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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Mar 20, 11:42am
Post #1 of 25
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TIME - March 20
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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 is fortified 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 not 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 this house in our care, lady, and take your rest, then you shall walk in this 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."
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Mar 21, 1:57pm
Post #2 of 25
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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."
Map of the Captains of the West and Frodo & Sam's journeys (as derived from Journeys of Frodo: An Atlas of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings by Barbara Strachey.
March 21, 2011
1. First day of principal photography for The Hobbit in Wellington, NZ!!!
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Mar 22, 3:06pm
Post #3 of 25
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Today in Middle-earth
Map of the Captains of the West and Frodo & Sam's journeys (as derived from Journeys of Frodo: An Atlas of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings by Barbara Strachey.
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… …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… …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 Appendix B: The Tale Of Years: The Third Age: The Great Years)
..."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."
Edith and JRR Tolkien in their garden
March 22, 1916
1. Anniversary of Beren and Lúthien.
...Celebrating the marriage of Edith Bratt and J.R.R. Tolkien at St. Mary Immaculate Roman Catholic Church, Warwick. Later, Tolkien wrote of his admiration for his wife and her "willingness to marry a man with no job, little money, and no prospects except the likelihood of being killed in the Great War." At the time of her passing on November 29, 1971 at the age of 82, they were married for 55 years. J.R.R. Tolkien passed away 21 months later on September 2, 1973 at the age of 81. Peace.
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Mar 23, 2:15pm
Post #4 of 25
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Today in Middle-earth
Map to the Black Gate from The Atlas of Middle-earth by Karen Wynn Fonstad.
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 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."
Gorgoroth
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.... '...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 spent 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 were 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 there mile after dangerous mile unprotected. As he experienced the oppressive evil that lay on the land, he wondered how they could bear the horror. He feared that they could be lost, captured or 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 existed.
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Mar 24, 2:11pm
Post #5 of 25
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Today in Middle-earth
Mt. Doom (March 24) from The Atlas of Middle-earth by Karen Wynn Fonstad.
Map of the Captains of the West and Frodo & Sam's journeys from Journeys of Frodo: An Atlas of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings by Barbara Strachey.
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... ...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... ...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.... ...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 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."
4. King Brand and King Dáin Ironfoot fall in Dale.
(from Appendix B: The Tale Of Years: The Third Age: The Great Years)
..."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... ...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, and the Easterlings had the victory. But they could not take the Gate... ...Dwarves and Men, took refuge in Erebor, and there withstood a siege."
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Mar 25, 1:47pm
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Map of the Battle of the Black Gates from Journeys of Frodo: An Atlas of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings by Barbara Strachey.
March 25, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The Captains of the West come to the Black Gate.
(not from the appendices)
..."No choice was left them but to play their part to its end. Therefore Aragorn now set the host in such array as could best be contrived; and they were drawn up on two great hills of blasted stone and earth that orcs had piled in years of labour... ....When all was ordered, the Captains rode forth towards the Black Gate... ...Gandalf as chief herald, and Aragorn with the sons of Elrond, and Éomer of Rohan, and Imrahil; and Legolas and Gimli and Peregrin were bidden to go also. So that all the enemies of Mordor should have a witness...
...'...Come forth! they cried. 'Let the Lord of the Black Land come forth...'
...…There came a long rolling of great drums like thunder in the mountains, and then a braying of horns that shook the very stones and stunned men's ears. And thereupon the middle door of the Black Gate was thrown open with a great clang, and out of it there came an embassy from the Dark Tower... ...The Lieutenant of the Tower of Barad-dûr he was, and his name is remembered in no tale; for he himself had forgotten it, and he said; 'I am the Mouth of Sauron... ...Is there any one in this rout with authority to treat with me?' he asked. 'Or indeed with wit to understand me? Not thou at least!' he mocked, turning to Aragorn with scorn. 'It needs more to make a king than a piece of elvish glass, or a rabble such as this....'
......Aragorn said naught in answer, but he took the other's eye and held it, and for a moment they strove thus; but soon, though Aragorn did not stir nor move hand to weapon, the other quailed and gave back as if menaced with a blow...
...'...You have naught to fear from us, until your errand is done. But unless your master has come to new wisdom, then with all his servants you will be in great peril,' said Gandalf.
...'So!' said the Messenger. 'Then thou art the spokesman, old greybeard... ...I have tokens that I was bidden to show to thee—to thee in especial, if thou shouldst dare to come.' He signed to one of his guards, and he came forward bearing a bundle swathed in black cloths.
...The Messenger put these aside, and there to the wonder and dismay of all the Captains he held up first a short sword such as Sam had carried, and next a grey cloak with an elven-brooch, and last the coat of mithril-mail that Frodo had worn wrapped in his tattered garments. A blackness came before their eyes... ...their hearts were dead and their last hope gone. Pippin who stood behind Prince Imrahil sprang forward with a cry of grief.
...'Silence!' said Gandalf sternly, thrusting him back; but the Messenger laughed aloud.
...'So you have yet another of these imps with you!' he cried. 'What use you find in them I cannot guess... ...it is plain that this brat at least has seen these tokens before, and it would be vain for you to deny them now.'
...'I do not wish to deny them... ...But why do you bring them here?'
...'Dwarf-coat, elf-cloak, blade of the downfallen West, and spy from the little rat-land of the Shire... ...here are the marks of a conspiracy. Now, maybe he that bore these things was a creature that you would not grieve to lose, and maybe otherwise; one dear to you, perhaps? If so, take swift counsel... ...what his fate shall be depends now on your choice.'
...No one answered him; but he saw their faces grey with fear and the horror in their eyes, and he laughed again, for it seemed to him that his sport went well. 'Good, good... ...He was dear to you, I see. Or else his errand was one that you did not wish to fail? It has. And now he shall endure the slow torment of years... ...This shall surely be--unless you accept my Lord's terms...'
