feb 2 2016, 10:10am)
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Feb 3 2016, 10:13am
Post #4 of 18
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This is the fourth part of a 7-part Book Spoiler that looks at the role of the Stewards of Gondor... for a moment of Tolkien-zen. From Appendix A: The Stewards: Return of the King ..."'Ecthelion II, son of Turgon, was a man of wisdom... ...he began to strengthen his realm against the assault of Mordor. He encouraged all men of worth from near or far to enter his service, and to those who proved trustworthy he gave rank and reward. In much that he did he had the aid and advice of a great captain whom he loved above all. Thorongil men called him in Gondor, the Eagle of the Star, for he was swift and keen-eyed, and wore a silver star upon his cloak... ...no one knew his true name nor in what land he was born. He came to Ecthelion from Rohan, where he had served the King Thengel, but he was not one of the Rohirrim. He was a great leader of men, by land or by sea... ...he departed into the shadows whence he came, before the days of Ecthelion were ended.
... 'Thorongil often counselled Ecthelion that the strength of the rebels in Umbar was a great peril to Gondor... ...if Sauron moved to open war. At last he got leave of the Steward and gathered a small fleet, and he came to Umbar unlooked-for by night, and there burned a great part of the ships of the Corsairs. He himself overthrew the Captain of the Haven in battle upon the quays... ...then he withdrew his fleet with small loss. But when they came back to Pelargir, to men's grief and wonder, he would not return to Minas Tirith, where great honour awaited him.
... 'He sent a message of farewell to Ecthelion, saying: "Other tasks now call me, lord, and much time and many perils must pass, ere I come again to Gondor, if that be my fate." Though none could guess what those tasks might be... ...it was known whither he went. For he took a boat and crossed over Anduin, and there he said farewell to his companions and went on alone; and when he was last seen his face was towards the Mountains of Shadow.... There was dismay in the City at the departure of Thorongil, and to all men it seemed a great loss, unless it were to Denethor, the son of Ecthelion, a man now ripe for the Stewardship, to which after four years he succeeded on the death of his father."
Hobbit: BotFA Geeky Observation List draft #5 1/30/15
6th draft of TH:AUJ Geeky Observations List - November 28, 2013
4th draft of TH:DOS Geeky Observations List - May 15, 2014
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
TORn's Geeky Observations Lists for LotR and The Hobbit
(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Feb 3 2016, 10:13am)
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Feb 4 2016, 1:48pm
Post #5 of 18
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This is the fifth part of a 7-part Book Spoiler that looks at the role of the Stewards of Gondor... and here's Denethor's first blush... for a moment of Tolkien-zen. From Appendix A: The Stewards: Return of the King ..."Denethor II was a proud man, tall, valiant, and more kingly than any man that had appeared in Gondor... ...and he was wise also, and far-sighted, and learned in lore. Indeed he was as like to Thorongil as to one of nearest kin... ...yet was ever placed second to the stranger in the hearts of men and the esteem of his father. At the time many thought that Thorongil had departed before his rival became his master, though indeed Thorongil had never himself vied with Denethor, nor held himself higher than the servant of his father... ...in one matter only were their counsels to the Steward at variance: Thorongil often warned Ecthelion not to put trust in Saruman the White in Isengard, but to welcome rather Gandalf the Grey. But there was little love between Denethor and Gandalf... ...after the days of Ecthelion there was less welcome for the Grey Pilgrim in Minas Tirith. Therefore later, when all was made clear, many believed that Denethor, who was subtle in mind and looked further and deeper than other men of his day, had discovered who this stranger Thorongil in truth was, and suspected that he and Mithrandir designed to supplant him."
Hobbit: BotFA Geeky Observation List draft #5 1/30/15
6th draft of TH:AUJ Geeky Observations List - November 28, 2013
4th draft of TH:DOS Geeky Observations List - May 15, 2014
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
TORn's Geeky Observations Lists for LotR and The Hobbit
(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Feb 4 2016, 1:48pm)
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Otaku-sempai
Immortal
Feb 4 2016, 3:46pm
Post #6 of 18
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"Therefore later, when all was made clear, many believed that Denethor, who was subtle in mind and looked further and deeper than other men of his day, had discovered who this stranger Thorongil in truth was, and suspected that he and Mithrandir designed to supplant him."
And I've always insisted that, if there were ever a coming-of-age movie made that was centered around the journeys and errantries of Aragorn, the jealousy and suspicions of Denethor during this period would have to be a key part of it.
"Things need not to have happened to be true.
