Tolkien dives into a bit of a history dump when the Hobbits approach Bree, which is good since we know little to nothing about the non-Hobbit world thus far. Remember, the story begins with a lengthy exposition on Hobbits and their customs, we can't expect there to be no exposition here.For this post, I want … Continue reading Chapter 9: At the Sign of the Prancing Pony
Chapter 8: Fog on the Barrow-Downs
(I'm doing something new here where I bold and italicize Tolkien's words to draw more emphasis to them. Let me know if it helps or if I should do it differently)In this chapter, Frodo and company set out across the foreboding Barrow-downs and are, of course, snatched by the wights into danger.When Frodo comes to … Continue reading Chapter 8: Fog on the Barrow-Downs
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 RingFirst, as we've discussed in the last post, Tom does not have much interest in … Continue reading Chapter 7: In the House of the Tom Bombadil Part 2
Chapter 7: In the House of Tom Bombadil Part 1
Tom Bombadil is probably the most polarizing character in the series. Some fans of the books scream bloody murder over Peter Jackson's decision to exclude him from the movies as he plays a very important role in getting the Hobbits out of the Shire and as a sentry of sorts between the peaceful Shire and … Continue reading Chapter 7: In the House of Tom Bombadil Part 1
Chapter 6: The Old Forest
Chapter 6 is really the first chapter where no one is really comfortable or knows what to expect.Merry does a fine job of leading the party as best as he can through the trails of the Old Forest and using what knowledge he has to be a suitable guide. However, it seems like even a … Continue reading Chapter 6: The Old Forest
Chapter 5: A Conspiracy Unmasked pt 2
From yesterday's post, we can summarize Frodo and his pals in one statement from Merry partially through the chapter, "We know most of what Gandalf told you, we know a good deal about the Ring. We are terribly afraid - but we are coming with you; or following you like hounds."A Hobbit, or anyone, could … Continue reading Chapter 5: A Conspiracy Unmasked pt 2
Chapter 5: A Conspiracy Unmasked Pt 1
In Chapter 5, the party finally makes it to Buckland, the strangest place in all the Shire (even more strange than Bag End!)Map Credit: Encyclopedia of Arda (which you can download on iPhone or iPad to access Tolkien encyclopedia offline!)Hobbits path painted in by myself.Tolkien opens this chapter discussing Hobbit lineage and the founding of … Continue reading Chapter 5: A Conspiracy Unmasked Pt 1
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 … Continue reading Chapter 4: Shortcut to Mushrooms
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 … Continue reading Chapter 3: Three is Company
Alternative Ways to Enjoy Tolkien
This post is quite an aside from normal content but just figured I'd give a shout-out to a few different mediums to experience Tolkien's world that you may not be familiar with.Video GamesLord of the Rings Online - This is my highest recommendation because its free. It's like World of Warcraft in terms of gameplay … Continue reading Alternative Ways to Enjoy Tolkien
Lord of the Blog 