The Great Dwarven Escape

Bilbo was still invisible. He dared not take off his Ring and be captured as well. He spent nearly two weeks hiding, stealing food, exploring the halls, and trying to think of what to do. That is how he eventually found Thorin who was greatly encouraged to hear the hobbit's voice. He had Bilbo take a message to each of the Dwarves and they were greatly encouraged to know Thorin was alive. Finally even Thorin had a great respect for Bilbo, so much so in fact, that he expected the hobbit to figure out how to break them all out. No small task. As Bilbo thought and explored he found out that the magic gates were not the only way in or out of Thranduil's halls.

There was a river that ran through the underground halls. It was blocked by a portcullis but that was often open for the river was the main way the Silvan Elves received supplies from outside of Mirkwood. "There stood barrels, and barrels, and barrels; for the Wood-elves, and especially their king, were very fond of wine, though no vines grew in those parts" (p. 188, The Hobbit). In the roof of the river tunnel a trap door had been cut. When opened the empty barrels were thrown back into the river to float away out of Mirkwood. Bilbo overheard conversations that informed him the empty barrels were gathered, tied into rafts, and floated to Lake-town, where Men still dwelt in the shadow of the Dragon of the Mountain. Suddenly Bilbo had his idea. Although he was not sure how he would get the Dwarves out unseen for he had no keys and not enough magic rings for everyone.

But luck was on his side (or perhaps better said providence). He overheard the king's butler calling to the chief-of-guards to come taste the brand new wine that had just come in. They wanted to try it out before the big feast planned that evening. Now Bilbo had a chance. It was wine from Dorwinion which proved even better for Bilbo's plan. "The wine of Dorwinion brings deep and pleasant dreams" (p. 192, The Hobbit). Soon the two Elves were fast asleep. Bilbo was able to pick the keys from the guard and free all the dwarves. He was worried about the noise they made (apparently Dwarves are very noisy) but there was no one around; everyone was feasting that night.

Of course once the dwarves understood Bilbo's plan they objected. They did not want to be stuffed in barrels and were certain they would either drown or be crushed. Bilbo informed them the other option was to get back in their cells and they relented. With little time to spare Bilbo stuffed all the dwarves in barrels. Thorin and Balin gave the most trouble but eventually all were secured inside with lids on; just as some other Elves entered the room. Apparently they were to help the butler discard the empty barrels that night and they were in a hurry for they didn't want to miss the feast. The butler (Galion) was not pleased to be waked and tried to say the help was late and that's why he was sleeping. "'Small wonder,' said they, 'when the explanation stands close at hand in a jug!'" (p. 194, The Hobbit). Nice!

They thought Galion must have been truly drunk because some of the empty barrels did not feel so empty. By now Galion was in a really bad mood and assured them he did his job correctly and now they must do their's. So one by one they dumped the barrels. This is when Bilbo realized he was not in a barrel (at least he was invisible still). With no choice Bilbo jumped in with the last barrel into the icy waters. Off the barrels bobbed down the river with poor Bilbo soaked and unable to get a very steady grip on the top of one. He was thinking of the dwarves hoping he sealed the barrels tight enough and none had leaks. Just outside the forest Elves gathered the barrels and roped them together for the night.

Bilbo tried to sneak close to the Elven fires to dry off and warm up. "Of course helped by his magic ring he got on very well at first, but he was given away in the end by his wet footsteps and the trail of drippings that he left wherever he went or sat; and also he began to snivel, and wherever he tried to hide he was found out by the terrific explosions of his suppressed sneezes" (p. 199, The Hobbit). Apparently the autumn chill and wet clothes did not do Bilbo so well. He was able to run off with bread, wine, and a pie and had a better evening then the dwarves. The next morning he snuck back on the barrel rafts as the Elves rafted them toward Lake town. I really enjoyed reading this escape story. I'm not necessarily well read but I cannot think of a similar story in any book I've read or movies I've seen. Kudos to Tolkien for originality.

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 2941, (late summer/early autumn)
Today's reading comes from: The Hobbit, pages 185-200

Assault on Dol Guldur

Gandalf has parted ways from Thorin and company for some urgent business. He was going to the meeting of the White Council scheduled in August. They were to discuss the happenings at Dol Guldur in southern Mirkwood. For the shadow on Mirkwood was growing deeper and deeper drawing many evil things to the Forest. This malice even began harassing Elves inside and outside of Mirkwood. During the council the lore of the Rings of Power was debated; no doubt brought up by Saruman (Curunir) since it was his area of expertise.

Gandalf had other business in mind: "'It is not needed that the Ring should be found, for while it abides on earth and is not unmade, still the power that it holds will live, and Sauron will grow and have hope. The might of the Elves and the Elf-friends is less now than of old. Soon he will be too strong for you, even without the Great Ring; for he rules the Nine, and of the Seven he has recovered three. We must strike'" (p. 302, The Silmarillion). Of course, Gandalf had no idea that the Ring was found and he had been in its very presence.

Gandalf had urged an assult on Dol Guldur ninety years earlier when he explored it and found the Necromancer was indeed Sauron. It was there he also found a crazed Thrain. "To this Curunir now assented, desiring that Sauron should be thrust from Dol Guldur, which was nigh the River, and should have leisure to search there no longer" (p. 302, The Silmarillion). Saruman was more interested in clearing out Sauron so he could search for the One Ring but nonetheless he was still willing to aid the White Council if only for his ends. So an assault was prepared and launched. Sauron fled out of Dol Guldur but went to Morder where the Nine had prepared it for him.

The plot thickens; I love how all the previous readings are leading to the great War of the Ring where Frodo Baggins finds himself swept into. I also enjoy the chronological aspect of this; this reading helps make sense as to why Gandalf disappears for chapter upon chapter in The Hobbit for it must have taken time to debate, plan, and carry through the assault on Dol Guldur. What appears of this assault on Dol Guldur in the movies (if it does appears) will not come from The Silmarillion which Peter Jackson does not have the rights to. Rather it will come from the appendices in The Return of the King which is an assault on Dol Gulder but which occurs at a different chronological time.

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 2941 (late summer)
Today's reading comes from: The Silmarillion, page 302

Trouble In Mirkwood

Thorin led the Dwarves and Bilbo into Mirkwood Forest. It was a gloomy place the whole company soon hated. "There was no movement of air down under the forest-roof, and it was everlastingly still and dark and stuffy" (p. 152, The Hobbit). No sunlight made it's way to the forest path either. But there was no other alternative and they had to move forward. Nights were arguably worse as many eyes could be seen peering at them. After some time their path was cut down the middle by a stream. The wood bridge that crossed it was in disrepair and useless. They were at a loss as what to do for they remembered well Beorn's advice to not even touch the stream they would encounter. To make matters worse their food supply was dangerously low.

Bilbo, with his sharp eyes, was able to make out a boat across the stream. Fili was able to hook it with some rope and with effort they pulled the boat over to them. Thorin devised a plan and order as to how they would cross. Bombur was informed he would be last and complained about it but Thorin would have none of it. "'You should not be so fat. As you are you must be with the last and lightest boatload. Don't start grumbling against orders or something bad will happen to you'" (p. 155, The Hobbit). Just as Bombur was getting to the other side a deer jumped out of the forest and Thorin unleashed an arrow and shot it.

However, as it bounded through the Dwarves and over the stream a few unfortunate things happened. In the commotion the boat was lost downstream so there was no way to retrieve the dead deer from the other side (and they all were dreaming of venison) but worse Bombur had been knocked into the enchanted stream. "When they laid him on the bank he was already fast asleep, with one hand clutching the rope so tight that they could not it from his grasp; and fast asleep he remained in spite of all they could do" (p. 156, The Hobbit). As they tried to revive Bombur they heard what sounded like a hunt go by which startled them quite a bit but they did not see anything.

Suddenly more deer jumped by and the Dwarves wasted all their arrows trying to kill one for food. So now they were stuck with little food, a sleeping Bombur, and no arrows--a desperate lot indeed. They struggled on but with little hope; but they were much closer to the end of the path and forest than they would ever know. Another six days passed but it was slow going as they took turns carrying Bombur. They had Bilbo climb a tree to see how close they were but Bilbo found himself (although he didn't recognize it) in a dale that deceived him into thinking they were no where close to the end. That night they ate their last food.

The next morning Bombur awoke and told of a wonderful dream he had about a woodland king giving a great feast with an assortment of wonderful foods. This of course made everyone else angry to listen to him talk of such delicacies. They marched on through the day when Balin spotted what appeared to be firelight off the path in the forest. This sparked a debate of whether or not they should explore. Being without food was compelling but also where Beorn and Gandalf's warnings to never leave the path. In the end hunger won out and together the company moved forward. They saw Wood Elves dressed in green in brown eating, drinking, and singing. "The smell of the roast meats was so enchanting that, without waiting to consult one another, every one of them got up and scrambled forwards into the ring with the one idea of begging for food" (p. 163, The Hobbit).

