[HairOfTheDog]

OK Gang…. I trust we have all done our first homework? If not - read up and report back! This is where we grab a blanket and a mug and settle into our chair. Who are these hobbits and what is Tolkien telling us about them in this first chapter?

Here are some Movie pictures - Chapter I

[JenB]

Whooo-hoo! We're ready for business!

I see the first chapter as providing background into the character of hobbits. They may be "tough as dragons in a pinch" but they don't like being put in pinches. They like getting proper meals and smoking pipeweed without Big Folk bothering them.

So when our heroes have to go on their adventure, we know that this is not the way things usually are for hobbits, and it makes what they do all the more impressive.

Also, this chapter is mostly light-hearted, but there are a few moments where the new, darker tone of the book creeps through, like when Bilbo doesn't want to give away the Ring. This is also to clue us in that there's something odd here, as readers of The Hobbit will find Bilbo's behavior very odd.

[HairOfTheDog]

Here is a very nice Map of the Shire

Here is where it came from

[The Iguana]

Sir,

Nice idea. Count me in as a frequent visitor to the tavern.

I have always thought that this chapter served as the (necessary) transition from The Hobbit to LOTR. It has some of the feel of The Hobbit and of course traffics in familiar characters and places. It's very "hobbity."

The prose is a little deeper, however, and hints creep in quickly that despite all the fun, that this will be a darker tale.

But I suppose my Gaffer would say that's what comes of mixing in the affairs of your betters.

[repubmom]

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

[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!!!

[BornOnTheFourth]

These links are great! Thanks!

Note to self: get to work...step away from the LOTR sites...

[otterpond]

Hi!

I'm pretty busy at work most of the time, but would appreciate being on the ping list. Maybe I can catch up and add a thought or two at odd hours after work and weekends....

[Cleburne]

Please add me to the Ring Ping Fellowship. And if anyone tis interested, I'm writing a rather long and terribly drawn out (up to 45,000 words as of now) story (or book rather!) taken from Middle-Earth circa 400 Fourth Age. For my amusement soley, but if any one is interested in reading it, Freepmail me.

[Long Cut]

Seen it three times. Without doubt, the finest movie of the year. As a movie buff, Hollywood has broken my heart a lot lately, this (and "Moulin Rouge") have begun to repair the damage that started with "Godzilla"(98).

May I be added to this fellowship too, please?