Lord of the Rings Discussion Group (The Green Dragon Inn)

[HairOfTheDog]

Welcome to The Green Dragon Inn

Approaching The Green Dragon Inn
Hobbiton, in The Shire

The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And wither then? I cannot say.
- JRR Tolkien

Politics also goes ever on and on.
This is a place for FReeper Tolkien fans to come and take a break from the impure reality of conservative activism and relax a little with a great story. We (the other co-conspirators and I) would like to study together the writings of Tolkien, beginning together, and discussing as we go through The Lord of the Rings together.

This is a chapter discussion, roughly one chapter per week, with the discussion mostly centered on the books, though of course the movie will be contrasted and compared, and perhaps used to illustrate another interpretation of the story.

When we are ready to move on, someone from the group (maybe me) will ping The Green Dragon List to the new Chapter, but we will continue this one thread until it becomes too cumbersome…. Let me know if you would like to be on - or off - this list. I will for now serve as the Thain of the list.

If you are joining late, jump right in, but please stick to the chapter currently being discussed.

Some have loved this story a long time, and some are newly discovering it. If you fit either category, we invite you to join in, but we would like this thread to stay mostly focused on the chapter at hand and keep moving, but at a pace everyone can keep up with… No jumping ahead, and no lagging behind! If you have other news to report or wish to discuss something Tolkien in more general terms… May we recommend the equally homey Hobbit Hole where my co-conspirators and I frequently have plenty of good talk.

One other request…. This thread will get long. In recognition that images slow down the thread for many and take up bandwidth, let’s keep the posting of images to a minimum on this thread. If there is a great illustration you wish to share, let’s try to use links instead of images wherever possible.

So lets read, listen and become inspired by the many aspects of The Lord of the Rings that touch us deeply and reconnect us to the values we aspire to. Many great discussions have already been had, and I hope that this thread will produce even more. Many FReepers have wonderful things to say about LoTR, whether the fantasy reconnects them with their faith, with their relationships with friends and family, or simply illustrates the splendor of great acts of heroism and sacrifice in the constant battle of virtue versus corruption.

Though it is a work of fiction, we believe the inspiration to be gained can only help us in our larger political goals: to guard and defend our freedom, our culture and our political ideals. May the fellowship and insight gained from this discussion help us to work through the issues that are the basis for our many shared ideals.

Besides, we Tolkien fans* need something to keep us busy during the next two years of waiting for the next two films. If you do not enjoy this story, then please simply leave us be.

*Also known as Geeky Hobbity Weirdos, obsessive fanatics, you name it, we have heard it and we see these names as compliments. In other words: don’t act like a troll, or we will distract you with our endless babble until the morning sun turns you to stone.

[HairOfTheDog]

That happens while still in Bag End... careful with the details in this group... hee hee...

[Penny1]

But looking at Bilbo, who's had it for decades, it had become addictive, but had not utterly corrupted him. And he was able (if barely) to part with it, in the end. After DECADES of ownership and use.

That was a key point, wasn't it? That Bilbo was able to willingly, of his own free choice, let the ring go. As hard as it was, he didn't need to be forced to give it up.

And he had even worn it on occasion, whereas Frodo would not put it on...at least not at that point in the story...

-penny

[Penny1]

Ack! I knew I should have brought my book to work with me today, this is killing me not being able to look up the details!

When Gandalf threw it into the fire, did he throw it envelope and all, just like in the movie? It seems to me that he never actually touched the ring itself. No one else ever touched the ring except for Frodo and Sam (and Gollum, that is), unless my memory is failing me...which is entirely possible because it very often does...

Sheesh, I don't even know if I'm getting ahead of myself--am I still in Chapter 1?

-penny

[Ramius]

OK... now I'm really worried. I'm thinking that an intervention may be in order... :-)

[thulldud]

At the Council of Rivendell, Gandalf not only touches the ring, he throws it into the fire to display the orcish runes containing the poem that defines the ring's purpose.

