Book 2 Chapter 5: The Bridge of Khazad-Dum

First off, the last post pushed me over 1,000 lifetime views which is pretty cool. Thanks for reading my ramblings on here. I hope I'm providing a bit of insight and some thought provoking ideas but will settle for a few pity reads. 

Thank you for the pity reads.

The Bridge of Khazad-Dum is one of the most memorable chapters in Tolkien due primarily to the loss of Gandalf into the darkness of Moria. This first breaking of the Fellowship is the most significant set-back thus far (which is a pretty bold statement in itself!) and shapes the entire narrative of the next four books.

Sam the Fearless Guardian

At the beginning of the chapter, the Fellowship fights for their life in the Tomb of Balin. Frodo is famously stabbed (saved by his mithril!) and everyone gets to show off their cool action-figure-y skills. (Boom, headshot! says Legolas)

During the course of the battle, Sam is the only one to receive any physical injury: a scratch across his face. Narrowly avoiding a much deeper blow, Sam thrusts his sword through the offending orc. Here's Tolkien's description:

"A fire was smouldering in his brown eyes that would have made Ted Sandyman step backwards, if he had seen it."

Can you imagine Sam doing this only a single chapter ago before they entered Moria? How about when he thought that Rivendell would be the end of their trip? Is Sam just discovering a part of himself that was always there or is he changing?

I think Sam is discovering who he really is. Shedding naivete and starting to see the broader scope of their task, Sam is building on the tenacity that was already there. It doesn't matter if it is a stubborn weed in the Gaffer's garden or an army of Orcs in Moria, if Sam needs to do something, he is going to do it.

A version of the Balrog that leans heavily on the Peter Jackson interpretation.

A Balrog is come!

Of course, despite how awesome Sam's inner ferocity is, most of y'all are going to take away just one thing from this chapter and that's Durin's Bane, a damned Balrog of Morgoth.

We discussed Balrogs a few times in previous sections and I'll probably discuss them again (because they are awesome) but the real winner here is Gandalf.

As the Fellowship fled from the Tomb of Balin, Gandalf tried to place a shutting spell on the door (not the same level as a "Cheat Code"-esque Word of Command, more like exploiting a glitch for personal gain). However, this was apparently not enough.

"I have met my match and have nearly been destroyed...I am rather shaken."

Alright, so Gandalf is appearing visually exhausted but what caused this? Just that spell? Tolkien explains,

"The counterspell (to the shutting spell) was terrible. It nearly broke me. For an instant the door left my control and began to open. I had to speak a Word of Command."

Gandalf's power hasn't been directly matched yet and here is something that stands right up to him and seems like an equal. Balrogs were once Maia (the lesser Valar) like Gandalf himself before they became corrupted by Morgoth. This gives them abilities above and beyond creatures like the Nazgul and more like Saruman or Sauron himself.

So Gandalf is pretty messed up already, but they're nearing the exit. Finally, they reach the bridge which was built as an ancient defense, forcing armies to walk single-file across bridge. I can't describe the scene any better than Tolkien himself did so here it is, in his own words:

"It came to the edge of the fire and the light faded as if a cloud had bent over it. Then with a rush it leaped across the fissue. The flames roared up to greet it and wreathed about it; and a black smoke swirled in the air. Its steaming mane kindled, and blazed behind it. In its right hand was a blade like a stabbing tongue of fire; in its left it held a whip of many thongs."

Gandalf's Speech

Legolas basically craps himself when seeing the Balrog and Gimli is dumbstruck over seeing Durin's Bane in person. Gandalf stands alone on the bridge urging the Fellowship on. Turning on the Balrog, Gandalf defies him with probably the most iconic line in the story.

"You cannot pass!"

That's right. Cannot pass. This is different than the films but unlike most of the minor changes, this one is important. "You CANNOT pass" makes it a physical impossibility. The Balrog literally cannot physically pass the bridge. Gandalf's words are not idle threats or taunts at Durin's Bane, they are proclamations of law.

"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."

He may have been challenged before by the Balrog but he did not know his opponent at that time. Now, he knows what he faces and specifically how to defeat it.

To do so, he is invoking some powerful phrases here. Let's break it down.

"Servant of the Secret Fire"

To Tolkien, the Secret Fire was what we would refer to as the "Holy Ghost" or "Holy Spirit". It's the surrounding factor in our lives that emanates from Eru (God) and breathes life into the world. Gandalf is invoking the supreme directly, bypassing the Valar and the Balrog's original master Morgoth. This is the most powerful force in Middle-Earth.

