A Knife in the Dark (FOTR) by Hildie

I read this chapter on the bus on the way to work on Wednesday (it's Friday now). I really enjoyed it.

The first bit with Fatty was brilliant. I literally got chills. I'm glad he had the brains to do what he did. The scene where the riders are standing at the door and each corner of the house is just terrifying! I love it! I think the horn of Buckland is brilliant as well, and the way that it's written AWAKE AWAKE FEAR FIRE FOES AWAKE! Very well done to make it seem urgent!

I know it would have been better for the hobbits and Strider to get away without being seen and to not have to deal with the crowds watching them, but I think it was well worth it just for Sam's bit in the farewell! Glad he's got good aim, but Ferny deserved even more! I still think they're quite innocent at this point, even though they've been chased by the riders they have no clue what they've really gotten themselves in to.

I think that Strider is well written as you can see right from the start the strength of his character. I've always really liked him, he was pretty much my "hero figure" when I was growing up. Funny as it sounds he reminds me of my Mom. I know that sounds silly, but it's true. She's very strong, practical and knows how to handle really tense situations... not to mention the fact that she'd "bitch slap" the riders and they'd run from the wrath of the Big D! LOL OKay back to the book...

I liked the descriptions of their route once they'd left the path. Think that heading for Archet was a good idea to throw their followers off. Glad that Strider figured Ferny would be following them even if they hadn't seen him. The Midgewater Marshes sound dreadful though. I think I'd go nuts just like the hobbits did with the Neekerbreekers!

The bit when Frodo couldn't sleep and saw the light and Strider standing and watching it really intrigued me when I first read it. I remembered what the light was and why it happened, since I've read this so many times, but still it makes me wonder what exactly DID happen on Weathertop. How many riders were there against Gandalf? Was it Gandalf? Could anyone else have had such power? Etc. Very intriguing!

The fact that there could be spies watching at every second, that evil could see them from Weathertop... Talk about stress level being through the roof. I think Sam hits the nail on the head after Striders "spies with unfriendly eyes" chat. He says "You do make me feel uncomfortable and lonesome, Strider!"

EEK! That's all I have to say to Frodo seeing the "black specks" moving on the road from the top of the hill there. Again it's a chilling part, as we KNOW what those things are, and how evil they are. We also know that there's going to be some sort of confrontation but we don't know just what will happen yet. I get this cold feeling in my gut when I think about being caught out in the open, alone, with those Black Riders! Strider's stories while they're waiting the evening away are really excellent. I think I appreciate them more after reading The Sil and Unfinished Tales because I know the whole story that goes with his little snippets. Oh and how could I forget to mention Sam's bit on Gil-Galad! GO SAM! By the way I adore the story of Luthien and Beren! Very good stuff!

*smacks Frodo* Talk about weak willed idiot! Seriously he can't keep that bloody ring off his finger can he! Every single time he shouldn't put it on, what's he go and do? HE PUTS IT ON! *kicks him* It's rather annoying that he's not got any stronger will power than that, though I guess you can kinda sympathize with him because he'd be terrified out of his mind. I do have to say that I liked this version of Weathertop better than the other. While the visuals in the film were perfect, Frodo's reaction was not. I didn't think he behaved bravely enough to do the Frodo of the book justice. He cowered and fell backwards in the film, but here he goes to stab his enemies legs. Stupid, but still took some guts! So he's been stabbed, by that cold Rider with the crown on his helm... his hand was glowing as was the knife that was holding it... what can that mean... at least they've still got the ring!

Excellent chapter! Wow lots of edge of the seat stuff here!

Poll Results for Favorite Member of the Fellowship!

It's about time to change the poll and put something new up there! Quite a few people have voted on the poll which is a good thing!

Out of 18 votes (counted in the poll) here are the results:

1.Frodo 0 for 0%
(not much of a surprise there really)
2.Sam 4 for 22%
(brave Sam! He did pretty darn good)
3.Merry 0 for 0%
(he's better than Frodo)
4.Pippin 0 for 0%
5.Gandalf 0 for 0%
(though this should read 1 as my dad couldn't choose between him and Gimli so he would have voted for both)
6.Aragorn 5 for 28%
(have to admit to a double vote on my part between Strider and Legolas)
7.Legolas 7 for 39%
(couple of my kids chose Legolas, but I'd bet that was based on Orlando in the movie not the book.)
8.Gimli 1 for 6%
(dad on this one, he loves Gimli and Gandalf)
9.Boromir 1 for 6
(Big D voted for him cause she felt sorry for him.)