No sooner had they stepped into the Elven firelight the fire went out and all the Elves vanished. It took them a long while to find each other in the pitch black. They settled in for the night when Dori spotted more lights. This time Bilbo was elected to go first since he wouldn't be frightening. But for a second time, as soon as Bilbo came forward, the fire vanished along with the Elves. This time Bilbo was enchanted with a sleep spell and was having the same sorts of dreams as Bombur but at least he could be woke quickly. For a third time, as they settled in, the lights appeared. "The feast that they now saw was greater and more magnificent then before; and at the head of a long line of feasters sat a woodland king with a crown of leaves upon his golden hair, very much as Bombur had described the figure in his dream" (p. 165, The Hobbit). This was Thranduil.

Now Thorin ventured in first and the same result, everything and everybody, save the Dwarves, vanished. Bilbo ran feverishly around calling out the names of the Dwarves as they cried out for each other; but it seemed to the Hobbit their cries grew fainter and now were calls for help. Bilbo was alone and miserable. He decided to wait out the night before looking for the others. He woke to find a very sticky substance on his hand and that his legs were tied together in the substance. "Then the great spider, who had been busy tying him up while he dozed, came from behind him and came at him" (p. 166, The Hobbit). Uh-oh. Bilbo had enough wits about him to grab his sword, cut himself free, and kill the spider. "Somehow the killing of the giant spider, all alone by himself in the dark without the help of the wizard or the dwarves or of anyone else, made a great difference to Mr. Baggins" (p. 167, The Hobbit). I should think so; that must have been a scary moment. Bilbo then gave his sword a name, Sting.

Bilbo set off in the direction he thought he remembered last hearing the Dwarves. He slipped on the Ring and went very quietly. He discovered more giant spiders, many more. Somehow Bilbo could understand them as they spoke with one another (a power of the Ring perhaps?) about eating the Dwarves. And to his horror Bilbo saw the Dwarves hanging upside down from the trees spun in spider webs like a fly caught in a trap. He gathered that they were still alive but that wouldn't be the case for long. And so the now brave Mr. Bilbo Baggins decided to act.

Finding some stones near him he threw them at the spiders killing a couple of them. This got their attention rather quickly. Bilbo decided he must lead the spiders away from the Dwarves and began singing out ridiculous songs to make the spiders mad; which worked. The spiders moved quickly toward his direction but could not see him while he wore the Ring. A quick side point, it's an especially good thing Gandalf sought to preoccupy the Necromancer otherwise he (Sauron) may have perceived Bilbo's use of the Ring considering both were in Mirkwood at the time. Of course, I'm not sure the exact timing of Gandalf's actions but it makes logical sense to me. On Bilbo led them, making the spiders angry, killing a few here and there with Sting.

Finally Bilbo made his way back to the Dwarves killing the one guard and cutting loose as many Dwarves as quickly as he could. Fili was freed first. Kili, Bifur, Bofur, Dori and Nori were also freed by the time the spiders returned. Bilbo had removed the Ring when freeing Fili and now the spiders could see him and they had many nasty things to say to him. But he kept them at bay with Sting and called for the Dwarves to get out of the trees before they were trapped. By now all the Dwarves were free but they were surrounded by spiders and the situation looked hopeless particularly since most of the Dwarves were not in fighting shape due to hunger, exhaustion, hanging upside down all night, and spider venom. Still they fought on, with sticks and stones and Bilbo's Elvish sword but they could not last long. Bilbo decided to act again.

He announced he would disappear (no one quite understood) slipped on the Ring and once again sought to lead the spiders away from the Dwarves. Some of the spiders (but not all this time) followed his voice again. "Then Balin, who had grasped Bilbo's plan better than the rest, led an attack. The dwarves huddled together in a knot, and sending a shower of stones they drove at the spiders on the left and burst through the ring" (p. 175, The Hobbit). They moved along at a slow clip, hoping Bilbo was not caught, turning to fight now and again as the spiders caught up. "Things were looking pretty bad again, when suddenly Bilbo reappeared, and charged into the astonished spiders unexpectedly from the side" (p. 176, The Hobbit).

They made it to one of the Elf clearings from the night before and then the spiders turned back (for they feared the Elves it seemed). Resting and recovering their strength they made Bilbo recount how he had rescued them. At last Bilbo revealed his finding of a magic ring and they were interested in the tale of Gollum again. Balin was tickled pink by the tale figuring out how Bilbo had snuck past him when on watch. Their respect for Bilbo went up a great deal, magic ring and all, for they saw he was smart and brave and they knew they would all be dead if not for him. (So it looks like Gandalf knew what he was talking about after all, imagine that!) As they were ready to drift off to sleep Dwalin noticed an alarming fact: Thorin was not with them! Unfortunately there was nothing they could do at the moment and slept uncomfortably thinking about their leader.

You may remember at the third Elven fire Thorin was the one who entered first. The same sleep enchantment took him too. The next day the Wood Elves took him prisoner. I love the description of the Wood Elves Tolkien gives here, since his Middle-earth canon was only just beginning but you can see the emerging ideas that would be The Silmarillion. "They differed from the High Elves of the West, and were more dangerous and less wise. For most of them (together with their scattered relations in the hills and mountains) were descended from the ancient tribes that never went to Faerie in the West" (p. 178, The Hobbit). Faerie later known as Valinor. Overall Thranduil's folk were good people but they did not love Dwarves as Dwarven/Elven hostilities were ancient. Therefore they treated Thorin as an enemy and he was ill-pleased at their treatment given Durin's folk had never been involved in the ancient tensions.

They took Thorin to Thranduil's halls within Mirkwood but near it's borders. An underground cave with many halls and dungeons as it were. A river ran out of the caves where the Silvan (Wood) Elves lived. It appears that Thranduil had a lust for gold and silver so when Thorin was questioned as to what he was doing in the forest and menacing the Elves (three times!) the dwarf would only answer he and his companions were starving and looking for food. He did not mention their true purposes of the journey. Thranduil knew he was lying and had him thrown into the dungeons until the truth was told. But, being good folk, the Elves made sure Thorin received plenty of food and drink--his comrades were not as well fed.

"The day after the battle with the spiders Bilbo and the dwarves made one last despairing effort to find a way out before they died of hunger and thirst" (p. 182, The Hobbit). They made it to evening with no luck that is until they were suddenly surrounded by the Wood Elves with bows drawn and pointed at them. They, to their great relief, were taken prisoners by the Elves. Bilbo had enough sense to slip on the Ring as the Elves appeared so he was not taken captive. Rather he followed the Elves as they led everyone away. (Look for Legolas in the movie at this point; Thranduil's son, Prince of Mirkwood, and not a fully formed character in Tolkien's mind at the writing of The Hobbit.)

They were led to a great cavern and Bilbo hesitated to go in for he did not like the looks and he only just made it inside. He followed his friends. "In a great hall with pillars hewn out of living stone sat the Elvenking on a chair of carven wood. On his head was a crown of berries and red leaves, for autumn was come again" (p. 183, The Hobbit). Thranduil interrogated the Dwarves as he had done with Thorin though he had their shackles removed as he informed them the gates were guarded by magic and they could not get out. The Dwarves were not in a good mood, being tired, hungry, and ill-treated (so they thought) and became surly. "'What have we done, O king?' said Balin, who was the oldest left. 'Is it a crime to be lost in the forest, to be hungry and thirsty, to be trapped by spiders? Are the spiders your tame beasts or your pets, if killing them makes you angry?'" (p. 185, The Hobbit).

Now it was Thranduil's turn to be ill-pleased. He reminded the Dwarves they entered his kingdom without leave, thrice harassed his people, and roused the evil spiders. As with Thorin he ordered they be taken to individual cells until they were ready to answer his questions truthfully. We are never told in the story what Thranduil was asking but we are told he had an affinity for gold and silver. Perhaps knowing dwarves share the same affinity he had an idea they were after some treasure (Erebor even) that he should like to know about. Alas, Thranduil did not reveal that Thorin was also a prisoner (they still had no idea what happened to their leader) but Bilbo would eventually find that out.

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 2941 (late summer)
Today's reading comes from: The Hobbit, pages 151-185

Beorn

Obviously, J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth is complete fantasy. And yet it is framed as a detailed history with many, many themes which are present in real life. Still there is, every once in a while, a character that defies this history offering little or no context as to how they came to be. Perhaps others more well-versed in Tolkien can offer better explanations then I can. There are two characters in particular whom I am thinking: I don't know how they came to be in Middle-earth, what there purpose is, or what becomes of them--at times this is frustrating because I want to know all those details that will never be. However, this is also a powerful draw to Tolkien; he gives his stories room to breathe so to speak. This reading introduces one such character: Beorn.