Actually, he did that in Bag End. The book says that after throwing the Ring into the fire, Gandalf eventually removed it "to the hearth with the tongs, and at once picked it up." Frodo was aghast that the wizard could handle the thing all at once, but it turned out to be cool to the touch, as if a mere wood-fire was not enough even to warm it, much less destroy it.

At the Council, Gandalf does not repeat the experiment, but only there does he actually quote the verses that he saw on the Ring in Bilbo's house.

[RosieCotton]

OK... now I'm really worried. I'm thinking that an intervention may be in order...

But it's a GOOD addiction! Why don't you join us? We've been having a blast!

[HairOfTheDog]

If my brother Ramius tries anything like an intervention, I trust you will all protect me.... Bothersome relatives!

[repubmom]

Please add me to your ping list...thanks!

[ecurbh]

Gandalf not only touches the ring, he throws it into the fire to display the orcish runes containing the poem that defines the ring's purpose.

Actually, the runes were elvish, but the language was the Black Speech of Mordor:

"I cannot read the fiery letters," said Frodo in a quavering voice.

"No," said Gandalf, "but I can. The letters are Elvish, of an ancient mode, but the language is that of Mordor, which I will not utter here."

[JenB]

That is chapter two. Chapter one ends with Gandalf leaving Frodo alone and bemused. Chapter Two is 17 years later. Which also answers a question upthread, when somebody said that Aragorn was 70 "in the first chapter". By the time he shows up, he's almost 90.

[ThomasMore]

They like getting proper meals and smoking pipeweed without Big Folk bothering them.

They were the first conservatives!

[Romestamo]

In the Unfinished Tales, Tolkien surmises that, at first, the Numenoreans did more than just age slowly. It seems that they remained hale until within the last five years of their life, and died without struggling against their age. Only when the kings started to become greedy for life and power did they become feeble for longer periods at the ends of their lives.

[Romestamo]

Not only was Aragorn of Numenorean descent, but it appears that providence was one his side as well. The lifespans of the Kings of Gondor and the northern Chieftans grew gradually shorter after the fall of Numenor, and Aragorn, living to the age of 210, lived a longer lifespan than all of his direct ancestors until 19 generations back.

[carton253]

But, when Gandalf wants to positively identify the ring as the One Ring, he takes it from Frodo (without envelope) and throws it into the fire himself. He takes it out with tongs, and Frodo is the one who sees the letters appear. Chapter 2! (Getting ahead of ourselves)

[sneakers]

Me too please! Add me to the ping list!

[HairOfTheDog]

It's hard, isn't it? To keep from jumping ahead.

I am re-reading about the party... I love the carmudgeon-nature of the hobbits...

"I hope you are all enjoying yourselves as much as I am" Deafening cheers. Cries of Yes (and No)

[BornOnTheFourth]

PLEEEEAAAASSEEEE add me to your ping list, too!

I'm partway through the Two Towers and love it. I'm taking my dad to see the movie this weekend (it'll be my third viewing). This thread is a great idea--thanks!!!

[carton253]

I am enjoying myself tremendously.

You are only up to the party, but when you get to Frodo giving out the "bequeaths" to Bilbo's various acquaintenances, we must discuss the spoons give to Lobila (forgive the mangling of her name). 61 years is a long time to hold a grudge, don't you think? Bilbo never got over the fact that she stole his spoons at the auction.

[frodolives]

Hello Gang! Can I play, too?
Just got back from a drive to find the last theater in town that's still playing LOTR. Hubbie hasn't seen it- yet. And it's a discount theater, with bottomless popcorn.
I sat behind a Large-headed man the first time through, so I am looking forward to seeing both participants in converations at the same time.

[HairOfTheDog]

Welcome! - grab a book and settle in... Here is a pint.

There is a party going on, everyone has been invited, and even those who were not will come anyway! Gandalf will say a few mysterious things without explaining them, and Frodo will be left holding the bag. end.