The Old Forest

Frodo and his persistent traveling companions (Sam, Pippin, and Merry) woke up early on the morning of September 26th (my birthday no less--though I wasn't born in 3018 of the Third Age). They dragged a very sleepy Fatty Bolger along to see them off. After about an hour they drew nigh to the High Hay and said their goodbyes to Fatty. "'Good-bye, Frodo!' he said. 'I wish you were not going in the Forest. I only hope you will not need rescuing before the day is out. But good luck to you--today and every day!'" (p. 120, The Fellowship of the Ring). Frodo instructed Fatty of his traveling plans in case Gandalf came to Crickhollow. Merry led them down a cut that delved deep under the hedge and ended with an arch and wrought iron fence. It locked from the inside and they all heard the click of the lock once it closed. They were now out of the Shire and into the Old Forest.

Pippin was the only one of the group who had ventured into the Forest before and only a few times. He could see their concern and explained what he knew of the place. It was a strange forest indeed. In particular the trees did not like strangers and there were tales of trees moving to hem wanderers in. Merry explained that long ago when the trees advanced on the hedge offering protection for the Shire hobbits had went out in numbers felling hundreds of trees and making a huge bonfire. Since then the trees were very unfriendly toward hobbits. These are not Ents but even so it is interesting that Tolkien gives trees and animals personality throughout his writings.

Merry led the way trying to find a path as best he could. "'For the moment there was no whispering or movement along the branches; but they all got an uncomfortable feeling that they were being watched with disapproval, deepening to dislike and even enmity. The feeling steadily grew, until they found themselves looking up quickly, or glancing back over their shoulders, as if they expected a sudden blow" (p. 122, The Fellowship of the Ring). Eventually Merry found Bonfire Glade and he revealed the trees must have shifted for the path did not run as it once did. It was refreshing for the hobbits to see the sky again and as they set off into the woods Frodo began a song to lift their spirits; however the song had to do with things like how woods fail. A rather large branch crashed to the ground behind them and Merry thought it best not to sing about such things.

Merry was able to find his bearings and point out the line of the Withywindle valley which held a River of the same name. His aim was to avoid that at all costs for all the strangest stories about the Old Forest centered on that region. They still saw no sign of the East Road but as they sat for lunch the could make out the outlines of the Barrow-downs in the distance. "That cheered them greatly; for it was good to see a sight of anything beyond the wood's borders, though they did not mean to go that way, if they could help it: the Barrow-downs had as sinister a reputation in hobbit-legend as the Forest itself" (p. 125, The Fellowship of the Ring). After a short rest they set out again.

At first they made good progress but before long the trees enclosed; they were forced to cross deep cuts, and lost any sense of direction. "They were being headed off, and were simply following a course chosen for them---eastwards and southwards, into the heart of the Forest, and not out of it" (p. 126, The Fellowship of the Ring). They went down a deep fold and found no possible way to go out, forward or behind, with their ponies. They walked along and the ground became muddy, marsh-like, and soon a small brook went along side them. They found an open space eventually as the water grew wider and Merry finally recognized it as the River Withywindle, the very place he hoped to avoid. He set off to explore and came back with an interesting discovery. He found cleared paths among the tall grasses of the opening. With no choice the hobbits set out to follow the paths but not without wondering who made them and used them enough to keep them so nicely.

Going was slow, however, even with the paths. A great sleepiness had come over all the hobbits. Frodo's head nodded as Pippen fell to his knees, Merry stated his intentions for a nap under the cool willow trees, and Sam simply yawned and stared. Frodo did not like this at all; he decided to dip his feet in the river hoping the cool water might refresh his mind. He walked over by a huge willow and before he could put his feet in the water fell on the ground. Merry and Pippin laid themselves against the tree and they too were drifting into a deep sleep. Frodo managed to get up, straddle a willow root and dip his feet in the water; cool though it was he fell fast asleep. "Sam sat down and scratched his head, and yawned like a cavern. He was worried. The afternoon was getting late, and he thought this sudden sleepiness uncanny. 'There's more behind this than sun and warm air,' he muttered to himself. 'I don't like this great big tree. I don't trust it'" (p. 128, The Fellowship of the Ring).

Sam managed to pull himself up and look for the ponies which were far down the path at this point. As he reached them he heard two distinct sounds: a splash and the click of a lock. He ran back to find Frodo in the water with the tree root holding him underneath. He wrestled Frodo out from under and onto dry land; Frodo woke up saying he had watched the tree push him in. But they had no time to decide if it was a dream for Pippin and Merry were also in trouble. Pippin was gone entirely as if the tree swallowed him up where he had been sleeping (and Sam understood now what the clicking sound meant) where has Merry's upper torso was trapped in the tree with his legs sticking out in the open.

Sam and Frodo hit and kicked the tree to no avail. All they had was a little hatchet for firewood but Sam grabbed the tinder and set to work starting a fire on the opposite side of the willow where Merry and Pippin were trapped. As Sam lit the fire the tree shook and they heard Merry's voice deep within screaming for them to put it out. "'He'll squeeze me in two, if you don't. He says so!'" (p. 129, The Fellowship of the Ring). They realized he meant the tree itself and they had no choice but to snuff the flames out. There seemed to be no way to rescue their friends. "But Frodo, without any clear idea of why he did so, or what he hoped for, ran along the path crying help! help! help!" (p. 130, The Fellowship of the Ring).