"flame of Anor"

Anor is the sun, which is a fire and light that gives us life. Without the sun's fire, we couldn't exist. This reinforces Gandalf as a servant of fire, like Sauron and the Balrogs, but unlike them, he is a servant of the "good" fire.

"flame of Udun"

Tolkien likes his fire metaphors. The flame of Udun is conversely, the flame of darkness or the flame that destroys. Fire can be a fantastic tool for growth, culling brush so that forests may thrive and providing sustenance and warmth for survival. However, taken too far, fire can destroy absolutely. 

Conclusion

Tolkien uses fire as a common metaphor because it is precisely the theme of the overall story. The Lord of the Rings  is about the corrupting nature of power and that while some power is needed to accomplish great things (Aragorn, Frodo, and Sam each wield a certain "power") but taken too far, this power can bring anyone to ruin including those who wish to use the power for good (Saruman).

Fire, like power, is necessary in the world but a balance is needed otherwise the fire will consume you.

Book 1 Chapter 12: Flight to the Ford

Flight to the Ford is a cat and mouse game through the Trollshaws, a lawless and rugged land west of Rivendell. This 17 day adventure from the night of Frodo's stabbing to his healing at Rivendell is condensed into 5 minutes and a wonderful Deus ex Arwen to save the day.

Granted, a powerful elf on a white horse does appear out of nowhere and saves the day, but I think it makes a little more sense than freakin' Arwen.

Anyway, the chapter starts right after Frodo is stabbed. I think it's important to note just how many times Frodo is stabbed during his quest. Here on Weathertop, nearly skewered in Moria, and impaled by Shelob in Cirith Ungol. There is probably a joke about Sam in here too but I'll leave that alone.

In any case, the Riders stab Frodo and then are immediately chased off by Aragorn by which we can assume that they are aware who he is and fear/respect his power. Why would they flee from one man with the Ring so close? 

I think the answer is a mix of respect for Aragorn and that it simply is not their nature. In a previous chapter, Aragorn discusses that the Riders would not barge into the Prancing Pony because they were not at full strength (all 9), and they preferred to avoid direct fighting. Only 5 of the Riders were present at Weathertop so we can assume they fell back with the hope that the wound would overcome Frodo and he would become their servant (the fate Gandalf hints was in store for him during the next chapter).

Hands of the King

So Frodo isn't immediately rescued by a white pony and a Liv Tyler, but is instead kept alive by the hands of Aragorn.

In Return of the King, Faramir notes that the hands of the king are hands of a healer. This is in contrast with the view that great warriors make a king and is Tolkien's way of affirming what he believes is the most important characteristic in a ruler. Aragorn's hands of healing are physically manifested in literal healing powers instead of metaphoric power, but this situation is one of the earliest examples.

Aragorn keeps Frodo alive and they dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge their way through the woods, avoiding trails and taking the rough route through the land.

Merry 

We've discussed this before, but Merry really steps up his game in this chapter. While the quest revolves around Frodo and there is deference to his thoughts, Merry is really the dominant Hobbit voice in the party. After about 10 days in the wilderness, Frodo collapses on a climb and Merry is the one to stand up to Aragorn about needing to stop and rest. He is in tune with Frodo more than most and speaks to Aragorn as almost equals. 

Similarly, the next morning it is Aragorn and Merry who journey out and survey the land for a better route. The other Hobbits are not even considered and, although Tolkien doesn't write it, it's probably an obvious choice within the party. Merry has been a leader the entire time so far and it would be natural that he picks up the slack and assumes a leadership mantle.

A Song in the Trollshaws by Ted Nasmith

Sam the Bard

Sam is a Hobbit of many talents. When the party comes across the Trolls that nearly made a snack of Thorin's 12 dwarves and Bilbo in The Hobbit, Sam sings a song while they relax.

When he finishes, others applaud and ask where he heard it or who taught him the tune. Sam is sheepish and Frodo senses the truth.

"I am learning a lot about Sam Gamgee on this journey.  First he was a conspirator now he's a jester.  He'll end up by becoming a wizard - or a warrior! " 

Seems awfully prescient...

Even better is Sam's response.

" I hope not.  I don't want to be neither"

Sam doesn't dream of gathering power unto himself. He is far too selfless for that. His heart is set elsewhere and this pure heart and strength of character is what makes him a model guardian for Frodo on this quest.