The Eagles dropped of  Gandalf and company at an agreed upon spot, a great rock in wide grass lands. The rock was near a stream with a staircase and a little sheltered cave and in there they discussed their plans. It was here that Gandalf revealed to the Dwarves and Bilbo that he meant to go no further on their adventure for he had other pressing burdens. He promised to look in on them if possible but no one was  happy to hear the news; Gandalf after all had gotten them out of several tight spots along the way and they hadn't reached the real danger yet. But Gandalf promised to stay with them a couple of more days until they were resupplied. Plus he had an idea how to make that happen.

"'Very few people live in these parts, unless they have come here since I was last down this way, which was some years ago. But there is somebody that I know of, who lives not far away. That Somebody made the steps of on the great rock--the Carrock I believe he calls it. He does not come here often, certainly not in daytime, and it is no good waiting for him. In fact it would be quite dangerous'" (p. 124, The Hobbit). With that Gandalf began to lead the way telling more about that Somebody who was easily angered and very powerful. The company were not sure what to think and tried to guess at what Gandalf was getting at which only made the Wizard cross. "'He is a skin-changer. He changes his skin: sometimes he is a huge black bear, sometimes he is a great strong black-haired man with huge arms and a great beard. I cannot tell you much more, though that out to be enough'" (p. 126, The Hobbit).

This left Bilbo and the Dwarves uneasy and they asked no more questions. That is Beorn's introduction: a skin-changer with no clear heritage (was it bears or Men?). We simply don't know and I suppose it's the fact that Tolkien gives such incredible details about Middle-earth that this character drives me a little bit mad--but imagination is a good thing and perhaps I'll use mine and not rely on the Professor's! On the plus side though Beorn had no love of Orcs (Gandalf guessed they had driven him from his mountain home). As they journeyed closer to his house bees were everywhere for his main diet was honey and cream for he did not hunt animals; in fact it seemed, via Gandalf, that animals spoke with him and worked for him

They finally reached Beorn's home and Gandalf gave explicit instructions. They were to enter two by two so as to not overwhelm or burden Beorn. They were to wait for Gandalf's signal. Bombur would come last, since he was so fat, he counted for two himself. Gandalf took Bilbo with him (who was completely frightened) and they entered. Some horses studied the visitors intently and ran off. "'They have gone to tell him of the arrival of strangers,' said Gandalf" (p. 128, The Hobbit). Coming into the courtyard they found Beorn, as a great muscled man, and they were greeted gruffly (for Beorn was never very polite). Gandalf introduced himself and Bilbo and Beorn was quick to point out he hadn't heard of either of them.

"'I am a wizard,' continued Gandalf. "I have heard of you, if you have not heard of me; but perhaps you have heard of my good cousin Radagast who lives near the Southern borders of Mirkwood?' "Yes; not a bad fellow as wizards go, I believe. I used to see him now and again,' said Beorn. 'Well, now I know who you are, or who you say you are. What do you want?'" (p. 129, The Hobbit). At this Gandalf began an elaborate tale of the companies journey being careful never to acknowledge the true number of the company. Of course he started with their troubles with the goblins which got Beorn's attention and went on from there. Occasionally he'd mention an extra person and Beorn caught on asking where they were to which Gandalf would give the signal and two Dwarves would appear trying to be extra polite as to not annoy the easily angered skin-changer. (Some comical stuff throughout).

Eventually Gandalf, sans interruptions of various Dwarves, finished the tale. "Mr. Baggins saw then how clever Gandalf had been. The interruptions had really made Beorn more interested in the story, and the story had kept him from sending the dwarves off at once like suspicious beggars. He never invited people into his house, if he could help it. He had very few friends and they lived a good way away; and he never invited more than a couple of these to his house at a time. Now he had got fifteen strangers sitting in his porch!" (p. 135, The Hobbit). I love Gandalf! Beorn, as it turns out, was quite amused with the story (especially the part about killing goblins) and the Dwarves. He offered them a meal and a place to stay. He called to his animals: the the food and tables were prepared by his dogs and sheep.

After the meal they talked some more but Beorn seemed to be little interested. He left for the evening and Dwarves sang a song. They went to sleep in beds for the first time in a long time. Bilbo didn't sleep that well though for he felt he heard growling and scratching just outside the house and was sure Beorn in his bear-shape came to kill them all. But it was not so. All the next day the ate and rested but there was no sign of Beorn or Gandalf. In the early evening Gandalf returned and after a hearty meal, some mead, and blowing smoke rings (in all different colors and shapes mind you) across the great halls he told them all what he had been doing, which was following Beorn who evidently made for the mountains where they had just come from. Bilbo was scared that Beorn was leading Wargs and Orcs straight to them; but that of course was just a silly thought.

Beorn showed up the next morning quite giddy for he had retraced the companies journey and verified their tale was true. He caught a Warg and goblin along the way and they told him everything. He informed Gandalf he liked his tale even more now that he knew it was true. Bilbo wondered what Beorn did with the Warg and goblin. "'Come and see!' said Beorn, and they followed round the house. A goblin's head was stuck outside the gate and the warg-skin was nailed to a tree just beyond. Beorn was a fierce enemy. But now he was their friend, and Gandalf thought it wise to tell him their whole story and the reason of their journey, so that they could get the most help he could offer" (p. 143, The Hobbit). Beorn helped them indeed, providing ponies and lots of food for the journey. He counseled them about the road ahead warning them of the dangers of Mirkwood; Beorn stressed that they should never leave the path in the forest (for they would never find it again) and they would pass over one stream in Mirkwood which they should not drink from or even touch for it was enchanted. The only thing Beorn asked was that they return his ponies when the reached the forest.

They journeyed on for several days and everyone was silent for they felt they were now just entering the truly dangerous part of the adventure. Every now and again Bilbo thought he saw a bear-like creature following them at a distance but Gandalf told him not to notice. Finally they reached Mirkwood and camped. They were inclined to keep the ponies but Gandalf warned them: "'Beorn is not as far off as you seem to think, and you had better keep your promises anyway, for he is a bad enemy. Mr. Baggins' eyes are sharper than yours, if you have not seen each night after dark a great bear going along with us or sitting far off in the moon watching our camps. Not only to guard and guide you, but to keep an eye on the ponies too. Beorn may be your friend, but he loves his animals as his children'" (p. 147, The Hobbit).

In the course of the conversation Gandalf revealed that this is where they would be parting ways. Gandalf assured them that Bilbo was key to their success. The next morning he said the same thing and they made preparations to enter Mirkwood and released the ponies (Bilbo saw Beorn leave following his ponies back). They were not happy about going into Mirkwood but Gandalf reminded them that to the North goblins awaited them and to the South was the lair of the Necromancer. Gandalf said his goodbyes and rode his horse into the West calling out before he left their sight for them not to leave the path.

And this, I must admit is something I am really excited about for The Hobbit movies. We will get glimpses of just exactly why Gandalf left the adventure. And of course seeing Beorn on screen should be pretty cool as well!

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 2941 (summer)

Today's reading comes from: The Hobbit, pages 122-150

Escaping Goblins To Be Caught By Wolves

After escaping the vast tunnels of the Misty Mountains, a fierce game of riddles with Gollum, with goblins in hot pursuit Bilbo found himself alone in wooded area. He discovered he had come out the other side but there was no sign of his friends. He began to move forward but resolved to go back and search for his friends in the mountain when he heard voices. He still had the Ring on and as he slipped quietly forward he found himself directly in front of Balin, the lookout, who could not see Bilbo though he stared directly at him.

Bilbo decided to listen in on the conversation and discovered Gandalf was trying to convince the Dwarves to go back and look for the hobbit. "'After all he is my friend,' said the wizard, 'and not a bad little chap. I feel responsible for him. I wish to goodness you had not lost him'" (p. 102, The Hobbit). The Dwarves, on the other hand, were wondering why Bilbo had come at all as he had proved much more trouble than his worth. "Gandalf answered angrily: 'I brought him, and I don't bring things that are of no use'" (p. 103, The Hobbit) and the Wizard proceeded to ask Dori why he dropped Bilbo. Of course, with all the chaos and fighting goblins it was easy to lose a hobbit.