......Gandalf said, 'This is much to demand for the delivery of one servant... ...what surety have we that Sauron the Base Master of Treachery will keep his part...'
...'...Surety you crave! Sauron gives none... ...These are his terms. Take them or leave them!'
...'These we will take!' said Gandalf suddenly. He cast aside his cloak and a white light shone forth like a sword in that black place... ...Gandalf coming seized and took from him the tokens: coat, cloak, and sword. 'These we will take in memory of our friend,' he cried. 'But as for your terms, we reject them utterly. Get you gone, for your embassy is over and death is near to you. We did not come here to waste words in treating with Sauron, faithless and accursed; still less with one of his slaves. Begone...!'
2. The Host is surrounded on the Slag Hills.
(from the appendices)
..."...Down from the hills on either side of the Morannon poured Orcs innumerable. The men of the West were trapped, and soon, all about the grey mounds where they stood, forces ten times and more than ten times their match would ring them in a sea of enemies... ...Upon the one hill Aragorn stood with Gandalf, and there fair and desperate was raised the banner of the Tree and Stars. Upon the other hill hard by stood the banners of Rohan and Dol Amroth, White Horse and Silver Swan... ...But in the front towards Mordor where the first bitter assault would come there stood the sons of Elrond on the left with Dúnedain about them, and on the right the Prince Imrahil with the men of Dol Amroth tall and fair, and picked men of the Tower...
......Pippin had bowed crushed with horror when he heard Gandalf reject the terms and doom Frodo to the torment of the Tower; but he had mastered himself, and now he stood beside Beregond in the front rank of Gondor with Imrahil's men... '...I wish Merry was here...'
......the first assault crashed into them... ...a great company of hill-trolls... ...Like a storm they broke upon the line of the men of Gondor... ...At Pippin's side Beregond was stunned and overborne, and he fell: and the great troll-chief that smote him down bent over him, reaching out a clutching claw; for these fell creatures would bite the throats of those that they threw down.
...Then Pippin stabbed upwards, and the written blade of Westernesse pierce through the hide and went deep into the vitals of the troll, and his black blood came gushing out. He toppled forward and came crashing down... ...burying those beneath him. Blackness and stench and crushing pain came upon Pippin, and his mind fell away into a great darkness....'"
3. Downfall of Barad-dûr and the passing of Sauron.
(from the appendices)
..."...under the wings of the Nazgûl the shadows of death fell dark upon the earth. Aragorn stood beneath his banner, silent and stern... ...Upon the hill-top stood Gandalf, and he was white and cold and no shadow fell upon him....
......As if to his eyes some sudden vision had been given, Gandalf stirred; and he turned, looking back north where the skies were pale and clear. Then he lifted up his hands and cried in a loud voice ringing above the din: 'The Eagles are coming!'
...There came Gwaihir the Windlord, and Landroval his brother, greatest of all the Eagles of the North... ...behind them in long swift lines came all their vassals from the northern mountains, speeding on a gathering wind. Straight down upon the Nazgûl they bore, stooping suddenly out of the high airs, and the rush of their wide wings as they passed over was like a gale.
...But the Nazgûl turned and fled, and vanished into Mordor's shadows, hearing a sudden terrible call out of the Dark Tower; and even at that moment all the hosts of Mordor trembled... ...The Power that drove them on and filled them with hate and fury was wavering, its will was removed from them; and now looking in the eyes of their enemies they saw a deadly light and were afraid....
......Gandalf lifted up his arms and called once more in a clear voice. 'Stand, Men of the West! Stand and wait! This is the hour of doom.'
...And even as he spoke the earth rocked beneath their feet. Then rising swiftly up, far above the Towers of the Black Gate, high above the mountains, a vast soaring darkness sprang into the sky, flickering with fire. The earth groaned and quaked. The Towers of the Teeth swayed... ...the Black Gate was hurled in ruin...
...'...The realm of Sauron is ended!' said Gandalf. 'The Ring-bearer has fulfilled his Quest.' And as the Captains gazed south to the Land of Mordor, it seemed to them... ...there rose a huge shape of shadow, impenetrable, lightning-crowned, filling all the sky. Enormous it reared above the world, and stretched out towards them a vast threatening hand, terrible but impotent: for even as it leaned over them, a great wind took it, and it was all blown away, and passed; and then a hush fell....
......Then Gandalf, leaving all such matters of battle and command to Aragorn and the other lords, stood upon the hill-top and called; and down to him came the great eagle, Gwaihir the Windlord, and stood before him.
...'Twice you have borne me, Gwaihir my friend... ...Thrice shall pay for all, if you are willing. You will not find me a burden much greater than when you bore me from Zirak-zigil, where my old life burned away.'
...'I would bear you,' answered Gwaihir, 'whither you will, even were you made of stone.'
...'Then come, and let your brother go with us, and some other of your folk who is most swift! For we have need of speed greater than any wind, outmatching the wings of the Nazgûl.'
...'The North Wind blows, but we shall outfly it,' said Gwaihir. And he lifted up Gandalf and sped away south and with him went Landroval, and Meneldor... ...And they passed over Udûn and Gorgoroth and saw all the land in ruin and tumult beneath them, and before them Mount Doom blazing, pouring out its fire."
4. Frodo and Samwise reach the Sammath Naur.
(from the appendices)
..."The path climbed on... ...and came to the dark door in the Mountain's side, the door of the Sammath Naur... ...all Mordor lay about the Mountain like a dead land, silent, shadow-folded, waiting for some dreadful stroke.
...Sam came to the gaping mouth and peered in. It was dark and hot, and a deep rumbling shook the air. 'Frodo! Master!' he called. There was no answer. For a moment he stood, his heart beating with wild fears, and then he plunged in. A shadow followed him.