Tales and dreams are the shadow-truths that will endure
when mere facts are dust and ashes, and forgot."
- Dream of the Endless
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Feb 5 2016, 11:36am
Post #8 of 18
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This is the sixth part of a 7-part Book Spoiler that looks at the role of the Stewards of Gondor... for a moment of Tolkien-zen. From Appendix A: The Stewards: Return of the King
..."'When Denethor became Steward (2984) he proved a masterful lord, holding the rule of all things in his own hand. He said little. He listened to counsel... ...then followed his own mind. He had married late (2976), taking as wife Finduilas... ...of Dol Amroth. She was a lady of great beauty and gentle heart, but before twelve years had passed she died. Denethor loved her, in his fashion, more dearly than any other, unless it were the elder of the sons that she bore him. But it seemed to men that she withered in the guarded city, as a flower of the seaward vales set upon a barren rock. The shadow in the east filled her with horror, and she turned her eyes ever south to the sea that she missed.
...'After her death Denethor became more grim and silent than before, and would sit long alone in his tower deep in thought, foreseeing that the assault of Mordor would come in his time. It was... ...believed that needing knowledge, but being proud, and trusting in his own strength of will, he dared to look in the palantír of the White Tower. None of the Stewards had dared to do this, nor even the kings... ...after the fall of Minas Ithil when the palantír of Isildur came into the hands of the Enemy; for the Stone of Minas Tirith was the palantír of Anárion, most close in accord with the one that Sauron possessed.
...'In this way Denethor gained his great knowledge of things that passed in his realm, and far beyond his borders, at which men marvelled; but he bought the knowledge dearly, being aged before his time by his contest with the will of Sauron. Thus pride increased in Denethor together with despair, until he saw in all the deeds... ...only a single combat between the Lord of the White Tower and the Lord of the Barad-dûr, and mistrusted all others who resisted Sauron, unless they served himself alone.'"
Hobbit: BotFA Geeky Observation List draft #5 1/30/15
6th draft of TH:AUJ Geeky Observations List - November 28, 2013
4th draft of TH:DOS Geeky Observations List - May 15, 2014
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
TORn's Geeky Observations Lists for LotR and The Hobbit
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Feb 6 2016, 10:07am
Post #9 of 18
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This is the seventh and last part of a 7-part Book Spoiler that looks at the role of the Stewards of Gondor... for a moment of Tolkien-zen. From Appendix A: The Stewards: Return of the King ..."'So time drew on to the War of the Ring, and the sons of Denethor grew to manhood. Boromir, five years the elder, beloved by his father, was like him in face and pride, but in little else... ...he was a man after the sort of King Eärnur of old, taking no wife and delighting chiefly in arms; fearless and strong, but caring little for lore, save the tales of old battles. Faramir the younger was like him in looks but otherwise in mind... ...reading the hearts of men as shrewdly as his father, but what he read moved him sooner to pity than to scorn. He was gentle in bearing, and a lover of lore and of music... ...therefore by many in those days his courage was judged less than his brother's. But it was not so, except that he did not seek glory in danger without a purpose. He welcomed Gandalf... ...as he came to the City, and he learned what he could from his wisdom; and in this as in many other matters he displeased his father.
... 'Yet between the brothers there was great love... ...since childhood, when Boromir was the helper and protector of Faramir. No jealousy or rivalry had arisen between them... ...for their father's favour or for the praise of men. It did not seem possible to Faramir that any one in Gondor could rival Boromir, heir of Denethor, Captain of the White Tower; and of like mind was Boromir. Yet it proved otherwise at the test... ...all that befell these three in the War of the Ring much is said elsewhere. And after the War the days of the Ruling Stewards came to an end; for the heir of Isildur and Anárion returned and the kingship was renewed, and the standard of the White Tree flew once more from the Tower of Ecthelion.'"