Dori was recounting the events, nearly losing his head by the wild swings of Gandalf and Thorin's swords, when Gandalf called for them to run. Ultimately Dori tried to place the blame of the disappearance on the burglar himself. "'And here's the burglar!' said Bilbo stepping down into the middle of them, and slipping off the ring" (p. 103, The Hobbit). Of course, this surprised everyone, including Gandalf. However, their respect for Bilbo as a burglar went up a great deal because of that. Poor Balin could not explain how he'd missed him when on lookout--Gandalf, for one, was not pleased by that. "He called to Balin and told him what he thought of a lookout man who let people walk right into them like that without warning" (p. 103, The Hobbit).

They all were very interested in Bilbo's tale of how he had escaped and Bilbo, being pleased with himself, happily obliged. Of course he did leave out one rather big detail: the finding of the Ring. Even so the Dwarves and Gandalf were taken by his tale of riddles in the dark, jumping over Gollum, elluding the goblin guards, and sneaking into their camp. And yet, Gandalf gave the hobbit a strange glance that led Bilbo to believe the Wizard hadn't quite believed his tale or at least guessed he'd left out some major points. But now it was Gandalf's turn to explain how he had rescued the Dwarves from their goblin tormentors and he happily obliged as well (apparently pleased with his own work).

After a short rest Gandalf ushered the company to move on knowing that once night fell the goblins would be out in force hunting them down. Goblins were excellent trackers so the only hope was to be far, far away. Everyone was tired and hungry, it had been several days since they ate and all their supplies were gone but Gandalf kept them moving. They passed over barren (as in no food) and treacherous (as in landslide) terrain and eventually made their way to an opening in the woods where no trees grew. "Somehow it struck all of them as not a nice place, although there was nothing wrong to see" (p. 109, The Hobbit).

That's when the howling started. It seemed they had stumbled upon a wolf-gathering spot and wolves were indeed gathering that particular night. Bilbo was beside himself, never actually seeing a wolf before but hearing all sorts of nasty tales about the. "'What shall we do, what shall we do!' he cried. "Escaping goblins to be caught by wolves!' he said, and it became a proverb, though we now say 'out of the frying-pan into the fire' in the same sort of uncomfortable situations" (p. 109, The Hobbit). There really was nothing to do, with the wolves coming closer, other than climb the surrounding trees. Once again Bilbo was left behind and Dori, in the nick of time, climbed out of his tree and helped Bilbo up just as the wolves came snapping and snarling!

Hundreds of wolves, actually more commonly referred to as Wargs since these were evil wolves, came to the meeting place and they sniffed out every tree the company was hiding in and set guards. A great grey Warg began speaking in the their language and fortunately Gandalf could understand. In essence the Wargs were in league with the goblins who were coming to meet and attack some villages of Men. Thinking the company spies of the men they had no intention of letting escape. There was not much Gandalf could do being stuck in a tree but he was not the type to do nothing.

"He gathered the huge pine-cones from the branches of his tree. Then he set one alight with bright blue fire, and threw it whizzing down among the circle of the wolves. It struck one on the back, and immediately his shaggy coat caught fire, and he was leaping to and fro yelping horribly. Then another came, and another, one in blue flames, one in red, another in green. They burst on the ground in the middle of the circle and went off in coloured sparks and smokes" (p. 113, The Hobbit). A good thing Gandalf has skill with fire and light! If one of those sparks caught the hide of a Warg it was not long before the creature was up in flames. Bilbo and the Dwarves cheered as the Wargs were in a state of fright.

All of the commotion caught the attention of the Eagles. The Lord of the Eagles along with some of his people went to investigate. They did not love goblins and often swooped in to stave off any mischief; they thought the fire may have been goblin mischief. For indeed, being late summer and very dry, fire was now burning in several places as the goblins arrived on the scene. Once they understood what was happening they controlled the fire putting it out in some places and diverting it toward the trees. Gandalf and company were stuck in. The goblins began several nasty songs all about roasting the Dwarves alive and things were not looking good. Gandalf was just about to jump from his tree in attempt to take as many goblins with him as he could when the Eagles swooped down and plucked him away. The goblins were terribly surprised and disappointed.

The rest of the Eagles swooped around and picked up the Dwarves. Bilbo had to grab onto Dori's ankles otherwise he would have been forgotten and went for a dreadful ride to the Eagle's eryrie; especially since he was not fond of heights. Once settled high in the mountains they were all gathered before the Lord of the Eagles whom Gandalf was speaking. "As a matter of fact Gandalf, who had often been in the mountains, had once rendered a service to the eagles and healed their lord from an arrow-wound" (p. 120, The Hobbit). The Lord of the Eagles offered to take the company onward but not as far as Gandalf wished for that was near the dwellings of Men and they often shot arrows at the Eagles for fear of losing their sheep to them. Before they left the tired and hungry Dwarves, along with the Wizard and Hobbit, were brought much food and given a well-deserved night of rest.

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 2941 (summer)
Today's reading comes from: The Hobbit, pages 101-121

Riddles in the Dark

Bilbo finally awoke in the darkness, head spinning. No sign of goblins, Dwarves, or Gandalf. He was utterly alone and completely lost. He tried to remember which way they had been fleeing and set out in that direction but really he had no clue. "He guessed as well as he could, and crawled along for a good way, till suddenly his hand met what felt like a tiny ring of cold metal lying on the floor of the tunnel" (p. 79, The Hobbit). This discovery was the most important event of the whole quest though not intended by anyone in the company. Indeed, this ring, The Ring, would change the course of events in the years to come. But for the moment Bilbo placed it in his pocket without much thought and continued to look for a way out.

After a while he rested and checked his supplies. By a stroke of luck he had an unbroken pipe and pipe-weed but no matches. He also had his dagger found in the troll cave which the goblins had missed when they captured him. It glowed a faint blue when he took it out and he was comforted that this too was a Gondolin blade like Gandalf and Thorin possessed. With this bit of encouragement Bilbo set out once again. On and on he went until, unexpectedly, he hit water and realized he had found a great underground lake. Now Bilbo was really at a loss and was not sure what to do. To make matters worse he was not alone. "Deep down here by the dark water lived old Gollum, a small slimy creature" (p. 82, The Hobbit).

Gollum was well aware of his visitor. "'Bless us and splash us, my precioussss! I guess it's a choice feast; at least a tasty morsel it'd make us, gollum!' And when he said gollum he made a horrible swallowing noise in his throat. That is how he got his name, though he always called himself 'my precious'" (p. 83, The Hobbit). Bilbo was quite startled by Gollum but his sword kept the creature at bay. Luckily for Bilbo Gollum had recently ate (a goblin) and wasn't very hungry, merely curious. So he simply inquired who his visitor was and the hobbit revealed himself as Mr. Bilbo Baggins. Each was wary of the other so when Gollum suggested a game of riddles Bilbo agreed; each with the intent to learn more about the other.

Gollum began: "'What has roots as nobody sees, Is taller than trees Up, up it goes, And yet never grows?' 'Easy!' said Bilbo. "A mountain, I suppose.' "Does it guess easy? It must have a competition with us, my preciouss! If precious asks, and it doesn't answer, we eats it. If it asks us, and we doesn't answer, then we does what it wants, eh? We shows it the way out, yes!'" (p. 84, The Hobbit). Seeing no alternative Bilbo agreed to this now high stakes game of riddles. Back and forth they went each thinking they'd fool the other with a particularly hard riddle only to have it solved right away. Each thinking they'd gave the other an easy one that proved almost too tough in the end. As the game went on Gollum became more angry and more hungry and Bilbo sensed the danger. The back in forth is extremely well written by Tolkien and very tense--I thought Martin Freeman and Andy Serkis played this scene beautifully in the movie!

The intensity of the situation almost caused Bilbo to miss a riddle. When he finally solved it (by pure luck) he couldn't think of a riddle to ask in return. Gollum was now very impatient and pushed for a question. Trying to think as the creature Gollum moved closer and closer Bilbo stumbled on the forgotten ring in his pocket and said aloud: "'What have I got in my pocket?'" (p. 89, The Hobbit). Gollum was instantly livid thinking it an unfair question and demanding three guesses for it. Bilbo seeing what happened agreed to the extra guesses but wouldn't drop the "riddle". Gollum, sneaky as he was, actually worked in four guesses but all of them were wrong. Bilbo sought to hold Gollum to his word, for riddle-games were considered sacred and bound all players to their word, and asked him to show the way out.

Gollum said he had to get some things for their journey and went to his island in the middle of the underground lake. "Not far away was his island, which Bilbo knew nothing, and there in his hiding-place he kept a few wretched oddments, and one very beautiful thing, very beautiful, very wonderful. He had a ring, a golden ring, a precious ring" (p. 91, The Hobbit). Finding the ring gone Gollum let out a terrible shriek (for it was a Ring of Power) and quickly made his way back to Bilbo angrier than ever. Bilbo could see his pale eyes in the dark and heard the screams but still did not know why Gollum was so angry. Gollum now pressed Bilbo about what was in his pockets but Bilbo did not want to waste time on anything other than getting out: "'Answers were to be guessed not given'" (p. 93, The Hobbit).