...At first he could see nothing. In his great need he drew out once more the phial of Galadriel, but it was pale and cold in his trembling hand and threw no light into that stifling dark. He was come to the heart of the realm of Sauron and the forges of his ancient might, greatest in Middle-earth; all other powers were here subdued... ...all at once there came a flash of red that leaped upward, and smote the high black roof. Then Sam saw that he was in a long cave or tunnel that bored into the Mountain's smoking cone....
......The light sprang up again, and there on the brink of the chasm, at the very Crack of Doom, stood Frodo, black against the glare, tense, erect, but still as if he had been turned to stone.
...'Master!' cried Sam.
...Then Frodo stirred and spoke with a clear voice... ...clearer and more powerful than Sam had ever heard him use, and it rose above the throb and turmoil of Mount Doom, ringing in the roof and walls.
...'I have come... ...But I do not choose now to do what I came to do. I will not do this deed. The Ring is mine!' And suddenly, as he set it on his finger, he vanished from Sam's sight. Sam gasped, but he had no chance to cry out... ...Something struck Sam violently in the back, his legs were knocked from under him and he was flung aside, striking his head against the stony floor, as a dark shape sprang over him. He lay still and for a moment all went black."
5. Gollum seizes the Ring and falls into the Cracks of Doom.
(from the appendices)
..."Sam got up... ...dazed, and blood from his head dripped in his eyes. He groped forward, and then he saw a strange and terrible thing. Gollum on the edge of the abyss was fighting like a mad thing with an unseen foe...
......The fires below awoke in anger, the red light blazed... ...Suddenly Sam saw Gollum's long hands draw upwards to his mouth; his white fangs gleamed, and then snapped as they bit. Frodo gave a cry, and there he was, fallen upon his knees at the chasm's edge. But Gollum, dancing like a mad thing, held aloft the ring with Frodo's finger still thrust within its circle. It shone now as if verily it was wrought of living fire.
...'Precious, precious, precious!' Gollum cried... ...he stepped too far, toppled, wavered for a moment on the brink, and then with a shriek he fell. Out of the depths came his last wail PRECIOUS, and he was gone….
......Sam ran to Frodo and picked him up and carried him out to the door. And there above the plains of Mordor, such wonder and terror came on him that he stood still forgetting all else, and gazed as one turned to stone... ...there came a rumble, rising to a deafening crash and roar; and the earth shook, the plain heaved and cracked, and Orodruin reeled. Fire belched from its riven summit. The skies burst into thunder seared with lightening. Down like lashing whips fell a torrent of black rain. And into the heart of the storm, with a cry that pierced all other sounds... ...the Nazgûl came, shooting like flaming bolts, as caught in the fiery ruin of hill and sky they crackled, withered, and went out.
...'Well, this is the end, Sam Gamgee,' said a voice by his side. And there was Frodo, pale and worn, and yet himself again; and in his eyes there was peace now, neither strain of will, nor madness, nor any fear. His burden was taken away. There was the dear master of the sweet days in the Shire.
...'Master!' cried Sam, and fell upon his knees. In all that ruin of the world for the moment he felt only joy... ...The burden was gone. His master had been saved; he was himself again, he was free. And then he caught sight of the maimed and bleeding hand.
...'Your poor hand!' he said. 'And I have nothing to bind it with, or comfort it. I would have spared him a whole hand of mine rather. But he's gone now beyond recall, gone forever.'
...'Yes... ...But do you remember Gandalf's words: "Even Gollum may have something yet to do?" But for him, Sam, I could not have destroyed the Ring. The Quest would have been in vain, even at the bitter end. So let us forgive him! For the Quest is achieved and now all is over. I am glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things, Sam....'
...'...Yes, I am with you, Master,' said Sam, laying Frodo's wounded hand gently to his breast. 'And you're with me. And the journey's finished. But after coming all that way I don't want to give up yet. It's not like me, somehow, if you understand.'
...'Maybe not, Sam... ...but it's like things are in the world. Hopes fail. An end comes. We have only a little time to wait now. We are lost in ruin and downfall, and there is no escape.'
...'Well, Master, we could at least go further from this dangerous place here, from this Crack of Doom, if that's its name...'
...'...Very well, Sam. If you wish to go, I'll come,' said Frodo; and they rose and went slowly down... ...towards the Mountain's quaking feet, a great smoke and steam belched from the Sammath Naur, and the side of the cone was riven open, and a huge fiery vomit rolled in slow thunderous cascade down the eastern mountain-side.
...Frodo and Sam could go no further. Their last strength of mind and body was swiftly ebbing. They had reached a low ashen hill piled at the Mountain's foot; but from it there was no more escape....
......And so it was that Gwaihir saw them with his keen far-seeing eyes, as down the wild wind he came... ...two small dark figures, forlorn, hand in hand upon a little hill, while the world shook under them... ...And even as he espied them and came swooping down, he saw them fall, worn out, or choked with fumes and heat, or stricken down by despair at last, hiding their eyes from death.
...Side by side they lay; and down swept Gwaihir, and down came Landroval and Meneldor the swift; and in a dream, not knowing what fate had befallen them, the wanderers were lifted up and borne far away..."
6. Minas Tirith
(from the appendices)
..."And so the fifth day came since the Lady Éowyn went first to Faramir; and they stood now together once more upon the wall of the City and looked out. No tidings had yet come, and all hearts were darkened...
...'...What do you look for, Éowyn?' said Faramir.
...'Does not the Black Gate lie yonder?' said she. 'And must he not now be come thither? It is seven days since he rode away.'
...'Seven day,' said Faramir. 'But think not ill of me, if I say to you: they have brought me both a joy and a pain that I never thought to know. Joy to see you; but pain, because now the fear and doubt of this evil time are grown dark indeed. Éowyn, I would not have this world end now, or lose so soon what I have found.'