Hobbit: BotFA Geeky Observation List draft #5 1/30/15
6th draft of TH:AUJ Geeky Observations List - November 28, 2013
4th draft of TH:DOS Geeky Observations List - May 15, 2014
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
TORn's Geeky Observations Lists for LotR and The Hobbit
(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Feb 6 2016, 10:08am)
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Feb 7 2016, 11:14am
Post #10 of 18
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We have a bit of time before more Fellowship activity, so here's another 7-part look at some Book Spoilers... this time The House of Eorl... for a moment of Tolkien-zen. From Appendix A: THE HOUSE OF EORL: The Return of the King ..."'Eorl the Young was lord of the Men of Éothéod. That land lay near the sources of Anduin, between the furthest ranges of the Misty Mountains and the northernmost parts of Mirkwood. The Éothéod had moved to those regions in the days of King Eärnil II from lands in the vales of Anduin between the Carrock and the Gladden... ...they were in origin close akin to the Beornings and the men of the west-eaves of the forest. The forefathers, of Eorl claimed descent from kings of Rhovanion, whose realm lay beyond Mirkwood... ...and thus they accounted themselves kinsmen of the kings of Gondor descended from Eldacar. They loved best the plains, and delighted in horses and in all feats of horsemanship, but there were many men in the middle vales of Anduin in those days... ...the shadow of Dol Guldur was lengthening; when therefore they heard of the overthrow of the Witch-king, they sought more room in the North, and drove away the remnants of the people of Angmar on the east side of the Mountains. But in the days of Léod, father of Eorl, they had grown to be a numerous people and were again somewhat straitened in the land of their home.'"
Hobbit: BotFA Geeky Observation List draft #5 1/30/15
6th draft of TH:AUJ Geeky Observations List - November 28, 2013
4th draft of TH:DOS Geeky Observations List - May 15, 2014
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
TORn's Geeky Observations Lists for LotR and The Hobbit
(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Feb 7 2016, 11:14am)
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Feb 8 2016, 10:07am
Post #11 of 18
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This is part 2 of another 7-part look at Book Spoilers of The House of Eorl... for a moment of Tolkien-zen. From Appendix A: THE HOUSE OF EORL: The Return of the King ..."'In the two thousand five hundred and tenth year of the Third Age a new peril threatened Gondor. A great host of wild men from the North-east swept over Rhovanion... ...coming down out of the Brown-lands crossed the Anduin on rafts. At the same time by chance or design the Orcs... ...made a descent from the Mountains. The invaders overran Calenardhon, and Cirion, Steward of Gondor, sent north for help; for there had been long friendship between the Men of Anduin's Vale and the people of Gondor. But in the valley of the River men were now few and scattered, and slow to render such aid... ...At last tidings came to Eorl of the need of Gondor, and late though it seemed, he set out with a great host of riders.
...'Thus he came to the battle of the Field of Celebrant, for that was the name of the green land that lay between Silverlode and Limlight. There the northern army of Gondor was in peril. Defeated in the Wold and cut off from the south, it had been driven across the Limlight, and... ...suddenly assailed by the Orc-host that pressed it towards the Anduin. All hope was lost when, unlooked for, the Riders came out of the North and broke upon the rear of the enemy. Then the fortunes of battle were reversed, and the enemy was driven with slaughter over Limlight. Eorl led his men in pursuit... ...so great was the fear that went before horsemen of the North that the invaders of the Wold were also thrown into panic... ...the Riders hunted them over the plains of Calenardhon.'
...The people of that region had become few since the Plague... ...most of those that remained had been slaughtered by the savage Easterlings. Cirion... ...in reward for his aid, gave Calenardhon between Anduin and Isen to Eorl and his people; and they sent north for their wives and children... ...and sealed in that land. They named it anew the Mark of the Riders, and they called themselves the Eorlingas; but in Gondor their land was called Rohan, and its people the Rohirrim (that is, the Horse-lords). Thus Eorl became the first King of the Mark, and... ...chose for his dwelling a green hill before the feet of the White Mountains... ...the south-wall of his land. There the Rohirrim lived afterwards as free men under their own kings and laws, but in perpetual alliance with Gondor.'"
Hobbit: BotFA Geeky Observation List draft #5 1/30/15
6th draft of TH:AUJ Geeky Observations List - November 28, 2013
4th draft of TH:DOS Geeky Observations List - May 15, 2014
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
TORn's Geeky Observations Lists for LotR and The Hobbit
(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Feb 8 2016, 10:08am)
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Feb 9 2016, 9:50am
Post #12 of 18
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This is part 3 of another 7-part look at Book Spoilers of The House of Eorl... for a moment of Tolkien-zen. From Appendix A: THE HOUSE OF EORL: The Return of the King ..."'Many lords and warriors, and many fair and valiant women, are named in the songs of Rohan that still remember the North. Frumgar... ...was the name of the chieftain who led his people to Éothéod. Of his son, Fram, they tell that he slew Scatha, the great dragon of Ered Mithrin, and the land had peace from the long-worms afterwards. Thus Fram won great wealth, but was at feud with the Dwarves, who claimed the hoard of Scatha. Fram would not yield... ...a penny, and sent to them instead the teeth of Scatha made into a necklace, saying: "Jewels such as these you will not match in your treasuries, for they are hard to come by." Some say that the Dwarves slew Fram for this insult. There was no great love between Éothéod and the Dwarves.