Really like this exchange.

Conclusion

After the Trolls, the chapter begins wrapping up but does so with the introduction of one of the biggest bad-asses in Middle-Earth. I will talk more about Glorfindel and his badassery tomorrow morning in a post!

Chapter 11: A Knife in the Dark

This chapter is a long one and covers quite a bit of ground. For simplicity's sake, I've divided the chapter into 3 sections.

Fire on Weathertop by Ted Nasmith

The Riders in Buckland

The first part of the chapter brings us back to Crickhollow and Fatty Bolger, who is still pretending that Frodo is holed up there to aid the Hobbits' flight through the Old Forest. However, this is the night that the Riders make themselves known and raid Frodo's house.

Silence descends on the house which must be strange considering how close it is to the Old Forest and it's many bugs and other noisy critters. Three shadowy figures enter the yard of Frodo's house and approach the door. As you can imagine, Fatty has bolted out the back door and is high-stepping it away as fast as his legs can carry him but the Riders don't know that.

They pound on the door, demanding that they open the door in the name of Mordor. A brave soul, indeed, is needed to refuse that.

Fatty has reached neighbors and began spreading the alarm. Word reaches Brandy Hall where the Master of Buckland (Merry's father) blows the Horn of Buckland to muster the Brandybucks and the other hobbits into a militia to repel the Riders. 

Can you imagine this? Put yourself in the position of the residents of Buckland. 

You've lived your entire life without hearing this horn, and most of your parents have never heard it either. Suddenly, in the middle of the night, a sound like rolling thunder blares over the hills, waking you and demanding your attention. Then, you are expected to heed the Master's call and appear, with pitchforks, clubs, whatever you might have, to repel the threat facing the land.

It's just a cool scene. Go re-read the beginning of this chapter.

Journey through the Marsh

The second part is more character development and historical fluff, detailing the departure from Bree and the slow slog through the Midgewater Marshes that separate Breeland from the barren lands guarded by Weathertop.

Frodo wakes the morning of their departure with a dream of hearing the Horn of Buckland. How does Frodo keep having these prophetic dreams? Tolkien has eschewed much outright magic, especially among those not of the older, nobler blood of the Elves (which includes the Numenorean men like Aragorn). Hobbits, Dwarves, and most men we encounter have no such proclivity.

Could these dreams be related to the Ring? My current favorite theory is that the Ring is acting a bit like a walkie-talkie here. Sauron is aware of who has the Ring but doesn't really know how to behave with someone else in possession of it (Isildur died and then it mostly disappeared. Gollum kept it in a pile and not always wearing it. Plus, it drove him mad). My theory is that these dreams are little bits of Sauron's experiences peeking their way into Frodo's head through the Ring. His dream here is about the Riders, who most certainly are intimately connected with Sauron and also fled from the Horn. Previously, he dreamed of Gandalf's escape from Isengard, which Sauron likely observed through the Palantir located there.

It's not a perfect theory, but I think its more plausible than Frodo somehow being a "seer" or something. Your thoughts?

Anyway, the party leaves Bree and they hit the road. Strider again speaks highly of his skills, boasting that he never takes the wrong path. Besides coming as a dismissal to Sam, it's important to remember that in the books, Aragorn is the one who argues against going to Moria the most. Gandalf convinces the others, however, and he reluctantly goes along. Turned out that Strider, indeed, never takes the wrong path. Willingly, at least.

They slog their way through the marsh and reach the barren, empty lands leading up to Weathertop. Frodo makes a crack while walking about losing so much weight, joking that soon, "I shall become a wraith". Strider is not amused by the joke, and this line is fairly prophetic to what happens at the end of the chapter when he is stabbed by a morgul blade and is in danger of becoming, you guessed it, a wraith.

I just noticed this line on the current read-through. Good stuff.

Storytelling and Conflict at Weathertop

The last portion of this chapter is dominated by two large history dumps, one about Gil-Galad, the last Elven High King, and the other about Beren and Luthien.

As they approach Weathertop, Strider explains this was once a great watchtower of the Northern kingdom and was where Elendil (Isildur's father) waited with his host for Gil-Galad and the Elven armies to join him on the march south to Mordor. Just when he is about to explain more about Gil-Galad, Sam bursts into song and sings a lovely ballad about the king.