Sensing Gollum meant to murder him (for the creature was so enraged now the sword no longer caused restraint) Bilbo turned and ran up the passage not knowing where to go hoping to lose Gollum. But Gollum knew the caves well and was soon closing in on the hobbit. Bilbo, wondering what was so important about the ring slipped it on his finger just before he tripped and fell, his sword landing beneath him. To his surprise Gollum ran right by him taking no notice. Bilbo got up quietly and decided to follow Gollum hoping he would head toward the way out. "'Curse it! Curse it! Curse it!' hissed Gollum. 'Curse the Baggins! It's gone! What has it got in its pocketses? Oh we guess, we guess, my precious. He's found it, yes he must have. My birthday-present'" (p. 94, The Hobbit). For Gollum had told himself for ages and ages the Ring was his birthday present.

Bilbo finally began to understand he had a magic ring which he had only ever heard about in old stories. He followed Gollum until the creature stopped and, as it seemed, began arguing with itself. Gollum decided that Bilbo must have went for the back-door and decided to chase him down. Instead Gollum actually led the following invisible hobbit to the brink of escape. Gollum finally came to a passage but dared to go no further for fear of goblins. He waited hoping Bilbo would show. Bilbo thought he might sneak around but quiet as hobbits are Gollum's sense of smell and hearing were heightened after living hundreds of years under a mountain. "Though he was only a black shadow in the gleam of his own eyes, Bilbo could see or feel that he was tense as a bowstring, gathered for a spring" (p. 97, The Hobbit).

Bilbo struggled with what to do. He contemplated killing Gollum on the spot but felt it was a not fair fight being invisible. Yet he knew if he didn't act soon he would not have the strength to go on. "A sudden understanding, a pity mixed with horror, welled up in Bilbo's heart: a glimpse of endless unmarked days without light or hope of betterment, hard stone, cold fish, sneaking and whispering. All these thoughts flashed in a second. He trembled. And then quite suddenly in another flash, as if lifted by a new strength and resolve, he leaped" (p. 97, The Hobbit). Clear over Gollum's head who, in vain, tried to grab the hobbit, and into the pathway to escape. He ran quickly down the passage hearing the screams of Gollum: "'Thief, thief, thief! Baggins! We hates it, we hates it, we hates it for ever!'" (p. 98, The Hobbit).

Finally Bilbo reached a great room with light, not firelight, but sunlight. For at the end of the room was a great door but there lay many goblins in between Bilbo and the door. Goblins armed and alert. "They saw him sooner than he saw them. Yes, they saw him. Whether it was by accident, or a last trick of the ring before it took a new master, it was not on his finger" (p. 99, The Hobbit). Bilbo quickly slipped it back on and disappeared before the goblins could grab him. He had to scurry this way and that but made his way to the door which was now almost pushed closed. It was too tight to squeeze through and as he struggled the goblins spotted his faint shadow (for in direct sunlight a very faint shadow was the only trace of one wearing the Ring). With one last great effort Bilbo pushed his way through leaving only the brass buttons from his coat for the goblins to capture. They tried to make pursuit but goblins do not like sun and Bilbo made his way into the trees where the shadows allowed him to disappear completely.

Whew. What a read. This is the iconic chapter of The Hobbit in my opinion. We are introduced to Gollum who will give Frodo trouble years later. Bilbo begins to find his courage in uttermost need. And of course the finding of The Ring. It would be many years until Gandalf discovered how important this "chance" find by Bilbo actually was but this is the moment that Sauron or the Ring could have never planned. To find its way into the pockets of an unassuming hobbit.

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 2941 (summer)

Today's reading comes from: The Hobbit, pages 79-100

Trouble in the Misty Mountains

After leaving Rivendell the company made it's way to the Misty Mountains. The Dwarves were in good spirits and felt they would reach their destination soon; Gandalf just shook his head for he knew this was a treacherous leg in the journey. However, with Gandalf in the lead they found the correct paths. Still danger was near as a tremendous storm began in the mountains: "More terrible still are thunder and lightening in the mountains at night, when storms come up from East and West and make war. The lightening splinters on the peaks, and rocks shiver, and great crashes split the air and go rolling and tumbling into every cave and hollow; and the darkness is filled with overwhelming noise and sudden light" (p. 66, The Hobbit). That description makes me shiver!

If the rain and storm were not bad enough soon stone-giants came out throwing huge rocks. Everyone was tired of getting drenched and were fearful of being crushed by a boulder as the stone-giants played on. Fili and Kili, since they had the youngest and sharpest eyes of the Dwarves, were sent to scout out a safer location, particularly since Bilbo was in no condition to do so. "There is nothing like looking, if you want to find something (or so Thorin said to the young dwarves). You certainly usually find something, if you look, but it is not always quite the something you were after. So it proved on this occasion" (p. 68, The Hobbit)

Fili and Kili returned rather quickly with the good news of a dry cave. Gandalf was wary and asked them if they thoroughly explored it. They said yes even though everyone knew they came back too soon for that to be true. But wanting to be dry and safe they moved into the cave which was not far away. Gandalf wanted to be extra cautious so he lit his staff and looked around the cave and thought it to be safe enough. Still he did not permit a fire to be lit in case evil things lurked. The trouble with caves though, is you can never be too sure.

"It turned out a good thing that night that they had brought little Bilbo with them, after all. For, somehow, he could not go to sleep for a long while; and when he did sleep, he had very nasty dreams. He dreamed that a crack in the wall at the back of the cave got bigger and bigger, and opened wider and wider, and he was very afraid but could not call out or do anything but lie and look. Then he dreamed that the floor of the cave was giving way, and he was slipping--beginning to fall down, goodness knows where to" (p. 70, The Hobbit). This woke the hobbit from his fragile sleep and he found the first portion of his dream true: a crack had opened and he saw the last of the ponies (and their supplies!) go through. Bilbo yelled and this proved very good.

Just has he yelled goblins upon goblins issued from the crack. The Dwarves and Bilbo were quickly captured and carried off. But Gandalf heard Bilbo's yell. "It had wakened him up wide in a splintered second, and when goblins came to grab him, there was a terrible flash like lightening in the cave, a smell like gunpowder, and several of them fell dead" (p. 70-71, The Hobbit). But the crack closed and the goblins forced the Dwarves and Bilbo by whip down, down, down, into the mountain singing some nasty songs along the way. Eventually the came to a great room with a red fire and many more goblins. The ponies were huddled in the corner (waiting to be eaten) and the supplies were already stolen or broken. "There in the shadows on a large flat stone sat a tremendous goblin with a huge head, and armed goblins were standing round him carrying the axes and the bent swords they use" (p. 73, The Hobbit). For if there is one thing Orcs can make it's weapons and devices of torture.

The Great Goblin began to interrogate the company asking them their purpose, or rather accusing them of being spies, thieves, murderers, and Elf-friends. Thorin introduced himself and declared none of the accusations true. The Great Goblin did asked for further explanation saying: "'In fact I should like to know all about you. Not that it will do you much good Thorin Oakenshield, I know too much about your folk already; but let's have the truth, or I will prepare something particularly uncomfortable for you!'" (p. 74, The Hobbit). Thorin, in a pinch, said they were only seeking to find their family and descendants on the other side of the mountain. At this one of the goblins that captured them declared him a liar revealing Thorin's sword Orcist, the Goblin-cleaver, or as the goblins themselves referred to it: Biter.

"'Murderers and elf-friends!' the Great Goblin shouted. 'Slash them! Beat them! Bite them! Gnash them! Take them away to dark holes full of snakes, and never let them see the light again!' He was in such a rage that he jumped off his seat and himself rushed at Thorin with his mouth open" (p. 75, The Hobbit). Things were not looking good for Thorin and friends but as was said earlier it was good that they had Bilbo with them for he had waked Gandalf. "Just at that moment all the lights in the cavern went out, and the great fire went off poof! into a tower of blue glowing smoke, right up to the roof, that scattered white sparks all among the goblins" (p. 75, The Hobbit). The sparks burned the goblins and left them scurrying away due to the pain. Gandalf's sword Glamdring (which the Orcs called Beater) shone blue as it cleaved the head of the Great Goblin off.

