J.R.R. Tolkien Epic Reads discussion

Okay, well, up quicker than I thought it was going to be. Anyway, last three chapters of FotR.

VIII: Farewell to Lorien

IX: The Great River

X: The Breaking of the Fellowship

I'm particularly fond of the scene with the statues.

I'm looking forward to revisiting those scenes, Mary. As Eileen mentioned, I don't remember that chapter very well. I have a vague memory from years ago of a sense of wonder at their description, and hope I find it again.

I went to the pre-showing of the "Tolkien" movie tonight, and I must say it is a beautifully done movie. The after show panel with the actors and director was funny and informative. I hope they include it on the DVD. Stephen Colbert, the moderator, was again impressive with his knowledge and ability to quote passages from memory.

That’s awesome George! I’m looking forward to it even more.

When Haldir returns from North Fences one of the things he mentions are "noises in the deeps of the earth". I've always assumed those noises are Gandalf and the Balrog battling it out. Is that known, or what everyone else believes, or am I reaching?

Sounds very plausible.

I’d agree offhand. I’m glad you mentioned it... I didn’t notice. I’m going to read the passage again.

Spoiler if you haven’t read “The Two Towers”.
I believe I found another reference to Gandalf that I never noticed until this reading. In Book 2, Chapter 9 “The Great River”, the Fellowship sights a “great bird high and far off” on the 7th day of the journey down the river. Legolas believes it is a hunting eagle far from the mountains and wonders if it is an omen. I was reviewing Appendix B of III and noticed this is the same day (02/17/3019) that Gwaihir bears the resurrected Gandalf to Lorien. I believe it’s likely this passage is the Fellowship’s unbeknownst sighting of the resurrected Gandalf. I love when Tolkien makes these subtle references.

That’s great, George! I’ve never picked up on these before, but I’m glad they’re there. I’ve wondered if it was a Nazgul, but then it made no sense for them not to get involved if it was, so it never fit. Good catch!

I also always thought it was a Nazgul, especially since they have a Nazgul/winged beast encounter soon thereafter. But it never made sense that Legolas, with his great eyesight, would miss identifying the flying object. That bothered me a little. The Gandalf sighting makes much more sense.

I’ve been trying to pay attention to Boromir while reading, looking for any sign of his treachery. I think there are some interesting quotes that I’ll try pulling together into one thread soon. For now, what do you think of Boromir’s behavior in this chapter. Did it surprise you? If you’ve read it before, or seen the movie, did you feel any different this time through?

I’m just reaching that point in the story, but I’m curious what others feel or notice.

James, I have also been taking notes of Boromir’s suspicious behavior and when it first reared its ugly head. My first note of strange behavior is in Chapter 8 after the Company met with Celeborn and Galadriel. In the Pavilion after the meeting, he is overheard talking to himself about being a “folly to throw away” the Ring. Tolkien states Frodo noticed “something new and strange in Boromir’s glance”.

On the 4th and 5th day on the boats, it is mentioned that Boromir is biting his nails, restless or “doubt consumed him”. He is seen gazing at Frodo. It is also mentioned on the boat ride that he sometimes paddles his boat close to Frodo’s.

The above are the instances I noted before the last chapter and his approach at the foot of Amon Hen. Of course, he could just be upset that the rest of the Company received cool gifts from Galadriel, and all he got was a belt of gold.

I just watched “The Fellowship of the Ring” again after finishing the book. All of Boromir’s important lines from the book are in the movie. However, they are placed differently. Sean Bean, of course, does a masterful job playing the part.

The one thing that I did notice this reading about Boromir is that at first his arguments at the foot of Amon Hen were actually pretty reasonable. Stopping in Gondor first for rest and intelligence would normally be an excellent idea. Blindly entering Mordor would seem to favor the Enemy. Of course, Frodo, reasonably, is worried about the delay. The whole idea that “true-hearted men” will not be corrupted and only need the tools to defend themselves would be a more powerful argument if Aragon was the one saying it and not the obviously corrupted Boromir. Even though somewhat reasonable, I don’t believe they ever had a chance of swaying Frodo at this point because he already suspected the Ring was affecting Boromir. In the end, Boromir did Frodo a favor. Frodo admits he knows what to do, but he is afraid. That’s the only reason he is even considering the Gondor option. But, as Frodo states, Boromir’s behavior helped clear Frodo’s mind to decide there was really only one option.

I so love this book. I can’t believe it’s over (for me the third time). But I can’t wait until July to start The Two Towers!

That’s great Sydney! I’m so glad you loved the book. It’s been one of my favorites too. July is coming soon, so you’ll be able to keep going with The Two Towers. I can’t wait to keep reading either