Second Thoughts

Well, I finished my first "script" for the first episode. My respect for screenwriters has grown exponentially. It's a difficult process particularly taking a book with a rather abstract beginning and making it film-able.

Trying to create something with visual appeal without much dialogue is a big challenge. I'd rather like to limit the amount of filling in my own dialogue where there is none but much of The Silmarillion is written as a historical document. I've always defended the notion that books and movies are different mediums and therefore are rather like comparing apples and oranges. This process reinforces that.

Yet, adapting doesn't necessarily mean wholesale change. Understanding that I would need to potentially build in material sets my mind to thinking how could any such "extra" material fall in line with the themes and ideas of Professor Tolkien.

It's an altogether interesting exercise. And right now I'm wondering if 3-5 movies would serve my purposes better than 8 seasons of television.

How Many Seasons For The Silmarillion?

I spent some time leafing through The Silmarillion dreaming about how many seasons it would take to do justice to the book. And by doing justice, being a lover of the book, I mean a pretty accurate portrayal of the book (not very realistic, right?)

After thinking through what I thought would be good starting and endpoints for various "season" I decided that 8 total would be sufficient. Of course, after making this decision I found out the number of pages in the book vary greatly with the later season containing much much more material as the stories of the First Age become more detailed (Beren & Lúthien, Children of Húrin, etc). So I'm sure when I dive in I'll realize just how wrong my initial synopsis was.

But for the time being here are my first attempts at a Silmarillion series. For whatever reason the theme of "days" stuck in my head and so each season has it's own working title. I wonder if you might guess where each season begins and ends?

1. The Beginning of Days
2. The Blessed Days
3. The Dark Days
4. New Days Ahead
5. Days of Love and Tears
6. Desperate Days
7. Days of Ruin
8. The End of Days

Thus begins my great dreaming.

The Silmarillion Onscreen?

Greetings.

It's been entirely too long. I've been under much stress at work lately. One of my preferred avenues of self-care is reading Tolkien and blogging. My goal for 2015 was blog through The History of Middle-earth series by Christopher Tolkien. I started strong but faded as of late. I may have to save the second half of that series for another year.

I am still debating what 2016's topic will be but in the mean time I wanted to pause a bit and think about The Silmarillion and it's adaptation to the screen. I'll admit I am inspired by Peter Jackson's recent Facebook post where he teases (trolls?) Tolkien fans with a rather obvious copy of The Silmarillion on his table (in fact the same edition I own--my heart skipped a beat!) with mysterious page indicators in it.

The Silmarillion has long been my favorite Tolkien work. I did not read it until several years after The Lord of the Rings. Oddly enough I found it more accessible than The Hobbit. It's not light and childlike as The Hobbit. While epic like The Lord of the Rings it is infinitely harder to read. There's no main character to follow rather many vignettes involving many different characters. Because it is mostly an Elvish history the Elvish names are everywhere. It's a challenge. But I love every drop of it.

Seeing Peter Jackson's tease has once again set me to thinking could The Silmarillion be adapted? How might that best be achieved?

Number one: I do believe it could be achieved. And as much as I would long to see it the reality is no screen adaptation can ever compete with a book. Reading a story is such a personal and emotional experience one is bound to be disappointed when the screen adaptation falls short: be it the casting or costuming of a character that doesn't meet your image, to parts being cut or amended for the sake of time, to wholesale changes to fit the director or studio's wants. Even with PJ's movie adaptations there are parts that exceeded my wildest dreams, parts that were ok, and parts I could do without. But I've come to appreciate a Tolkien adaptation on the screen even if it isn't my ideal adaptation.

Number two: I think that The Silmarillion would best be adapted to the small screen. I just don't think you could do justice to the story in two or three movies (even of the 3 hour variety). At the very least much would remain on the cutting floor (if filmed at all). I could see a Band of Brothers, Walking Dead, or Game of Thrones type of adaptation. On that last note--I've never watched Game of Thrones and I would caution that a Silmarillion adaptation need not try to compete with that. Tolkien is not Martin and vice versa.

Number three: If one is going to try and adapt The Silmarillion to screen than one might as well go big. Why not try and secure rights to other Tolkien works (Unfinished Tales, History of Middle-earth, The Children of Húrin) in order to supplement the story. There are some pieces in the first two works that offer some beautiful pieces to the Gondolin arc. Also Húrin greatly expands what's in The Silmarillion.

To work on a Silmarillion screen adaptation would be a dream job. It would be a job born out of love for the story. Though I am no actor, nor my writing skills adept enough to write a screenplay. I have no artistic or technological or building skills. But what joy it would be to pour my love for the story into some work on such a project.

So I think for the rest of 2015 I will indulge myself a little and imagine what my ideal screen adaptation of The Silmarillion might look like. Thanks for letting me do that.

Plot sketches after Moria

I think my favorite part of Christopher Tolkien's  painstaking historical account of his fathers writing of The Lord of the Rings are the plot sketches. It's really cool to see J.R.R. Tolkien's preliminary thoughts on where the story is heading. Some of those thoughts never come to be, others provide the germ of what will be, and still others are pretty much spot-on from the first time pen/pencil hit the paper. After finishing the Moria chapter and before writing the Lothlórien chapter (Christopher Tolkien argued his father had much of this next chapter in his mind and therefore only included cursory notes in the sketch) Tolkien sat down an began to outline where his story was heading and clearly it was becoming much bigger than the simple Hobbit sequel he was tasked to write years before. I will bullet point what most stands out to me:

• The company (sans Gandalf) reaches Lothlórien and take refuge in the trees
• Frodo decides going to Minis Tirith will not aid him and not all the company would be receptive to that idea: "Boromir is secretly planning to use the Ring, since Gandalf is gone" (p. 207, The Treason of Isengard). 
• Boromir tries to take the Ring; the aftermath is as follows: 
• Frodo puts on the Ring and disappears; it's noted that this use of the Ring reestablished It's power over Frodo
• Sam is lost
• Aragorn is grieved for failing Gandalf
• Merry & Pippin are distracted and wander far away
• Gimli & Legolas perceive the fellowship is broken and go North together
• Sam eventually tracks Gollum who leads him to Frodo
• Sam & Frodo's journey is sketched to Mount Doom
• Capture of Gollum who feigns reform and betrays them
• The Dead Marshes
• Frodo cannot willingly part with it at the end
• "Function for Sam? Is he to die?" (p. 209, The Treason of Isengard). 
• Tolkien quickly decided Frodo should be caught be Orcs and Sam gains the Ring--but how? 
• "A spider charm? or does Gollum get spider's help?"(p. 209. The Treason of Isengard).
• Sam uses the Ring to save Frodo and later it is Sam who wrestles Gollum and throws him into the fire
• Questions of how Frodo & Sam are to be rescued. 
• "Frodo standing on the side of Fire Mountain holds up a sword. He now commands Ringwraiths an bids them be gone" (p. 210, The Treason of Isengard). 
• Ideas for the rest of the company who should be checked in on.
• Merry & Pippin meet Treebeard (who turns out to be a good giant)
• "Legolas and Gimli also get lost and get captured by Saruman?" (p. 210, The Treason of Isengard). This idea was quickly rejected
• Boromir (who has noticeably changed) and Aragorn go to Minis Tirith and save the besieged city though the Lord is slain and the people choose Aragorn.
• "Boromir deserts and sneaks off to Saruman, to get his help in becoming Lord of Minis Tirith" (p. 210, The Treason of Isengard). 
• "How does Gandalf reappear?" (p. 210, The Treason of Isengard). 
• Turns out in Legolas & Gimli's travels (sans capture by Saruman) they encounter the risen Gandalf; interesting piece of the now White Wizards tale: "Clad himself in Mithril-mail and fought his way out slaying many trolls" (p. 211, The Treason of Isengard). 
• Siege of Minis Tirith is now broken by Gimli, Legolas, Gandalf, and Treebeard. Boromir still runs away to Saruman who shuts himself in Isengard. 
• An idle notion that if one hobbit dies it must be Pippin--the cowardly one who dies in a final act of bravery.
• And then some final chapter ideas after the Ring is destroyed:
• After feasting thoughts turn to Boromir: his repentance is rejected and appears that Aragorn was to slay the traitor (in battle? in execution? We don't know). 
• Gandalf dismisses Saruman and Isengard is given to the Dwarves or Radagast perhaps. 
• "Song of the Banished Shadow" (p. 212. The Treason of Isengard).  Something tells me this chapter would have included some cool Tolkien verses
• "Last scene. Sailing away of Elves [added faintly: Bilbo with them]" (p. 212, The Treason of Isengard). 

As you can see: some ideas that never came to be (Sam's death), some that are the genesis of the published story (Merry & Pippin meeting Treebeard), and some pretty close from the start (Gollum betraying Frodo with the help of Spiders). Perhaps most interesting is now the increased presence of Saruman and Isengard. Gandalf revealed at the Council of Elrond he was betrayed by the fellow Wizard and we see Tolkien beginning to flesh out what that means exactly for the denizens of Middle-earth. 

The Bridge of Moria

Christopher Tolkien said it well when he opened the next chapter of The History of Middle-earth series: "We come at last to the point where my father took up the narrative again beside Balin's tomb in Moria" (p. 190. The Treason of Isengard). It took nearly 200 pages of Treason to reach the point of new writings. If nothing is this excellently illustrates the amount of painstaking work Tolkien took when writing his masterpiece. Fine tuning the details, ironing out the plot, eradicating inconsistencies to get it just so. A testament to hard work.

It was still written on examination paper dated August 1940 so, real life chronology, it's the early Forties as this is being written (still a dozen or so years off from publication!). We finally meet up alongside the Fellowship as they read the Book of Mazarbul and learn the tragic fate of Balin's sortie to retake Moria. They linger to long and drums in the deep start. Soon goblins and orcs (with the name Orcs set to overtake goblins in this chapter) are upon them and they have a cave troll. (Several, but that's just a great line from Boromir in the movie).

It's fun to see Frodo's wrath aroused and his sword drives deep into the trolls foot whereas Boromir's blade made no impact. "'One for the Shire!' cried Trotter delightedly. 'You have a good blade, Frodo son of Drogo'" (p. 193, The Treason of Isengard). A desperate fight ensues culminating with a great Orc-chief spearing Frodo. Aragorn kills the Orc-chief and picks up Frodo only to be astonished the hobbit is still alive. The company flees with Gandalf staying at the door conjuring a spell. There is a great dazzling light, loud boom, and Gandalf is thrown down the stairs into the company.

