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CuriousG
Half-elven
Nov 20 2019, 1:17pm
Post #26 of 51
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We're lucky to have Gramma here
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And she doesn't even charge a nickel for her insights. (This is from "Peanuts," a very old comic strip, that sprang to mind.)
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VeArkenstone
Lorien
Nov 20 2019, 4:55pm
Post #27 of 51
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Thank you, I am fasinated by the history of the Dwarves, and love the Appendices. After years of reading the Trilogy every year, when I slowed down with that, I still read the Appendices yearly.
Please, call me Ve.
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 20 2019, 9:07pm
Post #29 of 51
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I like the snippets out of context. It becomes a snapshot that we can just soak in and revisit :)
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 21 2019, 11:27am
Post #30 of 51
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Today in Middle-earth
November 21, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. Roäc brings news to Thorin.
(determined from text)
..."...the ravens brought news that Dain and more than five hundred dwarves, hurrying from the Iron Hills, were now within about two days' march of Dale....
..."But they cannot reach the Mountain unmarked," said Roäc, "and I fear lest there be battle in the valley. I do not call this counsel good. Though they are a grim folk, they are not likely to overcome the host that besets you; and even if they did so, what will you gain? Winter and snow is hastening behind them. How shall you be fed without the friendship and goodwill of the lands about you? The treasure is likely to be your death, though the dragon is no more!"
...But Thorin was not moved. "Winter and snow will bite both men and elves... ...and they may find their dwelling in the waste grievous to bear. With my friends behind them and winter upon them, they will perhaps be in softer mood to parley with.""
2. Bilbo puts his plan into action.
(determined from text)
..."As soon as Bombur had gone, Bilbo put on his ring, fastened his rope, slipped down over the wall, and was gone. He had about five hours before him...
......He had barely scrambled out on the far bank, shivering and spluttering, when up came elves in the gloom with bright lanterns and searched for the cause of the noise.
..."That was no fish!... ...There is a spy about. Hide your lights! They will help him more than us, if it is that queer little creature that is said to be their servant."
..."Servant, indeed!" snorted Bilbo; and in the middle of his snort he sneezed loudly, and the elves immediately gathered towards the sound.
..."Let's have a light!" he said. "I am here, if you want me!" and he slipped off his ring, and popped from behind a rock.
...They seized him quickly, in spite of their surprise. "Who are you? Are you the dwarves' hobbit? What are you doing? How did you get so far past our sentinels?" they asked one after another.
..."I am Mr. Bilbo Baggins... ...companion of Thorin, if you want to know. I know your king well by sight, though perhaps he doesn't know me to look at. But Bard will remember me, and it is Bard I particularly want to see."
..."Indeed!... ...and what may be your business?"
..."Whatever it is, it's my own, my good elves. But if you wish ever to get back to your own woods from this cold cheerless place," he answered shivering, "you will take me along quick to a fire, where I can dry..." ...some two hours after his escape from the Gate, Bilbo was sitting beside a warm fire in front of a large tent, and there sat too, gazing curiously at him, both the Elvenking and Bard. A hobbit in elvish armour, partly wrapped in an old blanket, was something new to them.
..."Really you know," Bilbo was saying in his best business manner, "things are impossible. Personally I am tired of the whole affair. I wish I was back in the West in my own home, where folk are more reasonable...." ..."My dear Bard!" squeaked Bilbo. "Don't be so hasty! I never met such suspicious folk! I am merely trying to avoid trouble for all concerned. Now I will make you an offer!!"
..."Let us hear it!" they said.
..."You may see it!" said he. "It is this!" and he drew forth the Arkenstone...
......The Elvenking himself, whose eyes were used to things of wonder and beauty, stood up in amazement. Even Bard gazed marvelling at it in silence. It was as if a globe had been filled with moonlight and hung before them in a net woven of the glint of frosty stars.
..."This is the Arkenstone of Thráin... ...the Heart of the Mountain; and it is also the heart of Thorin. He values it above a river of gold. I give it to you. It will aid you in your bargaining." Then Bilbo, not without a shudder, not without a glance of longing, handed the marvellous stone to Bard, and he held it in his hand, as though dazed.
..."But how is it yours to give?" he asked at last with an effort.
..."O well!" said the hobbit uncomfortably. "It isn't exactly; but, well, I am willing to let it stand against all my claim... ...I may be a burglar—or so they say: personally I never really felt like one—but I am an honest one... ...Anyway I am going back now, and the dwarves can do what they like to me. I hope you will find it useful."
