It's time for some BS!

[grammaboodawg]

Here are a couple of Book Spoilers that sum up the Bagginsesessss' Quests... for a moment of Tolkien-zen.

From Of the Finding of the Ring: The Fellowship of the Ring: Prologue​

..."As is told in The Hobbit, there came one day to Bilbo's door and the great Wizard, Gandalf the Grey, and thirteen dwarves with him... ...Thorin Oakenshield, descendant of kings, and his twelve companions in exile. With them he set out, to his own lasting astonishment, on a morning of April... ...on a quest of great treasure, the dwarf-hoards of the Kings under the Mountain, beneath Erebor in Dale, far off in the East. The quest was successful, and the Dragon that guarded the hoard was destroyed. Yet, though before all was won the Battle of Five Armies was fought, and Thorin was slain, and many deeds of renown were done, the matter would scarcely have concerned later history... ...but for an 'accident' by the way. The party was assailed by Orcs in a high pass of the Misty Mountains as they went towards Wilderland; and so it happened that Bilbo was lost for a while in the black orc-mines deep under the mountains, and there, as he groped in vain in the dark, he put his hand on a ring, lying on the floor of a tunnel. He put it in his pocket. It seemed then like mere luck.
...Trying to find his way out, Bilbo went on down to the roots of the mountains, until he could go no further. At the bottom of the tunnel lay a cold lake far from the light, and on an island of rock in the water lived Gollum.... ...He possessed a secret treasure that had come to him long ages ago, when he lived still in the light: a ring of gold that made its wearer invisible. It was the one thing he loved, his 'precious', and he talked to it, even when it was not with him... ....For he kept it hidden safe in a hole on his island, except when he was hunting or spying on the orcs of the mines....
......[After escaping and reuniting with his companions, Bilbo's] account was that Gollum had promised to give him a present, if he won the game; but when Gollum went to fetch it from his island he found the treasure was gone: a magic ring, which had been given to him long ago on his birthday. Bilbo guessed that this was the very ring that he had found, and as he had won the game, it was already his by right. But being in a tight place, he said nothing about it, and made Gollum show him the way out, as a reward instead of a present. This account Bilbo set down in his memoirs...."

AND

From The Silmarillion: Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age ​

..."...For, as many songs have since sung, it was the Periannath, the Little People, dwellers in hillsides and meadows, that brought them deliverance.
...For Frodo the Halfling, it is said, at the bidding of Mithrandir took on himself the burden, and alone with his servant he passed through peril and darkness and came at last in Sauron's despite even to Mount Doom; and there into the Fire where it was wrought he cast the Great Ring of Power, and so at last it was unmade and its evil consumed."

 

[grammaboodawg]

Here is a Book Spoiler that tells of the Stones and Tree of Gondor... for a moment of Tolkien-zen.

From OF THE RINGS OF POWER AND THE THIRD AGE: The Silmarillion ​

..."Many treasures and great heirlooms of virtue and wonder the Exiles had brought from Númenor... ...the most renowned were the Seven Stones and the White Tree. The White Tree was grown from the fruit of Nimloth the Fair that stood in the courts of the King at Armenelos in Númenor, ere Sauron burned it; and Nimloth was... ...descended from the Tree of Trion, that was an image of the Eldest of Trees, White Telperion which Yavanna caused to grow in the land of the Valar. The Tree, memorial of the Eldar and of the light of Valinor, was planted in Minas Ithil before the house of Isildur... ...he it was that had saved the fruit from destruction; but the Stones were divided.
...Three Elendil took, and his sons each two. Those of Elendil were set in towers upon Emyn Beraid, and upon Amon Sûl, and in the city of Annúminas... ...his sons were at Minas Ithil and Minas Anor, and at Orthanc and in Osgiliath. Now these Stones had this virtue that those who looked therein might perceive in them things far off, whether in place or in time. For the most part they revealed only things near to another kindred Stone, for the Stones each called to each; but those who possessed great strength of will and of mind might learn to direct their gaze whither they would. Thus the Númenóreans were aware of many things that their enemies wished to conceal, and little escaped their vigilance....
...It is said that the towers of Emyn Beraid were not built indeed by the Exiles of Númenor, but were raised by Gil-galad for Elendil, his friend; and the Seeing Stone of Emyn Beraid was set in Elostirion, the tallest of the towers. Thither Elendil would repair... ...he would gaze out over the sundering seas, when the yearning of exile was upon him; and it is believed that thus he would at whiles see far away even the Tower of Avallónë upon Eressëa, where the Masterstone abode, and yet abides. These stones were gifts of the Eldar to Amandil, father of Elendil, for the comfort of the Faithful of Númenor in their dark days, when the Elves might come no longer to that land under the shadow of Sauron. They were called the Palantíri, those that watch from afar; but all those that were brought to Middle-earth long ago were lost."