...'Lose what you have found, lord?' she answered... '...I know not what in these days you have found that you could lose. But come, my friend, let us not speak of it! Let us not speak at all! I stand upon some dreadful brink, and it is utterly dark in the abyss before my feet... ...I wait for some stroke of doom.'
...'Yes, we wait for the stroke of doom,' said Faramir. And they said no more... ...And as they stood so, their hands met and clasped, though they did not know it. And still they waited for they knew not what. Then... ...above the ridges of the distant mountains another vast mountain of darkness rose, towering up like a wave that should engulf the world, and about it lightnings flickered; and then a tremor ran through the earth, and they felt the walls of the City quiver. A sound like a sigh went up from all the lands about them; and their hearts beat suddenly again.
...'It reminds me of Númenor,' said Faramir, and wondered to hear himself speak.
...'Of Númenor?'
...'Yes,' said Faramir, 'of the land of Westernesse that foundered, and of the great dark wave climbing over the green lands and above the hills, and coming on, darkness inescapable. I often dream of it.'
...'Then you think that the Darkness is coming... ...Darkness Unescapable?' And suddenly she drew close to him.
...'No,' said Faramir, looking into her face. 'It was but a picture in the mind. I do not know what is happening. The reason of my waking mind tells me that great evil has befallen and we stand at the end of days. But my heart says nay; and all my limbs are light, and a hope and joy are come to me that no reason can deny. Éowyn, Éowyn, White Lady of Rohan, in this hour I do not believe that any darkness will endure!' And he stooped and kissed her brow...
......And before the Sun had fallen far from the noon out of the East there came a great Eagle flying, and he bore tidings beyond hope from the Lords of the West, crying: 'Sing now, ye people of the Tower of Anor, for the Realm of Sauron is ended for ever, and the Dark Tower is thrown down.'"
7. Gondor proclaims their New Year on this date.
(not from the appendices)
[Gandalf speaking to Sam after he wakes in The Field of Cormallen]
..."'...in Gondor the New Year will always now begin upon the twenty-fifth of March when Sauron fell, and when you were brought out of the fire to the King.'"
March 25, 3020 (S.R. 1420)
1. Frodo comes home.
(not from the appendices)
..."Sam stayed… …with the Gaffer. In addition to all his other labours he was busy directing the cleaning up and restoring of Bag End; but he was often away in the Shire on his forestry work... ...meanwhile Bag End had been set in order and Merry and Pippin came over from Crickhollow bringing back all the old furniture and gear, so that the old hole soon looked very much as it always had done."
March 25, 3021 (S.R. 1421)
1. Birth of Elanor the Fair, daughter of Samwise.
(from the appendices)
..."Frodo was ill again in March, but with a great effort he concealed it... ...Sam had other things to think about. The first of Sam and Rosie's children was born on the twenty-fifth of March, a date that Sam noted.
...'Well, Mr. Frodo,' he said. 'I'm in a bit of a fix. Rose and me had settled to call him Frodo... ...but it's not him, it's her. Though as pretty a maidchild as any one could hope for... ...So we don't know what to do.'
...'Well, Sam,' said Frodo, 'what's wrong with the old customs? Choose a flower name like Rose. Half the maidchildren in the Shire are called by such names, and what could be better?'
...'I suppose you're right, Mr. Frodo... ...I've heard some beautiful names on my travels, but I suppose they're a bit too grand for daily wear and tear... ...The Gaffer, he says: "Make it short, and then you won't have to cut it short before you can use it." But if it's to be a flower-name, then I don't trouble about the length: it must be a beautiful flower, because, you see, I think she is very beautiful, and is going to be beautifuller still.'
...Frodo thought for a moment. 'Well, Sam, what about elanor, the sun-star, you remember the little golden flower in the grass of Lothlórien?'
...'You're right again, Mr. Frodo!' said Sam delighted. 'That's what I wanted.'"
March 25, 2003
Tolkien Reading Day
...Launched in 2003 by the Tolkien Society, this annual event is a celebration of J.R.R. Tolkien's works. It encourages individuals, library groups, and education to engage in the study, discussion, and just plain enjoyment of life in Middle-earth... and beyond. The date of March 25 was chosen in honour of the fall of Sauron and the destruction of the One Ring.
We have been there and back again.
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Otaku-sempai
Elvenhome
Mar 25, 2:52pm
Post #7 of 25
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Many happy returns of the day to the Elvenking Lee Pace (47).
“Hell hath no fury like that of the uninvolved.” - Tony Isabella
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Mar 26, 1:47pm
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Today in Middle-earth
March 26, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The Shadow is lifted.
(from Appendix B: The Tale Of Years: The Third Age: The Great Years)
..."After the fall of the Dark Tower and the passing of Sauron the Shadow was lifted from the hearts of all who opposed him, but fear and despair fell upon his servants and allies."
2. Gimli finds Pippin fallen on the field.
(not from the appendices)
... "I shall never forget… …finding you on the hill of the last battle. But for Gimli the Dwarf you would have been lost then... ...I know now the look of a hobbit's foot, though it be all that can been seen under a heap of bodies.'"
3. In Minas Tirith
(not from the appendices)
..."The days that followed were golden, and Spring and Summer joined and made revel together in the fields of Gondor."
We have been there and back again.
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dernwyn
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Mar 26, 2:04pm
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Happy Day, and Happy Tolkien Reading Day!
[In reply to]
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Can't Post
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I celebrated by perusing through Voronwe's "Arda Reconstructed" - incredibly detailed, and makes one wish he'd been able to be Christopher's companion back when he was putting the Silmarillion together.
Did you get a chance to do some Tolkien reading, gramma?
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"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Mar 26, 2:56pm
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Ooooo... good one! *bows deeply*
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I have not ventured there... yet ;)
I did celebrate by reading one of my favourite passages. From RotK the beginning of Chapter 8 "The Houses of Healing" as a stricken Merry follows those carrying the litters of Eowyn and King Theoden from the field into Minas Tirith. The description of him getting lost then found by Pippin and then Gandalf still always brings tears. "Are you going to bury me?"