The new poll should be up VERY soon, if not today!

Strider (FOTR)- by Hildie

The first sentence of this chapter is one that should never have had to be written. "Frodo, Pippin, and Sam made their way back to the parlour." They should never have left it in the first place! They could still have had their good company and beer etc... and didn't hobbits try to avoid strangers, especially hobbits trying to leave in secret? ARGH! Same old complaint as last chapter, thank goodness we can move on now. But where is that Merry lad, at least he didn't go blundering around in the main common room, but he's not here in the parlor either!

Strider! Well what do we think of this guy? I think that the reaction of the hobbits is spot on! But you get this feeling that you're able to trust him just through reading it. He's giving too much accurate information, and "seems" like he's not evil. Butterbur again shows he needs a swift kick in the butt to jog his memory. Finally gives Frodo his letter! Argh! Wouldn't that have been nice to get before now Mr. Frodo, Sir....?

The letter clears a few things up, but now we've just got to decide if this Strider is the "real" Strider. Loved the comment Frodo makes about how the enemy would "Seem fairer but feel fouler" and Strider's comment of "So you mean I seem foul and feel fair, is that it?" It was great!

I thought that it was cool how Gandalf included Aragorn's poem in his letter, and very cool when Strider started saying a few lines. There is one particular line in this that ALWAYS manages to choke me up a bit. I have to include it here, because I find it very moving. Actually I'm going to include the bit leading up to it as well because I think it's one of the most well written introductions ever.

Sam speaking "You never mentioned Gandalf, till this letter came out. You might be a play-acting spy, for all I can see, trying to get us to go with you. You might have done in the real Strider and took his clothes. What have you to say to that?"

"'That you are a stout fellow,' Strider says, 'but I am afraid my only answer to you, Sam Gamgee, is this. If I had killed the real Strider, I could kill you. And I should have killed you already without so much talk. If I was after the Ring, I could have it -- NOW!'

He stood up, and seemed suddenly to grow taller. In his eyes gleamed a light, keen and commanding. Throwing back his cloak, he laid his hand on the hilt of a sword that had hung concealed by his side. They did not dare to move. Same sat wide-mouthed staring at him dumbly.

'But I am the real Strider, fortunately,' he said, looking down at them with his face softeneed by a sudden smile. ' I am Aragorn son of Arathorn, and if by life or death I can save you, I will.'"

What a great introduction!

When Merry finally gets back you get that well known feeling of Dread yet again. The Riders are coming! They know Frodo and the Ring are in Bree, and there's no escape!

At least Strider is smart, even if the others don't seem to be! He's got them sleeping in one room all together, doors blocked, with him watching over them. Hopefully the riders fall for the other room, and they don't get caught! How can these silly hobbits just drop off to sleep! I think that I'd never be able to sleep again if I saw those riders!!!!?

At the Sign of the Prancing Pony (FOTR)- by Hildie

I'm a little bit behind here so I'm going to put up to posts in a row so I'm all caught up.

I have to say I was extremely excited to get to Bree, though I had forgotten about so much description at the start. I personally don't mind it, but I can see (Like T said) how it would be a bother to people just starting with Tolkien.

Butterbur is one of those guys that I love and hate and I can't ever quite decide which is the major emotion. I think I'm more annoyed by him than actually hating him, because he could have saved a great deal by using his head more than he does. I don't like the way he treats Nob and Bob, if my employer did that I'd kick him and quit.

I don't understand why the hobbits decide to go to the main room when they had that nice little private room. I mean honestly they know that they're supposed to be secret! And Frodo knows that they're all going to be drinking, and drink always loosens tongues, not to mention the fact that they truly don't know if the Black Riders could walk into a pub like that, I mean what if THEY had come in (yeah we know they won't but the hobbits don't know much or anything really about them other than to avoid them). All around I think the whole decision reeks of stupidity! You wouldn't want any more people to see you than absolutely necessary!!!!

Pippin's antics are indeed bad enough, but Frodo could simply have yelled "Hey Pip you young nut! That's enough stories for the night you're wagging their ears off!" and gone over and laughingly pulled him off his high horse. Then when he was down had a quiet word and made him shut up! Instead Frodo has to go and stick his foot in it! *kicks Frodo* Yeah he's my least favorite character, he's a whiney stupid fop in my opinion! I was going to quote Strider with what he said about Frodo, but T beat me to it, so I am just going to say "I completely agree with what she said" and leave it at that! The song Frodo sings, even though he should never have started it, was quite cute. My dad used to sing it really well actually. So I have to say that while he was an idiot for doing it he made a good song choice! When those guys leave, when Frodo has well and truly botched up, you just KNOW something is going to be wrong, and something go horribly amiss SOON! EEK!