Gandalf called for the Dwarves to follow him and the ran down a path before the goblins came to their senses. The Dwarves took turns carrying Bilbo to move faster but the goblins knew the caves better and kept gaining on them. "'Why, O why did I ever leave my hobbit-hole!' said poor Mr. Baggins bumping up and down on Bombur's back. 'Why, O why did I ever bring a wretched little hobbit on a treasure hunt!' said poor Bombur, who was fat, and staggered along with the sweat dripping down his nose in his heat and terror" (p. 77, The Hobbit). Gandalf and Thorin held off the goblins with their swords (Gandalf had salvaged Orcrist in the melee) as the rest of the company took flight again. Several goblins were ran through and the rest fled in terror as Biter and Beater glowed blue in joy at killing goblins.

Once again the company fled. Once again the goblins pursued but this time secretly without torches with only the swiftest runners. "That is why neither Bilbo, nor the dwarves, nor even Gandalf heard them coming" (p. 78, The Hobbit). Indeed the goblins were neither seen nor heard. "Quite suddenly Dori, now at the back again carrying Bilbo, was grabbed from behind in the dark. He shouted and fell; and the hobbit rolled off his shoulders into the blackness, bumped his head on hard rock, and remembered nothing more" (p. 78, The Hobbit). What happens next was not in the plans for the quest for Erebor but would have a bigger impact on Middle-earth then Gandalf could even imagine.

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 2941 (summer)

Today's reading comes from: The Hobbit, pages 65-78

Rest In Rivendell

The company moving on from the encounter with the trolls continued East. Once again they were running low on supplies but this time Gandalf was with them and leading with a purpose. The wizard was asked where he was intending to go and responded: "'Hidden somewhere ahead of us in the fair valley or Rivendell where Elrond lives in the Last Homely House'" (p. 56, The Hobbit). Eventually Gandalf found the way as dusk was darkening and the company was greeted by merry Elves whom they heard but did not see. Indeed, the Elves sang quite a silly song part in jest and part in welcome to weary company.

They seemed to know all about Bilbo and could not resist making fun of the Dwarve's beards. This could have been a bit precarious since Dwarves and Elves do not get along but the promise of food and rest kept Thorin and his followers moving forward. Bilbo, however, wanted to stay and listen to the Elves sing all night. They eventually crossed a narrow bridge over a river and made their way to Elrond's house. I love the description Tolkien gives of Elrond here, especially knowing the Middle-earth mythology was still young in the Professor's mind:

"The master of the house was an elf-friend--one of those people whose fathers came into strange stories before the beginning of History, the wars of evil goblins and the elves, and the first men in the North. In those days of our tale there were still some people who had both elves and heroes of the North for ancestors, and Elrond the master of the house was their chief. He was as noble and as fair as an elf-lord, as strong as a warrior, as wise as a wizard, as venerable as a king of dwarves, and as a kind as summer" (p. 61, The Hobbit).

Gandalf, Bilbo, Thorin and the other Dwarves stayed in Rivendell for two weeks. They recovered their strength, rested, ate, and were equipped for the journey ahead. Being wise in runes Elrond looked at the swords Gandalf and Thorin found in the trolls' cave. "'These are not troll-make. They are old swords, very old swords, of the High Elves of the West, my kin. They were made in Gondolin for the Goblin-wars. They must have come form a dragon's hoard or goblin plunder, for goblins and dragons destroyed that city many ages ago. This, Thorin, the runes name Orcrist, the Goblin-cleaver in the ancient tongue of Gondolin; it was a famous blade. This, Gandalf, was Glamdring, Foe-hammer, that the king of Gondolin once wore. Keep them well!'" (p. 62, The Hobbit).

Elrond proceeded to look over Thror's map. It was a crescent moon night, midsummer's day eve, and in that light Elrond discovered moon-letters. This was a secret craft by the Dwarves who were able to write runes that could only be seen in certain moon-light. Thorin and Gandalf were a bit upset that Elrond was the first to find the letters but asked him to transalte: "'Stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks,' read Elrond, 'and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the key-hole'" (p. 63, The Hobbit). Thorin explained that Durin's Day was the Dwarven New Year in celebration of Durin, the father of the Longbeard's (of which Thorin was his heir). The Dwarven New Year took place on the last moon of Autumn before Winter comes. Thorin was not sure that this information would be helpful but Gandalf felt that remained to be seen. The next morning, on midsummer's day, the company left Rivendell (though they were none to eager to go) and began journeying to The Lonely Mountain.

Middle-earth timeline: 2941, Third Age

Today's reading comes from: The Hobbit, pages 55-64

Encounter With Trolls

Being wet and without fire the Dwarves and Bilbo were in a tough spot. Oin and Gloin still could not get a fire going and began to quarrel. "Bilbo was sadly reflecting that adventures are not all pony-rides in May-sunshine..." (p. 42, The Hobbit). Balin, the companies lookout, spotted a fire in the distance. Much debate took place as to whether or not they should explore this prospect when Oin and Gloin, still working on their own fire, began to physically fight. That settled things and with a professional burglar in tow they decided it was worth checking out the fire.

Without Gandalf present Thorin instructed Bilbo. He was to spy things out and report back quickly; if he ran into trouble he was to hoot twice like a barn-owl and once like a screech-owl. "Off Bilbo had to go, before he could explain that he could not even hoot once like any kind of owl any more than fly like a bat" (p. 43, The Hobbit). But being a Hobbit Bilbo successfully snuck up to the fire with no one noticing him and there he discovered three big and nasty trolls: William, Tom, and Bert. I must admit, being the great linguist that Tolkien is these names are rather uninspiring. But they do have great cockney accents. They sat around their fire eating roast mutton and drinking ale.

Bilbo should have warned his friends but felt obliged to bring something back, since he was regarded as a burglar. He successfully picked a purse out of William's pocket. "Trolls' purses are the mischief, and this was no exception. 'Ere, 'oo are you?' it squeaked, as it left the pocket; and William turned around at once and grabbed Bilbo by the neck, before he could duck behind a tree" (p. 45, The Hobbit). Hmm...a talking money purse; I'm wondering if the loose change made noise but this was Bilbo's childlike way of telling it. Of course, lots of things talk in the Hobbit which does not occur in The Lord of the Rings. Whatever the case, be it a magical talking purse or loose change, Bilbo is now in a mess.

The trolls spend some time trying to figure out what Bilbo is exactly and what to do with him when Balin arrives on the scene. He is quickly bagged by the Trolls (who can only abide cooked Dwarves) and they realize Bilbo is not alone. One by one the Dwarves come toward the fire only to be caught and bagged by the trolls (Bifur and Bomber put up quite a fight). Last came Thorin who had an idea not all was on the up and up. He did not step into the light but asked what was going on and Bilbo, who had been dropped by the trolls when the Dwarves came, alerted him of the danger. Thorin leaped toward the fire grabbed a burning branch and proceeded to put the burning end into Bert's eye and knocked out one of Tom's teeth after Bilbo tripped the troll. However, Thorin too was captured. Now Bilbo huddled in the dark unable to help his friends.

The trolls, you can imagine, were very angry and hotly debated "...whether they should roast them slowly, or mince them fine and boil them, or just sit on them one by one and squash them into jelly..." (p. 49, The Hobbit). It was then that Gandalf came back. Hiding in the trees he imitated the trolls. So just as they agreed on a plan Gandalf would imitate one of them offering a new idea or better plan. This would set the trolls to arguing amongst themselves. Over and over this happened without the trolls realizing one of the voices wasn't actually one of them; "Trolls are slow in the uptake..." (p. 45, The Hobbit) after all! Finally after hours of arguing dawn came. "'Dawn take you all, and be stone to you!'" (p. 51, The Hobbit), cried Gandalf. And to stone the three trolls turned as it is the consequence of sunlight to them.

Gandalf and Bilbo freed the Dwarves from their sacks and they were none too happy (after all they had to listen for hours about how they were going to be prepared as dinner!). They made Bilbo tell his story of what happened twice. Gandalf suggested they looked for the troll cave for it was bound to have supplies and they eventually found the doors. "But they could not open it, not though they all pushed while Gandalf tried various incantations" (p. 52, The Hobbit). Fortunately, in the fray Bilbo had picked up a key one of the trolls dropped and it was the key to the lock on the door. Once inside they found pots of gold, weapons, and food. Gandalf and Thorin each took a sword with a jeweled hilt and Bilbo found a knife to his liking that was more like a short-sword to a Hobbit.

"'These look like good blades,' said the wizard, half drawing them and looking at them curiously. 'They were not made by any troll, nor by any smith among men in these parts and days; but when we can read the runes on them, we shall know more about them'" (p. 53, The Hobbit). The company sat down for a meal and drink and slept. Later they buried the gold putting several spells on for protection should they happen to make it back from the quest and then began moving East once again.

