The Breaking of the Fellowship (FOTR) -by Hildie

The last chapter in the Fellowship of the Ring. This chapter, in my opinion, gets back to better Tolkien than the last. It's got a bit more happening in it. We now are to the point where a decision has to be made. As readers, we're also aware that some sort of confrontation between Frodo and Boromir is going to happen before any decision is made.

I don't really like or dislike Boromir, though I think he's likeable enough. I actually feel quite sorry for the fellow as I think the ring has really been trying to get a hold on him, and as we can see here it has succeeded. I wonder if Frodo would have made the necessary decision if Boromir hadn't tried to take the ring?

Sam is a darling! I think this part shows utter loyalty. It's very endearing and very sweet. And as we know, oh how well we know, without Sam the whole quest would have been lost. Sure Frodo is the ringbearer and all that jazz, but I think that the biggest change and the biggest hero is probably Sam. He's not the one that does the "greatest deeds" nor the "greatest warrior" but he is definitely a hero.

The Fellowship is broken and in total chaos. Aragorn, Pippin, Merry, Legolas, Gimli and Boromir are scattered seeking Frodo. Frodo and Sam are off to the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie. What is in store for our characters? No one knows!

I think it's an excellent cliff-hanger ending to the first book. I know the movie gives a little bit more with the attack of the orcs and all, and I also like that. Either one leaves the reader/watcher wanting more!

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Now I have a little upkeep and housework here at Bag End to finish off with. As everyone knows I'll be away on holiday with the PB for the next five weeks so I won't be able to start posting on the Two Towers until I return. I'm looking foward to continuing this process and reading with you all.

For the future I'd like to continue in the same vein that we've done on this first book. Meaning the four days to post about a chapter etc, but I'd also like to try to make it a little less "formal" at times and create more of a discussion type atmosphere. I know that Beck and I have spoken about post length, topics and questions... I think it's easy to forget that this doesn't have to be an essay but can simply be thoughts or ideas, statements, questions, concerns, definitions... it can be one word or thousands, either is fine and anything is good. It doesn't have to be limited to a single post over the four days.

What do you both think? A little bit more open forum as well as keeping it as it is? Oh and Becker don't forget to use your Tolkien Twinnie resources! Don't worry if you don't quite get something and don't get bogged down, we'll help you out! :D It'll be fun!

Look forward to continuing our Bag End blog together! Cheers everyone and I'll see you here after the holiday!
H

The Great River (FOTR) - By Hildie

With Lothlorien behind I am always a bit depressed. This chapter isn't one of the great memorable chapters but it does have a few moments. Frodo frosts my cookies in it of course, as he always does. This time he says aloud, not long after an attack by the enemy, that Galadriel wields one of the elven rings of power. I mean seriously, HELLO HAVE YOU BEEN LISTENING? Anyone with half a brain would know that speaking of those rings is forbidden. Honestly, Elrond said it, Galadriel said it, didn't one of the other elves say it, and even perhaps Gandalf? Anyway, who said it is beside the point, if he'd heard it once he should know better. Especially since she may not have wanted the others to know about the ring, she only showed Frodo and didn't announce it to the whole Fellowship. *kicks Frodo* He frustrates me in his stupidity.

Okay so they're in the boats, going down the Anduin river. Their major choice is coming up: Which way will they go? Boromir is trying to con them into going with him, from little hints Tolkien gives you can still tell he's coveting the ring for himself. I mean the way he's staring at Frodo, it's kinda creepy. Someone needs to smack him about the chops!

I do enjoy the descriptions of the terrain here, but I can see that some non-Tolkien nuts might find it a bit tedious. It does take a lot of words and a long time to get there in this chapter.

The one bit of action and excitement comes with the orc attack and Legolas shooting the beast out of the sky. While Frodo doesn't come out and say it outright we get the idea that this possibly could be one of the Black Riders but on a beast that can fly. It describes how Frodo felt cold and pain in that old wound on his shoulder etc. Go Legolas is all I have to say! He rocks! And the Bow Of Lothlorien sounds brilliant! I love it!

We also see Gollum here, and find out that it was indeed him that Frodo heard in Moria and saw in the talan in Lorien. At least we know that someone with half a brain Sam knows about him and find out that Aragorn also knew. As if Frodo would notice something that Aragorn hadn't... yeah right.