I remember when the films were still being released seeing a clip of Dom Monaghan at a podium talking to a room of people telling them that this segment was one of his favourite moments of filming. At the time, it hadn't been cut. *sigh* One of the moments I was so looking forward to :)
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Mar 27, 2:20pm
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Today in Middle-earth
March 27, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. Bard II and Thorin III Stonehelm drive the enemy from Dale.
(from the appendices - Appendix B: The Tale Of Years: The Third Age: The Great Years)
..."... a host of the allies of Sauron... ...crossed the River Carnen... ...to Dale. There... ...was a great battle at the Mountain's feet.... ...both King Brand and King Dáin Ironfoot were slain, and the Easterlings had the victory. But they could not take the Gate... ...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. Then Bard II, Brand's son, became King in Dale, and Thorin III Stonehelm, Dáin's son, became King under the Mountain...."
..."...Sauron might have done great evil in the North, if King Dáin and King Brand had not stood in his path. Even as Gandalf said afterwards to Frodo and Gimli, when they dwelt together for a time in Minas Tirith....
...'...I grieved at the fall of Thorin,' said Gandalf; 'and now we hear that Dáin has fallen, fighting in Dale again, even while we fought here...
...'...Yet things might have gone far otherwise and far worse. When you think of the great Battle of the Pelennor, do not forget the battles in Dale and the valour of Durin's Folk... ...of what might have been. Dragon-fire and savage swords in Eriador, night in Rivendell. There might be no Queen in Gondor. We might now hope to return from the victory here only to ruin and ash. But... ...averted - because I met Thorin Oakenshield one evening on the edge of spring in Bree. A chance-meeting, as we say in Middle-earth....'"
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Mar 28, 1:01pm
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Today in Middle-earth
March 28, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. Celeborn crosses Anduin; destruction of Dol Guldur begun.
(from the appendices)
..."Though grievous harm was done to the fair woods on the borders, the assaults were driven back; and when the Shadow passed, Celeborn came forth and led the host of Lórien over Anduin in many boats. They took Dol Guldur, and Galadriel threw down its walls and laid bare its pits, and the forest was cleansed."
2. Free from the land of the Shadow.
(not from the appendices—no text)
...Under the care of the King's healing hand, Frodo and Samwise rest in fair Ithilien in a deep, merciful sleep while a cloaked, bent figure sits quietly by, smoking and watching.
March 28, 3020 (S.R. 1420)
1. The Lady's gift and the Gardener's labours grace the Shire.
(not from the appendices)
..."Spring surpassed his wildest hopes. His trees began to sprout and grow, as if time was in a hurry and wished to make one year do for twenty."
2. Lobelia Sackville-Baggins passes in the Spring.
(not from the appendices)
[This first part isn't what happened today... it's just a buildup for Lobelia's post in the second part]
[November 4, 3019]
..."...she looked very old and thin when they rescued her from a dark and narrow cell. She insisted on hobbling out on her own feet; and she had... ...such clapping and cheering when she appeared, leaning on Frodo's arm but still clutching her umbrella, that she was quite touched and drove away in tears. She had never in her life been popular before. But she was crushed by the news of Lotho's murder, and she would not return to Bag End. She gave it back to Frodo, and went to her own people, the Bracegirdles of Hardbottle..."
[March 28, 3020]
..."When the poor creature died next Spring—she was after all more than a hundred years old—Frodo was surprised and much moved: she had left all that remained of her money and of Lotho's for him to use in helping hobbits made homeless by the troubles. So that feud was ended."
We have been there and back again.
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(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Mar 28, 1:13pm)
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dernwyn
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Mar 28, 1:49pm
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bits that were filmed, then had to be left out.
Has anyone ever asked Jackson et al for a super-edition that included ALL the cut scenes? Or even just a separate movie, with all of them!
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"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Mar 29, 2:03am
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I remember long ago in the eedvd era, PJ talkedjoked about a 25th Anniversary edition with those unused clips. Maybe he's still got it on his list of things to do. Knowing all of that treasure is sitting in computers or storage somewhere drives me nuts! I'm sure part of the problem is that if they needed to do some tie-in or joining pieces, all of the players have seen many winters and couldn't make the jump. However... now that AI has reared its head... who knows what's possible ;)
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Mar 29, 1:49pm
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Today in Middle-earth
March 29, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. Minas Tirith prepares.
(not from the appendices)
..."...tidings now came by swift riders from Cair Andros of all that was done, and the City made ready for the coming of the King. Merry was summoned and rode away with the wains that took store of goods to Osgiliath... ...by ship to Cair Andros; but Faramir did not go, for now being healed he took upon him his authority and the stewardship, although it was only for a little while, and his duty was to prepare for one who should replace him.
...And Éowyn did not go, though her brother sent word begging her to come to the field of Cormallen. And Faramir wondered at this, but he saw her seldom... ...and she dwelt still in the Houses of Healing and walked alone in the garden, and her face grew pale again and it seemed that in all the City she only was ailing and sorrowful."
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dernwyn
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Mar 29, 11:42pm
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Merry’s excitement could hardly be contained - but it did not hinder his appetite.
Faramir, seated across the table from him, laughed. “The Shire-folk are certainly hearty eaters!”
“But the journey’s long, and we leave shortly. How splendid, I can’t wait to see them all again!” He paused. “I wish Éowyn were going with us. Is she still not healed, Faramir?”
Faramir sighed. “She is still in the care of the Warden.” But he thought: Amidst all this joy, she sorrows! Does she not know her own heart? Would it harm or heal, were I to speak my heart to her?