Sam! As if we needed more reasons to like him, he sheepishly explains that he learned the song from Mr. Bilbo and memorized it years ago. Sam, our Elven scholar. Strider is also pretty impressed by Sam's knowledge of this ancient song and also impressed by Bilbo for having translated it. Bilbo must've been pretty busy the past 50 years translating all bits and pieces of Elvish history he could find. 

Also telling because it shows that Strider knows Bilbo. Not surprising, really, but shows that Bilbo wasn't the "hermit" many of the hobbits believed him to be.

Secondly, while the party waits in the night for the Riders to appear, Strider sings them the ballad of Beren and Luthien. This is an abbreviated story that is told in much greater detail in the Silmarillion and is one of the deepest and most tragically beautiful stories Tolkien told. 

I've written about it a bit previously, but Luthien was an elf (half-deity really, her mother was akin to Gandalf) and Beren was a lord of men. He fell in love with her and begged her father, King Thingol for her hand. He refused and set upon Beren an impossible task: retrieve a Silmaril from Morgoth (Sauron's boss). Beren, like a boss, puts his man-pants on and marches into Angband, and steals away a Silmaril from Morgoth's crown. It's kind of like the 12 Labors of Hercules if you are familiar with that story.

Anyway, then Strider goes on and on about their sons and daughters, stating the Elrond is a grandson of theirs and all the Kings of Numenor are descendents as well. Which, lets us know that Strider is of their blood and that story is especially touching since he is also in love with an elf whose father disapproved of the match. And also one where the elf chose mortality. And as a highlight, Arwen is also of their blood so its part of each of their legacies.

Again, not super relevant to this story, but super cool and worth a read.

The Attach of the Wraiths by Ted Nasmith

Conclusion

Finally, we hit some action. The wraiths appear and Frodo, in his fright, puts on the Ring (at the Ring's urging...) He sees the Riders in their full and terrible splendor. He sees their long white hair with their leader wearing a full crown upon his head. This is big news if the Witch-King of Angmar himself has appeared. He stabs Frodo, showing that they can see through the Ring's magic (because they are in the spirit world and not the physical one mostly).

The wraiths only flee when Aragorn scares them away with fire. Well, shit. It's still over 10 days from Rivendell and we got a slowly dying important hobbit here.

Chapter 7: In the House of the Tom Bombadil Part 2

In the last post, I wrote about what I thought Tom Bombadil was and as importantly, what he is not.

This post will focus more on the events of the chapter and how Bombadil is actively affecting the narrative.

Bombadil and the Ring

First, as we've discussed in the last post, Tom does not have much interest in the Ring outside of it just being a curiosity.He simple laughs about it, slipping it on and off without much regard for its power and, more amazingly, not disappearing. So far, all characters we've seen have turned invisible under the power of the Ring but Bombadil does not. 

Well, Sauron was not invisible either. This goes back to an earlier discussion on the Ring and what it actually does. I think the Ring is a "Gateway" of sorts between the two worlds: the physical world of Middle Earth and the intangible shadow or spirit world. This is where the lands of Valinor are and why only men seeking the shores of Valinor like the Numenoreans did are unable to find it.

This "spirit" world still has much power and is very much real as evidenced by characters being able to traverse it with the Ring. Bombadil and Sauron do not disappear because they exist in both worlds at once. They are both a spirit and a physical entity. The Ringwraiths have become like this as well, having a physical body but appearing differently in the spirit world, even being able to see others in that world like they did atop Weathertop. Much like the Wraiths, Bombadil can see you even if you are wearing the Ring as Frodo finds out.

Bombadil's Stories

Tom shares an awful lot of history and stories, some of which is fairly cryptic and mysterious and most of which is not relayed to the reader by Tolkien. From what he does share, however, Tom talks about two important areas, the Old Forest where the Hobbits just were, and the Barrow-downs to the east where the Hobbits will be going.

Old Forest

The Old Forest is described as being ancient indeed, the remnants of a vast forest that once covered all of Eriador (western Middle-Earth). Another corner of this forest is Fangorn which we see later. Like Fangorn, the Old Forest is twisted and difference from other forests of Middle-Earth, infected by something darker and more primal than simply base nature.