 

[grammaboodawg]

Here's a Book Spoiler of a strategy debate between Frodo and Faramir... for a moment of Tolkien-zen.

From The Forbidden Pool: The Two Towers​

..."'Frodo, I think you do very unwisely in this,' said Faramir. 'I do not think you should go with this creature. It is wicked.'
... 'No, not altogether wicked,' said Frodo.
... 'Not wholly, perhaps... ...but malice eats it like a canker, and the evil is growing. He will lead you to no good. If you will part with him, I will give him safe-conduct... ...to any point on the borders of Gondor that he may name.'
... 'He would not take it,' said Frodo. 'He would follow after me as he long has done. And I have promised many times to take him under my protection and to go where he led. You would not ask me to break faith with him?'
... 'No... ...But my heart would. For it seems less evil to counsel another man to break troth than to do so oneself, especially if one sees a friend bound unwitting to his own harm. But no—if he will go with you, you must now endure him. But I do not think you are holden to go to Cirith Ungol... ...he has told you less than he knows. That much I perceived clearly in his mind. Do not go to Cirith Ungol!'
... 'Where then shall I go... ...Back to the Black Gate and deliver myself up to the guard? What do you know against this place that makes its name so dreadful?'
... 'Nothing certain,' said Faramir. 'We of Gondor do not ever pass east of the Road in these days, and none of us younger men... ...we know only old report and the rumour of bygone days. But there is some dark terror that dwells in the passes above Minas Morgul. If Cirith Ungol is named, old men and masters of lore will blanch and fall silent....
... ...it seemed empty and was not so, for a shapeless fear lived within the ruined walls. Nine Lords there were, and after the return of their Master... ...they grew strong again. Then the Nine Riders issued forth from the gates of horror, and we could not withstand them. Do not approach their citadel. You will be espied. It is a place of sleepless malice, full of lidless eyes. Do not go that way!'
... 'But where else will you direct me?' said Frodo. 'You cannot yourself... ...guide me to the mountains, nor over them. But over the mountains I am bound, by solemn undertaking to the Council, to find a way or perish in the seeking. And if I turn back, refusing the road in its bitter end, where then shall I go among Elves or Men? Would you have me come to Gondor with this Thing... ...that drove your brother mad with desire? What spell would it work in Minas Tirith? Shall there be two cities of Minas Morgul, grinning at each other across a dead land filled with rottenness?'
... 'I would not have it so...'
... '...Then what would you have me do?'
... 'I know not. Only I would not have you go to death or to torment. And I do not think that Mithrandir would have chosen this way.'
... 'Yet since he is gone, I must take such paths as I can find. And there is no time for long searching,' said Frodo."

 

[grammaboodawg]

Here's a Book Spoiler when Gandalf tells what he did while Bilbo and the Dwarves travelled through Mirkwood... for a moment of Tolkien-zen

From The Last Stage: The Hobbit ​

...Gandalf had been to a great council of the white wizards, masters of lore and good magic; and that they had at last driven the Necromancer from his dark hold in the south of Mirkwood."

From The Council of Elrond:The Lord of the Rings ​

..."'...many years ago I myself dared to pass the doors of the Necromancer, our Enemy of old... ...taking shape and power again...
......Saruman dissuaded us from open deeds against him, and for long we watched him only. Yet at last, as his shadow grew, Saruman yielded and the Council put forth its strength and drove the evil out of Mirkwood--and that was in the very year of the finding of this Ring: a strange chance, if chance it was.
...'But we were too late... ...Sauron also had watched us, and had long prepared against our stroke, governing Mordor from afar through Minas Morgul, where his Nine servants dwelt, until all was ready... ...he gave way before us, but only feigned to flee, and soon after came to the Dark Tower and openly declared himself. Then for the last time the Council met; for now we learned that he was seeking ever more eagerly for the One. We feared... ...he had some news of it that we knew nothing of. But Saruman said nay, and repeated what he had said to us before: that the One would never again be found in Middle-earth.'"

 

[grammaboodawg]

Here's a Book Spoiler that leads us to our first adventure... for a moment of Tolkien-zen.