... 'Léod was the name of Eorl's father... ...a tamer of wild horses; for there were many at that time in the land. He captured a white foal and it grew quickly to a horse strong, and fair, and proud. No man could tame it. When Léod dared to mount it, it bore him away, and at last threw him... ...Léod's head struck a rock, and so he died. He was then only two and forty years old, and his son... ...sixteen.
... 'Eorl vowed that he would avenge his father. He hunted long for the horse... ...at last he caught sight of him... ...his companions expected that he would try to come within bowshot and kill him. But when they drew near, Eorl stood up and called in a loud voice: "Come hither, Mansbane, and get a new name!" To their wonder the horse looked towards Eorl, and came and stood before him, and Eorl said: "Felaróf I name you. You loved your freedom, and I do not blame you for that. But now you owe me a great weregild, and you shall surrender your freedom to me until your life's end."
... 'Then Eorl mounted him, and Felaróf submitted; and Eorl rode him home without bit or bridle... ...he rode him in like fashion ever after. The horse understood all that men said, though he would allow no man but Eorl to mount him. It was upon Felaróf that Eorl rode to the Field of Celebrant; for that horse proved as long lived as Men, and so were his descendants. These were the mearas, who would bear no one but the King of the Mark or his sons, until the time of Shadowfax. Men said of them that Béma (whom the Eldar call Oromë) must have brought their sire from West over Sea.'"
Hobbit: BotFA Geeky Observation List draft #5 1/30/15
6th draft of TH:AUJ Geeky Observations List - November 28, 2013
4th draft of TH:DOS Geeky Observations List - May 15, 2014
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
TORn's Geeky Observations Lists for LotR and The Hobbit
(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Feb 9 2016, 9:50am)
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Feb 10 2016, 10:04am
Post #13 of 18
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We're going to pause on the Rohan BS and spend the next few posts preparing us for an important day on February 14th.
This is a Book Spoiler to put us back where we last left the Fellowship in Lothlórien. The survivors have been resting there since their arrival on January 17th, but let's revisit their first encounter with Celeborn and Galadriel... for a moment of Tolkien-zen. From The Mirror of Galadriel: The Fellowship of the Ring ..."'Your quest is known to us,' said Galadriel, looking at Frodo. 'But we will not here speak of it more openly. Yet not in vain will it prove... ...that you came to this land seeking aid, as Gandalf himself plainly purposed. For the Lord of the Galadrim is accounted the wisest of the Elves of Middle-earth, and a giver of gifts beyond the power of kings. He has dwelt in the West since the days of dawn, and I have dwelt with him years uncounted... ...together through ages of the world we have fought the long defeat.
...'I it was who first summoned the White Council. And if my designs had not gone amiss, it would have been governed by Gandalf the Grey, and then mayhap things would be gone otherwise. But even now there is hope left. I will not give you counsel... ...For not in doing or contriving, nor in choosing between this course and another, can I avail; but only in knowing what was and is, and in part also what shall be. But this I will say to you: your Quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while all the Company is true.
...And with that word she held them with her eyes, and in silence looked searchingly at each of them in turn. None save Legolas and Aragorn could long endure her glance. Sam quickly blushed and hung his head...
......the Lady Galadriel released them from her eyes, and she smiled. 'Do not let your hearts be troubled... ...Tonight you shall sleep in peace.' Then they sighed and felt suddenly weary, as those who have been questioned long and deeply, though no words had been spoken openly.
...'Go now!' said Celeborn. 'You are worn with sorrow and much toil. Even if your Quest did not concern us closely, you should have refuge in this City, until you were healed and refreshed.'"
Hobbit: BotFA Geeky Observation List draft #5 1/30/15
6th draft of TH:AUJ Geeky Observations List - November 28, 2013
4th draft of TH:DOS Geeky Observations List - May 15, 2014
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
TORn's Geeky Observations Lists for LotR and The Hobbit
(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Feb 10 2016, 10:05am)
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Feb 11 2016, 11:16am
Post #14 of 18
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This is a Book Spoiler, fersher... but I want to continue posting pieces of the events as Book Spoilers over the next couple of days and not shortchange this very important TIME for the Fellowship... or our moment of Tolkien-zen. From the Mirror of Galadriel: The Fellowship of the Ring ..."One evening Frodo and Sam were walking together in the cool twilight. Both of them felt restless again. On Frodo suddenly the shadow of parting had fallen: he knew somehow that the time was very near when he must leave Lothlórien.