Tom explains the Old Forest as an ancient forest where the "fathers of the fathers of the trees" live. Of course, he's referring to either Huorns or Ents here. Since Ents speak with the other races directly and Old Man Willow does not do this nor appear capable of doing this, he is probably a Huorn. But he wasn't the only Huorn in the Old Forest, as he is described as their strongest one, rotten with hate. Old Man Willow is also called a master of winds and song and through this he held dominion over nearly all the trees of the forest.  

What Tom is probably saying is that Old Man Willow is a great communicator among the Huorns and has swayed all of the others to his cause. Old Man Willow has seen the Old Forest shrink to its present size from the vast area of former ages, and without an Ent to watch over them and guide them towards peace, the Huorns have "fortified" the forest, singing Old Man Willow's songs to guide all intruders deep into the forest where he will kill them. It's certainly one way to preserve.

I think it's important to note that this is another example of the power of voice. Willow is described as a master of winds and song, pulling others to his side with his speech and slaying his foes with his peaceful "aura" which is really his song that the Hobbits can't understand. We'll be coming back to the power of voice again and again.

Barrow-downs

Tom does not have as much to say about the lands to the immediate east, the Barrow-downs except that it's a pretty desolate place. He describes the Downs as tombs of ancient kings and princes until a Shadow came over them and the dead rose again as wights.The Hobbits are frightened because they have heard the tales of the far-away Barrow-downs and the dead that live there but no Hobbit had ever seen proof. Of course, Tom doesn't go into this detail but the shadow that is described here is most likely the Witch King of Angmar's doing. Angmar was the chief rival of the northern kingdom of Arnor and the Witch King was and is one of Sauron's most powerful servants. The phrase "Shadows of Angmar" occurs several times throughout the series and the idea of Sauron's influence being a "shadow" is common as well.

Tom also described the area as a place where "kings of little kingdoms fought little battles" and just continues on. These are pretty major kings and pretty major battles in the history of men and Middle-Earth and Tom just doesn't care about it. Life goes on. The kingdoms crumbled and the kings are dead. New towns and leaders rose, but forest and nature remains, ever present.

Dreaming in the House of Tom Bombadil

That night, the Hobbits have some wicked dreams. First Frodo dreams of a man atop a tall tower flying away on an eagle. So how does Frodo dream of Gandalf escaping Isengard (which happens at this time)? Is it the magic of Bombadil? Is Gandalf using a previously unseen power? Is Frodo special?

My money is on a mix of 1 and 2. Bombadil's house probably is a spring of natural "energy" or "magic" in a sense. Gandalf also is incredibly powerful, much more so than we ever see in the books (directly at least) and certainly more than is shown on the big screen. Gandalf is worried about being late to meet Frodo and his desire to get back to Frodo might be picked up by Frodo who is sleeping in a magic antenna of sorts. This is all conjecture, but there aren't many visions in Tolkien so it's hard to dismiss out of hand as unrelated.

But after this vision, each Hobbit has some horrible dreams. Frodo dreams of the Riders and fears that they are outside the house, ready to get him..  Pippen dreams of the willows scraping the windows and mocking him, as if saying that as soon as he leaves Old Man Willow will grab them again. Merry dreams of a rising flood getting in the house despite efforts to repel it which only recedes after finding solid foothold.  Sam dreams of nothing.

What does this mean?

My thought is that each Hobbit dreams of what they currently fear most and by waking up safe and sound, its representing putting aside fears and pushing on because the fears can't stop you.

Frodo definitely fears the Black Riders, and Pippen was just trapped within the body of Old Man Willow so the willow trees are a frightening prospect right now. Merry's is a little more difficult to determine but my current thought is that he is concerned with the Shire more broadly and it being swept away in the coming problems. Merry grew up on the banks of the Brandywine River so a flood metaphor is probably common from his past and it seems so far that Merry has a bit broader view on things than some of the other Hobbits. 

Sam? He's not really that fearful of anything right now. The Riders are scary and he doesn't know what to expect outside of the Shire, but he has already faced the Riders (remember when he pushed Frodo down and jumped in front of him when Merry approached them at Buckleberry Ferry and they thought it was a Rider?) and he has swallowed his fear of being away from home already by crossing the river and going into the Forest. Sam might have his own fears (he certainly does) but he has already confronted them and pushed them down in his own mind. What a boss.

That was a long post. What are your thoughts? Do you think the Hobbits dreams mean anything else? Did I miss something important?