The wizard reports that he has destroyed the chamber of Mazarbul burying Balin forever but keeping their pursuers at bay stating: "'I have lost my staff, part of my beard, and an inch of my eyebrows'" (p. 195, The Treason of Isengard). Interesting the text stops shortly after this and Tolkien began an immediate rewrite. It's close to the first writing but this time Gandalf does not lose his staff and calls for Gimli to aid him in leading the retreat. It also extends to the point where they are able to rest and ask Frodo what happened.

Finally the fellowship nears the bridge of Khazad-dûm. The pursuing Orcs are cut off by fire and a Balrog appears. Gandalf ushers the company across the bridge and stops to hold it against this ancient enemy. This history and depth of the Balrog is hinted at in a line written (and immediately struck out): "'You cannot pass,' he said. 'Go back...into the fiery depths. It is forbidden for any Balrog to come beneath the sky since Fionwë son of Manwë overthrew Thangorodrim'" (p. 198, The Treason of Isengard). I love this line. It takes me back to the first time I read The Lord of the Rings--it all felt so real, so historical, a depth to this world that made one feel it had actually existed. It's also interesting to see that the reconceptualization of the First Age was not complete--clearly the Valar still had offspring at this point.

Of interest as well is a rapidly written line concerning Legolas: "Legolas [?raised] his bow, and [an] arrow pierced his shoulder" (p. 198, The Treason of Isengard). This note would be lost altogether as nowhere in the published story does Legolas suffer wound; and if one's picture of Legolas is Peter Jackson's image this a jarring line to read. I rather like it and could advocate for it's remaining in the story; for his wounds could be healed during their stay in Lothlórien. Gandalf falls and the company made it out of Moria and at that point the original chapter writing ends.

Christopher Tolkien noted that immediately after the first manuscript was completed his father went back and made a fair manuscript of the chapter (and with it some emendations to the text) rather than moving on with the story. The changes, of course, brought the story more in line with the published version and I make only two final notes.

The aforementioned Legolas bit becomes a bit more startling: "he turned to fly and an arrow struck him in the shoulder. He stumbled and began to crawl on all fours along the bridge" (p. 203, The Treason of Isengard). Now we see the brave Elf shot in the back while running and reduced to crawling away in fear and hurt. In Fellowship he simply cries out in terror and runs--I'm not sure which of these looks fits him best. Lastly, a little more glimpse of the company after they escape Moria and are filled with grief at the loss of Gandalf. Aragorn offers the encouraging words: "'But now we must do as we can without our friend and our guide. At least we may yet avenge him. Let us gird ourselves. It is better for us to strike hard than to mourn long'" (p. 204, The Treason of Isengard).

The Lord of Moria

In my last post I noted some highlights as the story of Frodo's journey continues to take shape in details that strike ever closer to the published works of Tolkien. The same will happen as I highlight the next chapter of The Treason of Isengard where we find the fellowship on the brink of Moria. Christopher Tolkien stated that, at this writing, the text of Fellowship was, by and large, effectively completed.

There are some variations though. Aragorn shifts between being named Trotter and Elfstone throughout the chapter. We see some firsts in the text: the river Isen, Barad-dúr and Sauron's strongholds: "'I alone of you have ever been in the dungeons of the Dark Lord; and only in his older and lesser dwelling at Dol-Dúgol in Southern Mirkwood. Those who pass the gates of Barad-dûr, the Dark Tower in the Land of Shadow, do not return'" (p. 177-178, The Treason of Isengard). Pretty cool to see those two names show up!

At this point there are still two distinct doors to enter Moria by: A Dwarven door and an Elven door--at no point did the fellowship attempt the Dwarven door. Christopher Tolkien goes in to some detail about the moon-phases; essentially most references to the moon were removed at this point as it become rather muddled. I do admire Tolkien's determination to get the moons and chronologies correct. I for one am very inept when it comes to lunar cycles.

Mithril is called ithildin at the beginning of the writings but found it's name and significance as the chapter proceeded. One key item missing at this point was the phrase: Durin's Bane. Nothing too definitive but Christopher Tolkien said: "...I think it probable that at this stage it was not the Balrog that had caused the flight of the Dwarves from the great Dwarrowdelf long before" (p. 186, The Treason of Isengard). The chapter ends of course with the company finding the tomb of the Lord of Moria: Balin son of Fundin.

The Ring Sets Out

After the many revisions of the Council of Elrond Tolkien once again turned his attention to the journey of the Fellowship. Once and for all the number of walkers is determined: "Nine should be the number to set against the Nine Evil servants" (p. 161, The Treason of Isengard). Although who the company was composed of was still not finalized. A new potential member cropped up: Erestor representing the Half-Elven. But eventually the nine we have come to know and love in Fellowship was settled upon. I must admit I too would struggle with making half my company hobbits to pit against the Ringwraiths just as Elrond and Tolkien did.

The chronology of the story was also in flux at this time. At this moment of writing the company was to embark in late November about a month earlier than in the published account. Names (mountains, rivers, characters, etc) are still being tinkered with while the course of the company reaches fairly comparable details as in Fellowship. It is interesting to see at this point that Tolkien was still determining what call Aragorn (who was determined to go to Minis Tirith only) often exchanging Aaragorn for Elfstone.

"The reforging of the sword of Elendil now enters..." (p. 165, The Treason of Isengard). Also making it's first appearance in the story is the name Lothlórien where Gandalf had a mind to take the company too. During the snowstorm that stranded the company the banter between Gandalf and Boromir is changed. The light-hearted exchange is now between the Wizard and Legolas and is not nearly as light-hearted. And as Christopher Tolkien noted all but disappears in the final version. There were some fun moments in the early writings that would be fun to weave back into the story. Legolas does run light-footed across the snow yet.

Council of Elrond, 5th Version

Well, September certainly flew by. Lots to do with school starting up, taking advantage of the last bits of nice weather before it turns, football season starting, and of course birthdays to celebrate (mine, Bilbo, and Frodo!). But I did make my way through the next chapter of The Treason of Isengard which pushed the story very close to it's finality. I struggled for a while thinking about how I might articulate the various intricacies that moved the story along when last night I began the next chapter and found the Christopher Tolkien summarized things quite well (as should be expected):

"The intractable problems that had beset The Lord of the Rings thus far were now at last resolved. The identity of Trotter had been decisively established, and with the work done in successive versions of 'The Council of Elrond' his place and significance in the history of Middle-earth was already made firm--meagre though that history still was by comparison with the great structure that would afterwords be raised on these foundations. The hobbits were equally secure in number and in name, and the only Bolger who ever roamed far afield would rove no more. Bombadil is to play no further part in the history of the Ring. Most intractable of all, the question of what had happened to Gandalf was now conclusively answered; and with that answer had arisen (as it would turn out) a new focal point in the history of the War of the Ring: the Treason of Isengard" (p. 161, The Treason of Isengard).

It's fascinating to watch the twists and turns of how The Lord of the Rings came to be.

Council of Elrond (versions 2-4)

Christopher Tolkien weaved his way through four versions of the Council of Elrond in the next chapter of The Treason of Isengard. Each subsequent version furthering the narrative toward the finished version. Details such as the various speakers when when their various tales entered the council shifted throughout the writings. Details that emerged in this writing process include:

• Elrond's recollection of the Elder Days and his lineage
• Aragorn's tale of the hunt for Gollum
• Gandalf's analogy of he and Bombadil: "'I am a rolling stone, and he is a gatherer of moss'" 9p. 111, The Treason of Isengard). I like that saying. 
• Elrond asserts the Three Rings of the Elves have been taken over the Sea. 
• Elrond decides the Fellowship is to consist of 7 walkers (Merry & Pippin are excluded). Gandalf explains that Pippin's heart is not ready for such adventures and of Merry: "'He is merry in name, and merry in heart, but this quest is not for him...'" (p. 115, The Treason of Isengard). The wise wizard does suspect there will be work for the two young hobbits to do. Perhaps a foreshadow of problems in the Shire? 
• The 7 walkers are: Frodo, Sam, Gandalf, Aragorn, Boromir, Gimli, and Galdor (of Mirkwood)
• As the texts were written the role of the Númenóreans in Middle-earth, Aragorn's lineage, becomes clearer and clearer.
• Minas Ithil, Minas Anor, Elendil, and Isildur and there roles begin to take shape.
• The relation of the Land of Ond and the Númenórans is quite interesting at first conception: "'And the Men of Minas Tirith drove out my fathers,' said Aragorn. 'Is that not remembered Boromir? The men of that town have never ceased to wage war on Sauron, but they have listened not seldom to counsels that came from him'" (p. 120, The Treason of Isengard). I like how the history came to be with the Stewards and Denethor's hesitancy to give up power; but is intriguing to think how the return of the King would have been handled by a rebellious people.
• Much talk about the sword that was broken; Elendil prophesied when it would be reforged and by all accounts at the council it seems the time is at hand. 
• More names enter for the first time: Khazaddûm and Osgiliath for example. 
• Finally Gandalf's tale of his capture emerges: his restlessness, his meeting with Radagast the Brown (who finally makes it into the story!) who tells of the Nine Ringwraiths who are abroad, his going to Saruman the White for help; his betrayal and capture by Saruman. 

Wizards and Hobbits

The next section of The Treason of Isengard shows Tolkien's efforts to expand on the Hamilcar Bolger capture. And while this story would not come to be it did yield some very important developments.

A bit of narrative was to be introduced into the Many Meetings chapter when Frodo wakes up in Rivendell. To his surprise one of the hobbits waiting for him was Hamilcar Bolger who had opted to stay at Crickhollow. Inquiring about his presence the story is told of how the Black Riders raided Crickhollow and captured him but Gandalf came in the nick of time and pursued the Riders saving Hamilcar: "'He did not know whether is was relieved or disgusted when he found out it was only poor old Ham Bolger. I was too crushed to mind at the time: he bowled the Rider that was carrying me clean over; but I feel rather hurt now'" (p. 68-69, The Treason of Isengard).

Afterward realizing the Riders had thought they had caught Baggins Gandalf took Hamilcar and hoped to draw the enemies off of the real Baggins' trail. But news traveled too quickly and the Black Riders quickly were after Frodo. From there the time schemes match-up for both Gandalf and Frodo's travels to Rivendell (and explains the odd boot and hobbit prints Trotter found at Weathertop).