From An Unexpected Party: The Hobbit​

..."In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort.
...It had a perfectly round door like a porthole, painted green, with a shiny yellow brass knob in the exact middle. The door opened on… …a very comfortable tunnel without smoke, with panelled walls, and floors tiled and carpeted, provided with polished chairs, and lots and lots of pegs for hats and coats—the hobbit was fond of visitors. The tunnel wound on and on, going… …not quite straight into the side of the hill… …and many little round doors opened out of it, first on one side then on another. No going upstairs for the hobbit: bedrooms, bathrooms, cellars, pantries (lots of these), kitchens, dining-rooms, all were on the same… …passage. The best rooms were all on the left hand side… …for these were the only ones to have windows, deep-set round windows looking over his garden, and meadows beyond, sloping down to the river.
...This hobbit was a very well-to-do hobbit, and his name was Baggins. The Bagginses had lived in the neighbourhood of The Hill for time out of mind, and… …very respectable, not only because most of them were rich, but also because they never had any adventures or did anything unexpected: you could tell what a Baggins would say on any question without the bother of asking… …This is a story of how a Baggins had an adventure, and found himself doing and saying things altogether unexpected. He may have lost the neighbours' respect, but he gained—well, you will see whether he gained anything in the end."

 

[grammaboodawg]

Today in Middle-earth

December 6, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. Gandalf and Bilbo travel with Beorn along the border of Mirkwood.
(determined from text)
..."[Bilbo] had many hardships and adventures before he got back. The Wild was still the Wild, and there were many other things in it in those days besides goblins; but he was well guided and well guarded—the wizard was with him, and Beorn... ...and he was never in great danger again."


December 6, 3022 (S.R. 1422)
1. Raindrops in Valinor.
(not from the appendices - no text - a drabble)
...One rainy evening, Frodo stood looking out the window, his breath appearing on his reflection, then vanishing. His eyes followed one glimmering drop as it travelled from high on the pane. Its erratic trail occasionally brushed against some drops while coming into full contact with others, but rarely joining. Many drops would hang suspended, unchanged as the one passed by. Sometimes it caught on the glass's texture, then plummeted in freefall without choice but to travel in one direction. Finally, it reached the end and vanished. Frodo's thoughts turned to Sam. "There, but for the grace of you, go I."

 

[grammaboodawg]

Today in Middle-earth

December 7, 3018 (S.R. 1418)
1. The Hobbits rest in Rivendell.
(not from the appendices - no text - a drabble)
...Frodo and Sam often enjoyed quiet walks in the Rivendell gardens. Their travel was slow on the days they stopped to investigate flowers of unique colour or scent. Sam would study their manner of growth while Frodo sketched their likeness in his journal. More than once they came upon Bilbo and Gandalf resting on low couches quietly talking. All around them rings of coloured smoke made it appear as if they were at ease in a magical cloud. The hobbits would leave silently not wanting to disturb the old friends, never guessing the elders had done the same for them.

December 7, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The Shire is reborn.
(not from the appendices)
..."The task of hunting out the last remnant of the ruffians was left to Merry and Pippin, and it was soon done. The southern gangs, after hearing the news of the Battle of Bywater, fled out of the land and offered little resistance to the Thain. Before the Year's End the few survivors were rounded up in the woods, and those that surrendered were shown to the borders."

December 7, 3020 (S.R. 1420)
1. The Shire recovers.
(not from the appendices-no text)
...Hobbiton was getting back to normal as it slowly began to look as it once did through the tireless work of the Hobbits. Sam and Rosie lived with Frodo at Bag End in the New Row, and no hobbit was ever looked after better.

 

[grammaboodawg]

This is the first of 4 Book Spoilers that look at the suspense of hoofbeats heard on dangerous roads... for a moment of Tolkien-zen.

From Three Is Company: The Fellowship of the Ring ​

... "The hoofs drew nearer. They had no time to find any hiding-place better than the general darkness under the trees; Sam and Pippin crouched behind a large tree-bole, while Frodo crept back a few yards towards the lane. It showed grey and pale, a line of fading light through the wood. Above it the stars were thick in the dim sky, but there was no moon.
... The sound of hoofs stopped. As Frodo watched he saw something dark pass across the lighter space between two trees, and then halt... ...The black shadow stood close to the point where they had left the path, and it swayed from side to side. Frodo thought he heard the sound of snuffling. The shadow bent to the ground, and then began to crawl towards him...
... ...the desire to slip on the Ring came over Frodo; but this time it was stronger... ...almost before he realized what he was doing, his hand was groping in his pocket. But at that moment there came a sound like mingled song and laughter. Clear voices rose and fell in the starlit air. The black shadow straightened up and retreated...
... '...Elves!' exclaimed Sam in a hoarse whisper. 'Elves, sir!' He would have burst out of the trees and dashed off towards the voices, if they had not pulled him back.
... 'Yes, it is Elves,' said Frodo. 'One can meet them sometimes... ...I am thankful that they do! You did not see, but that Black Rider stopped just here and... ...As soon as he heard the voices he slipped away.
... 'What about the Elves?' said Sam, too excited to trouble about the rider. 'Can't we go and see them?'
... 'Listen! They are coming this way,' said Frodo."