And last in this chapter, Frodo's whining about the "private talks" he's going to have to have! *kicks him again* Honestly, he'll be lucky if his last private talk of the night isn't with the black riders!

Fog on the Barrow-Downs (FOTR) by Hildie

This chapter gives me chills. It is one of my favorite chapters from childhood and I remember many creepy dreams about the "hand crawling towards me" as I slept! EEK!

I absolutely adore the goodbye scene with Goldberry. It's very touching, and beautiful. My heart actually beats quick when I read that they see her on the hill beckoning them. What a great description of her as they see her! "Her hair was flying loose, and as it caught the sun it shone and shimmered. A light like the glint of water on dewy grass flashed from under her feet as she danced." Wow! Need I say more? And his descriptions of the land are just as stunning, and really reach me as a reader. Again, the last view they have of Goldberry causes major emotions in me. "As they looked she gave a clear call, and lifting up her hand she turned and vanished behind the hill." What an exit!

I think that Tom has some sort of gift of seeing the future, or possible futures. Why else would he have taught the hobbits that little song to call him? Honestly, I think his view of the future included a "safe trip" but also this "second" one that was deadly if they wouldn't have known how to call him for help. And being Tom I think he looked on the bright side hoping that they would reach the road without help. But again, why didn't he just assume that the "dangerous" one was the one that would have to be and go help them in the first place? It'd save a lot of time that's for sure, though it wouldn't have been nearly as exciting as what happened here!

I remember reading this and thinking, oh no don't sit don't SIT KEEP MOVING EAT ON THE ROAD GO GO GO, ARGH! Pretty much exactly that! I do think that the Barrow-Wights had put a spell on the hobbits to get them to sleep. I think that at the stone they ate and slept at the wights would have gotten them if they hadn't started moving again, and how silly of them not to rope together or walk hand in hand leading their ponies! If you've ever been in fog, even if you're following right on someone's heals it's possible to get seperated! Silly Hobbits! Use your heads more! And Frodo is the worst!?! *bangs head* Thought he was supposed to be intelligent? I suppose that's one thing they did in the movie, making him look smarter than Merry or Pippin or Sam in it, rather than leaving him as being the silly, stupid, hobbit he was in the book.

Love the description of the song of the barrow wight! Very chilly, very scary! If only I had the ability to describe like that. I was going to quote some of what it says about the song, but I couldn't pick my favorite or the most descriptive bit, so it would have had to be entirely too long... but I think you get my point just the same.

Good old Tom! Glad that the hobbits learned that song (even though it is shocking that Frodo finally did something right by calling Tom). I love the "lightness" that Tom brings to the end of this chapter. It really did relieve the tension and stress, and fear so well, but left the little bit of chill lingering. What would have happened to our band of hobbits without him?

I love the idea of Gold on the hilltops for anyone to find as a means to get rid of the wight. (Side note: Weren't the wights brought and controlled by the Witch King of Angmar originally, and then when he passed to Minas Morgal they decided to stay in the Barrow Downs?)

Another bit that I found completely intriguing was Tom's talk with the hobbits as he gathered treasure and handed out the little swords to the hobbits. He chose the brooch that he was taking to Goldberry to wear and said that it had once belonged to a fair lady, and that they would not forget her! I would have loved to hear more, who was that woman. Tom Tom always teasing with bits and pieces of riddles and stories. Oh and for the first time I really noticed his mention of the Men of Westernesse. I don't know how I've missed that before, or why, or perhaps I didn't miss it but this time because of this blog it's standing out more. Love that bit and how it again shows Tom's look into the future. Very interesting!

Finally they are back at the road and Tom isn't going to be there to save their sorry butts anymore either! On to Bree! Really enjoyed this chapter! Can't wait to read the next!

In The House of Tom Bombadil (FOTR) by Hildie

Wow, the time for this chapter went really fast. In fact, today I thought I'd better look at the calendar and make sure I didn't have to do it because I was planning on doing it tomorrow, but as I noticed the "due date" (though I am aware they are flexible) was today so here I am, with rings on my fingers and bells on my toes! So let's see what I can come up with!