Not long after a sketch of a new plot twist emerged. And this was a major breakthrough. A new Wizard appears: Sarumund. "Sarumund betrays him - having fallen and gone over to Sauron: (either) he tells Gandalf false news of the Black Riders, and they pursue him to the top of a mountain; there he is left standing alone with a guard (wolves, orcs, etc. all about) while they ride off with mocking laugh; (or else) he is handed over to a giant Fangorn (Treebeard) who imprisons him?" (p. 71, The Treason of Isengard).

While the final details are not in place this is an excellent example of how Tolkien's first thoughts provided remarkable direction and clarity for his writing. From the beginning of putting his name on paper Saruman was to be a fallen wizard who betrays Gandalf. Remarkable. We also see that Treebeard has not left Tolkien's imagination - albeit he is still a rather evil character.

At this point there are various revisions concerning the Hamilcar, Gandalf, and Sarumund stories. Alternate versions included Hamilcar's rescue or his slipping out to Crickhollow before the Ringwraiths attacked. The Eagles enter the story now, rescuing Gandalf from his captivity. Radagast has not yet appeared but is close.

More revisions to previous writings happened around this time to. The confusing business of multiple secret letters from Gandalf seems to have been set aside at this time. One letter, now dated from the summer which Butterbur forgot to send on, that is independently and unknowingly confirmed by Trotter when he recites the poem (All that is gold does not glitter) about himself.

Revisions to Early Chapters, Part Two

Picking up from the last blog.

Chapter Nine: At the Sign of the Prancing Pony (The Cow Jumped Over the Moon)

• This was one long chapter but Tolkien finally divided it into two: same title with differing subtitles (in parenthesis)
• Harry Goatleaf's, the gatekeeper of Bree, role is reduced
• Given the restructuring of Bombadil there is no mention of him to Butterbur by the hobbits

Chapter 10: At the Sign of the Prancing Pony (All that is gold does not glitter)

• The Gandalf/Odo adventure has been cut which caused shifts in the narrative (Trotter no longer eavesdrops on Gandalf; Butterbur only has news of Black Riders, etc).
• Frodo's thoughts on Trotter looking foul but feeling fair arise in this time of writing.
• The strongest emergence of Sam Gamgee appears with his inherent distrust of Trotter.
• Tolkien spent considerable writings on the reveal of Trotter. It became very complicated with both Butterbur and Trotter producing separate letters from Gandalf confirming the ranger could be trusted.
• "Afterwords my father abandoned this spider's web of argumentation..." (p. 52, The Treason of Isengard). In the end there is one letter and Strider mentions the famous not all those who wander are lost words rather than two letters that match up the poems. 

Chapter 11: A Knife in the Dark

• Several revisions were made to the attack at Crickhollow: One involved Gandalf arriving first and slipping out the back with Hamilcar Bolger and raising the alarm, the next Gandalf is absent and Hamilcar raises the alarm, and an interesting third version: "The black figures passed swiftly in. In a moment they came out again; one carrying a small bundled figure in an old clock: it did not struggle" (p. 55, The Treason of Isengard). Poor Hamilcar. 
• At Weathertop Trotter is dismayed to find Sam and Pippen trampled the ground. It appears someone in boots (not worn by rangers) and a different hobbit were there but Trotter could not be sure. 

Chapter 12: Flight to the Ford

• References to the specific troll names from The Hobbit were still present but would be cut eventually
• However, Sam's poem about Trolls was introduced for the first time. Christopher Tolkien noted that his father had originally thought to have Bingo (Frodo) sing it at The Prancing Pony.
• Sam's song was based on Tolkien's 1920's era poem The Root of the Boot. Of course, Tolkien had to reframe it removing such images and phrases like: 'churchyard' and 'wore black on a Sunday'

Revisions to Early Chapters, part one

Tolkien began to restructure and rewrite the beginning of his Hobbit sequel. Much of the rewriting was prompted by the shift in ideas of what Gandalf was doing, behind the scenes, in his absence. Other shifts, such as the finalization of Trotter as a man, also influenced what had previously been written. I will highlight some shifts I found interesting as noted in The Treason of Isengard:

Chapter One: A long-expected party

• Christopher Tolkien noted this was now the 6th version of the opening chapter
•  The tense show of wills between Bilbo and Gandalf is not yet present but the Ring's grip on Bilbo is becoming clearer: "He held out the envelope, but just as Gandalf was about to take it,  Bilbo's hand jerked and the envelope fell on the floor" (p. 20, The Treason of Isengard).
• The Dwarf Lofar finally disappears

Chapter Two: An Ancient History

• This chapter was substantially rewritten but parts of the history had not yet appeared (for example: the making of the Rings of Power)
• Overall it moves, in most parts, nearly identical to the published work: "'I can put it no plainer than by saying that Bilbo was meant to find the Ring, and not by its maker. In which case you were also meant to have it, and that may be an encouraging thought, or it may not'" (p. 25, The Treason of Isengard).
• There is still great difficulty resolving Gollum and Bilbo's interaction from The Hobbit

Chapter Three: Three's Company

• This is the 3rd title of this chapter (Delays are Dangerous and Three's Company, Four's More)
• Perhaps the biggest development: "...'Pippin' appears for the first time as the text was written" (p. 30, The Treason of Isengard). Indeed, the lovable Pippin took finally lands on page never to leave.

Chapter Four: A Shortcut to Mushrooms

• The final form of this chapter was already completed; no significant changes or the correcting names.

Chapter Five: A Conspiracy Unmasked with The Dream of the Tower

• Frodo no longer leaves a note for Gandalf at Crickhollow fearing it was too dangerous
• Several texts exist from this time regarding Frodo's dream of Gandalf's imprisonment. Christopher Tolkien noted that his father struggled with where exactly to insert this dream into the text. 
• The dream itself has some eery and unsettling features: "...outside the wall sat silent watchers: black-robed figures on black horses, gazing at the gate of the tower without moving, as if they had sat there forever" (p. 33-34, The Treason of Isengard). Let that sink in and picture it; gives me the creeps!

Chapter Six: The Old Forest

• Most of the changes involved in this revision involved name changes with various characters

Chapter Seven: In the House of Tom Bombadil

• The attack at Crickhollow was originally associated with this chapter; but with the shift in Gandalf's movements this was struck out and would be incorporated around the time Frodo and friends arrived in Bree.

Chapter Eight: Fog on the Barrow-downs

• Little revision to this chapter was made at this time. However it was not yet in the final Fellowship form.
• The idea that Butterbur knew Bombadil was struck out however as Tolkien likely remembered Gandalf's words at Elrond's council that Bombadil did not leave his borders

The Treason of Isengard

I have now entered the 7th volume of the History of Middle-earth series. Entitled The Treason of Isengard it will clearly move into what we know as The Two Towers. As usual I will be looking for interesting ideas that never came to be or germs of the finished story that I love so well. With that being said the opening chapter makes it clear we have not reached Towers territory yet. As Tolkien gave much thought to Gandalf's various movements behind the scenes it led to some rewrites of material we've been through multiple times (I've lost count now--perhaps the 6th rewrite of the first chapter?). To start things off Christopher Tolkien assembled various notes, plot outlines, and ideas that guided some of the rewrites which I will highlight in this post:

1. A brief outline of Bilbo's motive: his restlessness for further adventure before death. The hobbit is ignorant of the true power of the Ring. Bilbo "Says to Gandalf he sometimes feels it is like an eye looking at [him]" (p. 5, The Treason of Isengard). No real struggle giving up the Ring. Gandalf occasionally visits Frodo; often years between visits. Frodo decides on his own to leave the Shire with Merry, Faramond, and Sam--Gandalf has been delayed by Treebeard and the Dark Lord's hunt. Aid from Trotter but now Tolkien wondered who Trotter was: "At the end of this sketch my father for a moment contemplated an entirely novel answer to this question: Trotter was a 'disguised elf - friend of Bilbo's in Rivendell.' He was one of the Rivendell scouts, of whom many were sent out, and he 'pretends to be a ranger'. This was struck out, probably as soon as written" (p. 6, The Treason of Isengard).
2. Another note further explores the character of Trotter and we see an important details emerge: "Trotter is...descendent of...the ancient men of the North, one of Elrond's household...real name...Aragorn son of Aramir" (p. 6-7, The Treason of Isengard). Still, Tolkien was not finally decided as in the same scrap notes the idea of Trotter being the hobbit Peregrin Boffin and accompanying details were written. 
3. In his Final Decisions notes (but not quite true!) Tolkien flushed out further details. Of note: It's definitive that neither Bilbo nor Gandalf were aware of the nature of the Ring when Bilbo disappeared. And "Trotter is not a hobbit but a real ranger who had gone to live in Rivendell after much wandering" (p. 8, The Treason of Isengard).
4. More notes detail Gandalf's movements more so than any others: "Black Riders pursue them [read him] - Gandalf has insufficient magic to cope with Black Riders unaided, whose king is a wizard...Eventually he is besieged in the Western Tower. He cannot get away while they guard it with five riders" (p. 9, The Treason of Isengard). Also of significance: the year 1418 is mentioned-the first hint of the Shire Reckoning 
5. More plot notes/outlines: it appears the surname Barnabas has been rejected for Mr. Butterbur. Also Trotter was still captured and tortured in Mordor while hunting Gollum. This survived from hobbit Trotter to man Trotter but was untenable once the identity of Aragorn became more clear. 
6. The final notes are several different sets of time schemes as Tolkien tried to flesh out the chronology of his now massive undertaking. A task that would prove very challenging throughout his writing. 

Moria

Christopher Tolkien shared a sketch of the Mines of Moria chapter that preceded the narrative. Many essential items appeared from the beginning: Gandalf's doubt at the three roads, the well, the attack at Balin's tomb, Frodo's near death, etc.

In the written narrative further details emerge. The dammed lake that nearly cuts the company off from the Mines, the holly-trees marking the invisible dwarf door, the signs of the Durin and the Elves, the door-opening riddle, Gandalf's struggle to find the opening words, the Watcher in the Water, etc.

Indeed, much of the early manuscript of the chapter resembles Fellowship. So much so that I am purposefully not going into much detail. The book ends with the ominous discovery of a tomb by the company. And I must say I am not displeased as The Return of the Shadow clocked in at 462 pages (not counting the index) and by far was the largest book yet in The History of Middle-earth series.

The Ring Moves

For the first time in Tolkien's writing the Ring begins to move beyond Rivendell. It's taken several drafts to get it to Rivendell and finally the adventure continues. As the story continues the fellowship consists of: Gandalf, Boromir, and the hobbits (Frodo, Sam, Fararmond, Merry, and Trotter). Generally speaking the Ring is moving South but the names of lands and rivers are not in the finished form as of yet. But you get the sense it will be an ominous journey even while Tolkien makes efforts to tie it to the whimsical Hobbit adventure: "Many others of Elrond's household stood in the shadows and watched them go' bidding them farewell with soft voices. There was no laughter, and no songs or music. Then with one last look down at the lights of the Last Homely House below they strode on, far into the night" (p. 417, The Return of the Shadow).