"'Where did you go to, if I may ask?' said Thorin to Gandalf as they rode along. 'To look ahead,' said he. "And what brought you back in the nick of time?' 'Looking behind,' said he. "Exactly!' said Thorin, 'but could you be more plain?'" (p. 53, The Hobbit). I love Gandalf. Such great answers. I'm finding much more humor in The Hobbit then I ever remember; it's been a very fun read so far. Gandalf did offer more of an explanation though. He was scouting the road ahead and ran into some Elves from Rivendell who warned him about the trolls; which was what sent him back. Bilbo was very curious about Rivendell and Gandalf let him know that, should they be fortunate, they would be arriving there in a few days time.

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 2941 (End of May/Beginning of June)

Today's reading comes from: The Hobbit, pages 42-54

The Journey Begins

Finally, the quest for Erebor begins. Bilbo awoke in the morning to find a very messy house but all the Dwarves were gone. At this he couldn't help but feel slightly relieved thinking they left for their adventure without it him. He settled into cleaning and eating when Gandalf showed up about 10:45 am wondering why Bilbo wasn't ready. The Hobbit had missed the note on the mantle from Thorin guaranteeing the journey's financial agreements (1/14th of the profits, all traveling expenses paid, any funeral expenses for the Hobbit to be covered by the Dwarves, etc). and asking him to meet at precisely 11:00am at the Green Dragon Inn to begin the journey.

"'That leaves you just ten minutes. You will have to run,' said Gandalf. 'But--,' said Bilbo. "No time for it,' said the wizard. "But--,' said Bilbo again. "No time for that either! Off you go!'" (p. 38, The Hobbit). Bilbo found himself running toward the Green Dragon and finding the company of Dwarves there. He was dismayed that he did not bring his walking stick or pocket-handkerchief but he arrived nonetheless. Mounting ponies the Dwarves began their journey through the Shire. Gandalf caught up with the company on a white horse bringing Bilbo several handkerchief's along with his pipe and tobacco.

On and on they travelled through strange lands (to Bilbo at least) and then barren lands. Through the month of May it seemed to rain non-stop. Everyone was wet, tired, grumpy, and hungry. Bilbo found himself wishing he were back in his nice hobbit-hole enjoying warmth and good food. Eventually they came to a swollen river and crossed over a bridge one particularly wet night. "Not until then did they notice that Gandalf was missing. So far he had come all the way with them, never saying if he was in the adventure, or merely keeping them company for a while. He had eaten most, talked most, and laughed most. But now he was simply not there at all!" (p. 41, The Hobbit).

They company found some trees to camp in although the wind shook the rain water off the leaves down on them. They were soaked through and could not make a fire (though Dwarves, in particular Oin and Gloin, are good at making fires). One of the ponies was spooked and ran into the river losing all it's baggage (mostly food) and Fili and Kili were almost drowned trying to rescue it. There they sat, tired, wet, hungry with little hope of fire and food in the morning.

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 2941 (April 27th through May 27th-ish)

Today's reading comes from: The Hobbit, pages 37-42

The Business At Hand

After all the plates and kitchen were cleaned up Thorin called for music and all the Dwarves produced instruments and began to play. Thorin began singing a song that detailed the Folk of Durin's plight. I will quote two stanzas that are used in The Hobbit movie trailer; and used very well I might add: "Far over the misty mountains cold To dungeons deep and caverns old We must away ere break of day To seek the pale enchanted gold...The pines were roaring on the height The winds were moaning in the night. The fire was red, it flaming spread; The trees like torches blazed with light" (p. 22-23, The Hobbit). Good stuff.

Bilbo was drawn in by the Dwarven song and his Tookish adventureous side couldn't help but stir. Thorin then began to explain the objective of the quest, danger and all. Bilbo soon couldn't handle the grim talk. "At may never return he began to feel a shriek coming up inside, and very soon it burst out like the whistle of an engine coming out of a tunnel" (p. 25, The Hobbit). He had to be escorted out of the room because he was in such a fright. Gandalf tried to play this embarrassing scream as merely excitement to get the journey under way. But no Hobbit loved adventures not even Bandobras Took. "He charged the ranks of goblins of Mount Gram in the Battle of the Green Fields, and knocked their king Golfimbul's head clean off with a wooden club. It sailed a hundred yards through the air and went down a rabbit-hole, and in this way the battle was won and the game of Golf invented at the same moment" (p. 26, The Hobbit). I thought it was brilliant how Peter Jackson incorporated this childish line  into his movie.

The Dwarves were not happy with Bilbo's outburst. Thinking him not a brave enough burglar Gloin pointed out such a shriek would alert the Dragon their presence. Hearing this Bilbo decided he would prove them wrong and declared his intent to try and achieve whatever it was they wanted from him; though he didn't understand the burglar bit. Gloin then explained the mark on Bilbo's door declaring that he was a burglar (or treasure-hunter if the Hobbit preferred) looking for work as Gandalf had said. At this Gandalf intervened saying about the mark: "'I put it there myself. For very good reasons'" (p. 27, The Hobbit). At this the Wizard scowled fiercely at Gloin and shut him up and by his look Bilbo knew he should say nothing more as well. Gandalf concluded: "'I have chosen Mr. Baggins and that ought to be enough for all of you. If I say he is a Burglar, a Burglar he is, or will be when the time comes. There's a lot more in him than you guess, and a deal more than he has any idea himself. You may (possibly) all live to thank me yet.'" (p. 28, The Hobbit). 

At this Gandalf produced a game changer at least that's how he later recalled it. After speaking with Thorin Gandalf reflected on a map and key that he had come across. "I remembered a dangerous journey of mine, ninety-one years before, when I entered Dol Guldur in disguise, and had found there an unhappy Dwarf dying in the pits. He had a map that had belonged to Durin's folk in Moria, and a key that seemed to go with it, though he was too far gone to explain it. And he said he had possessed a great Ring" (p. 324, Unfinished Tales). The Dwarf spoke almost exclusively of the last of the Seven but gave the map to Gandalf to give to his son. For years Gandalf did not know who the map belonged to but after reflecting on Thorin's tale he pieced together that the dying Dwarf was none other than Thrain, Thorin's father. "It was nine years after Thrain had left his people that I found him, and he had been in the pits of Dol Guldur for five years at least. I do not know how he endured so long, nor how he had kept these things hidden through all his torments. I think that the Dark Power had desired nothing from him except the Ring only, and when he had taken that he troubled no further, but just flung the broken prisoner into the pits to rave until he died. A small oversight; but it proved fatal. Small oversights often do" (p. 336, Unfinished Tales).

Gandalf pointed out that it showed a secret door that would gain access into the Lonely Mountain. "As soon as Thorin saw them he really made up his mind to follow my plan, as far as a secret expedition went at any rate" (p. 324, Unfinished Tales). This of course meant taking Bilbo along on the journey. Alas, the game-changer I mentioned. Thorin began thinking through all the routes and possibilities of how to get to Erebor. Gandalf felt that most of Thorin's plans would require a great warrior or hero but none could be found. "'That is why I settled on burglary--especially when I remembered the existence of a Side-door. And here is our little Bilbo Baggins, the burglar, the chosen and selected burglar'" (p. 30, The Hobbit). Bilbo, trying to sound brave like Gandalf said, began working out the details of the journey--namely expenses and rewards. Thorin discussed compensation and retold the tale of Smaug taking Erebor from the Dwarves and how many of them along with the Men of Dale were killed. 

Then Thorin inquired of Gandalf how he had come by possession of the map and key. Gandalf told how before his grandfather was killed by Azog he had given the map to Thrain. Years later Thrain tried his luck with the map and Gandalf told how he was captured by the Necromancer in Dol Guldur and there it was given to the Wizard to safeguard for Thorin. All the Dwarves shivered at the mention of Dol Guldur and asked what Gandalf was doing there. "'Never you mind. I was finding things out, as usual; and a nasty dangerous business it was. Even I, Gandalf, only just escaped. I tried to save your father, but it was too late. He was witless and wandering, and had forgotten almost everything except the map and the key'" (p. 34, The Hobbit). At this Thorin wanted to plot revenge on the Necromancer (who is Sauron). Gandalf cried out: "'Don't be absurd! He is an enemy far beyond the powers of all the dwarves put together, if they could all be collected again from the four corners of the world'" (p. 34, The Hobbit). Smaug would be more than enough for Thorin's little company.

At this Bilbo accidently spoke up but covered it up by saying he recommended a little sleep (for it was deep into the night by now) before the journey began in the morning. At this the Dwarves put in their breakfast orders. Thorin: "'I like six eggs with my ham, when starting a journey: fried not poached, and mind you don't break 'em'" (p. 35, The Hobbit) Bilbo drifted off to sleep hearing Thorin singing the song that began earlier in the evening. But Gandalf still had to convince Thorin about the hobbit. "'I knew in my heart that Bilbo must go with him, or the whole quest would be a failure - or, as I should say now, the far more important events by the way would not come to pass. So I had still to persuade Thorin to take him. There were many difficulties on the road afterwards, but for me this was the most difficult part of the whole affair. Though I argued with him far into the night after Bilbo retired, it was not finally settled until early next morning'" (p. 324-325, Unfinished Tales). 