As I mentioned before Tom Bombadil is one of my favorite characters. If my Dad were any Tolkien character he would probably be Tom Bombadil (though that isn't his favorite character). The goofy, lighthearted manner, the sing-song speaking, the fact that he's a fabulous host and good at making his guests comfortable, not to mention giving them a safe haven to rest and relax... what more could you want in a guy? Especially for those hobbits who have been through quite a bit since leaving the lovely Bag End.

I adore Goldberry even though she doesn't actually play much of a role. I think that she's just there for comfort, and for beauty. She is very elven in my opinion, though I don't necessarily think that she is any way an elf. I think she is very intelligent, and somehow her manner of speaking and grace and actions remind me a bit of Galadriel later on. Is that just me?

How cool is it that the Ring holds absolutely NO power over Tom!?! I thought it was great what he did with it, and then to see Frodo's reaction. It just goes to show that the dark powers don't hold all the land in their hand yet, especially where Tom is at!

So they'll be setting off from his place and having to cross close to the Barrow Downs... he's taught them that rhyme to sing if they get into trouble. Even though he's very silly, fun and gentle we can obviously see he's got great power and is a force to be reckoned with. Just by saying that rhyme aloud the hobbits would be heard by Tom no matter where in his land they were travelling. VERY INTERESTING! But the question now is, will they have to use it, ring a ding dillo!?

Now back to the world outside. While we're here with Tom it's easy to forget what's after the hobbits, and easy to forget that Gandalf hasn't shown up. What happens when they get back on the road and where are those Black Riders now? What happened to Gandalf? How close to Rivendell are they now that they've made it through the Old Forest? How long will it take them to get through the Barrow Downs? Barrow Downs...
*shivers*

Wonder if the hobbits are thinking about that sort of thing as they're resting at Tom and Goldberry's place?

Now to the movie portion of this chapter, or shall I say the lack of it? Truthfully I can understand why it was left out of both the animated version and Peter Jackson's version. It doesn't do much to forward the story. It is simply one of those sideline events that Tolkien is so fond of, and writes so well. It is also a break for the reader and for the hobbits. Tolkien is very good at pacing so that it's not frantic the entire time. I think he likes those "calm before the storm" moments!

Great chapter, really enjoyed it! "Hey dol! merry dol! ring a dong dillo! Ring a dong! hop along! fal lal the willow! Tom Bom, jolly Tom, Tom Bombadilllo!"

Now on to the Barrow Downs make sure to pass them on the west side!!!!!!

The Old Forest (FOTR) by Hildie

This is yet another chapter that was completely overlooked in the movies, but I think it's a pretty good chapter. I have to say that parts of it are a bit slow, though I don't think that I'd consider them boring or anything, just simply slow. I find the forest to be extremely interesting, and quite a lot like Fangorn only with more malice. Though I won't go into more detail here considering this is nowhere near to that chapter. I can talk about it later.

The trees have always given me the creeps, and growing up I always remember walking or hiking through forest after this chapter and trying to "pick up vibes" of the trees. It never worked for me, I guess they were just dozing trees, or else happy. I did think it was quite effective the way the trees stifled any and all noise made by the hobbits, and Pippin's outburst making the trees get more angry was excellent. I think this is one of the chapters that you see Tolkien's real ability to make inanimate objects come to life (we've already seen that with the ring which basically has it's own personality anyway).

Can I just say that Merry rocks in this? He's the only one with half a brain and half an ounce of courage at this point! I mean honestly, he's the only reason they made it through the forest at all! Couldn't guess that by the film could you?

Ewwww you see one of the best "baddies" in this chapter as well! I used to really like (dislike) Old Man Willow. He is just soooo creepy! The description Tolkien uses is fantastic too! I love the whole crack closing and Pippin disappearing, and Merry almost being cut in two! Excellent!

Another of my favorite characters is introduced in this chapter. I always find it quite sad in the films when I get to the bit where it leaves out old Tom Bombadil. Tom Bombadil was one of my father's favorite characters, and so by default became one of my favorites. I've read the poem a few times, and I adore Tom. I think that he's awesome. Actually I think that he's one of the Valar that decided to remain in middle earth and give up his "god hood" or perhaps if not a Valar then a Maia? What do you think T? I think I've read somewhere that that is suspected elsewhere as well. I know they had to cut him out of the movie because truthfully he doesn't further the plot all that far. I could say much more about Tom but we're coming up to the chapter In the House of Tom Bombadil, and I think that all those comments would best be left till then.

Drat that forest for making them, leading them, forcing them to go the way it wanted, but hurrah for bringing them to Tom! Looking forward to the next chapter.