Chapter 4: Shortcut to Mushrooms

Chapter 4 is a quick read of a chapter, nestled in between the refreshing evening with the Elves and before Frodo and company makes it to Buckleberry Ferry and their "freedom". This is a bit shorter of a post and I wanted to introduce an important theme of the entire series that makes an early appearance here: the power of voice.

Leaving the Shire by Ted Nasmith

The next morning after the party with the Elves, Pippen is in an extraordinarily good mood considering the circumstances. He had a rather strange day what with Dark Riders and a full day of walking and hasn't slept in a proper bed in several nights. Why, he doesn't even have beer, a fact he bemoans in Chapter 4. Granted, Pippen knows much less about whats going on and the true danger than Frodo and Sam, but his cheer is a strong contrast to Frodo who wakes up troubled and concerned.

This marks the first time that Frodo tries to get his friends to leave him.

Sam seems to understand what Frodo is trying to get at and rejects him firmly. He relays an interesting exchange with the Elves from the night before.

" 'Don't you leave him!' they said to me, 'Leave him!' I said, 'I never mean to. I am going with him, if he climbs to the Moon and if any of those black riders try to stop him, they'll have Sam Gamgee to reckon with!' "

First, this is important because it is one of the earlier instances of "oaths" or promises making their appearance. Words are very powerful in Tolkien's world (which makes sense, being a linguist and language scholar and all) and spoken words can carry weight of their own. Think Gandalf speaking to bring down the Chamber of Mazarbul in Moria, or Grima Wormtongue using his voice to manipulate the King. It's not simple political persuasion, it's actual control.

The power of voice is a strong theme in old Norse mythology and Tolkien uses his research in that area to tie in these traditional elements. It's pretty similar to Skyrim where the Nord characters revere those who can use the Dragon Shouts, essentially, those who can command the world with their voice. This is an old Nordic trope and Tolkien hits it throughout the series.

Oaths, and promises, are of a similar vein and it's important to take note when they are made, by whom, and how they are kept.

Another important piece of this conversation is how Sam comments that he doesn't really have an interest in seeing Elves, Dragons, or Mountains anymore. He wants to continue because he feels like he must. He claims that he feels a sense of duty and there is something that he needs to do before the end. A pretty solid turnaround from the starry eyed boy from a chapter ago. Remember, Sam is a young-guy still. Late teens in terms of human development while Frodo is probably closer to early 30's in this regard. Important to keep in mind.

Tolkien's choice of language and writing style varies throughout the book. In these early chapters, its more casual. He drops parenthetical asides referencing whats really going on such as "Sam claimed his pack was too light (it wasn't)." which is a feature not really seen in later chapters. In Chapter 3, he even writes a paragraph of the inner monologue of a fox who happened to be walking by. In generally, it feels like a children's book that is growing darker and darker with each chapter, which I think is by design.

Chapter 3: Three is Company

In this chapter, Frodo, Sam, and Pippen set off to Buckland to move Frodo into his new home on the far eastern edge of the Shire.

This is the first real leg of the trip, even if it is mostly across rolling hills and gentle thickets, and we get our first taste of how the Hobbits will react to the road.

The chapter is broken into three distinct segments and I'll format this post in much the same way.

Last Sight of Hobbiton by Ted Naismith

Preparing to Leave

Unlike the Peter Jackson films, Frodo takes his sweet time leaving the Shire after Gandalf comes by talking about how the Ring is, well, the Ring. Spring rolls into summer, and summer becomes fall, and Frodo drags his feet commenting that his home felt more comfortable and desirable than ever. This is a nice contrast with his initial energy in rushing off after Bilbo and starting his own adventure. Eventually, Frodo is convinced to leave after his birthday in the autumn.

In an additional wild bit of Hobbit gossip, Frodo sells Bag End to the Sackville-Baggins, causing quite a stir among the respectable Hobbits of the Shire. This seems to be a specialty with the Baggins of Bag End.

Frodo, Pippen, Merry, Folco, and Fredegar  spend several days packing and shipping off his belongings to a new house in Buckland where he decided to "move away to". Only Sam knows the real reason for the trip (and Sam still isn't invited to spend time with the group of friends...) Folco and Fredegar head out a few days early and Merry escorts the last of the wagons to Buckland to help set up Frodo's house before he arrives.

On the eve of the departure, Frodo has an encounter with The Enemy. Not the Ring, but one of the most powerful servants of Sauron, a Nazgul. As Frodo stretches on his front stoop, he hears old Gaffer speaking in an oddly shrill voice about how Mr. Frodo went away to Buckleberry. Thinking nothing of it, Frodo, Sam, and Pippen take off into the early evening, crossing through the fields and hedges.