The bones of the story are there: traveling by night, through Hollin, spying birds, the precarious passage over the mountains, etc. The snowstorm is just as tense and seems to be driven by something other than natural weather patterns. Gandalf, out of sheer desperation, starts a fire by magic knowing it will give his presence away to any unseen spies.

Boromir being the only large statured man among the group does much to dig out the company and clear a path down the snowy mountain. There is some sarcastic banter between Gandalf and Boromir (given in part to Legolas in the published book). When disclosing he could not melt snow without kindling wood to fire Gandalf suggest what Boromir needed was a dragon. "'Indeed I think a tame dragon would actually be more useful at the moment than a wild wizard,' said Boromir - with a laugh that did not in any way appease Gandalf" (p. 426-27, The Return of the Shadow). Once down and rested the company decides, with much foreboding, to try the Mines of Moria.

The House of Elrond

At long last the story continues in the House of Elrond picking up where Tolkien left off: mid-conversation between Frodo and Glóin. In this version, when asked about Balin, Glóin goes into great detail of the disappearance of Bilbo's traveling companion and the troubles that have come to Dáin in the Mountain. Of course these details, in the end, are reserved for the Council of Elrond and not a dinner conversation between the hobbit and dwarf.

Finally, in the House of Elrond Bilbo is revealed as alive and Trotter revealed to be Peregrin--to Frodo's surprise and delight. But the text is quickly cut off with a fairly definitive note from Tolkien: "Trotter had better not be a hobbit..." (p. 393, The Return of the Shadow). However, it would still be some time before that note would come to fruition.

In the first version of the Council of Elrond Sam is actually invited to go. Other invitees include messenger from the king of the Wood-Elves of Mirkwood (not a son; the king is yet unnamed), Burin son of Balin, and one Boromir from the South (the Land of Ond). I must say I'm glad Tolkien landed on Gondor for the Land of Ond is simply too similar to a story about a lost Kansas girl in a magical land.

More versions of the Council occur with various details (the central question: what to do about the Ring? is always present): what of the Elven and Dwarven rings of Power?; history of the Ring, tidings from various participants (although Boromir's news, alluded to as very important, is never revealed), details of happenings of Erebor, etc.

Eventually more details take shape: Sam is not invited, Galdor from Mirkwood (still a messenger), Burin becomes Gimli, Glóin's son. Gandalf discloses what he knows of the Ring and Trotter's help in pursuing Gollum (the ranger was captured in Mordor and this is the reason for his un-hobbit custom of wearing shoes), discussion of Bombadil, and Boromir's suggestion of, perhaps, using the One Ring. Of course, in the end it is Frodo who volunteers for the improbable (nigh impossible) task of destroying the Ring.

One point of difficulty for Tolkien was deciding who should consist of the Fellowship of the Ring. Here are some early configurations:

• Gandalf, Trotter (Ranger/Hobbit), Frodo, Sam, Merry, Folco, Odo, Glorfindel (Elf), and Burin son of Balin. Nine total with six hobbits albeit one a very useful Ranger. 
• Gandalf, Trotter, Frodo, Sam, Merry, Faramond (Folco renamed with Odo disappearing), an Glorfindel for a total of seven walkers. 
• Gandalf and the hobbits for a total of six. No Dwarves, Elves, or Men present. 
• Gandalf, Trotter, Frodo, Sam, Merry, Faramond, and Boromir for seven total. No Elves or Dwarves and Boromir added for more practical purposes. His road home lies along the path of the fellowship. 

Personally I would have liked to have seen Glorfindel aid the company along with Legolas but the balance of 9 walkers against 9 Ringwraiths is a perfect bit of symmetry and I would rather that. Even though I really like the Elves and Glorfindel is a pretty kick-butt Elf. 

Finally this chapter of The Return of the Shadow ends with additional narrative sketches by Tolkien. This note particularly important: "Gollum must reappear at or after Moria. Frodo hears patter" (p. 410, The Return of the Shadow). Other highlights include: 

• Frodo separated from the Fellowship in Fangorn Forrest (Gollum is the cause). 
• Then: "If Treebeard comes in at all - let him be kindly and rather good?" (p. 410, The Return of the Shadow). 
• Ond is besieged and Trotter and the hobbits captured
• Sam remains in Fangorn looking for Frodo
• Treebeard  and the tree-giants raise the siege of Ond and rescue Trotter and company
• First note of Boromir being the son of the King of Ond.
• Gimli son of Glóin was to be killed in Moria (brief note; never to appear again)

What next? The August 1939 Notes

One of my favorite aspects of The History of Middle-earth series is different sketches of notes Tolkien wrote as he thought about where his stories were leading. It's fun to see the germ of an idea, a lost story never begun, ideas that lead to more ideas. Chapter 22 of The Return of the Shadow is chock full of such notes. Definitively dated 1939 Christopher Tolkien pulled together some dozen notes, projections, and questions that his father put together. The sequel to The Hobbit was stalled out in Rivendell at this point; precisely as Gloin and Bingo/Frodo were finishing their conversation at the feast in Elrond's house. I will highlight bits from each of these notes as we look toward what's next?

1. The first note entertains a complete restructure of the entire story. Essentially Bilbo is the hero throughout and it's his adventure (there's also a note about Gollum getting a new ring in Mordor).
2. This note returns to the original storyline with the emphasis that Frodo should be more comedic. Bilbo had two favorite nephews: Peregrin Boffin and Frodo. Peregrin, the elder, is lost. The Ring passes to Frodo and becomes restless disappearing at the party. "Trotter turns out to be Peregrin, who had been to Mordor" (p. 371, The Return of the Shadow). 
3. Note three starts with some tinkering with hobbit names and then some plot alterations. The most important alteration is the decision that neither Bilbo nor Gandalf know much about Bilbo's magic Ring when the old hobbit departs. There is also some changes about Frodo's departure which effect the identity of Trotter--perhaps now not a hobbit but an associate of Gandalf's. Lastly, the Odo saga seems to be definitively cut here.
4. The fourth note is actually little snippets of conversation between Bilbo and Frodo that give an intimate look at their relationship (not seen until Rivendell in FOTR; but clearly before Bilbo leaves in these pieces). Frodo surprises Bilbo in his knowledge of the magic Ring. To Bilbo's mock indignation Frodo reveals he had a rapid glance at Bilbo's memoirs (The Hobbit): "'My book!' said Bilbo. 'Good heavens above. Is nothing safe!' 'Not too safe,' said Frodo. 'But I only got one rapid glance.'" (p. 378, The Return of the Shadow). Some interesting stuff here. 
5. Christopher Tolkien gives no direct notes but stated that his father was projecting what could come next after Rivendell: chiefly that a Dragon should come and attack the Shire. 
6. Next come some brief narrative sketches: "Island in sea. Take Frodo there in the end. Radagast? Battle is raging far off between armies of Elves and Men v[erses the] Lord. Adventures...Stone-Men" (p. 379, The Return of the Shadow). Clearly Tolkien had a vision to where his story was going though the details are absent. Christopher Tolkien noted that this is the first germ of the people of Gondor (Stone-land). 
7. Connected to the last note (not chronologically rather material) comes a more detailed sketch of the ending of the story. Key elements: Bingo (Frodo) cannot throw the Ring away. "At that moment Gollum - who had seemed to reform and had guided them by secret ways through Mordor - comes up and treacherously tries to take the Ring. They wrestle and  Gollum takes Ring and falls into Crack" (p. 380, The Return of the Shadow). Another note suggests all is not right in the Shire upon the return; Tolkien played with the idea of Hobbits making swords and the four farthings warring against each other. Once again we see the Professor had a vision. And it's something to see, 12 or so years before the ending would be written there was an idea that Gollum would play a crucial role and the Shire would undergo hardship. 
8. This note is on the reverse side of 7 and is a quote of Bilbo after the Ring was destroyed. It seems there was a thought that Bilbo would die in Rivendell; essentially Bilbo is saying Elrond will keep their memoirs after Hobbits have gone away. I love the end quote however: "'Well, Bingo, my lad, you and I were very small creatures, but we've played our part. We've played our part. An odd fate we have shared, to be sure" (p. 381, The Return of the Shadow). 
9. The next note offers more narrative sketches. Some highlights include: Going South; snowstorms in the Red Pass, adventures with Giant Tree Beard, Land of Ond, now Gollum is armed with a magic ring given by the Lord, the Eye searching for Frodo, eruption of the Fiery Mountain and destruction of the Tower. 
10. This note hints at Frodo's adventure with Tree Beard. Apparently the Ring bearer was separated from his friends and encounter the Giant in his giant Garden: "It was only then when Frodo looked closer that he saw that what he had taken for smooth tree-stems were the stalks of gigantic flowers..." (p. 384, The Return of the Shadow). Beyond there is a picture of the manuscript in Tolkien's finest manuscript with Elvish script giving the context of the piece. It's a sight to see!
11. The last note is a bit of narrative that begins to explore the curious case of Peregrin Boffin. Bilbo's young nephew who took great interest in stories of wolves and forests and ultimately disappeared. Bilbo received most of the blame and Gandalf the rest. Eventually all young hobbits were kept away from Bilbo save one Frodo. Peregrin, as you may remember, is to be revealed as the ranger Trotter in the story thus far. 

And with the end of these notes comes the beginning of World War II.

Weathertop to Rivendell

The next chapter begins with Frodo reading Gandalf's letter (given to him by Trotter) and ends with Frodo's arrival in Rivendell. Much of the narrative is a mix of the old (finding cram, firewood, and other supplies from Gandalf) with strides made toward the final version. I wish to focus on just one element in this chapter. It's the Odo motif that would disappear entirely. At this point Odo's character most resembles Fatty Bolger's character in Fellowship. But whereas Fatty's role is done after Crickhollow Tolkien had thoughts of continuing this character arc. It's a tantalizing story with limited details that makes one wonder how it might have all played out.