...'What do you think of Elves now, Sam..? ...I asked you the same question once before—it seems a very long while ago; but you have seen more of them since then.'
...'I have indeed!' said Sam. 'And I reckon there's Elves and Elves. They're all elvish enough, but they're not all the same. Now these folk aren't wanderers or homeless, and seem a bit nearer to the likes of us: they seem to belong here, more even than Hobbits do in the Shire. Whether they've made the land, or the land's made them, it's hard to say, if you take my meaning. It's wonderfully quiet here. Nothing seems to be going on, and nobody seems to want it to. If there's any magic about, it's right down deep, where I can't lay my hands on it, in a manner of speaking.'
...'You can see and feel it everywhere,' said Frodo.
...'Well... ...you can't see nobody working it. No fireworks like poor old Gandalf used to show. I wonder we don't see nothing of the Lord and Lady in all these days. I fancy now that she could do some wonderful things, if she had a mind. I'd dearly love to see some Elf-magic, Mr. Frodo!'
...'I wouldn't... ...I am content. And I don't miss Gandalf's fireworks, but his bushy eyebrows, and his quick temper, and his voice.'
...'You're right,' said Sam. 'And don't think I'm finding fault. I've often wanted to see a bit of magic like what it tells of in old tales, but I've never heard of a better land than this. It's like being at home and on a holiday at the same time, if you understand me. I don't want to leave. All the same, I'm beginning to feel that if we've got to go on, then we'd best get it over.'
...'"It's the job that's never started as takes longest to finish," as my old gaffer used to say. And I don't reckon that these folk can do much more to help us, magic or no. It's when we leave this land that we shall miss Gandalf worse, I'm thinking.'
...'I am afraid that's only too true, Sam... ...Yet I hope very much that before we leave we shall see the Lady of the Elves again.'"
Hobbit: BotFA Geeky Observation List draft #5 1/30/15
6th draft of TH:AUJ Geeky Observations List - November 28, 2013
4th draft of TH:DOS Geeky Observations List - May 15, 2014
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
TORn's Geeky Observations Lists for LotR and The Hobbit
(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Feb 11 2016, 11:16am)
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Feb 12 2016, 10:35am
Post #15 of 18
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More of our Book Spoiler that's part of a lead-in for an important day coming up on the 14th and... for a moment of Tolkien-zen. From the Mirror of Galadriel: The Fellowship of the Ring ..."Even as he spoke, they saw, as if she came in answer to their words, the Lady Galadriel approaching. Tall and white and fair she walked beneath the trees. She spoke no word, but beckoned to them....
......she led them toward the southern slopes of the hill of Caras Galadon, and passing through a high green hedge they came into an enclosed garden.... ...Down a long flight of steps the Lady went into a deep green hollow, through which ran murmuring the silver stream that issued from the fountain on the hill. At the bottom, upon a low pedestal carved like a branching tree, stood a basin of silver, wide and shallow, and beside it stood a silver ewer.
...With water from the stream Galadriel filled the basin to the brim, and breathed on it, and when the water was still again she spoke. 'Here is the Mirror of Galadriel... ...I have brought you here so that you may look in it, if you will.'
...The air was very still, and the dell was dark, and the Elf-lady beside him was tall and pale. 'What shall we look for, and what shall we see?' asked Frodo, filled with awe.
...'Many things I can command the Mirror to reveal... ...and to some I can show what they desire to see. But the Mirror will also show things unbidden, and those are often stranger and more profitable than things which we wish to behold. What you will see, if you leave the Mirror free to work, I cannot tell. For it shows things that were, and things that are, and things that yet may be. But which it is that he sees, even the wisest cannot always tell. Do you wish to look?'
...Frodo did not answer.
...'And you?' she said, turning to Sam. 'For this is what your folk would call magic... ...though I do not understand clearly what they mean; and they seem also to use the same word of the deceits of the Enemy. But this... ...is the magic of Galadriel. Did you not say that you wished to see Elf-magic?'
...'I did,' said Sam, trembling a little between fear and curiosity. 'I'll have a peep, Lady, if you're willing.
...'And I'd not mind a glimpse of what's going on at home,' he said in an aside to Frodo. 'It seems a terrible long time that I've been away... ...like as not I'll only see the stars, or something that I won't understand.'
...'Like as not,' said the Lady with a gentle laugh. 'But come, you shall look and see what you may.'"