On the Road

I think this is an incredibly interesting section and really sets the tone for how the rest of the journey will pan out. 

The first lines of dialogue on the trek come from Frodo bemoaning how heavy his pack is. 

The second line? Sam offering to take some of Frodo's weight because his own is much too light (Tolkien explains that Sam is not being truthful).

Bam! Right there from the start we see EXACTLY how their relationship will look. The more I re-read, the more impressed I become with Sam. The youngest son of a poor gardener, servant of nobility of the Shire, who listened wide-eyed at tales of wonder and elves, becomes the strongest hero of the books (yes, over even Aragorn and Frodo). He knows that his own pack is heavier than Frodo's (because he packed it that way) but still is willing to give more.

The second major bit of action comes the second day of the adventure when Frodo, Sam, and Pippen are overcome with a sudden urge to get off the road and hide. A few moments later, Frodo, peeking through the weeds, sees the Dark Rider himself, sniffing the air for a scent. 

The Hobbits don't know yet what this is or what it represents but Frodo already has a strong feeling of dread. He knows that he is safe and hidden, yet the Ring feels so tempting in his pocket. He doesn't know that the Rider would be able to see him then. All he knows is that the Ring makes him invisible, yet he resists?

Well, he doesn't really resist. He is going for the Ring and the Rider leaves. How disastrous would that have been? Frodo, 1.5 days out of Bag End and not yet to Buckland, loses the Ring to a Nazgul who spirits it away to Mordor. Pretty short trip.

Fortunately, the Rider got impatient first. But the pull of the Ring casts Frodo's reluctance to leave Bag End in a different light. Could it be the Ring that was making him think of how great the Shire was and how cozy it felt? Or was it his inner Hobbit finally coming out? I'll wager its a bit of both.

The Elves

After this encounter, Frodo, Sam and Pippen run into the Rider again. This time, they are saved by the timely sound of singing Elves which drives the the Nazgul away. That's 2 for 2 with lucky escapes from the Riders.

The Elves recognize Frodo as a friend of Bilbo's and hail the Hobbits. (This has been a particularly unusual day for Pippen especially. Black Riders, Elves?) 

Elves in the Woody End by Ted Naismith

History Lesson!

These are not just any Elves though! These are Noldor, high elves, the most powerful of the Elvish races! Their leader is Gildor Inglorion of the House of Finrod. Now, this likely means that he is of the House of Finrod who was a brother to Feanor, the greatest of the Elves. However, being "of the House" can mean no more than being a knight or minor noble, so it is unlikely our friend Gildor is very significant in the grand scheme of Elvish power.

Still though, he claims to lead this band of "Exiles" which is an interesting point in Elvish history. Back in the 1st Age, Finrod (whose name is really Finarfin but that didn't clear up until the Silmarillion was edited in the 70s.) and his brothers Feanor and Fingolfin left Valinor for Middle Earth. Halfway there, Manwe (think Zeus) issued the Doom of the Noldor, which is an indictment of Feanor's pride and vengeance. Essentially, an "original sin" for Elves. Finrod heeded Manwe's warning and returned to Valinor where he presumably still rules as King of the Noldor. Feanor and Fingolfin lead long and glorious lives with many great stories. We'll touch on them later as we go.

Anyway, Gildor is probably part of the group that continued sailing to Middle Earth with Feanor and Fingolfin and did not return to Valinor with his own ruler. This makes this group particularly powerful, in contrast to the woodland elves of Legolas which are a different, less powerful variety.

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The Elves takes the hobbits in to protect them from the Rider and have a wonderful little party above Woodhall. Frodo stays up with Gildor speaking of events across Middle Earth. Gildor leaves Frodo with parting wisdom and a strong foreshadow in regards to the Enemy.

"My heart forebodes that you, Frodo of the Shire, will know more of these fell things than Gildor Inglorion!" This is a substantial statement coming from a Noldor who has seen thousands of years rise and fall. He has fought the Enemy first hand at the side of the great Elf Lord Gil-Galad and to make this claim (which Elves don't do lightly) is pretty bold.

He also leaves Frodo with the wish that Elbereth protect him. Elbereth is their most beloved star, representative of the Valar named Varda. Frodo remembers this, I think, as he cries out Elbereth when stabbed on Weathertop, and its the password Sam and him use in Cirith Ungol. Each of these events had a life-threatening wound given to Frodo and yet he survives despite the odds.