...The Elvenking looked at Bilbo with a new wonder. "Bilbo Baggins... ...You are more worthy to wear the armour of elf-princes than many that have looked more comely in it. But I wonder if Thorin Oakenshield will see it so. I have more knowledge of dwarves in general than you have perhaps. I advise you to remain with us, and here you shall be honoured and thrice welcome."
..."Thank you very much I am sure... ...But I don't think I ought to leave my friends like this, after all we have gone through together. And I promised to wake old Bombur at midnight, too! Really I must be going, and quickly."
...Nothing they could say would stop him; so an escort was provided for him, and as he went both the king and Bard saluted him with honour. As they passed through the camp an old man wrapped in a dark cloak, rose from a tent door where he was sitting and came towards them.
..."Well done! Mr. Baggins!" he said, clapping Bilbo on the back. "There is always more about you than anyone expects!" It was Gandalf.
...For the first time for many a day Bilbo was really delighted."
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 22 2019, 11:27am
Post #31 of 51
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Today in Middle-earth
November 22, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. A deal is offered.
(determined from text)
..."About midday the banners of the Forest and the Lake were seen to be borne forth again. A company of twenty was approaching. At the beginning of the narrow way they laid aside sword and spear, and came on towards the Gate... ...the dwarves saw that among them were both Bard and the Elvenking, before whom an old man wrapped in cloak and hood bore a strong casket of iron-bound wood.
..."Hail Thorin!" said Bard. "Are you still of the same mind?"
..."My mind does not change with the rising and setting of a few suns... ...Did you come to ask me idle questions? Still the elf-host has not departed as I bade! Till then you come in vain to bargain with me...."
..."...What of the Arkenstone of Thráin?" said he, and at the same moment the old man opened the casket and held aloft the jewel. The light leapt from his hand, bright and white in the morning.
...Then Thorin was stricken dumb with amazement and confusion....
......Thorin at length broke the silence, and his voice was thick with wrath. "That stone was my father's, and is mine," he said. "Why should I purchase my own?" But wonder overcame him and he added: "But how came you by the heirloom of my house—if there is need to ask such a question of thieves?"
..."We are not thieves," Bard answered. "Your own we will give back in return for our own."
..."How came you by it?" shouted Thorin in gathering rage.
..."I gave it to them," squeaked Bilbo... ...peeping over the wall, by now, in a dreadful fright.
..."You! You!" cried Thorin, turning upon him and grasping him with both hands. "You miserable hobbit! You undersized—burglar!" he shouted at a loss for words, and he shook poor Bilbo like a rabbit.
..."By the beard of Durin! I wish I had Gandalf here! Curse him for his choice of you... ...As for you I will throw you to the rocks!" he cried and lifted Bilbo in his arms.
..."Stay! Your wish is granted!" said a voice. The old man with the casket threw aside his hood and cloak. "Here is Gandalf! And none too soon it seems. If you don't like my Burglar, please don't damage him. Put him down, and listen first to what he has to say!"
..."You all seem in league!" said Thorin dropping Bilbo on the top of the wall. "Never again will I have dealings with any wizard or his friends. What have you to say, you descendant of rats?"
..."Dear me! Dear me!" said Bilbo. "I am sure this is all very uncomfortable. You may remember saying that I might choose my own fourteenth share? Perhaps I took it too literally... ...The time was, all the same, when you seemed to think that I had been of some service. Descendant of rats, indeed! Is this all the service of you and your family that I was promised, Thorin? Take it that I have disposed of my share as I wished, and let it go at that!"
..."I will... ...And I will let you go at that—and may we never meet again!"
......And so Bilbo was swung down from the wall, and departed with nothing for all his trouble, except the armour which Thorin had given him already. More than one of the dwarves in their hearts felt shame and pity at his going.
..."Farewell!" he cried to them. "We may meet again as friends."
..."Be off!" called Thorin. "You have mail upon you, which was made by my folk, and is too good for you. It cannot be pierced by arrows; but if you do not hasten, I will sting your miserable feet.""
Happy Birthday Goobus!
We have been there and back again.
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(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Nov 22 2019, 11:28am)
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CuriousG
Half-elven
Nov 22 2019, 2:55pm
Post #32 of 51
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Tolkien writes a memorable scene here demonstrating Bilbo's integrity. It would have been safer and more logical to stay in the Elves' camp after betraying the Dwarves, but he has that loyalty to his friends that also underlies LOTR. I appreciate how he's both big-picture about it and also quite specific (needing to wake up Bombur).