A Conspiracy Unmasked (FOTR) by Hildie

This is definitely the chapter for you to take a breath, and relax the shoulder muscles after all the close encounters of the past chapters. I agree with you, oh Tolkien Twinnie, of mine that the Shire history and descriptions are fantastic. It's unfortunate that they are what kills it for some people who try reading LOTR. Ah well!

So about the chapter, where to start...

I guess I have to say that I'd probably have been a Bucklander if I were a hobbit. They sound intriguing! I actually find it very cute that Shire hobbits are distrustful of Buckland Hobbits and vice versa, though they're the same in pretty much every way.

Hobbits are the characters of my heart! I adore their attitute on life actually. I mean, they are content to simply eat, drink and be merry. They don't need the drive of industrialism, or the pressure of success to be happy. They just need a well laid table, mug of beer and a pipe with weed from the Southfarthing and all is well. It's fantastic, I love it. The bit in this chapter that makes me say this is when Frodo says that they'd already eaten with Farmer Maggot but they could do with a second supper as well. Then the whole bath scene is brilliant, I love it! It makes me smile.

I have to repeat what T said again here, Merry is very "with it" as compared to his silly self in the films. He's very sensible, and his comments come from a very thoughtful individual, rather than a goofy clown out for the laughs. I think that the way he tells Frodo they are going with him is brilliant. As for speeches in the book, it's one of my favorite bits, I think that it's very touching that they are going with him. Let me echo the younger hobbits when I say "Three cheers for Captain Frodo and company!"

You know the travel song that Merry and Pippin prepared? The one that begins: Farewell we call to heart and hall!
Through wind may blow and rain may fall,
We must away ere break of day
Far over wood and mountain tall.

I always find myself singing the melody in my head as I read it. I remember the tune the dwarves use in The Hobbit. I remember my dad singing it to me numerous times. It's impossible not to sing it, heck if I'm reading at home I sing it outloud! Gotta love it! Music was so important to the hobbits, yet another plus!

Poor Fatty though! That's all I have to say! I mean, death is literally going to be on his doorstep! Just thinking about what's going to happen to him staying by himself at Crickhollow... I mean remember he brought some of Frodo's old clothes, he's going to keep up the show that Frodo is still there, Crickhollow is quite out of the way (even in Buckland) and there's no great warrior around to protect Fatty from the Riders... they are coming they can't be stopped! EEEEEK! *hides under desk* I'm soooo with Pippin, I'd rather go into The Old Forest than wait for those Riders...

On to the Old Forest for us! What mysterious things will it hold for our happy company? What perils will we be going into? Either way it's sure to be exciting!

A quick question for Beck here. So this is very different from the film so far, obviously time was a major issue for the movie, but we're just wondering what you think of the added bits? Which parts do you think are necessary and which ones do you think you could do without? In other words, are you finding any bits boring at all or anything like that?

Happy Reading everyone!

A Shortcut to Mushrooms (FOTR) By Hildie

This is one of my favorite chapters as well, and, like T, I adore the title. As far as my preferred diet (meaning my love of mushrooms), Farmer Maggot was one of my biggest influences! Every time I read this chapter I get hungry and would love to join the family for their big dinner before Farmer Maggot takes them to the ferry.

I think that the dread of the Black Riders and the subtle ways that Tolkien writes their terror into the book is extremely effective. Again, like T, I found it terrifying when they looked back up the hill and saw the Black Rider. Still gives me the shivers. The moment on the ferry does the same thing, always so close, always right there, there's no escape. How will those silly, loveable hobbits get away????

With regards to Sam (sorry if some of this is a repeat of what T said):
I liked his description of elves as being "above his likes and dislikes" and that they seemed "old and young, and so gay and sad." I think that it's really much better when Sam starts being more than just a goofy, loveable pack animal. I like the fact that his comments aren't lost on Frodo, and that he notices the change over his friend. I much prefer the new "enlightened" Sam. T mentioned the "Dangerous" quote so I won't retype that here, but I agree that it's majorly foreshadowing what happens in ROTK, not to metion the fact that the amount of loyalty Sam is showing to Frodo is something that cannot be bought at any cost. It's moments like that throughout LOTR that show the meaning of Friendship.

Sorry I didn't have any new info, or insights to share this time round. Will work on that for the next time. Actually you'll all laugh to know that I'm writing my observations and comments in my diary/planner while I'm on the bus. That's my Tolkien time. I'm sure that tons of people think I'm a nerd but that's all good!