 

[grammaboodawg]

Here's another Book Spoiler that looks at the suspense of hoof-beats heard on dangerous roads... for a moment of Tolkien-zen.

From Flight to the Ford: The Fellowship of the Ring ​

... "They were beginning to look out for a place off the Road, where they could camp for the night, when they heard a sound that brought sudden fear back into their hearts: the noise of hoofs behind them. They looked back, but they could not see far because of the many windings and rollings of the Road. As quickly as they could they scrambled off the beaten way and up into the deep heather... ...on the slopes above, until they peered out from among the bushes, they could see the Road... ...some thirty feet below them. The sound of hoofs drew nearer. They were going fast, with a light clippety-clippety-clip. Then faintly... ...they seemed to catch a dim ringing, as of small bells tinkling.
... 'That does not sound like a Black Rider's horse!' said Frodo, listening intently. The other hobbits agreed hopefully... ...but they all remained full of suspicion. They had been in fear of pursuit for so long that any sound from behind seemed ominous and unfriendly...
......Clearer and nearer now the bells jingled, and clippety-clip came the quick trotting feet. Suddenly into view below came a white horse, gleaming in the shadows, running swiftly. In the dusk its headstall flickered and flashed, as if it were studded with gems like living stars the rider's cloak streamed behind him, and his hood was thrown back; his golden hair flowed... ...in the wind of his speed. To Frodo it appeared that a white light was shining through the form and raiment of the rider, as if through a thin veil.
... Strider sprang from hiding and dashed down towards the Road, leaping with a cry through the heather; but even before he had moved... ...the rider had reined his horse and halted, looking up towards the thicket where they stood. When he saw Strider, he dismounted and ran to meet him calling out: Ai na vedui Dúnadan! Mae govannen! His speech and clear ringing voice left no doubt in their hearts: the rider was of the Elven-folk. No others that dwelt in the wide world had voices so fair to hear."

 

[grammaboodawg]

And here's another Book Spoiler that looks at the suspense of hoof-beats... for a moment of Tolkien-zen.

The Riders Of Rohan: The Two Towers ​

..."Stooping [Aragorn] roused the Dwarf. 'Come! We must go... ...The scent is growing cold.'
...'But it is still dark,' said Gimli. 'Even Legolas on a hilltop could not see them till the Sun is up.'
...'I fear they have passed beyond my sight from hill or plain, under moon or sun,' said Legolas.
...Where sight fails the earth may bring us rumours,' said Aragorn. 'The land must groan under their hated feet.'
...He stretched himself upon the ground with his ear pressed against the turf. He lay there motionless, for so long a time that Gimli wondered if he had swooned or fallen asleep again.... ...At last he rose, and now his friends could see his face: it was pale and dawn, and his look was troubled.
...'The rumours of the earth is dim and confused,' he said. 'Nothing walks upon it for many miles about us. Faint and far are the feet of our enemies. But loud are the hoofs of the horses. It comes to my mind that I heard them, even as I lay on the ground in sleep, and they troubled my dreams: galloping, passing in the West. But now they are drawing ever further from us riding northward. I wonder what is happening in this land!'"

 

[grammaboodawg]

And here's another Book Spoiler that looks at the suspense of the sound hoof-beats... for a moment of Tolkien-zen.

The White Rider: The Two Towers ​

... [Gandalf] "... lifting up his head he gave a long whistle. So clear and piercing was the note that the others stood amazed to hear such a sound come from those old bearded lips. Three times he whistled; and then faint and far off it seemed to them that they heard the whinny of a horse borne up from the plains... ...They waited wondering. Before long there came the sound of hoofs, at first hardly more than a tremor of the ground perceptible only to Aragorn as he lay upon the grass, then growing steadily louder and clearer to a quick beat.
... 'There is more than one horse coming,' said Aragorn...
... '...There are three,' said Legolas, gazing out over the plain. 'See how they run! There is Hasufel, and there is my friend Arod beside him... ...there is another that strides ahead: a very great horse. I have not seen his like before.'
... 'Nor will you again,' said Gandalf. 'That is Shadowfax. He is the chief of the Mearas, lords of horses... ...Does he not shine like silver, and run as smoothly as a swift stream? He has come for me: the horse of the White Rider. We are going to battle together.'
... Even as the old wizard spoke, the great horse came striding up the slope towards them; his coat was glistening and his mane flowing in the wind of his speed. The two others followed, now far behind. As soon as Shadowfax saw Gandalf, he checked his pace and whinnied loudly; then trotting gently forward he stooped his proud head and nuzzled his great nostrils against the old man's neck....
... ...Soon the other horses came up and stood quietly by, as if awaiting orders. 'We go at once to Meduseld, the hall of your master, Théoden,' said Gandalf, addressing them gravely. They bowed their heads."