...The Elvenking looked at Bilbo with a new wonder. "Bilbo Baggins... ...You are more worthy to wear the armour of elf-princes than many that have looked more comely in it. But I wonder if Thorin Oakenshield will see it so. I have more knowledge of dwarves in general than you have perhaps. I advise you to remain with us, and here you shall be honoured and thrice welcome."
..."Thank you very much I am sure... ...But I don't think I ought to leave my friends like this, after all we have gone through together. And I promised to wake old Bombur at midnight, too! Really I must be going, and quickly."
And he even confesses rather than being outed:
..."I gave it to them," squeaked Bilbo... ...peeping over the wall, by now, in a dreadful fright.
(This post was edited by CuriousG on Nov 22 2019, 3:00pm)
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 23 2019, 12:48pm
Post #33 of 51
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Today in Middle-earth
November 23, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. The Battle of Five Armies
(referencing Karen Wynn Fonstad, The Atlas of Middle-earth)
..."...suddenly a darkness came on with dreadful swiftness! A black cloud hurried over the sky... ...another blackness could be seen whirling forward; but it did not come with the wind, it came from the North, like a vast cloud of birds, so dense that no light could be seen between their wings.
..."Halt!" cried Gandalf, who appeared suddenly, and stood alone, with arms uplifted, between the advancing dwarves and the ranks awaiting them. "Halt!" he called in a voice like thunder... "...The Goblins are upon you! Bolg of the North is coming. O Dain! whose father you slew in Moria. Behold! the bats are above his army like a sea of locusts. They ride upon wolves and Wargs are in their train...!"
..."...Come!" called Gandalf. "There is yet time for council. Let Dain son of Nain come swiftly to us!"
...So began a battle that none had expected; and it was called the Battle of Five Armies, and it was very terrible. Upon one side were the Goblins and the wild Wolves, and upon the other were Elves and Men and Dwarves.... ...How much Gandalf knew cannot be said, but it is plain that he had not expected this sudden assault.
...This is the plan that he made in council with the Elvenking and with Bard; and with Dain, for the dwarf-lord now joined them: the Goblins were the foes of all, and... ...all other quarrels were forgotten. Their only hope was to lure the goblins into the valley between the arms of the Mountain; and themselves to man the great spurs that struck south and east....
......Soon the thunder passed, rolling away to the South-East; but the bat-cloud came, flying lower, over the shoulder of the Mountain, and whirled above them shutting out the light and filling them with dread.
..."To the Mountain!" called Bard. "...Let us take our places while there is yet time!"
Battle of Five Armies Map from Karen Wynn Fonstad
...On the Southern spur, in its lower slopes and in the rocks at its feet, the Elves were set; on the Eastern spur were men and dwarves. But Bard and some of the nimblest of men and elves climbed to the height of the Eastern shoulder to gain a view to the North... ...They could see the lands before the Mountain's feet black with a hurrying multitude. Ere long the vanguard swirled around the spur's end and came rushing into Dale. These were the swiftest wolf-riders, and already their cries and howls rent the air afar. A few brave men were strung before them to make a feint of resistance... ...As Gandalf had hoped, the goblin army had gathered behind the resisted vanguard, and poured now in rage into the valley, driving wildly up between the arms of the Mountain, seeking for the foe....
......It was a terrible battle. The most dreadful of all Bilbo's experiences, and the one which at the time he hated most—which is to say it was the one he was most proud of, and most fond of recalling long afterwards...
......Day drew on. The goblins gathered again in the valley. There a host of Wargs came ravening and with them came the bodyguard of Bolg, goblins of huge size with scimitars of steel. Soon actual darkness was coming into a stormy sky; while still the great bats swirled about the heads and ears of elves and men, or fastened vampire-like on the stricken. Now Bard was fighting to defend the Eastern spur... ...and the elf-lords were at bay about their king upon the southern arm, near to the watch-post on Ravenhill.
...Suddenly there was a great shout, and from the Gate came a trumpet call. They had forgotten Thorin! Part of the wall, moved by levers, fell outward with a crash into the pool. Out leapt the King under the Mountain, and his companions followed him... ...they were in shining armour, and red light leapt from their eyes. In the gloom the great dwarf gleamed like gold in a dying fire.