So finally they're almost to where they have to be to make the decision for the finale of this book. They can hear Rauros, and the first bit of the quest is over. Now they've go to decide Minas Tirith or Mt. Doom? In my opinion there never was any question, especially with CREEPY Boromir eyeing up Frodo every chance he gets. The only question is who goes with whom? Do they all go together, split the fellowship or what? By the title of the next chapter we do have a good idea, we just don't know quite how it'll be done.

Only one more to go and we're done with Fellowship of the Rings!

Farewell to Lorien (FOTR) by Hildie

This is a short chapter but I always dread it as much as I'd assume the Fellowship dread it. I don't like to leave the beauty of Lothlorien, it's always like a breath of fresh air in the writing after dark times. Oh well, it's time to press on.

Here we find out that the company is going to be travelling by boat rather than by land. The Lady and Lord have given them elven boats to use to travel down Anduin until they meet their destination. I think that this is definitely a good slow start to get back into the adventure of the story. It gives the reader a chance to think through some of the options presented to the Fellowship as well as "giving the characters time" to decide on a course.

I love the part where they see the Swan Boat of the Lord Celeborn and the Lady Galadriel. It's always beautiful. I think it's the Brother Hildabrant (sp) that did a painting of that for one of their calendars but it always sticks in my mind. The farewell feast is always sad for me, and the gifts very touching. I was so bummed out that the parting gifts didn't make it into the movies in the cinema. I thought that the moments in this chapter are some of the most important in all the time in Lorien. Sam's gift and Gimli's gift were the sweetest in my opinion.

I think the friendship between Legolas and Gimli is awesome as well.

Not much more to say about this chapter, it's pretty self explanatory. I always enjoy the Lothlorien chapters, but they always seem to go so quickly.

What will the Fellowship decide? We don't have much left of Fellowship of the Ring, only two more chapter!

Happy Reading.

The Mirror of Galadriel (FOTR) by Hildie

Have I mentioned I love Galadriel before? She rocks! So this chapter is one of my favorites just for her. I think the description of Caras Galadhon is stunning, and in fact one of Tolkien's best. Good stuff!

I've never been overly impressed with Celeborn. I always scoff a bit at the whole "he is the wisest of the elf lords" especially considering that, even in their first brief meeting, he jumps to rash decisions about Gimli and the Fellowship after hearing about the Balrog. Seems he's a bit hasty and doesn't really think before words pour out of his mouth. Who can say?

I actually liked the way that they did this bit in the movie. I think that the way she "spoke and looked at their souls" was spot on.

The singing songs of mourning for Gandalf again makes me feel a bit sad. I believe I'd be more like Legolas. Frodo does give it a go though I think Sam would have done better. I'm biased though.

I find Galadriel to be very interesting (especially after reading The Sil and UT). She's very intelligent and wins Gimli over quickly. I love that bit and don't think we saw enough of it in the movie.

The part with the Mirror of Galadriel is brilliant. She is definitely awesome and I love the way that the elven ring, Nenya, is revealed to Frodo, and what Sam saw. I think her speech is one of my favorite ever written:

"And now at last it comes. You will give me the Ring freely! in place of the Dark Lord you will set up a Queen. And I shall not be dark, but beautiful and terrible as the Morning adn the Night! Fair as teh Sea and the Sun and the Snow upon the Mountain! Dreadful as the Storm and the Lightening! Stronger than the foundations of the earth. All shall love me and despair!"

Actually I never quite understood her statement of "I pass the test, I will diminish, and go into the West, and remain Galadriel." until I'd read The Sil and UT. I mean I had an idea what was going on and it wasn't confusing or anything really, but now I really understand and it makes much more sense. (Even if this sentence doesn't.)

I think that Celeborn is only intelligent because Galadriel always tells him what he should really be doing... she should be the one to get all the credit!

It always happens too soon that they leave, and unfortunately there isn't ever nearly enough of Galadriel! Great chapter all the same!

Lothlorien (FOTR) by Hildie

With Gandalf gone our remaining 8 members are having to decide the course of their journey for themselves alone for the first time. I always find this part of the book to be distressing, I think I'm channelling some of their emotions possibly. I always feel a bit lost and unsure. I know Aragorn is quite capable to make decisions, especially since he and Gandalf often discussed directions and all, but still... he was GANDALF!