Back and forth the two argued. Thorin rightly guessed that Gandalf had other purposes for the journey (he wanted to destruction of Smaug so that Sauron could not use the Great Dragon). Finally what persuaded Thorin was Gandalf's declaration of fondness and friendship for Bilbo and that would be passed onto Thorin if the Dwarf treated the Hobbit well. "Dwarves understand devotion to friends and gratitude to those who help them" (p. 325, Unfinished Tales). Gandalf promised then to help Thorin as long as he could or at least until Bilbo proved his worth. But the wizard knew time was running short as the White Council was due to meet in August. So much good stuff here. I do appreciate Gandalf's wise words about small oversights; that they often prove fatal. Absolutely. 

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 2941 (April 26th-27th)

Today's reading comes from: The Hobbit, pages 21-35; Unfinished Tales, pages 324-325 & 336

An Unexpected Party

Bilbo was nearly over his strange conversation with Gandalf the previous day when his doorbell rang. It was almost tea time and at that moment he remembered his ill-conceived invitation to the Wizard for tea. To the Hobbit's deep surprise it was not Gandalf at the door but a Dwarf (Tolkien describes in detail each color the Dwarf wore--I think Peter Jackson's Dwarves may keep some of these elements but look rather different; to that end I'll include a link to pictures of PJ's versions). The Dwarf announced himself Dwalin with a courteous "at your service" to boot.

"'Bilbo Baggins at yours!' said the hobbit, too surprised to ask any questions for the moment. When the silence that followed had become uncomfortable, he added: 'I am just about to take tea; pray come and have some with me'" (p. 15, The Hobbit). I just picture this Dwarf and Hobbit staring awkwardly at each other; hilarious. Of course Dwalin obliged and just as they sat down the doorbell rang again. And too Bilbo's disappointment/surprise it was still not Gandalf. Another Dwarf, this one a clearly older Dwarf named Balin. He saw Dwalin's hood and was pleased to see the others were arriving as well. That particularly comment flustered Bilbo rather badly. "He liked visitors, but he liked to know them before they arrived, and he preferred to ask them himself. He had a horrible thought that the cakes might run short, and then he -- as the host: he knew his duty and stuck to it however painful -- he might have to go without" (p. 16, The Hobbit). That's a good man right there; stick to your duty no matter how painful. That is a bit a wisdom to tuck away and apply.

Bilbo fetched all their food and drink requests and Dwalin and Balin were talking as old friends (brothers actually). But no rest for the weary and the doorbell rang again and this time two young Dwarves came in: Kili and Fili. All the Dwarves began talking about adventerous matters such as gold, dragons, and goblins (Orcs). Once again the doorbell rang. By now Bilbo was desperate for Gandalf to arrive but it was five more Dwarves at his door. Dori, Nori, Ori, Oin, and Gloin (father of Gimli). The big challenge for Peter Jackson in his movies will be giving each of the Dwarves their own personality--for Tolkien only gave key features to a few.

As Bilbo rushed to play to host he heard the door one more time. Although this time it was someone banging on it with a stick rather than the doorbell itself. As Bilbo angrily opened the door four more Dwarves fell into his home on top of each other: Bifur, Bofur, Bombur (who was "immensely fat and heavy"), and of course Thorin Oakenshield. "And there was Gandalf behind, leaning on his staff and laughing. He had made quite a dent on the beautiful door; he had also, by the way, knocked out the secret mark that he had put there the morning before" (p. 18, The Hobbit). Clever Gandalf as usual.

Thorin was quite haughty (and upset for having Bombur fall on top of him) and was the only Dwarf not to acknowledge Bilbo. And being all together now the food requests came pouring in. I love Gandalf's request: "'A little red wine, I think for me'" (p. 19, The Hobbit). Finally the eating died down and being the dutiful polite host Bilbo felt obligated to ask his unexpected party to stay for dinner and to his dismay Thorin accepted. The great Dwarf then called for cleaning up and the other Dwarves sprang into action tossing and throwing, cleaning, and drying in such a frenzy Bilbo was beside himself. This delighted the Dwarves and they began an impromptu song:  "'Chip the glasses and crack the plates! Blunt the knives and bend the forks! That's what Bilbo Baggins hates--Smash the bottles and burn the corks!'" (p. 20, The Hobbit). Of course they didn't actually break anything but were only giving poor Bilbo mini heart attack. Quite the beginning for our Hobbit's unexpected journey.

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 2941 (April 26th)

Today's reading comes from: The Hobbit, pages 15-20

Gandalf Visits Bilbo

"In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy, hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort" (p. 9, The Hobbit). And so begins one of the best loved children's books of all time. Yet somehow I missed it growing up which initially made it a tremendously difficult read for the first time I attempted to after I had read The Lord of the Rings. It was just so different from the epic Rings story. But, I managed to make it through and now within its chronological context I must say that I am very excited to see how this fits within the history of Middle-earth.

Tolkien notes several details about this hobbit-hole: round, green door with a shiny yellow knob in the middle, lots of pantries, and space for guests. All very consistent of the manner of Hobbits. And of course, this hobbit-hole belonged to a Mr. Bilbo Baggins. "The Bagginses have lived in the neighbourhood of the Hill for time out of mind, and people considered them very respectable, not only because most of them were rich, but also because they never had any adventures or did anything unexpected: you could tell what a Baggins would say on any question without the bother of asking him" (p. 10, The Hobbit). Not the sort of daring adventuring thief Gandalf had just presented to Thorin and the Dwarves!

Bilbo's mother was Belladonna Took one of the Old Took's daughters. This is important because though the Took's were by far richer than the Bagginses they were also less respected. That particular family had a habit of running off on adventures. This, of course, means that adventure is in Bilbo's blood. Just for fun, Bilbo's father was Bungo Baggins a solid Hobbit who never adventured. And it appeared that Bilbo would follow directly into his father's footsteps being 50 years old at the time when Gandalf came calling.

It was in the morning of a fateful day when Bilbo was smoking his pipe (with toe hair neatly brushed Tolkien notes--funny!) when he offered a heartfelt good morning to Gandalf. To which the Wizard replied: "'Do you wish me a good morning, or mean that it is a good morning whether I want it or not; or that you feel good this morning; or that it is a morning to be good on?' 'All of them at once,' said Bilbo." (p. 12, The Hobbit).

Gandalf went straight into business announcing his need of someone to share an adventure. Bilbo made it known that folks around his way did not take part in any adventures. A comical scene ensues where Bilbo decides Gandalf his not his sort of person and pretends to read and ignore the Wizard. Gandalf simply leans on his staff and stares at the Hobbit until things become a little uncomfortable. At this Bilbo nearly lost his cool: "'Good morning!' he said at last. 'We don't want any adventures here, thank you! You might try over The Hill or across The Water.' By this he meant that the conversation was at an end. 'What a lot of things you do use Good morning for!' said Gandalf. 'Now you mean that you want to get rid of me, and that it won't be good till I move off' (p. 13, The Hobbit).

Being a hospitable Hobbit Bilbo did not wish to come off as rude so he inquired of his visitor's name and upon learning it was Gandalf ("'I am Gandalf, and Gandalf means me!'" p. 13, The Hobbit) he realized exactly who he was talking too (with fond memories of the Wizards fireworks of course). But Gandalf would not let go of the adventure bit and by now Bilbo was thoroughly perplexed: "'Sorry! I don't want any adventures, thank you. Not today. Good morning! But please come to tea -- any time you like! Why not tomorrow? Come tomorrow! Good bye!' With that the hobbit turned and scuttled inside his round green door, and shut it as quickly as he dared, not to seem rude. Wizards after all are wizards" (p. 14, The Hobbit).

Bilbo was slightly concerned he had asked Gandalf over for tea but for the most part was quite pleased with himself for avoiding that adventure business. "Gandalf in the meantime was still standing outside the door, and laughing long but quietly. After a while he stepped up, and with the spike on his staff scratched a queer sign on the hobbit's beautiful green front-door" (p. 14-15, The Hobbit). Gandalf admitted later his confidence in the hobbit had been shaken but by now the plan was already implemented with Thorin leading his band of Dwarves to Bag End at that very moment. As an aside, I think I shall now use "Good morning!" for a variety of uses from here one; particularly in moments of exasperation and confusion.

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 2941 (April 25th)

Today's reading comes from: The Hobbit, pages 9-15, Unfinished Tales, page 335