...Rocks were hurled down from on high by the goblins above; but they held on, leapt down to the falls' foot, and rushed forward to battle. Wolf and rider fell or fled before them. Thorin wielded his axe with mighty strokes, and nothing seemed to harm him.
..."To me! To me! Elves and Men! To me! O my kinsfolk!" ...his voice shook like a horn in the valley.
...Down, heedless of order, rushed all the dwarves of Dain to his help. Down too came many of the Lake-men, for Bard could not restrain them; and out upon the other side came many of the spearmen of the elves. Once again the goblins were stricken in the valley; and they were piled in heaps till Dale was dark and hideous with their corpses. The Wargs were scattered and Thorin drove right against the bodyguards of Bolg. But he could not pierce their ranks...
......Soon the attackers were attacked, and they were forced into a great ring, facing every way hemmed all about with goblins and wolves returning to the assault. The bodyguard of Bolg came howling against them, and drove in upon their ranks like waves upon cliffs of sand. Their friends could not help them, for the assault from the Mountain was renewed with redoubled force, and upon either side men and elves were being slowly beaten down.
...On all this Bilbo looked with misery.... ..."It will not be long now," thought Bilbo, "before the goblins win the Gate, and we are all slaughtered or driven down and captured. Really it is enough to make one weep, after all one has gone through. I would rather old Smaug had been left with all the wretched treasure, than that these vile creatures should get it...
...Bilbo looked round. He gave a great cry: he had seen a sight that made his heart leap, dark shapes small yet majestic against the distant glow.
..."The Eagles! The Eagles!" he shouted. "The Eagles are coming!"
...Bilbo's eyes were seldom wrong. The eagles were coming down the wind, line after line, in such a host as must have gathered from all the eyries of the North....
..."...The Eagles!" cried Bilbo once more, but at that moment a stone hurtling from above smote heavily on his helm, and he fell with a crash and knew no more....
......But even with the Eagles they were still outnumbered. In that last hour Beorn himself had appeared—no one knew how or from where. He came alone, and in bear's shape; and he seemed to have grown almost to giant-size in his wrath.
...The roar of his voice was like drums and guns; and he tossed wolves and goblins from his path like straws and feathers. He... ...broke like a clap of thunder through the ring. The dwarves were making a stand still about their lords upon a low rounded hill. Then Beorn stooped and lifted Thorin, who had fallen pierced with spears, and bore him out of the fray.
...Swiftly he returned and his wrath was redoubled, so that nothing could withstand him, and no weapon seemed to bite upon him. He scattered the bodyguard, and pulled down Bolg himself and crushed him. Then dismay fell on the Goblins and they fled in all directions."
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 23 2019, 1:12pm
Post #34 of 51
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And I love how it affirms Gandalf's intuition and trust in Bilbo. He knew this was an incredible hobbit... which makes Bilbo's "story" about how the Ring all the more troubling.
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 24 2019, 1:12pm
Post #35 of 51
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Today in Middle-earth
November 24, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. One part of the adventure ends.
(determined from text)
..."When Bilbo came to himself, he was... ...lying on the flat stones of Ravenhill, and no one was near... ...He was shaking, and as chilled as stone, but his head burned with fire.
..."Now I wonder what has happened?" he said to himself. "At any rate I am not yet one of the fallen heroes; but I suppose there is still time enough for that!"
...He sat up painfully. Looking into the valley he could see no living goblins. After a while as his head cleared a little, he thought he could see elves moving in the rocks below... ...Dwarves seemed to be busy removing the wall. But all was deadly still. There was no call and no echo of a song. Sorrow seemed to be in the air.
..."Victory after all, I suppose!" he said, feeling his aching head. "Well, it seems a very gloomy business."
...Suddenly he was aware of a man climbing up and coming towards him.
..."Hullo there!" he called with a shaky voice. "Hullo there! What news?"
..."What voice is it that speaks among the stones?" said the man halting and peering about him not far from where Bilbo sat.
...Then Bilbo remembered his ring! "Well I'm blessed..! ...This invisibility has its drawbacks after all. Otherwise I suppose I might have spent a warm and comfortable night in bed!"
......When Gandalf saw Bilbo, he was delighted. "Baggins!" he exclaimed. "Well I never! Alive after all—I am glad! I began to wonder if even your luck would see you through! A terrible business, and it nearly was disastrous. But other news can wait. Come!" he said more gravely. "You are called for;" and leading the hobbit he took him within the tent.