I thought it very touching that Gimli wanted Frodo to see Kheled-zaram and that he still wanted to look. He even admitted that there was no good left in Moria, a land he so wanted to be as the dwarves of old had hoped. Poor fellow, what a disappointment and what a tragedy to happen to someone he cared about there. Very sad all round! I remember wondering what type trouble they could possibly get themselves into after Moria, and now we have a chapter called Lothlorien. What is Lothlorien, or who is it? It is very intriguing!

I think that they are completely right in trying to get as far away as possible before the dark. I know that they were hoping that they'd scared the orcs badly enough that they wouldn't follow to seek vengence, but even in the last chapter they mentioned the fact that there were orcs from Mordor. Those orcs would surely follow Frodo on their own evil errand even if the Moria orcs didn't seek to destroy the invaders of their new home. And as we've all learned many times over those orcs definitely prefer to travel at night, and are nearly tireless in pursuit! How are they ever going to be able to get away from them as tired, exhausted, depressed and injured as the party is... Lothlorien must be their only choice.

At last the company finally finds out about the mithril shirt that Frodo is wearing. I found Gimli's reaction very cool. It's always quite impressive that Thorin would have given something worth so much to Bilbo, he must truly have cared for the hold Hobbit. It's just another flashback to The Hobbit and the events there. I always enjoy those.

We see Boromir's reaction here and hear that Aragorn and Legolas are saying the opposite. I know that I would definitely trust Aragorn and Legolas over Boromir (he's a turd), he seems to disagree with wise decisions fairly often actually (remember the Council of Elrond when he wished to use the ring in Minas Tirith? How great Gondor was yadayada...).

So now we see that Frodo really had been hearing feet, and now we're seeing eyes. It's obvious who it is to me through the writing now and I honestly can't remember if I could tell who it was the first time I read it. I'm just wondering, Beck can you tell who it is on a first time reading? I know you'll know who it is from the films but from the descriptions did you suspect who was following etc? I'd like to know a first time readers opinion here, that would interest me greatly actually.

Nimrodel sounds beautiful. I've always loved streams and creeks. I love the sound of running water and it always makes me smile. If the weather is warm enough and I can I always enjoy walking in the stream and playing in the water. I know I'd have loved the sound of Nimrodel. Legolas' song is very pretty, I wish I knew what melody Tolkien had in mind for it. It is, as most elven stories are, very mournful and sad. They often don't get happy endings do they... look at Beren and Luthien as well (Beck if you're interested in reading the rest of the Beren and Luthien story the full one is in The Sil).

I thought the tree thing was cool, the talans or flets I mean. I have to say I'd agree with the hobbits about not really enjoying sleeping at heights without some sort of rail to stop them from rolling over, though if I were tired enough that wouldn't cause me to stay awake!

This chapter is where we really start to see (other than Legolas in the snow of course) the gracefulness of the elves and the fact that they are so much more than human with their movements. Here we also see the beginnings of the problems between the Dwarves and the Elves. It doesn't carry on, and doesn't last long, but it does give the reader something to wonder about.

Just a side note, the talan and the screen sound very much like the platforms that some turkey and deer hunters use now in the US. Totally off topic I know, but still, since I'm familiar with that particular type of platform it is easier to imagine exactly what the talans in the book may look like and what the screen would look like as well.

I don't know how the hobbits can sleep through everything (except Frodo that is). I'm sure that if I'd heard the orcs, especially knowing that I was on the run, I would have been awake with sword drawn ready for the worst. The elven word Yrch is very descriptive to me, I thought that was brilliant when the elf warned Frodo. Again we see the creature at the bottom of the tree. Eek! What it is? At least Halidar has seen it too. I think that those descriptions always manage to creep me out.

The rope bridge across the river and the elven dress/costumes/clothes I've always loved. What great descriptions. I thought it was cool that Pippin was so good at going across. I've crossed those type bridges myself and I remember always thinking, wouldn't it be wonderful if I was going to Lothlorien now! Truthfully, they're not that hard to cross. Have either of you ever tried one? I reckon I could do it with only two ropes, but I was still making sure to hold both though I didn't have to grip or push on them to keep my balance. I'd love to see what the elven ropes feel like, I think they sound cool.