 

[grammaboodawg]

And here's one more pair Book Spoilers that look at the suspense of the sound hoof-beats even in Frodo's dreams... for a moment of Tolkien-zen.

In the House of Tom Bombadil: The Fellowship of the Ring​

... "In the dead night, Frodo lay in a dream without light. Then he saw the young moon rising; under its thin light there loomed before him a black wall of rock, pierced by a dark arch like a great gate. It seemed to Frodo that he was lifted up, and passing over he saw that the rock-wall was [that was] a circle of hills… …within it was a plain …[where there]… stood a pinnacle of stone, like a vast tower but not made by hands. On its top stood the figure of a man… …Up from the dark plain below came the crying of fell voices, and the howling of many wolves. Suddenly a shadow, like the shape of great wings, passed across the moon. The figure lifted his arms and… …A mighty eagle swept down and bore him away. The voices wailed and the wolves yammered. There was a noise like a strong wind blowing, and on it was borne the sound of hoofs, galloping, galloping, galloping from the East. 'Black Riders!' thought Frodo as he wakened… …the sound of the hoofs still echoing in his mind. He wondered if he would ever again have the courage to leave the safety of these stone walls. He lay motionless, still listening; but all was now silent, and at last he turned and fell asleep again or wandered into some other unremembered dream."

AND

From A Knife in the Dark: The Fellowship of the Ring​

... [At the Prancing Pony] "In the early night Frodo woke from deep sleep, suddenly, as if some sound or presence had disturbed him. He saw that Strider was sitting alert in his chair: his eyes gleamed in the light of the fire… …but he made no sign or movement.
... Frodo soon went to sleep again; but his dreams were again troubled with the noise of wind and of galloping hoofs. The wind seemed to be curling round the house and shaking it; and far off he heard a horn blowing wildly. He opened his eyes, and heard a cock crowing… …Strider had drawn the curtains and pushed back the shutters with a clang. The first grey light of day was in the room, and a cold air was coming through the open window.
... As soon as Strider had roused them all, he led the way to their bedrooms… …the windows had been forced open and were swinging, and the curtains were flapping; the beds were tossed about, and the bolsters slashed and flung upon the floor; the brown mat was torn to pieces."

 

[grammaboodawg]

Today in Middle-earth

December 13, 2013
1. The Desolation of Smaug.
...The U.S. release of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.


December 13, 2023
1. The Desolation of Smaug.
...Today marks the 10th Anniversary of the U.S. release of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.


View attachment

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

Here's a bit of BS to celebrate the day… for a moment of Tolkien-zen.

From On the Doorstep: The Hobbit​

... [As the Company made their way to the mountain] "It was a weary journey… …The land about them grew bleak and barren, though once, as Thorin told them, it had been green and fair. There was little grass, and before long there was neither bush nor tree, and only broken and blackened stumps to speak of one long vanished…
... …They reached the skirts of the Mountain… …without meeting any danger or any sign of the Dragon other than the wilderness he had made about his lair. The Mountain lay dark and silent before them… …They made their first camp on the western side of the great southern spur, which ended in a height called Ravenhill…
... …Balin and Fili and Kili, and… …Bilbo… …marched under the grey and silent cliffs to the feet of Ravenhill. There the river, after winding a wide loop over the valley of Dale, turned from the Mountain on its road to the Lake, flowing swift and noisily. Its bank was bare and rocky, tall and steep above the stream; and… …they could see in the wide valley shadowed by the Mountain's arms and the grey ruins of ancient houses, towers, and walls.
... "There lies all that is left of Dale," said Balin. "The mountain's sides were green with woods and all the sheltered valley rich and pleasant in the days when the bells rang in that town." He looked both sad and grim as he said this: he had been one of Thorin's companions on the day the Dragon came."

 

[grammaboodawg]

Today in Middle-earth

December 14, 2012 1. An Unexpected Journey.
... The U.S. release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

December 14, 2022
1. An Unexpected Journey.
... Today marks the 10th Anniversary of the U.S. release and premier of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey!!
...Peter Jackson fulfills his quest to bring J.R.R. Tolkien's tale of The Hobbit to the screen and to take us back to Middle-earth. So here we are celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Jackson's adaptation of part 1 of the 3–part story of The Hobbit and joins the saga of The Lord of the Rings.


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Box Office Mojo: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)



Here's a bit of BS to celebrate the day… for a moment of Tolkien-zen.