..."Hail! Thorin... ...I have brought him."
...There indeed lay Thorin Oakenshield, wounded with many wounds, and his rent armour and notched axe were cast upon the floor. He looked up as Bilbo came beside him.
..."Farewell, good thief... ...I go now to the halls of waiting to sit beside my fathers, until the world is renewed. Since I leave now all gold and silver, and go where it is of little worth, I wish to part in friendship from you, and I would take back my words and deeds at the Gate."
...Bilbo knelt on one knee filled with sorrow. "Farewell, King under the Mountain..! ...This is a bitter adventure, if it must end so; and not a mountain of gold can amend it. Yet I am glad that I have shared in your perils—that has been more than any Baggins deserves."
..."No!" said Thorin. "There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure. If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world. But sad or merry, I must leave it now. Farewell!"
...Then Bilbo turned away, and he went by himself, and sat alone wrapped in a blanket, and... ...he wept until his eyes were red and his voice was hoarse.
......All that had happened after he was stunned, Bilbo learned later; but it gave him more sorrow than joy, and he was now weary of his adventure. He was aching in his bones for the homeward journey.
..."Where are the Eagles?" he asked Gandalf that evening, as he lay wrapped in many warm blankets.
..."Some are in the hunt... ...but most have gone back to their eyries. They would not stay here, and departed with the first light of morning. Dain has crowned their chief with gold, and sworn friendship with them for ever."
..."I am sorry. I mean, I should have liked to see them again," said Bilbo sleepily; "perhaps I shall see them on the way home. I suppose I shall be going home soon?"
..."As soon as you like," said the wizard."
We have been there and back again.
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CuriousG
Half-elven
Nov 24 2019, 4:47pm
Post #36 of 51
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Time out here for a remark about how silly this is:
Dain has crowned their chief with gold, and sworn friendship with them for ever. What is a bird going to do with a gold crown? I understand that in fairy tales, heroes are rewarded with gold, jewels, and fair maidens at the end, but I think an eagle flying around with a gold crown would look silly. OTOH, it's the thought that counts.
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CuriousG
Half-elven
Nov 24 2019, 4:48pm
Post #37 of 51
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Thorin's quotable parting words
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I'll always love this:
"No!" said Thorin. "There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure. If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world. But sad or merry, I must leave it now. Farewell!"
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 25 2019, 11:17am
Post #38 of 51
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Today in Middle-earth
November 25, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. Thorin is laid to rest.
(determined from text)
..."They buried Thorin deep beneath the Mountain, and Bard laid the Arkenstone upon his breast.
..."There let it lie till the Mountain falls!" he said. "May it bring good fortune to all his folk that dwell here after!"
...Upon his tomb the Elvenking then laid Orcrist, the elvish sword that had been taken from Thorin in captivity. It is said in songs that it gleamed ever in the dark if foes approached, and the fortress of the dwarves could not be taken by surprise. There now Dain son of Nain took up his abode, and he became King under the Mountain... ...many other dwarves gathered to his throne in the ancient halls. Of the twelve companions of Thorin, ten remained. Fili and Kili had fallen defending him with shield and body, for he was their mother's elder brother. The others remained with Dain; for Dain dealt his treasure well."
We have been there and back again.
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Otaku-sempai
Immortal
Nov 25 2019, 3:33pm
Post #41 of 51
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Tolkien did not give many specific dates in 'The Hobbit'
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I am sure that you are at least in the ballpark here, gramma. I see you are using the estimations here by the late Karen Wynn Fonstad in The Atlas of Middle-earth. I suppose that the battle (and the events immediately leading up to it) could have taken place a few days earlier. There's a lot of wiggle room for how much time passed between the BofF and Thorin's funeral (which presumably also including laying Fili and Kili to rest) as well as the departure of Bilbo, Gandalf, Beorn and the elves.
#FidelityToTolkien
(This post was edited by Otaku-sempai on Nov 25 2019, 3:43pm)
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 26 2019, 5:30am
Post #42 of 51
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It was a challenge getting the date
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You know how much I struggle with some of these; and you're guidance is always so helpful!!! This date was one we talked about quite a bit over the last couple of years. Here are the links to last year's that shows my process at choosing this date.
2018 conversation
My reply :)
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Otaku-sempai
Immortal
Nov 26 2019, 6:04am
Post #43 of 51
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I remember having these conversations with you. And yet I still end up posting virtually the same thing again! Go figure. I guess I do that because I know we have new members on TORN who were not privy to our previous discussions.