To recap Odo opted to stay at Crickhollow in case Gandalf showed. He did not bargain for Black Riders to come as well. Gandalf scared off the Riders and took Odo with him as he charged out of the Shire. Soon after Gandalf and Odo stopped at Bree to inquire about the traveling hobbits. Gandalf was careful not to name Odo but did mention to Butterbur that Odo was a relation to the famed Bilbo Baggins. Gandalf's plan was to, first and foremost, find Frodo. If that failed he clearly wanted to give the impression he was traveling the countryside with "Baggins" in tow. And with that I will highlight the Odo references in this chapter:

• "Odo vanished last night" (p. 355, The Return of the Shadow). This is from the hasty note Gandalf left at Weathertop. An interesting twist. Frodo said it best: "'Poor Odo! I expect this is the result of pretending to be Baggins'" (p. 356, The Return of the Shadow). 
• Merry inquires about Odo when Glorfindel finds the travelers after the attack at Weathertop and tells them Gandalf arrived in Rivendell. "'Certainly there is a hobbit of that name with him,' said Glorfindel; 'but I did not hear that he had been lost'" (p. 361, The Return of the Shadow). 
• Once safe in Rivendell and recovering Frodo asks Gandalf how he found Odo again. "Gandalf looked [oddly>] quickly at Frodo, but he had shut his eyes. 'Yes, Odo is safe,' the wizard said. 'You will see him soon, and hear his account'" (p. 365, The Return of the Shadow).
• When Frodo is reunited with his hobbit friends Christopher Tolkien noted that he did not inquire of Odo about his perilous adventures as might be expected. 
• In the end, Christopher Tolkien wrote: "But whatever the story was, it seems to be something that will never be known" (p. 365, The Return of the Shadow). 

And that's the end of the Odo story. So many questions: Was Odo captured by the Black Riders? If so how was he rescued? Did Gandalf write that in the note in case the Riders found it? How did Odo, who was so reluctant to leave the Shire, decide to risk everything to play decoy? How did Glorfindel not hear about Odo's vanishing?  What would have been Odo's account to Frodo? Perhaps adding this element would have convoluted the story too much but it seems it could have added a fair amount of intrigue to it all. 

A couple of other quick points from this chapter:

• Frodo (as did Bingo) has the strong intuition that he has seen Trotter somewhere before.
• Though Gandalf does not go into detail he explains his delay to Frodo in this way: "'I was caught in Fangorn and spent many weary days as a prisoner of the Giant Treebeard'" (p. 363, The Return of the Shadow). The first appearance of Treebeard and he is a much different character at the beginning!

Happenings at the Pony

Christopher Tolkien published some interesting pieces in the chapter At the sign of The Prancing Pony. Much of the interaction between Frodo, Butterbur (still Barnabus) and Trotter (still a hobbit) is the same as it was and begins to align closer to the published version.

However, there is an interesting version where Tolkien tells of Gandalf's arrival in Bree with Odo the hobbit. Not being recounted to Frodo by Butterbur but actual point in time narrative. It's clear the wizard is desperate to find Frodo asking both Harry the Gatekeeper and Butterbur about news of four hobbits on five ponies. All they can say is he is not the first to ask about such a party. Gandalf is also very deliberate in making sure he is seen with Odo and yet very careful not to name him. They stay in Bree one night and leave on Gandalf's horse, Narothal (a precursor to Shadowfax). They do sneak out of Bree not taking the main road (it's implied earlier in the chapter that was for a prearranged secret meeting with Trotter).

That same day at dusk four Black Riders came by Bree again. Inquiring for news from Harry the Gatekeeper. He is down right petrified but dares not lie to them. He confessed he did not see the four hobbits they asked about but tells them about Gandalf's arrival that morning with a hobbit in tow: "A hiss came through the keyhole, and Harry started back, feeling as if something icy cold had touched him. 'You have our thanks,' said the voice. 'You will keep watch for four hobbits, if you still wish to please us. We will return'" (p. 348, The Return of the Shadow).

Harry watched all the next day afraid to miss anything for fear of the Riders. Night fell, the gate was closed, when someone came. "'Hobbits! Four hobbits! And what's more, out of the Shire from the sound of their talk,' said the gatekeeper, quietly and almost as if he was speaking to himself. He stared at them darkly for a moment, and then slowly opened the gate and let them ride through" (p. 349, The Return of the Shadow).

I think this bit of narrative adds some palpable tension to the story. It gives some much needed context to Harry's reaction when the Hobbits show up in Bree.

Concerning Hobbits

One major addition in the Third Phase is the forward, Concerning Hobbits, was born. Nothing of the sort had been penned before by Tolkien. Perhaps at this point he saw the sequel to his whimsical and childlike Hobbit story taking on a life of his own and was beginning to acknowledge the fact it would not be what his publishers were expecting. To that end a forward could give a little more information concerning hobbits and their culture before the tale turned into the story Tolkien really wanted to write.

Though not quite as long as the final forward many of the core elements are present: their love of peace, quiet, and good-tilled earth. Their fondness of greens and yellows and their fear of Big People. The leathery feet with thick brown hair and their shortness (between 2-4 feet; but generally not taller than 3 feet 6 inches at the time of this story). The fact that they liked to eat--a lot.

"Elves, Dwarves, and Men and other creatures only became aware of Hobbits after they had actually existed, jogging along in their uneventful fashion, for many ages. And they continued, as a rule, to jog along, keeping to themselves and keeping out of stories. In the days of Bilbo (and Frodo his heir) they became for a time very important, by what was called an accident, and the great persons of the world, even the Necromancer, were obliged to take them into account, as these stories show" (p. 311, The Return of the Shadow). Ah, the wonder of hobbits!

Perhaps one of the most difficult aspects for Tolkien in linking The Hobbit to its sequel was how he ended the first tale. We can see homage to this difficulty near the end of the foreword: "Bilbo it is told 'remained very happy to the end of his days and those were extraordinarily long.' They were. How extraordinarily long you may now discover, and you may also learn that remaining happy did not mean continuing to live for ever at Bag-end" (p. 314, The Return of the Shadow). Tolkien labored over this--how could Bilbo remain very happy with the magnitude of the Ring and return of the Shadow? I think this is way the opening chapter took (at this point) 6 different rewrites. To establish a way for Bilbo to remain very happy in light of ominous events to come.

Third time pays for all

I have now entered the "third phase" as Christopher Tolkien calls it in The Return of the Shadow. He dates this around late 1938 to early 1939. And there are minimal alterations by his father so most of the chapters, through the Barrow-downs are covered rather quickly. But to give you an idea this phase contains the 6th version of A Long Expected Party. Wow; six rewrites of one chapter (a sixth time pays for all?). I was beginning to wonder why it's taken me so long to get through this book: it's felt a little repetitive working through similar material over and over again. A couple of small points of interest:

• What was once a large contingent of Men, Elves, and Dwarves bringing supplies to Bilbo's party is now just one wagon of Dwarves.
• Lofar, Nar, Anar, and Hannar still exist
• Bingo is gone; Frodo is the Ringbearer and heir of Bilbo
• Frodo's friends are: Meriadoc Brandybuck, Folco Took, and Odo Bolger
• Gandalf's timing and frequency of visits after Bilbo's departure are different
• It seems at this point that Gandalf knew Bilbo's Ring was the One; but never told the hobbit
• Considerable thought had to be given to the rewrite of Chapter 3 considering the fact that Odo was no longer on the walking journey across the Shire and his character's nonchalant words had to be absorbed by other characters while unsuitable for others (like Sam).
• When the plan to cross the Old Forest was made Odo was still hesitant. He still justifies his reason for staying with the rationale that someone must stay if Gandalf arrives. He does offer, this time, to go with Gandalf after them. 

Forging Ahead

As Tolkien continued to revise his opening chapters it's obvious writing was, to some degree, painstaking for him. Getting the right names, geography, chronology--not to mention the overarching plot. But with each revision the story gets closer to his masterpiece. Here are a few points of note:

• Farmer Maggot is a far more imposing figure at this point. Bingo had a tense interaction with him years earlier where he killed one of Maggot's dogs out of fear. Maggot threatened Bingo's life. Clearly Maggot remembers as he says to Odo and Frodo: "'But you aren't a Baggins or you'd not be inside here'" (p. 291, The Return of the Shadow).
• Despite the growing importance and treachery of the Ring Tolkien had not disposed of Bingo's joke on Maggot. The beer mug still inexplicably rises and this time Bingo speaks: "'But don't boast again that no Baggins will ever come inside your house. There's one inside now. A thievish Baggins. A very angry Baggins'" (p. 293, The Return of the Shadow).
•  Merry, Frodo, and Odo sing a song like Merry and Pippin in Fellowship but it has a different feel: 

The hunt is up across the land

The Shadow stretches forth its hand.

We must away ere break of day

To where the Towers of Darkness stand.

(p. 300, The Return of the Shadow)

• It's clear all of the hobbits knew exactly where they were going and what they were up against at this point.
• A new development at this stage: Odo remains behind with the purpose of fending of questions and in hope of contacting Gandalf. It's also due to his fear of the Old Forest. 
• A very interesting insertion: A man clad in grey comes to the house at Crickhollow just before the Black Riders arrive. They demanded the house be opened to them. 
• Suddenly an alarm is roused and from around the house comes Gandalf wielding great light causing the Black Riders to flee. 
• I enjoyed this line: "Gandalf was riding to the North Gate with the speed of thunder" (p. 304, The Return of the Shadow).

Dangerous Delays

I've titled this post as a play on the next chapter in The Return of the Shadow: Delays are Dangerous. This was a defacto title Tolkien scribbled on the papers which would eventually become chapter 3 in Fellowship. With each revision the story becomes closer aligned with the published version (obviously). Practically that means I will blog a bit less as I have been most interested, thus far, in details that differ, never came to be, or were dropped altogether. It's fun to think about what could have been.

Indeed, the title is attributed to the fact that Bingo delayed the start of his journey while anxiously waiting for Gandalf (though is only a day late in this version). This proves dangerous as Bingo and his friends (who are not fully aware of Bingo's full plan; at least by Bingo's admission) encounter Black Riders.

I found a quote by Gandalf (before the plan to leave was set) was quite interesting. Again, it's a nice subtle reference to The Hobbit plus it's decidedly ominous (which is perhaps why it wasn't included in the published story). Bingo decides he will go on the journey: "'And to go there but not come back again, likely enough,' added Gandalf grimly" (p. 274, The Return of the Shadow).

In this revision there appears the name Michel Delving (Great Delving) the chief town of the Shire. After the first encounter with a Black Rider the hobbits wonder what to say if they are overrun and asked about Baggins (as they knew from Gaffer Gamgee the Black Riders might ask). Bingo gives a clever answer: "'Give him a true answer,' said Bingo. 'Either say: Back in Hobbiton, where there are hundreds; or say Nowhere. For Mr. Bingo Baggins has left Bag-end, and not yet found any other home'" (p. 280, The Return of the Shadow).