From Roast Mutton: The Hobbit​

..."...Bilbo began to whistle loudly and to forget about the night before. In fact he was just sitting down to a nice little second breakfast in the dining-room by the open window, when in walked Gandalf.
..."My dear fellow... ...whenever are you going to come? What about an early start?---and here you are having breakfast, or whatever you call it, at half past ten. They left you the message...."
..."...What message?" said poor Mr. Baggins all in a fluster.
..."Great Elephants!" said Gandalf, "you are not at all yourself this morning---you have never dusted the mantelpiece!"
..."What's that got to do with it? I have had enough to do with washing up for fourteen!"
..."If you had dusted the mantelpiece, you would have found this just under the clock," said Gandalf, handing Bilbo a note...."

"Thorin and Company to Burglar Bilbo greeting! For your hospitality our sincerest thanks, and for your offer of professional assistance our grateful acceptance.
Terms: cash on delivery, up to and not exceeding one fourteenth of total profits (if any); all traveling expenses guaranteed in any event; funeral expenses
to be defrayed by us or our representatives, if occasion arises and the matter is not otherwise arranged for.
Thinking it unnecessary to disturb your esteemed repose, we have proceeded in advance to make requisite preparations, and shall await your respected person
at the Green Dragon Inn, Bywater, at 11 a.m. sharp. Trusting that you will be punctual..." ​

..."...That leaves you just ten minutes. You will have to run," said Gandalf.
..."But---" said Bilbo.
..."No time for it," said the wizard.
..."But---" said Bilbo again.
..."No time for that either! Off you go!"
...To the end of his days Bilbo could never remember how he found himself outside, without a hat, walking-stick or any money, or anything that he usually took when he went out; leaving his second breakfast half-finished… …pushing his keys into Gandalf's hands, and running as fast as his furry feet could carry him down the lane, past the great Mill, across The Water, and then on for a whole mile or more.
... Very puffed he was, when he got to Bywater just on the stroke of eleven, and found he had come without a pocket-handkerchief!
... "Bravo!" said Balin who was standing at the inn door looking out for him.
... Just then all the others came round the corner of the road from the village. They were on ponies… …slung about with all kinds of baggages, packages, parcels, and paraphernalia. There was a very small pony, apparently for Bilbo.
... "Up you two get, and off we go!' said Thorin.
... "I'm awfully sorry… …but I have come without my hat, and I have left my pocket-handkerchief behind, and I haven't got any money. I didn't get your note until after 10.45 to be precise."
... "Don't be precise," said Dwalin, "and don't worry! You will have to manage without pocket-handkerchiefs, and a good many other things, before you get to the journey's end."

 

[grammaboodawg]

T'is a Book Spoiler containing some of my favourite Pippin and Sam quotes... for a moment of Tolkien-zen.

From The Ring Goes South: The Fellowship of the Ring​

..."'Regiments of black crows are flying over all the land between the Mountains and the Greyflood,' [Aragorn] said... '...they have passed over Hollin. They are not natives here; they are crebain out of Fangorn and Dunland. I do not know what they are about; possibly there is some trouble away south from which they are fleeing; but I think they are spying out the land. I have also glimpsed many hawks flying high up in the sky... ...we ought to move again this evening. Hollin is no longer wholesome for us: it is being watched.'
...'And... ...so is the Redhorn Gate,' said Gandalf; 'and how we can get over that without being seen, I cannot imagine... ...As for moving a soon as it is dark, I am afraid that you are right.'
...'Luckily our fire made little smoke, and had burned low before the crebain came,' said Aragorn. 'It must be put out and not lit again.'
...'Well if that isn't a plague and a nuisance!' said Pippin. The news; no fire, and a move again by night, had been broken to him, as soon as he woke... .... 'All because of a pack of crows! I had looked forward to a real good meal tonight; something hot.'
...'Well, you can go on looking forward,' said Gandalf. 'There may be many unexpected feasts ahead for you. For myself I should like a pipe to smoke in comfort, and warmer feet.... ...one thing at any rate: it will get warmer as we get south.'
...'Too warm, I shouldn't wonder,' muttered Sam to Frodo. 'But I'm beginning to think it's time we got a sight of that Fiery Mountain, and saw the end of the Road, so to speak. I thought at first that this here Redhorn... ...might be it, till Gimli spoke his piece. A fair jaw-cracker dwarf-language must be!' Maps conveyed nothing to Sam's mind, and all distances in these strange lands seemed so vast that he was quite out of his reckoning."

 

[grammaboodawg]

Today in Middle-earth

December 16, 2941 (S.R. 1342)
1. Travelling around Mirkwood.
(determined from text-no text)
...Gandalf, Bilbo and Beorn continue travelling around the border of Mirkwood after leaving the Lonely Mountain. They chose to skirt the Forest along the northern edge of the waste and not to journey through Mirkwood as Bilbo and the Dwarves attempted before. Bilbo wondered why Beorn planned to travel north instead of following the old forest path encouraged by the Elvenking… though he was glad to be with these two sturdy friends on this journey.