#FidelityToTolkien
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 26 2019, 12:00pm
Post #44 of 51
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I agree! I think anytime we can show how we work through the questionable events and dates is always a good thing. While my approach is non-scholarly... being as accurate as possible is always a priority. *high five*
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 26 2019, 12:03pm
Post #45 of 51
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Today in Middle-earth
November 26, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. The treasure is divided.
(determined from text)
..."There was, of course, no longer any question of dividing the hoard in such shares as had been planned, to Balin and Dwalin, and Dori and Nori and Ori, and Oin and Gloin, and Bifur and Bofur and Bombur—or to Bilbo. Yet a fourteenth share of all the silver and gold, wrought and unwrought, was given up to Bard... ...Dain said: "We will honour the agreement of the dead, and he has now the Arkenstone in his keeping."
...Even a fourteenth share was wealth exceedingly... ...greater than that of many mortal kings. From that treasure Bard sent much gold to the Master of Lake-town; and he rewarded his followers and friends freely. To the Elvenking he gave the emeralds of Girion, such jewels as he most loved, which Dain had restored to him.
...To Bilbo he said: "This treasure is as much yours as it is mine; though old agreements cannot stand, since so many have a claim in its winning and defence. Yet even though you were willing to lay aside all your claim, I should wish that the words of Thorin, of which he repented, should not prove true: that we should give you little. I would reward you most richly of all."
..."Very kind of you... ...But really it is a relief to me. How on earth should I have got all that treasure home without war and murder all along the way... ...And I don't know what I should have done with it when I got home. I am sure it is better in your hands."
...In the end he would only take two small chests, one filled with silver, and the other with gold, such as one strong pony could carry. "That will be quite as much as I can manage," said he."
November 26, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The Shire is reborn.
(not from the appendices-no text)
...Sam stood back and looked at the wall of bricks he and the others had just finished. This is the fifth hole they've restored in a few short weeks. The group smiled as they exchange glances and gathered their tools. "And now to the Dragon to be sure their stock is in order," he chuckled to the others. "I'll fetch Mr. Frodo and we'll join you there."
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 27 2019, 3:17am
Post #46 of 51
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Today in Middle-earth
November 27, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. Bilbo and Gandalf finally leave for home.
(from Karen Wynn Fonstad, The Atlas of Middle-earth)
..."At last the time came for him to say good-bye to his friends. "Farewell, Balin!" he said; "and farewell, Dwalin; and farewell Dori, Nori, Ori, Oin, Gloin, Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur! May your beards never grow thin!" ...turning towards the Mountain he added: "Farewell Thorin Oakenshield! And Fili and Kili! May your memory never fade!"
...Then the dwarves bowed low before their Gate, but words stuck in their throats. "Good-bye and good luck, wherever you fare!" said Balin at last. "If ever you visit us again, when our halls are made fair once more, then the feast shall indeed be splendid!"
..."If ever you are passing my way," said Bilbo, "don't wait to knock! Tea is at four; but any of you are welcome at any time!"
...Then he turned away...
......Gandalf and Bilbo rode behind the Elvenking, and beside them strode Beorn, once again in man's shape, and he laughed and sang in a loud voice upon the road."
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 27 2019, 3:28am
Post #47 of 51
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Today in Middle-earth
November 28, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The Gift of Galadriel
(not from the appendices)
..."The trees were the worst loss and damage, for at Sharkey's bidding they had been cut down recklessly far and wide over the Shire; and Sam grieved over this more than anything else. For one thing, this hurt would take long to heal, and only his great-grandchildren... ...would see the Shire as it ought to be.
...Then suddenly one day, for he had been too busy for weeks to give a thought to his adventures, he remembered the gift of Galadriel. He brought the box out and showed it to the other Travellers (for so they were now called by everyone), and asked their advice.
...'I wondered when you would think of it,' said Frodo. 'Open it!'
...Inside it was filled with a grey dust, soft and fine, in the middle of which was a seed, like a small nut with a silver shale. 'What can I do with this...?'
...'...Throw it in the air on a breezy day and let it do its work!' said Pippin.
...'On what?' said Sam.
...'Choose one spot as a nursery, and see what happens to the plants there,' said Merry.
...'But I'm sure the Lady would not like me to keep it all for my own garden, now so many folk have suffered,' said Sam.