ARGH! They were going to blindfold Gimli only. I thought that was pretty crappy considering I thought that Elrond had said that he sent messengers to those that were friends. Obviously in his message he would have said who was in the company etc.; It made me mad on Gimli's behalf to be honest. I thought it was good when Aragorn said that they would all have to be blindfolded to be fair. He is a good leader. At least they didn't have to remain blindfolded very long, that's a plus.

The ending of this chapter is awesome as well. One of my most favorite descriptions and sayings in this chapter is "As soon as he set foot upon the far bank of the Silverloade a strange feeling had come upon him, and it deepened as he walked nito the Naith: it seemed to him taht he had stepped over a bridge of time into a corner of the Elder Days, and was now walking in a world that was no more. In Rivendell there was memory of ancient things; in Lorien the ancient things still lived on in the waking world." Isn't that amazing.

I love Cerin Amroth. I have a place of my own that reminds me of the flowered hillside where Aragorn was walking. It brings tears to my eyes to be quite honest. Also there is the very last sentence in this chapter... it makes you think about why it was so endearing to Aragorn, it also always brings a complete lump to my throat and a tear to my eye. In fact S asked me about what I was reading because she noticed my emotional state. Yes, I'm a big softie.

All in all, I thought this was an excellent chapter. While not as action packed as the Moria chapters it still manages to convey strong emotions and give enough action that it's pace was going quite quickly. Very interesting reading excellent descriptions. I can't wait for the next Chapter either. Galadriel is, and has always been one of my favorite characters ever, and I have a little known fact for you... I was nearly named after her, my father loved the name. Happy Reading!

The Bridge of Khazad-Dum (FOTR) by Hildie

We ended on a sad note last chapter. Never once have I been able to stop between these two chapters, I used to even beg Dad so much when he was reading it to me that he'd go on from there. The next chapter is one of the most exciting in the book. It's all action that's for sure.

So they find the book and read bits to learn what the fate of Gimli's friends and family actually was in the dark of Moria. It is, as Gandalf says, grim reading. At least it gives us some idea of where in Moria the Fellowship is actually located. The Chamber of Marzabul (Chamber of Records). Here we also learn that others have had issues with the Watcher in the Water... poor Oin. Yes, another name from The Hobbit... so even fewer of the original dwarves from that story are still living. It always makes me sad to hear they have died.

Okay now to the exciting bit. Drums in the deep, we cannot get out, they are coming! I always thought that was done really well with Gandalf just reading it then the same thing happening to our Fellowship! My heart always starts beating hard in this bit! I love Tolkien's description of this bit and what's happening! I think that we start to see a bit of Gandalf's strength here, though it's greatly played down. We also see that the company has some brave individuals who are actually pretty good fighters, especially Boromir and Aragorn (which we already knew). Sam is also mentioned here as defeating an orc, even though he gets a small cut in the process.

So they've managed to defeat the orcs and drive them back a little. They go down the stairs and wait as Gandalf tries to hold them off. We later find out that Gandalf was amost destroyed. What could that have been? To hear that stated by Gandalf himself must have terrified the company. Now they definitely would want to run like the wind.

Balrog! For as long as I can remember that word has given me the chills. The bit where Legolas is terrified and unable to loose his arrow is forever etched in my memory, as well as the reactions of the rest of the Fellowship. Very intense! Now we know what caused the problems for Gandalf up above, and what nearly broke him.

Now they've got to make the run over the bridge, the last run, the Bridge of Khazad-dum. I love the description of the Balrog too. Definitely very well done, I thought the movie did a great job with the way he moved and looked as well.

Now we see Gandalf is definitely the powerful one here, he said "This foe is beyond all of you, fly!" Ever since I first heard this I've always been interested and intrigued by what Gandalf says to the Balrog.

"You cannot pass," he said. The orcs stood still, and a dead silence fell. "I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udun. Go back to the Shadow! You cannot pass." Wow! Do I need to say more here?