Another interesting conversational tidbit is between Bingo and Gildor (the Elf). While the Elf questioned why Bingo and friends are on a dangerous journey Bingo mentions that an "un-hobbitlke" fate was laid on him. To which Gildor replied: "'Then you are not an ordinary hobbit,' said Gildor, 'for otherwise that could not be so. But the half that is plain hobbit will suffer much I fear from being forced to follow the other half which is worthy of a strange fate, until it too becomes worthy (and yet remains hobbit)...The hobbit half that loves the Shire is not to be despised but it as to be trained...'" (p. 281, The Return of the Shadow).

I think this is an interesting and insightful conversation. Essentially Gildor is thinking that Bingo has not been given a burden that the hobbit is unable to bear; but it will no easy journey and Bingo will need to die to parts of his nature that are unwilling to bear the burden. At least that's how I read it--it rings true for all of life to me.

The New Mr. Baggins of Bag End

Next Tolkien explained what happened after Bilbo left as Bingo became the new Mr. Baggins of Bag End. The name Baggins certainly carried baggage in the Shire at this point but Bingo seemed not to mind as he had a circle of close friends. As the year passed (with Bingo still celebrating Bilbo's birthday) he began to feel restless and had thoughts of following his uncle.

Gandalf began to turn up again and visit Bingo; often coming late at night and leaving before dawn or never leaving Bag End on extended stays. Only Merry and Frodo new of the visits. When Bingo was 47 (14 years after Bilbo's disappearance) Gandalf came more frequently and for longer intervals. "He began to be worried about Bingo; and also odd things were happening" (p. 252, The Return of the Shadow). Bingo had some knowledge of events beyond the Shire has he would visit with Elves or Dwarves passing through: tales of the Necromancer, Mordor, and the Black Tower (this is the first time these lands are given an approximate location).

The thrust of this new chapter was Gandalf's telling Bingo the history of the magic ring Bilbo found. They were sitting in silence after Gandalf said his peace; "Gandalf was thinking of a spring nearly 80 years before, when Bilbo had run out of Bag-end without a handkerchief" (p. 255, The Return of the Shadow). A nice nod to The Hobbit.

Bingo was understandably alarmed. Gandalf performs the final test by throwing the Ring into the fire and confirming it is indeed the One Ring. He recites for Bingo the Ring poem (One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them...). And he proceeded to tell Bingo about the forging of the One Ring.

As the conversation moved on (very similar to that in Fellowship) Gandalf turned his tale to Gollum and his role in the Ring lore. In fact, the wizard had found Gollum and interrogated him. At this point in time the Wood-elves of Mirkwood helped him find Gollum. "'He had developed a skill in climbing trees to find nests, and creeping into houses to find cradles. He boasted of it to me'" (p. 264, The Return of the Shadow). That little detail did not make the final cut. It certainly gives a cold ruthlessness to Gollum--eating babies? That's intense.

Unfortunately for Gandalf and Bingo Gollum found his way to Mordor before the wizard captured him. Ultimately Bingo decides to bear the burden and leave the Shire. Gandalf suggests that he leave soon but may not need to leave alone if he could think of someone he could trust and who would be willing to go. Even so, Gandalf cautioned Bingo from sharing too much even with his closest of friends.

Back to Hobbiton

Tolkien began rewriting his Hobbit sequel from the beginning deciding upon a somewhat simpler story of Bilbo disappearing at the party and leaving the ring with Bingo. There are added snippets of conversation between Bilbo and Gandalf about his plan (taking place outside of Bag End in Bilbo's magnificent garden!). Gandalf not necessary on board with Bilbo's full plan.

After he disappears there is added detail before he sets off--Bilbo's gathering of old treasures: such as a weather stained and mended traveling cloak; clearly kept from his original adventure. At Bag End four Dwarves await Bilbo: Lofar, Nar, Anar, and Hannar. Christopher Tolkien noted that his father took these names from the Elder Edda as he did for the company of Dwarves in The Hobbit.

Gandalf arrives before Bilbo departs, none too pleased at the joke, and insisting that Bilbo leave the ring for Bingo. While Bilbo says he finds it difficult to leave the ring there is no dramatic tension between he and Gandalf.

Bilbo departs and Gandalf stays just long enough to exhort Bingo to keep the ring secret. As he left "...Bingo thought the wizard looked rather bent, almost as if bowed under a heavy burden" (p. 243, The Return of the Shadow). Clearly Tolkien is ramping up the tension of the story from where he first began.

One final note: in these jottings and writings the beloved Sam Gamgee makes his first appearance in the story.

Queries and Alterations

These are the sections that excite me the most in the History of Middle-earth Series. As Tolkien pauses to reflect on where his stories are going. Christopher Tolkien notes his father took an extended break on The Hobbit sequel at the point of Bingo's conversation with Gloin. He also noted that when his father went back to writing Bingo would not appear again; replaced by our well known Frodo. A series of jumbled notes that Tolkien titled Queries and Alterations shows what he was thinking about with his new story at this time:

• Tolkien was rethinking the appearance of Big People bringing party supplies to the Shire. Perhaps it was felt they would tell Bingo all the news from Dale and there would be no need for the conversation with Gloin. Which is too bad since I liked the bit about all the Inns running dry because of Men. I think it could be adequately added back in as it's Bilbo's party and Frodo doesn't leave for another 17 years requiring an refresher on the happenings in the East. 
• Tolkien was rethinking the number of hobbits on the journey; he was thinking too many. And there's this gem: "Also Bingo Bolger-Baggins a bad name. Let Bingo = Frodo…" (p. 221, The Return of the Shadow). Ultimately Tolkien decided he was too used to Bingo but when he did get back to writing Frodo won!
• Gandalf is now against Bingo telling anyone he is leaving
• Lots of questions about what happened to Bilbo's armor and Sting--particularly the armor since he did not have it at Weathertop (Lost in the Barrow? Too heavy and left? Stolen at Bree?)
• "Bree-folk are not to be hobbits" (p. 223, The Return of the Shadow). 
• Queries about the nature of rangers. It seems Tolkien was leaning toward it was better if they were not hobbits. But who was Trotter? It seems Professor Tolkien was opting for all or nothing: either Trotter was a hobbit, well known, or not a hobbit at all. He toyed with the idea of Trotter being Bilbo (but that contradicts The Hobbit's happily ever after); he then thought about making Trotter Bingo's first cousin (Fosco Took) with reference to Bilbo's line at the beginning of The Hobbit about Gandalf's reputation for taking young hobbits off into mad adventures.
• Tolkien decides Bingo uses the Ring entirely too much in the first draftings. 
• Gandalf's uneasiness is heightened; he does not approve of Bingo's disappearing joke at the party. 
• Gandalf needs to hurry because he is known by the Dark Lord and hopes to draw riders away from Bingo.
• Queries about Elves and their history with the Necromancer-rings.
• Rivendell projections (where the story is going): Bilbo is seen, shadows in the South, the Lord of Dale is being suspected of being corrupted, fate of Balin, Ori, and Óin.
• Perhaps the missing dwarves left to colonize but they would need a ring to start their hoard--did they reach out to Bilbo about his? This would have been an interesting development if pursued. 
• Bilbo's ring is proven to be the one missing Ring; not necessarily the one Ruling Ring
• But when ruminating on this Ring and why the Dark Lord desired it so Tolkien wrote: "Because if he had it he could see where all the others were, and would be the master of their masters…" (p. 227, The Return of the Shadow). As Christopher Tolkien notes the emergence of the Ruling Ring is now complete. 
• Tolkien thought about simplifying the story--it's Bilbo who disappears at the party and Bingo decides to follow him some years later (that's a bit simplified be me as well). 
• One last fun little note: "Bilbo carries off 'memoirs' to Rivendell" (p. 229, The Return of the Shadow). 

Rivendell

The Rivendell chapter of The Return of the Shadow has all sorts of interesting tidbits included in the early writings. It begins with Bingo waking in bed with Gandalf present; the wizard recounts to the recovering hobbit what happened. There is another return of the narrator explaining the Last Homely House. When talking about Trotter Bingo says: "'It is an odd thing, you know, but I keep on feeling that I have seen him somewhere before'" (p. 207-208, The Return of the Shadow). We'll come back to this, but it's a detail that is mentioned again in the rewrites of the chapter.

Bingo meets Glóin at dinner and the two quickly recognize their connection through Bilbo. Glóin gives Bingo wink (a little detail missing from Fellowship) and catches him up on the happenings of Erebor. Here a break occurs and Tolkien jotted down some notes regarding unanswered questions:

• What happened to Balin?
• Who is Trotter?
• Lastly, Bilbo must be seen (he's been referred to twice in present tense, quickly corrected to past tense in the presence of Bingo)

In a rewrite Bingo asks Gandalf if Rivendell is safe. Gandalf thinks it is and gives an interesting rationale: "'They fear no Ring-wraiths, for they live at once in both worlds, and each world has only half power over them. while they have double power over both'" (p. 212, The Return of the Shadow). That is a curious statement and one that, with much thought, I could likely unpack. 

In one of the rewrites Tolkien began to plot out where the story was headed after Rivendell:

• Consultation
• Journey over Misty Mountains, down the Great River, to the Dark Tower and Fiery Hill
• Elrond's account of Gil-galad?
• Glorfindel tells of his life in Gondolin
• Who is Trotter?

The Trotter has been asked before and it coincides with the what I quoted in the first paragraph of this post. I think Tolkien was going to explore the fact that Bingo had known Trotter at some point, before he became a ranger of the wild. The Glorfindel bit is interesting as Tolkien ultimately decided Glorfindel of Gondolin and Rivendell were, indeed, one and the same. After his "death" in Gondolin Glorfindel was released by/from Mandos and returned to Middle-earth. 

The last bit of this chapter has a sketch of Elrond telling about the Last Alliance and the heroics of Gil-galad and Elendil. He reveals to Bingo that he was there as Gil-galad's minstrel and counselor giving great depth, age, and wisdom to Elrond who had not specifically appeared integral in the mythology previously. 

Attack on Weathertop

Once again the narrative of the early manuscripts matches well with the published version of The Fellowship of the Ring. In fact, the flight from Weathertop to the Ford is nearly identical and I will not be providing any commentary on that section. The attack on Weathertop does have some interesting details that ultimately did not make the final cut; but they are details I rather enjoyed. So I will likely explore ways to integrate them into the text.