...'Use all the wits and knowledge you have of your own, Sam,' said Frodo, 'and then use the gift to help your work and better it. And use it sparingly. There is not much here, and I expect every grain has a value.'
...So Sam planted saplings in all the places where specially beautiful or beloved trees had been destroyed, and he put a grain of the precious dust in the soil at the root of each. He went up and down the Shire in this labour; but if he paid special attention to Hobbiton and Bywater no one blamed him... ...at the end he found that he still had a little of the dust left; so he went to the Three-Farthing Stone... ...near to the centre of the Shire as no matter, and cast it in the air with his blessing. The little silver nut he planted in the Party Field where the tree had once been; and he wondered what would come of it. All through the winter he remained as patient as he could, and tried to restrain himself from going round constantly to see if anything was happening."
We have been there and back again.
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CuriousG
Half-elven
Nov 27 2019, 1:12pm
Post #48 of 51
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I liked Pippin's advice the best
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'...Throw it in the air on a breezy day and let it do its work!' said Pippin.
It's probably best Sam didn't listen to him, or there would just be one little clump of exceptionally happy trees.
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 30 2019, 12:51pm
Post #49 of 51
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Today in Middle-earth
November 30, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. Bilbo, Gandalf and Beorn depart from the Elves.
(from Karen Wynn Fonstad, The Atlas of Middle-earth)
... "Gandalf and Bilbo rode behind the Elvenking, and beside them strode Beorn... ...and he laughed and sang in a loud voice upon the road. So they went on until they drew near to the borders of Mirkwood, to the north of the place where the Forest River ran out. Then they halted, for the wizard and Bilbo would not enter the wood, even though the king bade them stay a while in his halls. They intended to go along the edge of the forest, and round its northern end in the waste that lay between it and the beginning of the Grey Mountains... ...Moreover Beorn was going that way too.
..."Farewell! O Elvenking!" said Gandalf. "Merry be the greenwood, while the world is yet young! And merry be all your folk!"
..."Farewell! O Gandalf... ...May you ever appear where you are most needed and least expected! The oftener you appear in my halls the better shall I be pleased!"
..."I beg of you," said Bilbo stammering and standing on one foot, "to accept this gift!" and he brought out a necklace of silver and pearls that Dain had given him at their parting.
... "In what way have I earned such a gift, O hobbit...?"
... "...Well, er, I thought, don't you know," said Bilbo rather confused, "that, er, some little return should be made for your, er, hospitality. I mean even a burglar has his feelings. I have drunk much of your wine and eaten much of your bread."
... "I will take your gift, O Bilbo the Magnificent!" said the king gravely. "And I name you elf-friend and blessed. May your shadow never grow less (or stealing would be too easy)! Farewell!"
... Then the elves turned towards the Forest, and Bilbo started on his long road home."
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Aug 7 2020, 1:10pm
Post #50 of 51
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Today in Middle-earth
November 6, 2980 (S.R. 1380) (possible date; definite date tbd)
1. Aragorn and Arwen betrothed in Lórien
[not from the appendices – determined from text – Appendix A]
... "When Elrond learned the choice of his daughter, he was silent, though his heart was grieved and found the doom long feared none the easier to endure. But when Aragorn came again to Rivendell he called him to him, and he said:
... '"My son, years come when hope will fade, and beyond them little is clear to me. And now a shadow lies between us. Maybe, it has been appointed so, that by my loss the kingship of Men may be restored.... ...though I love you, I say to you: Arwen Undómiel shall not diminish her life's grace for less cause. She shall not be the bride of any Man less than the King of both Gondor and Arnor. To me then even our victory can bring only sorrow and parting—but to you hope of joy for a while... ...Alas, my son! I fear that to Arwen the Doom of Men may seem hard at the ending."
... 'So it stood afterwards between Elrond and Aragorn, and they spoke no more of this matter; but Aragorn went forth again to danger and toil. And while the world darkened... ...on Middle-earth, as the power of Sauron grew and the Barad-dûr rose ever taller and stronger, Arwen remained in Rivendell, and when Aragorn was abroad, from afar she watched over him in thought; and in hope she made for him a great and kingly standard, such as only one might display who claimed the lordship of the Númenóreans and the inheritance of Elendil."
We have been there and back again.
“Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don't have the strength." – Theodore Roosevelt
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(This post was edited by dernwyn on Aug 16 2020, 7:40pm)
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TIME - November 21
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