I have to say honestly that I always get a lump in my throat in this bit. I know that Gandalf lives, anyone who has read the books or seen the movies knows that Gandalf lives, but still... very moving and very sad. Gandalf has won and defeated the Balrog who is falling to his doom... then he uses his whip and drags Gandalf after him. What shall the company do without Gandalf, yes they've got Aragorn, but we've just seen that there are some foes beyond even Aragorn...

A Jounrey in the Dark (FOTR) by Hildie

The next couple chapters are some of the most vivid in my imagination. My dad always loved Gimli and the Dwarves in particular so he really read this bit elaborately. I have very fond memories of sitting on his knee while he read bits in "dwarf voice" for Moria.

So what do I think now? They're still fab.

So now we know that the other path that Gandalf wanted to use, and Aragorn feared is none other than through the Mines of Moria. Aragorn and Gandalf have both been there and come out alive but Aragorn keeps saying to Gandalf that he fears for him if he should ever enter Moria again. Foreshadowing there for sure!

I really love the fight with the Wargs in this chapter. I think it was an unfortunate cut when it never made it into the movie. It's a bit of excitement after the storm (literally). I love Sam's comment of "Whatever may be in store for old Gandalf, I'll wager it isn't a wolf's belly." Always using his noggin' isn't he! Of course he was right, but it was intense there! Not only that but they weren't "normal ordinary wolves." So who sent them Sauron or Saruman? I think that the company is assuming that Sauron has sent them at this point.

Gimli is much more endearing in the book and less "humorous for humor's sake" and I like him a lot better that way. Sure he was the one to break up the "serious bits" in the movie but truthfully I thought it made him look a bit stupid and since I've always had a soft spot and respected Gimli it didn't always go over well with me. Here you see Gimli eager to see the halls of Durin, the great Khazad-dum. I love the fact that Gimli walks with Gandalf and helps them seek the road to Moria. I mean truthfully he's going to a home beloved to his people, that he's never seen with his own eyes. Balin may still be there, he may have friends and family there, they may find hope and help... they may not.

I find that there's a great deal of foreshadowing here as well with all the changes since the last time Gandalf has passed that way. It's also giving clues that there is something to do with water towards the Hollin Gate because of the whole stream drying up thing. What/who could have changed the course of a stream and why? Then when they finally reach the stone steps that should lead to the gate directly we see the reason. The huge, black lake nearly up to the very walls of Moria. Of course no one would want to swim it... I mean really come on! Gandalf said "It has an unwholesome look." Beautiful lake meant for a recreational swim? I think not... it's been described in such a way that already is has an evil personality all it's own. (TANGENT: I love how Tolkien can give inanimate objects like the lake or the ring their own personality, very good author to do that to such depths. Like here he actually makes us feel the dread of the lake, and that it's watching in some way.)

Awww this is also where we find out that Sam has to say goodbye to his beloved Bill. How pitiful, Sam does so love the little beast, and he's been so faithful all the way from Bree. Very sad, it still makes me flipple a little every time I read it both for the pony and for Sam.

So has anyone ever noticed that just when they're about to get in deep doo-doo the day always is drawing to it's end and instead of twinkling stars there are cold stars glinting. I mean that alone has a bit of an 'oh crap here we go again, eek' factor to it.

Now they've managed to find a way around the lake but again we get a moment of 'eekness' (I'm making that a word.) when they have to cross that gross, slimy creek. It sounds absolutly rancid with another fabulous description. YUCK! Also what made that sound? The Swish and Plop....?

We see the elven and dwarven angst a bit here as well. Gandalf is good by putting blame on both parties equally.

The time at the gates is always interesting to me. I much prefer the written story to the film here. I didn't like that Frodo found the way and asked what the word for friend was in the film. I think that Gandalf was quite capable of figuring that out on his own, after all he is a powerful wizard. I also like the fact that it was Merry who, upon having the inscription read to him, asked what does that mean "Speak friend, and enter." It was not Frodo he doesn't have the sense god gave a goose. (NOTE: Anti-frodo sentiment is not to be helped. He's a moron. End Note)

MELLON! Brilliant, I love the whole "Those were happier times." I mean it's said often enough about our own past. I think comments like those make the characters seem more human and the events are put into perspective a little bit more. We see that it used to be a big and beautiful area, that elves and dwarves travelled freely and the password wasn't so much that as someone saying "I'm a friend" and being allowed to come in. Ah indeed, those were happier times.