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"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Mar 30, 1:57pm
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I love having these moments of normalcy amidst all of the fear. Faramir and Merry really did forge an easy friendship... just as Pippin did. :)
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Mar 30, 2:05pm
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Today in Middle-earth
March 30, 2942 (S.R. 1342)
1. Bilbo and Gandalf rest at Beorn's home.
(determined from text - no text - a drabble)
... Gandalf and Bilbo recover from their adventures in the safety of Beorn's home. There was no shortage of wonderful food, warm evenings before the huge fire in the great hall, and a chance for three great story-tellers to share their tales. But Bilbo's longing for his own chair and fire at Bag End grew. He would spend long hours in the quiet room given to him by Beorn. This is where he began his first journal and he would write page upon page of his adventures since he left the Lonely Mountain, and many reflective moments of his beloved Shire.
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Mar 31, 2:10pm
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Here is a Book Spoiler on the passing of Arwen Undomiel in the year 121 of the Fourth Age (F.A. 121) at the age of 2,901, one year after Aragorn's death. She passed upon the same hill Aragorn and she plighted their troth 161 years earlier. Here is the end of her tale… for a moment of Tolkien-zen.
From the APPENDICES: APPENDIX A: ANNALS OF THE KINGS AND RULERS
(v) HERE FOLLOWS A PART OF THE TALE OF ARAGORN AND ARWEN [March 1, 1541] The passing of King Elessar at the age of 210. Arwen Undomiel passed away as a mortal woman one year later.
... [Estel spoke to Arwen at his passing] '"…let us not be overthrown at the final test, who of old renounced the Shadow and the Ring. In sorrow we must go, but not in despair. Behold! we are not bound for ever to the circles of the world, and beyond them is more than memory, Farewell!"
... '"Estel, Estel!" she cried, and with that even as he took her hand and kissed it, he fell into sleep. Then a great beauty was revealed in him, so that all who after came there looked on him in wonder… …And long there he lay, an image of the splendour of the Kings of Men in glory undimmed before the breaking of the world.
... 'But Arwen went forth from the House, and the light of her eyes was quenched, and it seemed to her people that she had become cold and grey as nightfall in winter that comes without a star. Then she said farewell to Eldarion, and to her daughters, and to all whom she had loved… …she went out from the city of Minas Tirith and passed away to the land of Lórien, and dwelt there alone under the fading trees until winter came. Galadriel had passed away and Celeborn also was gone, and the land was silent.
... 'There at last when the mallorn-leaves were falling, but spring had not yet come, she laid herself to rest upon Cerin Amroth; and there is her green grave, until the world is changed, and all the days of her life are utterly forgotten by men that come after, and elanor and niphredil bloom no more east of the Sea.'"
Her death marks the final end of the lineage of the Elves and the Elven-kings in Middle-earth.
We have been there and back again.
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(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Mar 31, 2:18pm)
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Apr 1, 1:50pm
Post #20 of 25
(194 views)
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It's April Fool's Day! Let's take a look at the Book Spoilers of poor Peregrin Took's challenges in the Mines of Moria… for a moment of Tolkien-zen.
From A Journey in the Dark: The Fellowship of the Ring [As they stood before the closed doors of Moria, Gandalf struggled on their opening… then the journey once they got in!]
… "'What does it mean by speak, friend, and enter?' asked Merry.
… 'That is plain enough,' said Gimli. 'If you are a friend, speak the password, and the doors will open, and you can enter.'
… 'Yes,' said Gandalf, 'these doors are probably governed by words… …These doors have no key. In the days of Durin they were not secret… …if they were shut, any who knew the opening word could speak it and pass in….'
… '…But do not you know the word, Gandalf?' asked Boromir in surprise.
… 'No!' said the wizard….
… '…Then what was the use of bringing us to this accursed spot?' cried Boromir…
… 'The answer… …Boromir,' said the wizard, 'is that I do not know the word—yet. But we shall soon see…'
… '…What are you going to do then?' asked Pippin…
… '…Knock on the doors with your head, Peregrine Took,' said Gandalf. 'But if that does not shatter them, and I am allowed a little peace from foolish questions, I will seek for the opening words.'"
[Pippin gets restless… which leads to trouble]
…"'This seems to have been a guardroom..,' said Gimli. 'That hole was plainly a well for the guards' use… …we must all take care in the dark.'
… Pippin felt curiously attracted by the well. While the others were unrolling blankets and making beds… …he crept to the edge and peered over… …Moved by a sudden impulse he groped for a loose stone, and let it drop… …Then far below, as if the stone had fallen into deep water in some cavernous place, there came a "plunk," very distant, but magnified and repeated in the hollow shaft.
… 'What's that!' cried Gandalf. He was relieved when Pippin confessed what he had done; but he was angry, and Pippin could see his eye glinting. 'Fool of a Took!' he growled. 'This is a serious journey, not a hobbit walking party. Throw yourself in next time, and then you will be no further nuisance. Now be quiet!'
… Nothing more was heard for several minutes; but then there came out of the depths faint knocks: tom-tap, tap-tom…
… '…That was the sound of a hammer, or I have never heard one,' said Gimli.
… 'Yes,' said Gandalf, 'and I do not like it. It may have nothing to do with Peregrin's foolish stone; but probably something has been disturbed that would have been better left quiet. Pray, do nothing of the kind again..! …You, Pippin, can go on the first watch, as a reward,' he growled, as he rolled himself in a blanket."
From The Bridge of Khazad-dum: The Fellowship of the Ring [The Fellowship reaches the Chamber of Mazarbul and reads from a book found there]
… "'It is grim reading,' Gandalf said. 'I fear their end was cruel… …The last thing written is in a trailing scrawl of elf-letters: they are coming. There is nothing more….'
… …Gandalf raised his head and looked round. 'They seem to have made a last stand by both doors,' he said; 'but there were not many left by that time. So ended the attempt to retake Moria! It was valiant but foolish. The time is not come yet. Now, I fear, we must say farewell to Balin son of Fundin.'"