One early details hearkens back to The Hobbit. Both in it's content and writing style. At this stage Tolkien was still rather deliberate in tying his new stories of hobbits in with his older one. One of the tell tale features of The Hobbit, whether you love it or hate it, is the narrator. I must admit I was thrown for a loop by the narrator's voice and it took me several attempts to complete The Hobbit (which I read for the first time after reading The Lord of the Rings). We catch a glimpse of the narrator here: "Cram was, you may remember, a word in the language of the men of Dale and the Long-lake - to describe a special food they made for long journeys" (p. 177, The Return of the Shadow).

It's hard to picture what we know as The Lord of the Rings with a narrator popping up from time to time. I'm rather glad that didn't stay. But it gives good insight on Tolkien's mindset as he's writing at this time. Beyond the narrator I particularly enjoy the reference back to The Hobbit. If this is to be an interconnected Middle-earth those little details are appreciated. And it also gives some practicality to the wandering wizard. For it was Gandalf who left some stores at Weathertop: cram, bacon, dried fruit, wood for fires, and (best of all) tobacco. It seems Gandalf purposely left the supplies for Bingo and friends rather than leaving them under duress as he was attacked in The Fellowship of the Ring.

As they built up a fire and waited out the night hoping the Black Riders had not seen them Frodo asked Trotter about Gil-galad whom the ranger had mentioned earlier. Trotter felt that tale not appropriate but decided to tell the hobbits about Tinúviel. Trotter proceeds to recite some verses about fair Lúthien and Beren followed by some narrative tales. It seems altogether longer than what is in Fellowship but I'd have to go back and compare.

As the tale ended Odo, the watchmen, rushed back to the others: "'I don't know what it is,' he said, 'but I feel that something is creeping up the hill. And I thought (I couldn't be sure) that away there, westwards, where the moonlight is falling, there were two or three black shapes. They seemed to be moving this way'" (p. 185,  The Return of the Shadow). I like this description. Tolkien is very good about creating an eery and fear inducing picture with this scene.

From the attack to the flight the rest of the narrative is very close to that in Fellowship. It's nice to see the story taking shape and moving forward. But obviously some major items have not come to be; namely the rise of Frodo the Ring Bearer and Aragorn the Ranger.

Bree to Weathertop

I am falling woefully behind on my reading. I was hoping to cover one book a month in the History of Middle-earth series. I was able to get slightly ahead of schedule by starting The Return of the Shadow in May; but here we are on July 10th and I am not quite half-way through. I must pick up the pace a bit and grind through the journey much like Bingo and his friends are currently doing.

I've covered the leg of the journey from Bree (the night of the attack on the Inn) to Weathertop (Trotter spies the Black Riders approaching). Minus the finer details (timelines, distances, names of characters) it is very similar to what is written in The Fellowship of the Ring. That makes for a dry blog entry but a chance to make up some days in the journey (I feel dismayed like Bingo who can't quite seem to catch up to Gandalf). I will highlight a couple items that stood out to me:

• Clearly Bree is a hobbit village; even Bill Ferny is referred to has a hobbit.
• The ponies of Bingo and friends are driven away in the Inn attack and found there way to Fatty Lumpkin (Tom Bombadil's pony). Two interesting things: Tom, fearing something happened to Bingo, went to Bree to learn what he could. And Fatty was quite pleased for he now had friends to share his stories and workload with. There are glimpses of some of Tolkien's thoughts on fairy stories to be found in his work--like animals talking and thinking
• Bingo comments on his shrining waistline quipping he'll become a wraith before long. "'Don't speak of such things!' said Trotter quickly, and with surprising earnestness" (p. 168, The Return of the Shadow). 

Will you have Trotter?

The story moves forward with two versions of Trotter's conversation with Bingo regarding the hobbit's predicament. Trotter offers to give Bingo additional information for the promise of a reward: taking the ranger-hobbit with him. Essentially asking Bingo: will you have Trotter?

In version A Trotter begins telling his tale to Bingo, Odo, and Frodo (Merry is still outside the Inn taking in some fresh air). He tells them that a few days prior he avoided being seen by Gandalf and friends (assortment of dwarves and elves) and overheard their conversation about Bingo and his traveling companions. Bingo tried to keep calm that this wild hobbit knows more than he was comfortable with and the fact that he seemed to be quite the eavesdropper. But the conversation was interrupted by the Barnabus Butterbur, the inn keeper. 

Butterbur began to tell Bingo of more strange events: chiefly how Gandalf stopped by the inn and asked him to watch for four traveling hobbits with five ponies. What's more--he had heard that request before as Black Riders asked him to watch for four hobbits with five ponies. They offered him much gold if he would tell them the whereabouts of the hobbits. 

Butterbur left and Trotter confirmed he was going to say much of the same and that there were seven total Black Riders by his count.  He also told Bingo there were plenty of characters in Bree who would gladly sell Bingo's whereabouts to the Riders. When Trotter turned his attention to the Riders: "He shuddered, and they saw with surprise that he had drawn his hood over his face which was buried in his hands" (p. 153, The Return of the Shadow). He stayed like this for some moments before the fit passed. And Trotter then asked Bingo if he would have him. 

Bingo did not like the look of Trotter and yet something felt familiar about him. Frodo was for Trotter voting to take him on and (rightly) recognizing the ranger would be able to track them even if they didn't. As Bingo deliberated  Trotter produced a letter (short, sweet, and to the point--no all who wander are not lost poetry) from Gandalf confirming the Wizard's trust in the ranger. Bingo immediately trusted Trotter and asked why he didn't start with the letter and why he invented the tale of eavesdropping on Gandalf. Trotter was hopeful that the hobbits would trust him without added confirmation and it was true about eavesdropping on the Wizard as he gave Gandalf quite a fright when he jumped up. 

Version B is virtually identical to A with a couple of differences (that I find interesting):

• Butterbur produces the letter from Gandalf to Bingo, not Trotter (although it is not read right away)
• The encounter with the Black Riders where they offer gold is with Trotter not Butterbur

Lastly, in version's A and B Trotter explicitly calls Butterbur a hobbit. Much different than the absent minded man in the published stories (although, his absent mindedness is not altogether absent in these early versions).

Trotter

Finally, at long last we meet Strider. One of the key players in The Lord of the Rings. Lord of the Dunedain, Heir of Númenor, King of Gondor. A leader of men, a courageous warrior, a humble servant, complete with healing hands. For many Aragorn represents the best in men and is a favored character of Tolkien's. But the first iteration of this character, known as Trotter, had some remarkable differences.

"Suddenly Bingo noticed that a queer-looking, brown-faced hobbit, sitting in the shadows behind the others, was also listening intently. He had an enormous mug (more like a jug) in front of him, and was smoking a broken-stemmed pipe right under his rather long nose. He was dressed in dark rough brown cloth, and had a hood on, in spite of the warmth, - and very remarkably, he have wooden shoes!" (p. 137, The Return of the Shadow).

Very interesting that this character is a hobbit! It seems counter intuitive, if one knows anything about hobbits, that one of them would be one of the wild folk--rangers. But there it is. Mystery still surrounds Trotter at this point (he got his name from the clitter-clap of his wooden shoes): why is he interested in the traveling hobbits? How does he seem to know too much about Bingo and his purpose? Why does he have wooden shoes? How does a simplistic hobbit become a wild ranger?

Adventures with Tom Bombadil

Next up in The Return of the Shadow are some of Tolkien's earliest writings concerning the Hobbit adventures with Tom Bombadil (the Old Forest and Barrow-Wights). As we've seen many of the important meta-themes were present in the very beginning; it's a meter of fleshing out the supporting details. One fun fact: it's during this series of manuscripts that the first appearance of Meriadoc occurs in place of Marmaduke. This now makes the four hobbits: Bingo, Odo, Frodo, and Meriadoc. Here are some other interesting points:

Tom Bombadil first refers to himself as an aborigine: being present before hobbits, elves, and necromancers.

I love Bingo's response when being awoken at Bombadil's house: "'Black riders,' Bingo though. 'Black riders, a host of Black riders...'" (p. 118, The Return of the Shadow). I really enjoy the repetition there; you can tell he's freaking out a little bit. It's not clear in these early writings if Bingo was dreaming or really waked by Black Riders outside his window. It's interesting to see Tolkien's notes that accompanied these writings as he wrestled with the connection between Black Riders and Barrow-Wights; perhaps they were even one and the same?

In a re-writing Bombadil expands more on his aborigine comment. Concluding with: "'He knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from outside'" (p. 121, The Return of the Shadow). Christopher Tolkien expounded on the importance of this comment deciding that Tom is referring Morgoth's return to Middle-earth with Ungoliant or it is a reference to a new, yet unwritten, conception of Morgoth's history.

The first notes on the Barrow-wight adventure (and beyond) have some plot points that did not come to fruition: Tom rescues the hobbits much as in the published story, he leads them to an inn and departs, then a fast and adventure-less journey to Rivendell. There was one detour: a stop to see Bilbo's stone trolls, this allows the Black Riders to catch up but the hobbits make it across the ford and when pursued the river rises in torment chasing away the Riders. At Rivendell they meet Bilbo, Gandalf is there (he caused the river to rise), the Wizard is shocked to hear about Bombadil, they take counsel with Elrond, and the Quest for the Fiery Mountain begins.

In this outline the skeleton of the story is present with the end goal first evident. Two major items missing: Strider and Weathertop. Neither has yet made an appearance; nor even a forerunner of these two significant story pieces.

The Old Forest

The foursome (Bingo, Odo, Frodo, and Marmaduke) were to next set out through the Old Forest. There are snippets of notes. Again, as has been discussed over and over, the bones of the story seem set (the Old Forest is menacing, the Willow-man, the Barrow-wight, etc) but the details are not fully fleshed out yet. Perhaps the most interesting thing about these early notes is their encounter with Tom Bombadil was to be quite brief and after the they were captured in a Barrow.

Farmer Maggot

The next leg of the journey (figuratively and literally) involved Tolkien's writing of Bingo and companies journey to Buckland via Farmer Maggot's land. There are a couple of near misses with the Black Riders and though Gildor's advice from the previous night should have been fresh in Bingo's mind when the travelers reach Maggot's farm he quickly puts on the Ring to disappear. While I get the idea that Bingo is trying to keep the guise that he is already gone from the Shire it seems completely counter intuitive that he should do this given the fact he was warned that putting on the Ring helps the riders more than himself. This is a detail that was gladly worked out before the story was finished.