Hobbit: BotFA Geeky Observation List draft #5 1/30/15
6th draft of TH:AUJ Geeky Observations List - November 28, 2013
4th draft of TH:DOS Geeky Observations List - May 15, 2014
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
TORn's Geeky Observations Lists for LotR and The Hobbit
(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Feb 12 2016, 10:35am)
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Feb 13 2016, 1:49pm
Post #16 of 18
(973 views)
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Still a Book Spoiler... but there's a big day coming up on the 14th (tomorrow), and I wanted to post part of the events as Book spoilers for the full effect of this pivotal day for the Fellowship. Besides, I can't resist anything written about Sam... for a moment of Tolkien-zen. From the Mirror of Galadriel: The Fellowship of the Ring ..."Sam climbed up on the foot of the pedestal and leaned over the basin. The water looked hard and dark. Stars were reflected in it.
...'There's only stars, as I thought.' ...Then he gave a low gasp, for the stars went out. As if a dark veil had been withdrawn, the Mirror grew grey, and then clear. There was sun shining, and the branches of trees were waving and tossing in the wind. But before Sam could make up his mind what it was that he saw, the light faded; and now he thought he saw Frodo with a pale face lying fast asleep under a great dark cliff. Then he seemed to see himself going along a dim passage, and climbing an endless winding stair... ...he was looking urgently for something, but what it was he did not know. Like a dream the vision shifted and went back, and he saw the trees again. But this time they were not so close, and he could see what was going on: they were not waving in the wind, they were falling, crashing to the ground.
...'Hi!' cried Sam in an outraged voice. 'There's that Ted Sandyman a-cutting down trees as he shouldn't. They didn't ought to be felled: it's that avenue beyond the Mill that shades the road to Bywater. I wish I could get at Ted, and I'd fell him!'
...But now Sam noticed that the Old Mill had vanished, and a large red-brick building was being put up where it had stood... ...There was a tall red chimney nearby. Black smoke seemed to cloud the surface of the Mirror.
...'There's some devilry at work in the Shire... ...Elrond knew what he was about when he wanted to send Mr. Merry back.' Then suddenly Sam gave a cry and sprang away. 'I can't stay here,' he said wildly. 'I must go home. They've dug up Bagshot Row, and there's the poor old gaffer going down the Hill with his bits of things on a barrow. I must go home!'
...'You cannot go home alone,' said the Lady. 'You did not wish to go home without your master before you looked in the Mirror, and yet you knew that evil things might well be happening in the Shire... ...the Mirror shows many things, and not all have yet come to pass. Some never come to be, unless those that behold the visions turn aside from their path to prevent them. The Mirror is dangerous as a guide of deeds.'
...Sam sat on the ground and put his head in his hands. 'I wish I had never come here, and I don't want to see no more magic,' he said and fell silent. After a moment he spoke again thickly, as if struggling with tears. 'No, I'll go home by the long road with Mr. Frodo, or not at all,' he said. 'But I hope I do get back some day. If what I've seen turns out true, somebody's going to catch it hot!'"
Hobbit: BotFA Geeky Observation List draft #5 1/30/15
6th draft of TH:AUJ Geeky Observations List - November 28, 2013
4th draft of TH:DOS Geeky Observations List - May 15, 2014
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
TORn's Geeky Observations Lists for LotR and The Hobbit
(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Feb 13 2016, 1:49pm)
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Feb 14 2016, 1:03pm
Post #17 of 18
(951 views)
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Today in Middle-earth
February 14, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The Mirror of Galadriel.
(from the appendices)
..."'Do you now wish to look, Frodo?' said the Lady Galadriel. 'You did not wish to see Elf-magic and were content.'
...'Do you advise me to look?' asked Frodo.
...'No... ...I do not counsel you one way or the other. I am not a counsellor. You may learn something, and whether what you see be fair or evil, that may be profitable, and yet it may not. Seeing is both good and perilous. Yet I think, Frodo, that you have courage and wisdom enough for the venture, or I would not have brought you here. Do as you will!'
...'I will look,' said Frodo, and he climbed on the pedestal and bent over the dark water. At once the Mirror cleared and he saw a twilit land. Mountains loomed dark in the distance against a pale sky. A long grey road wound back out of sight. Far away a figure came slowly down the road, faint and small at first, but growing larger and clearer as it approached. Suddenly Frodo realized that it reminded him of Gandalf. He almost called aloud the wizard's name, and then he saw that the figure was clothed not in grey but... ...in a white that shone faintly in the dusk; and in its hand there was a white staff. The head was so bowed that he could see no face... ...Doubt came into Frodo's mind: was this a vision of Gandalf on one of his many lonely journeys long ago, or was it Saruman?