 

[grammaboodawg]

Today in Middle-earth

There are 2 Anniversaries to celebrate today!

December 17, 3018 (S.R. 1418)
1. Scouts return from searching the lands.
(not from the appendices)
..."The hobbits had been nearly two months in the House of Elrond, and November had gone by with the last shreds of autumn, and December was passing, when the scouts began to return....
... …In no region had the messengers discovered any signs or tidings of the Riders or other servants of the Enemy. Even from the Eagles of the Misty Mountains they had learned no fresh news. Nothing had been seen or heard of Gollum... ...Three of the black horses had been found at once drowned in the flooded Ford. On the rocks of the rapids below it searchers discovered the bodies of five more, and also a long black cloak, slashed and tattered. Of the Black Riders no other trace was to be seen, and nowhere was their presence to be felt. It seemed that they had vanished from the North.
...'Eight out of the Nine are accounted for at least,' said Gandalf. 'It is rash to be too sure, yet I think that we may hope now that the Ringwraiths were scattered, and have been obliged to return as best they could to their Master in Mordor, empty and shapeless... ...it will be some time before they can begin the hunt again. Of course the Enemy has other servants, but they will have to journey all the way to the borders of Rivendell before they can pick up our trail. And if we are careful that will be hard to find. But we must delay no longer.'"


December 17, 2003 – It was a Wednesday.
1. The Return of the King.
...The U.S. release of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
...A film depicting events within the War of the Ring was released to the world on this day. It presents the Shire Hobbits' involvement in the struggle, Gandalf the White's interventions, kingly acts by a risen Elessar, and a myriad of deadly and heroic deeds by those who chose what to do with the time that was given to them.


December 17, 2014 – It was a Wednesday here, too.
1. The Battle of Five Armies.
...The U.S. release of The Hobbit: The Battle of [the] Five Armies.


December 17, 2023
1. The Return of the King.
...Today marks the 20th Anniversary of the U.S. release of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King!!

...A film that continues the story of the kindred and creatures of Middle-earth and the War of the Ring. This is Peter Jackson's adaptation of part 3 of the 3–part story of The Lord of the Rings. J.R.R. Tolkien's fantastic tale is released to the world.

View attachment


The Return of the King
The Return of the King
The Return of the King
Boxoffice Mojo for RotK

 

[grammaboodawg]

Today in Middle-earth

December 18, 3018 (S.R. 1418)
1. The time had come for planning.
(not from the appendices-determined from text)
..."Elrond summoned the hobbits to him. He looked gravely at Frodo. 'The time has come... ...If the Ring is to set out, it must go soon. But those who go with it must not count on their errand being aided by war or force. They must pass into the domain of the Enemy far from aid. Do you still hold to your word, Frodo, that you will be the Ring-bearer?'
...'I do,' said Frodo. 'I will go with Sam.'
...'Then I cannot help you much, not even with counsel... ...I can foresee very little of your road; and how your task is to be achieved I do not know. The Shadow has crept now to the feet of the Mountains, and draws nigh even to the borders of the Greyflood; and under the Shadow all is dark to me. You will meet many foes, some open, and some disguised; and you may find friends upon your way when you least look for it. I will send out messages, such as I can contrive, to those whom I know in the wide world....
...'...And I will choose you companions to go with you, as far as they will or fortune allows. The number must be few, since your hope is in speed and secrecy. Had I a host of Elves in armour of the Elder Days, it would avail little, save to arouse the power of Mordor.
...'The Company of the Ring shall be Nine... ...the Nine Walkers shall be set against the Nine Riders that are evil. With you and your faithful servant, Gandalf will go for this shall be his great task, and maybe the end of his labours.
...'For the rest, they shall represent the other Free Peoples of the World: Elves, Dwarves, and Men. Legolas shall be for the Elves; and Gimli son of Glóin for the Dwarves. They are willing to go at least to the passes of the Mountains, and maybe beyond. For men you shall have Aragorn son of Arathorn, for the Ring of Isildur concerns him closely.'
...'Strider!' cried Frodo.
...'Yes,' he said with a smile. 'I ask leave once again to be your companion, Frodo.'
...'I would have begged you to come,... ...only I thought you were going to Minas Tirith with Boromir.'
...'I am,' said Aragorn. 'And the Sword-that-was-Broken shall be re-forged ere I set out to war. But your road and our road lie together for many hundreds of miles. Therefore Boromir will also be in the Company. He is a valiant man.'
...'There remains two more to be found... ...These I will consider. Of my household I may find some that it seems good to me to send.'
...'But that will leave no place for us!' cried Pippin in dismay. 'We don't want to be left behind. We want to go with Frodo.'
...'That is because you do not understand and cannot imagine what lies ahead,' said Elrond.
...'Neither does Frodo,' said Gandalf, unexpectedly supporting Pippin. 'Nor do any of us see clearly. It is true that if these hobbits understood the danger, they would not dare to go. But they would still wish to go, or wish that they dared, and be shamed and unhappy. I think... ...that in this matter it would be well to trust rather to their friendship than to great wisdom. Even if you choose for us an elf-lord, such as Glorfindel, he could not storm the Dark Tower, nor open the road to the Fire by the power that is in him.'
...'You speak gravely,' said Elrond, 'but I am in doubt. The Shire, I forebode, is not free now from peril; and these two I had thought to send back there as messengers, to do what they could, according to the fashion of their country, to warn the people of their danger... ...I judge that the younger of these two, Peregrin Took, should remain. My heart is against his going.'
...'Then, Master Elrond, you will have to lock me in prison, or send me home tied in a sack,' said Pippin, 'For otherwise I shall follow the Company.'
...'Let it be so then. You shall go,' said Elrond, and he sighed. 'Now the tale of Nine is filled.'"