The good farmer invites Odo and Frodo in for some food and drink and they gladly oblige. After entertaining their host with tales of Bingo's farewell party Maggot told them a strange Black Rider had stopped by his farm earlier in the day asking for a Mr. Bolger-Baggins (Bingo). Maggot felt this was all to do with Bilbo's journey years before and the poor Bingo Bolger should never have gotten involved with the queer (read strange or odd nothing derogatory) folk in Hobbiton. In fact he mentions the odd Hobbitonions several times.

Odo and Frodo decided it was time to leave and Maggot was going to give them a toast to their health when his beer mug suddenly rose up and tilted on it's own before returning to the table. "'Help and save us!' cried the farmer jumping up. 'Did you see that?'" (p. 97, The Return of the Shadow). Needless to say Odo and Frodo were not pleased with Bingo's joke.

After several more hours the friends finally met up with the fourth member of their company in Buckland: Marmaduke Took. He took them across the river (they did spot a Black Rider on the other side after they crossed) and Marmaduke took them to an out of the way house where they were able to have hot baths, hot food, and a good nights rest.

Interesting to me in this chapter was all of the Hobbit banter. For example, at one point in the midst of traveling a conversation about Hobbit architecture comes up. Houses verses holes. One story verses two story houses. It's somewhat entertaining; I'll paraphrase: Bingo talks about wanting an upstairs that he could eat dinner in and watch the stars. But what about taking all the dishes downstairs? Well, he'd just throw them out the window. They'll break. He will have wooden dishes. What about taking it all upstairs? Nevermind. But in the end this banter would be cut. Christopher Tolkien notes that in March 1938, when writing an update to his publisher about the book Tolkien had heard from his two chief critics (C.S. Lewis and the publisher's young son) that there was too much talk in the opening chapters. This must have been somewhat disappointing to Tolkien as he admitted Hobbit talk amused him.

Gollum and the Ring

With the emergence of the Black Riders the significance of Bilbo's magic ring began to increase. The next chapter of Return of the Shadow begins to show this evolution.

There is a snippet of conversation between Bingo and an unnamed Elf (precursor to Gildor) where the Elf warns Bingo that the Lord of the Ring is looking for him to either get the ring back, get the ring back and demand payment, or take the ring and the bearer.

Another snippet offers more ominous information to Bingo (though the speaker here is unidentified). Interesting tidbits include: the keeper of the Ring eventually becomes a ring wraith and some back history on the Ring-lord:

• Many rings were given to Elves and there are many elf-wraiths in the world whom the Ring-lord cannot control
• Goblins had many rings, their wraiths are terrible and fully controlled by the Ring-lord
• Dwarves were thought to have no rings
• Men had few rings and were quickly overcome and fully controlled by the Ring-lord

All of this leads to a what would become the second chapter of The Lord of the Rings. In the first version of the chapter covered by Christopher Tolkien Gandalf is now the speaker explaining to Bingo the history of the ring. I will bullet some of the points I find interesting; mostly for there differences from the final version:

• I like this quote about Gandalf: "Already to him the days of the journey and the Dragon and the Battle of Five Armies began to seem far off--in an almost legendary past" (p. 77, The Return of the Shadow). It's a nice tie into The Hobbit.
• Bingo's gives an affectionate affirmation to Gandalf that illustrates the relationship between the wandering wizard and the Bagginses of Bag-end: "'O dearest and best friend of our house, may your beard never grow less!'" (p. 77, The Return of the Shadow).
• Bilbo's Ring is the only one left and hobbits are the only people the Lord has not mastered
• The Elf rings and wraiths remain the same as the previous snippet. The Goblin wraiths are still present but fewer. 
• The Dwarves now possess 7 rings but they did not become invisible like the other wraiths. But the rings inflamed their greedy lusts and in that way the Lord could control them.
• Men possessed three rings; not given by the Lord but found after being cast away by elves. These they immediately returned to the Lord and served him. 
• All rings were accounted for save Bilbo's which was originally found by Gollum. 
• "It fell from the hand of an elf as he swam across a river; and it betrayed him, for he was flying from pursuit in the old wars, and he became visible to his enemies, and the goblins slew him" (p. 78, The Return of the Shadow). Remarkably this is the story of Isildur's betrayal minus the particular details. 
• In this version the Ring was swallowed by a fish which was driven mad jumping up water falls and the like before spitting the Ring on the bank and dying. A
• And there it was found by Gollum, or rather Dígol, of the fathers of fathers of hobbits. Dígol was always interested in the ground and burrowing and used his new treasure to gather secrets of his family until they disowned him. 
• Eventually, hating the light and alone, Gollum burrowed into a mountain where he could spend his life exploring its roots.
• Gandalf alludes to something "mysterious" behind Bilbo's finding of the Ring which was beyond the design of the Lord of the Rings. 
• Bingo mentions it was a pity Bilbo did not kill Gollum and Gandalf responds quickly, as in The Lord of the Rings, it was pity that stayed his hand--although it lacks the deeper perspective then what was eventually published. 
• Bingo finds it very difficulty to "destroy" the Ring when prodded by Gandalf. But all the same it is decided the Ring must be destroyed. 
• Gandalf encourages Bingo to invite his three best friends on his journey; although it will be remarkably different than Bingo's with no set destination and the goal to lose, not gain, treasure. 

This was a jolly read seeing The Lord of the Rings taking shape.

From Hobbiton to Woody End

Tolkien traced the beginning journey of Bingo and friends in the second chapter of his Hobbit sequel. The companions are making their way through the Shire to pick up a third member when they discover they are being tracked. A Black Rider overtakes them several times; or several Black Riders over take them. They are puzzled and Bingo senses they are after him; though he does not know why. On more than one occasion Bingo puts on the Ring as they draw close to get a better look. During the last encounter the Black Rider dismounts and makes his way toward the hiding hobbits before a company of Elves comes by.

Frodo is overwhelmed with excitement to meet Elves (shades of Sam Gamgee) and Bingo relieved. Odo seems to be a rather drab chap more worried about food and sleep than anything else. Gildor Inglorion calls out to Bingo and after discovering the presence of Black Riders invites the hobbits to travel with his company. Bingo and Gildor have a conversation where the elf is very cryptic. Bingo explains he set out when he did due to running out of money and deciding he'd rather not work for living (he would either find more treasure or live easier with no money on the road).

Gildor seems to be very surprised that Gandalf told the hobbit nothing in regards to leaving or the danger pursuing him. The elf gives Bingo several dark hints and advises him to make for Rivendell but refuses to say more since Gandalf said little.

Christopher Tolkien noted in his commentary on this chapter that: "The 'event' (one might say) was fixed, but its meaning capable of indefinite extension; and this is seen, over and over again, as a prime mark in my father's writing" (p. 71, The Shadow of the Past). Indeed, while the exposition chapter (The Shadow of the Past) had not yet been written much of this chapter would not need to be changed in light of it. While the Black Riders did not disappear after subsequent writings they become more ominous when they first appeared. I am impressed Tolkien's approach of giving more context and gravity to his initial writings as he moved forward in the process.

Germs and Turns

Christopher Tolkien highlighted some of his father's notes in The Return of the Shadow that indicate the various germs of story avenues and unexpected twists and turns that arose as he wrote the first two chapters of a hobbit sequel. I will highlight some of them below with a few tantalizing items that never came to be:

• In one set of notes Bilbo is to leave with 3 Took nephews (Odo, Drogo, and Frodo). 
• They have adventures on their journey: "witch-house on the way to Rivendell" (p. 41, The Return of the Shadow). That could have been a very interesting adventure!
• Odo believe about 25% of Bilbo's tales, Drogo was less skeptical, and Frodo believe nearly everything. 
• The Frodo of the notes is in NO way the forerunner of Frodo of The Lord of the Rings
• Another note details a conversation between father (Bilbo) and son (Bingo): "'Now I have spent all my money which seemed once to me too much and my own as gone after it [sic]. And I don't like being without after [?having] - in fact I am being lured" (p. 41, The Return of the Shadow).
• Bilbo seeks advice from Elrond to cure his dragon-sickness (want of money) and is told of an Island (Tolkien was still, at this point, kicking around a connection to England!) where the Elves still reigned and the rest of the story pointed toward a perilous journey to that isle. 
• Also included are first notes about The Ring: "whence its origin. Necromancer? Not very dangerous when used for good purposes. But it exacts a penalty, You must either lose it, or yourself" (p. 42, The Return of the Shadow). Even his earliest jottings the Ring was more than a simple magic ring. 
• It is Gandalf who advises a disappearance and Bingo (in this set of notes) confides in three friends: Odo, Frodo, and Vigo. As you can see the names are very fluid (and hard to differentiate) at this point. But I found it highly entertaining that for a brief period Vigo was considered as a hobbit name given the fact that Viggo Mortensen played a key role in the film adaptation of The Lord of the Rings.
• Other notes point to Bilbo going to Rivendell to cure the dragon-longing but that very longing is passed on to Bingo who possesses the Ring.
• Another set of notes lays out more adventures after the collection of a friend (now Frodo Brandybuck) which include the dubious Old Forest, getting lost, caught by Willowman and Barrow-wights, and the appearance of Tom Bombadil. It should be noted that the latter three pre-existed in poems Tolkien published several years before. 
• A final note reads: "Ring must eventually go back to Maker, or draw you towards it" (p. 43, The Return of the Shadow).

It is very interesting to see the first germs beyond the opening chapter and how many core elements remained. While Tolkien would obsess over details like chronology, names, and word choice is first vision (in many cases) was quite clear. 

Christopher Tolkien released bits of narrative next in the book. Snapshots of the journey of Bingo and his friends toward Rivendell. Some of these narratives would be taken up whole heartedly in what would become the next chapter others were wholly changed. Again, I'll give a few highlights: 

• The Ring is still regarded fairly lightly as Bingo, invisible by wearing it, knocks his friends off a fence. 
• Perhaps the biggest unprecedented turn, that gave Tolkien pause for a season, reads: "'I can hear a horse coming along the road behind!" (p. 47, The Return of the Shadow).
• Remarkably, this first mysterious encounter by a bundled and sniffing rider on a white horse is none-other than Gandalf himself! However, this scrap of narrative ends rather quickly indicating Tolkien gave up the idea of Gandalf showing up rather quickly. 
• But the idea of the surprise rider stayed as evidenced by revisions to the passage: "Round a turn came a white [>black] horse, on it sat a bundle-or that is what it looked like: a small [>short] man wrapped entirely in a  great [added: black] cloak and hood so that only his eyes peered out [. so that his face was entirely shadowed]…" (p. 48, The Return of the Shadow).

So the question becomes who is the mysterious black rider?