...The vision now changed. Brief and small but very vivid he caught a glimpse of Bilbo walking restlessly about his room....
...Then there was a pause, and after it many swift scenes followed that Frodo in some way knew to be parts of a great history in which he had become involved. The mist cleared and he saw a sight which he had never seen before but knew at once: the Sea... ...Then he saw... ...the black outline of a tall ship with torn sails riding up out of the West. Then a wide river flowing through a populous city. Then a white fortress with seven towers. And then again a ship with black sails, but now it was morning again, and the water rippled with light, and a banner bearing the emblem of a white tree shone in the sun. A smoke as of fire and battle arose, and again the sun went down in a burning red that faded into a grey mist; and into the mist a small ship passed away, twinkling with lights. It vanished, and Frodo sighed and prepared to draw away.
...But suddenly the Mirror went altogether dark... ... In the black abyss there appeared a single Eye that slowly grew, until it filled nearly all the Mirror. So terrible was it that Frodo stood rooted, unable to cry out or to withdraw his gaze. The Eye was rimmed with fire, but was itself glazed, yellow as a cat's, watchful and intent, and the black slit of its pupil opened on a pit, a window into nothing.
...Then the Eye began to rove, searching this way and that; and Frodo knew with certainty and horror that among the many things that it sought he himself was one. But he also knew that it could not see him—not yet, not unless he willed it. The Ring that hung upon its chain about his neck grew heavy... ...and his head was dragged downwards. The Mirror seemed to be growing hot and curls of steam were rising from the water. He was slipping forward.
...'Do not touch the water!' said the Lady Galadriel softly. The vision faded, and Frodo found that he was looking at the cool stars twinkling in the silver basin. He stepped back shaking all over and looked at the Lady.
...'I know what it was that you last saw,' she said; 'for that is also in my mind... ...I say to you, Frodo, that even as I speak to you, I perceive the Dark Lord and know his mind, or all of his mind that concerns the Elves. And he gropes ever to see me and my thought. But still the door is closed!'
...She lifted up her white arms, and spread out her hands towards the East in a gesture of rejection and denial. Eärendil, the Evening Star, most beloved of the Elves, shone clear above... ...Its rays glanced upon a ring about her finger; it glittered like polished gold overlaid with silver light, and a white stone in it twinkled as if the Even-star had come down to rest upon her hand. Frodo gazed at the ring with awe; for suddenly it seemed to him that he understood.
...'Yes,' she said, divining his thought, 'it is not permitted to speak of it, and Elrond could not do so. But it cannot be hidden from the Ring-bearer, and one who has seen the Eye... ...in the land of Lórien upon the finger of Galadriel that one of the Three remains. This is Nenya, the Ring of Adamant, and I am its keeper.
...'He suspects, but he does not know—not yet. Do you not see now wherefore your coming is to us the footstep of Doom? For if you fail, then we are laid bare to the Enemy. Yet if you succeed, then our power is diminished, and Lothlórien will fade, and the tides of Time will sweep it away. We must depart into the West, or dwindle to a rustic folk of dell and caves, slowly to forget and to be forgotten...
'...And what do you want?' he said at last.
...'That what should be shall be,' she answered. 'The love of the Elves for their land and their works is deeper than the deeps of the Sea, and their regret is undying and cannot ever wholly be assuaged. Yet they will cast all away rather than submit to Sauron: for they know him now. For the fate of Lothlórien you are not answerable, but only for the doing of your own task. Yet I could wish, were it of any avail, that the One Ring had never been wrought, or had remained for ever lost.'
...'You are wise and fearless and fair, Lady Galadriel,' said Frodo. 'I will give you the One Ring, if you ask for it. It is too great a matter for me.'
...Galadriel laughed with a sudden clear laugh. 'Wise the Lady Galadriel may be... ...yet here she has met her match in courtesy. Gently are you revenged for my testing of your heart at our first meeting. You begin to see with a keen eye. I do not deny that my heart has greatly desired to ask what you offer...
...'...You will give me the Ring freely! In place of the Dark Lord you will set up a Queen. And I shall not be dark, but beautiful and terrible as the Morning and the Night! Fair as the Sea and the Sun and the Snow upon the Mountains! Dreadful as the Storm and the Lightning! Stronger than the foundations of the earth. All shall love me and despair!'
...She lifted up her hand and from the ring that she wore there issued a great light that illumined her alone and left all else dark...
...'I pass the test,' she said. 'I will diminish, and go into the West and remain Galadriel.'"