Another EEKNESS! The seething snakes thing was just about too much for me. I'd have passed out/grossed out/died at that, especially if one had grabbed my ankle. I hate snakes. I know that we don't see as much of the Watcher in the Water as we do in the film (which I thought was quite good by the way) but we still get the ick factor as well with it. Sam to the rescue again, poor old Bill... *sighs* He chose his master (even thouh his master is an idiot). Now they're inside Moria and the way behind is blocked. I felt awful about the trees as well, I mean if they'd stood there when it was the great kingdom, and all that think how old those trees were. Older than Gandalf himself it seems! That's old indeed!

Now they're in the dark, with only the light on Gandalf's staff. I do have to say that I have a clastrophobia thing in utter darkness. I think this would have been quite hard for me. Especially considering that there are wells, cracks, steps, turns, twists etc... in the pitch black, except for Gandalf's staff which he's not got on the "really bright daylight" setting of course. I have to say I'd have been a bit like Pippin, 7 feet isn't a short distance, especially for someone with little short legs like the hobbits.

I could go on and on about the travel in Moria but I'll simply say I find them all exceedingly brave to travel with the small amount of complaining that you hear. The only thing that's left to be said at this point is FOOL OF A TOOK! What's making that tapping now that he's thrown the stone in. Ah the poo's gonna hit the fan sooner or later me thinks... and I think sooner rather than later as well!

So they're in that great cavernous hall now to spend the night. Close to the end now we think... Very sad when they find Balin's Tomb. Poor Gimli! I feel for him. At least we know he made it back that far. BALIN SON OF FUNDIN LORD OF MORIA. Someone needs to give Gimli a hug.

The Ring Goes South (FOTR) by Hildie

I'm pretty much done with the book so I'm going to try to post each day and finish it off before the holidays.

So here goes... this chapter seems a bit slow to me, though towards the end of it it picks up a bit.

I didn't understand (and still don't) why they didn't hurry and make plans especially once they found the Black Riders were out of commission for a while. I mean I know they got around fairly quickly, but it seriously looks like if they'd have started earlier out from Rivendell that they'd have had even less chance of running into the Nine.

I also didn't understand why they picked Legolas (though I love him) as the elf when they could have picked an elf lord who would be more "powerful" in a situation when they were fighting the enemy. I know that they're not going as a "war party" but still... plan for the worst is what I would have thought! I do like the idea of the Nine Walkers against the Nine Riders though.

Glad that Bilbo gave Frodo his mithril coat and Sting. I used to love Sting as a kid. I carved them out of wood all the time, and instead of calling it Sting I decided that Sting had a partner just like Orcrist and Glamdring... I called it Slash. Had the runes woodburned into the blade and set some really pretty quartz crystal into it and all so that it looked cool.

Their trip must have been exhausting, even though they were obviously not moving as quickly as they could have during the day the distances had to be quite long. Also the Birds are seeking them out. In this it's Aragorn and Sam that see it rather than Legolas, and the rest were sleeping. Sure that the enemy knows where they are even though they were still, birds definitely have good eyesight. Oh and what was the creature that flew very high up but gave them all the sense of dread? Makes ya wonder? I couldn't find it to quote it directly when I was writing this review, but I honestly got the impression that it could possibly have been a wraith on wings at the time I read it. Was I close do you think?

The snow bit makes me cold. I can be sitting in the middle of a bright green field in 100 (that's 38C) degree weather and I'm still cold. Good thing Boromir and Aragorn are so hearty and strong. But again I have to say "Oh to be an elf" I love the description of Legolas walking on top of the snow. That's one thing I really noticed in the movie. I am so glad they put Orlando walking on top of the snow lightly. I also like Gandalf's banter with him in this bit. Boromir was also very smart to suggest the wood, if he wouldn't have the book would have ended rather quickly I think!

Ah so they're defeated and now have to find another way! The birds have surely seen them now (again) and who knows what's going to be happening. Oh Cruel Caradhras!

This is definitely not one of my best reviews, but I'm just trying to work my way back to on track (hopefully) and to be honest I read this chapter so long ago that I struggled to remember all I wanted to say. Will try to reread the next chapters before posting!