Kaleb Millan > Recent Status Updates

Today I finished the story part of this volume (appendices next)

The Lord of the Rings is the best fiction story ive come across. This volume specifically is my favorite volume, largely due to the various battles and speeches that everything has led up to. This whole thing was a journey indeed, and I look forward to enjoying this over and over again throughout my life. On to Bilbo's Last Song and the Silmarillion!

Many partings.

I’m glad that Tolkien didn’t end the book at the defeat of Sauron. His lingering in the peace of middle earth after the war is well earned by the reader! A new age comes! I’m sad to read that this is likely the last time the surviving fellowship all meets again, but it makes me value the times they spent together. Im sure they all cherish the memories. One of the best chapters in LOTR.

The Fields of Cormallen

This chapter has to be the happiest thing ever written. I love that even now Frodo and Sam are still inseparable and are honored together before the new King of Gondor. It feels like they died in Mordor, and are before Christ at the throne of glory receiving their crowns for fighting the good fight. I love the reunion between the members of the Company. Really missing Boromir now!

The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.

The best chapter I think in the whole of LOTR so far. Theoden King! Theoden King!

I had to pause before Theodens war cry knowing I was about to read peak fantasy. The ride of the Rohirrim was so fun to read I caught my self whispering yells with a smile across my face at the end of it.

Gandalf facing off with Angmar the King of Nazgûl was so sick. And the appearance of Rohan in the Nick of time was just the best way to end the chapter of the Siege of Rohan.

Denethor! What are you doing man!!

I love the friendship of Merry and King Theoden. Who would have thought that the hobbit of Buckleberry all the way back in the Shire would befriend a king of men! Here he is riding along with a great host to war. It’s just plain awesome.

I love how everyone is nervous, but with doom facing the realm, it brings people together. The arrival of the supporting forces to Minas Tirith, Pippin befriending Men of Gondor, Aragorn’s kin joining the Rohirrim. Theoden enjoying the company of Merry before war strikes. It almost feels like high school graduation! Taking time to enjoy company for possibly the last time. Pieces are falling into place.

In love with the way Tolkien describes the land of Gondor and the majesty of Minas Tirith. I was wondering how we would describe its very specific design as seen in artwork by Naismith and Lee, but it’s all there. It’s even hard to keep track of it all at times for that perfectly accurate mental picture. I feel like Pippin! A regular guy from another lane thoroughly impressed by the construction of this city.

Guess I spoke too soon. There was a 50 year time skip meaning Hari Seldon is dead. The focus is now on the population of Terminus as they find themselves in the middle of a political conflict between warring nations. How will the foundation continue its work under these new conditions?Curious to know. VERY much a plot driven book. Characters are hardly described and we only have dialogue to distinguish them.

Enjoying this so far. Definitely a plot-driven book as far as I know. That said, I like Hari Seldon as a character. Always calm and collected, a very calculated man. Even in moments you think he his in a trap, he is still in control.

Adored the section where Sam and Frodo sit in the darkness of some crack in the wall in Mordor, thinking of the stories that would be told about them in the future. It felt almost like a fourth wall break! In their friendship they found some joy in the ocean of darkness that is Mordor.

Ending on a cliffhanger at end of Shelob’s Lair. Will finish this volume with the final chapter, The Choices of Master Samwise!

Gollum has become one of my favorite characters. He reminds me of the wretched state of man when fully given over to his own wicked desires. Anyway, Frodo has almost befriended the Smeagol side of Gollum, appreciative of his guidance, and also out of pity. In Gollum there are redeeming qualities (the Sméagol side), but the tragedy is that he is dominated by the Gollum side and might even be unaware of it.

Love the premise. Definitely something I can read in small bites given the way it’s written too. It might be a good companion read to something heavier like LOTR.

It’s hilarious how Sam lets Frodo and Faramir discuss things, but the moment Faramir brings up Galadriel, the biggest fan of elves Sam goes on a rant about how wonderful she is, then spills the beans about Boromir!

I love the little reminder of beauty on the outskirts of Mordor, which cheers Frodo up. I think of Californian pine forests but lower altitude. I love that the Gondorians are excited to hear about Boromir and dress like rangers (green & brown with cloaks and masks), like Aragorn. It’s also cool how ppl from the Far South, Harad, are coming in. Makes the world feel even bigger, as Harad is barely even on the map.

The description of the land outside the black gate and the fear but bravery of the ring bearer is powerful. The courage of Frodo, and little Halfling from the Shire to press on in the face of pure darkness and wretchedness is inspiring. His resolve reminds me of the peace one has when full of conviction.