2. Gandalf returns to life, and lies in a trance.
(from the appendices)
..."'Naked I was sent back—for a brief time, until my task was done. And naked I lay upon the mountain-top. The tower behind was crumbled into dust, the window gone; the ruined stair was choked with burned and broken stone. I was alone, forgotten, without escape upon the hard horn of the world... ...I lay staring upward, while the stars wheeled over, and each day was as long as a life-age of the earth. Faint to my ears came the gathered rumour of all lands: the springing and the dying, the song and the weeping, and the slow everlasting groan of over-burdened stone....'"
February 14, 3020 (S.R. 1420)
(not in the appendices-no text)
The Shire continues to heal the hurts to rick, cot and tree caused by Sharkey.
Hobbit: BotFA Geeky Observation List draft #5 1/30/15
6th draft of TH:AUJ Geeky Observations List - November 28, 2013
4th draft of TH:DOS Geeky Observations List - May 15, 2014
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
TORn's Geeky Observations Lists for LotR and The Hobbit
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Feb 15 2016, 11:54am
Post #18 of 18
(939 views)
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Today in Middle-earth
February 15, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The Fellowship's stay in Lothlórien ends.
(not from the appendices)
..."In the morning, as they were beginning to pack their slender goods, Elves that could speak their tongue came to them and brought them many gifts of food and clothing for the journey. The food was mostly in the form of very thin cakes, made of a meal that was baked a light brown on the outside, and inside was the colour of cream. Gimli took up one of the cakes and looked at it with a doubtful eye.
...'Cram,' he said under his breath, as he broke off a crisp corner and nibbled at it. His expression quickly changed, and he ate all the rest of the cake with relish.
...'No more, no more!' cried the Elves laughing. 'You have eaten enough already for a long day's march.'
...'I thought it was only a kind of cram, such as the Dale-men make for journeys in the wild...'
...'...So it is,' they answered. 'But we call it lembas or waybread, and it is more strengthening than any food made by Men, and it is more pleasant that cram....'
...'Indeed it is,' said Gimli. 'Why, it is better that the honey-cakes of the Beornings, and that is great praise... ... You are kindly hosts!'
...'All the same, we bid you spare the food,' they said. 'Eat a little at a time, and only at need. For these things are given to serve you when all else fails. The cakes will keep sweet for many many days, if they are unbroken and left in their leaf-wrappings... ...One will keep a traveller on his feet for a day of long labour, even if he be one of the tall Men of Minas Tirith.'
...The Elves next unwrapped and gave to each of the Company... ...a hood and cloak, made according to his size, of the light but warm silken stuff that the Galadrim wove. It was hard to say of what colour they were: grey with the hue of twilight under the trees they seemed to be; and yet if they were moved, or set in another light, they were green as shadowed leaves, or brown as fallow fields by night, dusk-silver as water under the stars. Each cloak was fastened about the neck with a brooch like green leaf veined with silver.
...'Are these magic cloaks?' asked Pippin, looking at them with wonder.
...'I do not know what you mean by that,' answered the leader of the elves. 'They are fair garments, and the web is good, for it was made in this land... ...Leaf and branch, water and stone: they have the hue and beauty of all these things under the twilight of Lórien that we love; for we put the thought of all that we love into all that we make... ...they should serve you well: they are light to wear, and warm enough or cool enough at need. And you will find them a great aid in keeping out of the sight of unfriendly eyes, whether you walk among the stones or the trees. You are indeed high in the favour of the Lady! For she herself and her maidens wove this stuff; and never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people....'
......Three small grey boats had been made ready for the travellers... ...they added also coils of rope, three to each boat. Slender they looked, but strong, silken to the touch, grey of hue like the elven-cloaks.
...'What are these?' asked Sam, handling one that lay on the green-sward.
...'Ropes indeed!' answered an Elf from the boats. 'Never travel far without a rope! And one that is long and strong and light. Such are these. They may be a help in many needs.'
...'You don't need to tell me that!' said Sam. 'I came without any, and I've been worried ever since. But I was wondering what these were made of, knowing a bit about rope-making: it's in the family as you might say.'
...'They are made of hithlain... ...but there is no time now to instruct you in the art of their making. Had we known that this craft delighted you, we could have taught you much. But now alas! unless you should at some time return hither, you must be content with our gift. May it serve you well!'"
Hobbit: BotFA Geeky Observation List draft #5 1/30/15
6th draft of TH:AUJ Geeky Observations List - November 28, 2013
4th draft of TH:DOS Geeky Observations List - May 15, 2014
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
TORn's Geeky Observations Lists for LotR and The Hobbit
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