December 18, 2002 – It was a Wednesday
1. The Two Towers.
...The U.S. release of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.
...A film depicting events evolving from the parting of the Fellowship during the War of the Ring was released to the world on this day. It presents the Shire Hobbits' departure from the protection and guidance of Aragorn, Son of Arathorn, and Gandalf the Grey. Various members of the Fellowship visit the realms of Rohan, Gondor, Mordor, Fangorn and Isengard.


December 18, 2007 (11:25 am)
1. ANNOUNCEMENT by TheOneRing.net's Xoanon
...Peter Jackson to Produce The Hobbit and its sequel 12/18/07 at 11:25am by Xoanon

PETER JACKSON AND NEW LINE CINEMA JOIN WITH MGM TO PRODUCE "THE HOBBIT" MOVIE

...There's a familiar Wizard making his way to Hobbiton once again; walking up Bagshot Row to a small green door. It's just a matter of TIME.


December 18, 2022
1. The Two Towers.
...Today marks the 20th Anniversary of the U.S. release of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers!!

...A film that continues the story of the kindred and creatures of Middle-earth and the War of the Ring. Peter Jackson's adaptation of part 2 of the 3–part story of The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien's fantastic tale, is released to the world.

The Two Towers
The Two Towers
The Two Towers
Boxoffice Mojo for Two Towers

 

[grammaboodawg]

Today in Middle-earth

December 19, 3020 (S.R. 1420)
1. Sam home in the Shire.
(not from the appendices)
..."All things now went well, with hope always of becoming still better; and Sam was as busy and as full of delight as even a hobbit could wish. Nothing for him marred that whole year, except for some vague anxiety about his master."


December 19, 2001 – It was a Wednesday.
1. The Fellowship of the Ring.
...The U.S. release of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring!!
...A film depicting events within the world of Middle-earth and its various kindred and creatures. The ultimate story of good versus evil, Peter Jackson's adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's fantastic tale is released on the world.
...Little did they know what was about to be unleashed. A small, remote, peaceful realm that caused the powerful to look up and the citizenry everywhere to find hope and refuge. Whether you want to call it Middle-earth or New Zealand is up to you... it's an incredible journey for faithful readers and a discovery for the masses.


December 19, 2021
1. The Fellowship of the Ring.
...Today marks the 20th Anniversary of the U.S. release of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring!!
...A film that launched the tale of Middle-earth and the War of the Ring and Hobbits. Peter Jackson's adaptation of part 1 of the 3–part story of The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien's fantastic tale, is released on the world and made film history through its production, scale, innovation, and awards.

The Fellowship of the Ring
The Argonath
The Ring-bearer

Boxoffice Mojo for FotR.

 

[grammaboodawg]

Today in Middle-earth

December 20, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. Bag End is restored.
(not from the appendices)
..."...One of the first things done in Hobbiton, before even the removal of the new mill, was the clearing of the Hill and Bag End, and the restoration of Bagshot Row. The front of the new sand-pit was all levelled and made into a large sheltered garden... ...new holes were dug in the southward face, back into the Hill, and they were lined with brick. The Gaffer was restored to Number Three; and he said often and did not care who heard it:
...'It's an ill wind as blows nobody no good, as I always say. And All's well as ends Better!'
...There was some discussion of the name that the new row should be given. Battle Gardens was thought of, or Better Smials. But after a while in sensible hobbit-fashion it was just called New Row. It was a purely Bywater joke to refer to it as Sharkey's End."