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).