[And at the Bridge]
…"The Balrog reached the bridge. Gandalf stood in the middle of the span, leaning on the staff in his left hand, but in his other hand Glamdring gleamed, cold and white. His enemy halted again, facing him… …It raised the whip, and the thongs whined and cracked. Fire came from its nostrils. But Gandalf stood firm.
… 'You cannot pass,' he said… '…I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass….'
… …With a bound the Balrog leaped full upon the bridge. Its whip whirled and hissed….
… …At that moment Gandalf lifted his staff, and crying aloud he smote the bridge before him. The staff broke asunder and fell from his hand. A blinding sheet of white flame sprang up. The bridge cracked. Right at the Balrog's feet it broke, and the stone… …crashed into the gulf, while the rest remained, poised, quivering like a tongue of rock thrust out into emptiness.
… With a terrible cry the Balrog fell forward, and its shadow plunged down and vanished. But even as it fell it swung its whip, and the thongs lashed and curled about the wizard's knees, dragging him to the brink. He staggered, and fell, grasped vainly at the stone, and slid into the abyss. 'Fly, you fools!' he cried, and was gone."
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Apr 2, 12:40pm
Post #21 of 25
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Now that we have a short respite from many incredible events, let's have a 3-part study of how it all began. Here's part 1 of 3 scattered through the week... for a moment of Tolkien-zen.
From Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age: The Silmarillion ... "...the Shadow of Sauron... ...took up his abode in the south of [Mirkwood] forest, and slowly he grew and took shape there again; in a dark hill he made his dwelling and wrought there his sorcery, and all folk feared the Sorcerer of Dol Guldur, and yet they knew not at first how great was their peril.
... Even as the first shadows were felt in Mirkwood there appeared in the west of Middle-earth the Istari, whom Men called the Wizards. None knew at that time whence they were, save Círdan of the Havens, and only to Elrond and to Galadriel did he reveal that they came over the Sea... ...it was said among the Elves that they were messengers sent by the Lords of the West to contest the power of Sauron, if he should arise again, and to move Elves and Men and all living things of good will to valiant deeds. In the likeness of Men they appeared, old but vigorous, and they changed little with the years… …aged but slowly, though great cares lay on them; great wisdom they had, and many powers of mind and hand. Long they journeyed far and wide among Elves and Men, and held converse also with beasts and with birds… …the peoples of Middle-earth gave to them many names, for their true names they did not reveal. Chief among them... ...the Elves called Mithrandir and Curunír, but Men in the North named Gandalf and Saruman. Of these Curunír was the eldest and came first, and after him came Mithrandir and Radagast… …others of the Istari who went into the east of Middle-earth… …do not come into these tales. Radagast was the friend of all beasts and birds; but Curunír went most among Men, and he was subtle in speech and skilled in all the devices of smith-craft. Mithrandir was closest in counsel with Elrond and the Elves. He wandered far in the North and West and made never in any land any lasting abode… …Curunír journeyed into the East, and when he returned he dwelt at Orthanc in the Ring of Isengard, which the Númenóreans made in the days of their power.
... Ever most vigilant was Mithrandir, and he it was that most doubted the darkness in Mirkwood, for though many deemed that it was wrought by the Ringwraiths, he feared that it was indeed the first shadow of Sauron returning… …he went to Dol Guldur, and the Sorcerer fled from him, and there was a watchful peace for a long while. But... ...the Shadow returned and its power increased; and in that time was first made the Council of the Wise that is called the White Council, and therein were Elrond and Galadriel and Círdan, and other lords of the Eldar, and with them were Mithrandir and Curunír... ...(that was Saruman the White) was chosen to be their chief, for he had most studied the devices of Sauron of old. Galadriel indeed had wished that Mithrandir should be the Lead of the Council… …Saruman begrudged them that, for his pride and desire of mastery was grown great; but Mithrandir refused the office, since he would have no ties and no allegiance, save to those who sent him, and he would abide in no place nor be subject to any summons. But Saruman now began to study the lore of the Rings of Power, their making and their history."
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Apr 3, 2:05pm
Post #22 of 25
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Today in Middle-earth
April 3, 3005 (S.R. 1405), 3018 (S.R. 1418)
1. Gandalf visits in the Spring.
(not from the appendices)
..."It was early April and the sky was now clearing after heavy rain. The sun was down, and a cool pale evening was quietly fading into night...
......It was just at this time that Gandalf reappeared after his long absence. For three years after the Party he had been away. Then he paid Frodo a brief visit, and after taking a good look at him he went off again. During the next year or two he had turned up fairly often, coming unexpectedly after dusk, and going off without warning before sunrise... ...and seemed chiefly interested in small news about Frodo's health and doings.
...Then suddenly his visits had ceased. It was over nine years since Frodo had seen or heard of him, and he had begun to think that the wizard would never return and had given up all interest in hobbits."
We have been there and back again.
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(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Apr 3, 2:11pm)
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Apr 4, 2:19pm
Post #23 of 25
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Here's pt 2 of a 3 pt Book Spoiler where we see how Gandalf followed his instincts about Sauron... for a moment of Tolkien-zen.
From Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age: The Silmarillion ... "Now the Shadow grew ever greater, and the hearts of Elrond and Mithrandir darkened. Therefore on a time Mithrandir at great peril went again to Dol Guldur and the pits of the Sorcerer, and he discovered the truth of his fears, and escaped…. …returning to Elrond he said:
... 'True, alas, is our guess. This is not one of the Úlairi, as many have long supposed. It is Sauron himself who has taken shape again and now grows apace; and he is gathering again all the Rings to his hand; and he seeks ever for news of the One, and of the Heirs of Isildur, if they live still on earth....'
... ...Elrond answered: 'In the hour that Isildur took the Ring and would not surrender it, this doom was wrought, that Sauron should return.'
... 'Yet the One was lost,' said Mithrandir, 'and while it still lies hid, we can master the Enemy, if we gather our strength and tarry not too long.'