Elbereth watched over him, indeed.

Chapter Two: The Shadow of the Past part 1 - The Hobbits

Chapter Two is one of my favorite chapters in the entirety of the Lord of the Rings saga because it really is where the story kicks off. Chapter 1 has some nice exposition and a pleasant party, but Chapter Two is where we dig into the character of Frodo and start to see him, and his friends, as a contrast to the older, stodgier Hobbits of the first chapter.

Hobbiton by Ted Nasmith

 

I think I'm going to spend this chapter looking at the two biggest Hobbit characters in the book, Frodo and Sam, followed by a second post looking at one of the most mysterious, yet powerful characters, the One Ring, which will be posted tomorrow!

Frodo 

Frodo is the young nephew of Bilbo introduced in the first chapter. Frodo is an orphan and we've discussed the interested position he has as the eldest of Bilbo's cousins and the role of the "elder" in a group. Chapter Two really fleshes out what Frodo is before the journey and highlights just how different he was compared to his neighbors and even his friends. As an aside about Frodo's friends, he is introduced with his circle of friends who are Meriadoc and Peregrin (who are well known characters) and the less known Folco Boffin and Fredegar (Fatty) Bolger. Fredegar gets a good amount of attention in the next few chapters and is one of the least heralded heroes of the saga but one who played an absolutely crucial part. Samwise Gamgee is NOT mentioned as a friend of Frodo's despite being of a similar age as Pippin and living in the same hill as Frodo. Sam, after all, is Frodo's employee and NOT his friend. The clear language in this chapter establishes that they were on good terms with each other, but not oft drinking buddies or old comrades.

It's important to note that Frodo is aggressively pushed as an atypical Hobbit, much the opposite way Bilbo was presented in The Hobbit. Bilbo is a very reluctant adventurer and relishes casual days smoking pipe weed and walking through the gardens. Frodo, having grown up on Bilbo's tales, has a sense of wonder that is matched by his companions, atypical Hobbits themselves!

Tolkien writes that Frodo is oft seen wandering the Shire by night, alone, staring up at the stars and lost in thoughts. He surrounded himself with odd characters as well. The respectable Hobbits of the Ivy Bush Inn whispered about queer Mr. Frodo as he was "Often he was seen walking and talking with the strange wayfarers that began at this time to appear in the Shire". I would think they mean Men in this instance as Elves and Dwarves are mentioned individually elsewhere in the section (and Frodo speaks frequently with them as well!) and new men in the Shire likely mean early scouts of Saruman, although this is nothing more than a personal hunch.

Sam 

As I mentioned before, its significant that Sam is not mentioned as a specific friend of Frodo. He is of a lower social class, his father being Bilbo's longtime gardener, and drinks with the fellow laborers of town like Ted Sandyman the miller while Frodo carouses with Merry Brandybuck, the heir to Buckland, and Pippin Took, the heir of Great Smials and the title of Thane of the Shire. Frodo is hanging out with Shire nobility (and as a Baggins with a Took for a mother and a Baggins/Brandybuck father, a noble himself)while their workers gossip about them in pubs.

When we are properly introduced to Sam, he is telling his drinking mates about tales he's heard from the northernmost reaches of the Shire - giants have been seen and there are Elves going through the woods again! He frequently references the tales of Mr. Bilbo and laments how Bilbo left so he can no longer hear the stories. Sam is a simple man, enchanted by the unknown and mystery that Bilbo presented. When Gandalf insists that Sam accompany Frodo at the end of the chapter, Sam is overjoyed. HE GETS TO SEE THE ELVES! He literally jumps for joy at the chance to live out one of Mr. Bilbo's stories and is anxious to leave the Shire behind.

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I think the most significant of the Hobbit's characteristics is that these Hobbits represent a new generation very different than the previous ones. These Hobbits grew up on Bilbo's tales of adventure and have a deeply ingrained sense of curiosity, wondering what else there is besides gentle rolling hills and fine pipe-weed to the world. Sam is the most wide-eyed child-like over this (probably because he, and Pippen, are essentially kids when this starts) but all of the main Hobbits are different in that they are intrigued by adventure and do not shy away from the possibility of it. This is a REMARKABLE difference than 50 years prior when Bilbo ran out of town without his handkerchief.