... Then the White Council was summoned; and Mithrandir urged them to swift deeds, but Curunír spoke against him, and counselled them to wait yet and to watch.
... 'For I believe not... ...that the One will ever be found again in Middle-earth. Into Anduin it fell, and long ago, I deem, it was rolled to the Sea...
... ...Therefore naught was done at that time, though Elrond's heart misgave him, and he said to Mithrandir:
... 'Nonetheless I forbode that the One will yet be found, and then war will arise again, and in that war this Age will be ended. Indeed in a second darkness it will end, unless some strange chance deliver us that my eyes cannot see.'
... 'Many are the strange chances of the world,' said Mithrandir, 'and help oft shall come from the hands of the weak when the Wise falter.'
... Thus the Wise were troubled, but none as yet perceived that Curunír had turned to dark thoughts and was already a traitor in heart: for he desired that he and no other should find the Great Ring, so that he might wield it himself and order all the world to his will...
... ...ever the shadow in Mirkwood grew deeper, and to Dol Guldur evil things repaired out of all the dark places of the world; and they were united again under one will, and their malice was directed against the Elves and the survivors of Númenor. Therefore at last the Council was again summoned and the lore of the Rings was much debated; but Mithrandir spoke to the Council, saying:
... 'It is not needed that the Ring should be found, for while it abides on earth and is not unmade, still the power that it holds will live, and Sauron will grow and have hope. The might of the Elves and the Elf-friends is less now than of old. Soon he will be too strong… …even without the Great Ring; for he rules the Nine, and of the Seven he has recovered three. We must strike.'
... To this Curunír now assented, desiring that Sauron should be thrust from Dol Guldur, which was nigh to the River, and… …have leisure to search there no longer. Therefore, for the last time, he aided the Council, and they put forth their strength; and they assailed Dol Guldur, and drove Sauron from his hold, and Mirkwood for a brief while was made wholesome again.
... But their stroke was too late. For the Dark Lord had foreseen it, and… …long prepared all his movements... …his Nine Servants, had gone before him to make ready for his coming. Therefore his flight was but a feint, and he soon returned, and ere the Wise could prevent him he re-entered his kingdom in Mordor and reared once again the dark towers of Barad-dûr. And in that year the White Council met for the last time, and Curunír withdrew to Isengard, and took counsel with none save himself."
We have been there and back again.
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Otaku-sempai
Elvenhome
Apr 4, 6:32pm
Post #24 of 25
(178 views)
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Birthday greetings to Lord Elrond himself, Hugo Weaving (66)!
“Hell hath no fury like that of the uninvolved.” - Jenny Blake Isabella
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Apr 13, 4:08pm
Post #25 of 25
(182 views)
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Here's part 3 and the last of a series of Book Spoilers that looks at Gandalf's achievements and a wonderful tale of the Ring's journey and how Cirdan changed everything... for a moment of Tolkien-zen.
From Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age: The Silmarillion ... "Orcs were mustering, and far to the east and the south the wild peoples were arming. Then in the midst of gathering fear and the rumour of war the foreboding of Elrond was proved true, and the One Ring was indeed found again, by a chance more strange than even Mithrandir had foreseen; and it was hidden from Curunír and from Sauron. For it had been taken from Anduin long ere they sought for it… …found by one of the small fisher-folk that dwelt by the River, ere the Kings failed in Gondor; and by its finder it was brought beyond search into dark hiding under the roots of the mountains. There it dwelt, until even in the year of the assault upon Dol Guldur it was found again, by a wayfarer, fleeing into the depths of the earth from the pursuit of the Orcs, and passed into a far distant country, even to the land of the Periannath, the Little People, the Halflings, who dwelt in the west of Eriador... ...and neither Sauron nor any of the Wise save Mithrandir had in all their counsels given thought to them.
... Now by fortune and his vigilance Mithrandir first learned of the Ring, ere Sauron had news of it; yet he was dismayed and in doubt. For too great was the evil power of this thing for any of the Wise to wield, unless like Curunír he wished himself to become a tyrant and a dark lord in his turn; but neither could it be concealed from Sauron for ever, nor could it be unmade by the craft of the Elves. Therefore with the help of the Dúnedain of the North Mithrandir set a watch upon the land of the Periannath and bided his time. But Sauron had many ears, and soon he heard rumour of the One Ring… …and he sent forth the Nazgûl to take it. Then war was kindled, and in battle with Sauron the Third Age ended even as it had begun....
... ...But those who saw the things that were done in that time, deeds of valour and wonder, have elsewhere told the tale of the War of the Ring, and how it ended both in victory unlooked for and in sorrow long foreseen....
......In that last battle were Mithrandir, and the sons of Elrond, and the King of Rohan, and lords of Gondor, and the Heir of Isildur with the Dúnedain of the North. There at the last they looked upon death and defeat, and all their valour was in vain; for Sauron was too strong. 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. For, as many songs have since sung, it was the Periannath, the Little People, dwellers in hillsides and meadows, that brought them deliverance...
... ...Now all these things were achieved for the most part by the counsel and vigilance of Mithrandir, and in the last few days he was revealed as a lord of great reverence… …clad in white he rode into battle; but not until the time came for him to depart was it known that he had long guarded the Red Ring of Fire [Narya]. At the first that Ring had been entrusted to Círdan, Lord of the Havens; but he had surrendered it to Mithrandir, for he knew whence he came and whither at last he would return.
... 'Take now this Ring,' he said; 'for thy labours and thy cares will be heavy, but in all it will support thee and defend thee from weariness. For this is the Ring of Fire, and... ...maybe, thou shalt rekindle hearts to the valour of old in a world that grows chill. But as for me, my heart is with the Sea, and I will dwell by the grey shores, guarding the Havens until the last ship sails. Then I shall await thee.'"
We have been there and back again.
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