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 3018, September 26th

Today's reading comes from: The Fellowship of the Ring, pages 120-130

The Perilous Journey to Crickhollow

Frodo and his companions woke up the next morning and found the Elves gone. Frodo resolved to make his way to Crickhollow (and then out of the Shire) as soon as possible. He pondered Gildor's words about taking trustworthy companions with him and had a fleeting thought of bringing Pippin with him but he knew the danger would be too great to his friend. He no longer wanted to bring Sam with him. Frodo decided to be sure that Sam would want to go by informing him how dangerous it was with a likely end of death. Sam was determined to go; he promised the Elves he would never leave Frodo's side. Frodo noticed some sort of change in his friend as Sam continued: "'I don't know how to say it, but after last night I feel different. I seem to see ahead, in a kind of way. I know we are going to take a very long road, into darkness; but I know I can't turn back. It isn't to see Elves now, nor dragons, nor mountains, that I want--I don't rightly know what I want: but I have something to do before the end, and it lies ahead, not in the Shire. I must see it through, sir, if you understand me'" (p. 96, The Fellowship of the Ring).

Frodo was content with Sam's answers. I love the friendship of these two; even more than friendship: brothers if you will. I've been in meetings where men are encouraged to find a Jonathan and David type of friendship as evidenced by the David's words when he learned of Jonathan's death in battle. I've been blessed to have a Jonathan in my life (or a Sam Gamgee for that matter). So gathering Pippin Frodo made the decision to cut straight across counry and avoid the Road. Both Pippin and Sam were disappointed for this meant they would not stop at the Golden Perch known for the best beer in the Southfarthing but they deferred to Frodo. Pippin was concerned that the way may prove hard and tricky but Frodo wanted to avoid the Black Riders at all costs.

Off they went and sure enough they found the way hard with thickets and streams and other barriers to cross. As they reached a very difficult roadblock Sam turned back and saw a Black Rider in the distance. They knew leaving the thicket was not an option. Pippin knowing the region recognized the stream before them and thought he knew which way to go. They travelled some miles and Pippin feared they had turned too far South. Still they began to forget the terror of the Black Riders and even began singing a silly drinking song when they were stopped cold. "A long-drawn wail came down the wind, like a cry of some evil and lonely creature. It rose and fell, and ended in a high piercing note. Even as they sat and stood, as if suddenly frozen, it was answered by another cry, fainter and further off, but no less chilling to the blood" (p. 99-100, The Fellowship of the Ring). No one admitted it but they all were thinking it was the Black Riders.

Sure enough when they came out of the thicket they had moved too far south. Pippin recognized the fields as belonging to old Farmer Maggot. Frodo was terrified. He explained that as a child, before moving to Bag End, he had raided Farmer Maggot's fields for mushrooms. He was caught one day and given a beating and chased away by the Farmer's fierce dogs. Pippin assured them Farmer Maggot was a good hobbit and led the way but it was not long before Grip, Fang, and Wolf came barking and baying at the uninvited guests. Farmer Maggot came to investigate and recognized Pippin immediately. He told the travelers it had been a strange day and invited them to his house for food and conversation. Pippin introduced Sam and Frodo and at the name Baggins the Farmer gave a funny look. They went to his house and he served them some beer. "Sam sipped his beer suspiciously. He had a natural mistrust of the inhabitants of other parts of the Shire; and also he was not disposed to be quick friends with anyone who had beaten his master, however long ago" (p. 102, The Fellowship of the Ring).

Pippin explained how they came to be in Farmer Maggot's lands. The Farmer in turn explained that a stranger had come by not long before clad in black and asking for Baggins. The good farmer informed him that this was the wrong end of the Shire. "'Baggins has left,' he answered in a whisper. 'He is coming. He is not far away. I wish to find him. If he passes will you tell me? I will come back with gold'" (p. 103, The Fellowship of the Ring). Maggot sent the stranger off his lands and called his dogs out. Frodo sat silently but Maggots next words were disconcerting: "'Mark my words, this all comes of those strange doings of Mr. Bilbo's. His money was got in some strange fashion in foreign parts, they say. Maybe there is some that want to know what has become of the gold and jewels that he buried in the hill of Hobbiton, as I hear?'" (p. 104, The Fellowship of the Ring).

Frodo was now more than resolved then ever to reach Crickhollow. He was inclined to turn down Maggot's dinner invite until the farmer offered to transport Frodo and his friends to Bucklebury Ferry by cart afterword. They ate a nice dinner and in set out, after dark, to the Ferry. Even thought a thick mist had set in the ride was uneventful until the end when all could hear the slow clopping of a horse approach. Frodo was hidden under blankets and Maggot called out for the Rider to identify himself. A muffled reply came but it was recognized: Merry Brandybuck. Frodo, Sam, and Pippen were quite relieved to see their friend. They thanked the farmer for taking them to the Ferry and set off with Merry but not before Frodo was given a parting gift that set him laughing: mushrooms.

Merry wanted to know why they were late and why Maggot appeared scared but felt they needed to reach Crickhollow first. They crossed the Brandywine River into Buckland. Long ago Gorhendad Oldbuck took his family across the River and made a settlement between the water and the Old Forest. Buckland became virtually its own country as the inhabitants grew. To protect its Eastern borders a thick hedge was grown, the High Hay--over twenty miles long, that kept most dangers our. Still the Old Forest grew close to Buckland's borders. Of the four only Sam had not crossed the River before. And with his watchful eyes Sam noticed at the shore they had parted from a black shape that seemed to be swaying back and forth; crawling down the bank and then back up. Merry said it was twenty miles to Brandywine Bridge and the night guards would keep anyone from crossing at this time.

Once across the River Merry went ahead to prepare a meal with Fatty Bolger while the others walked. Eventually they made it to Crickhollow. "Frodo had chosen it, because it stood in an out-of-the-way corner of the country, and there was no other dwellings close by" (p. 110, The Fellowship of the Ring).  Once inside Frodo saw that his friends had taken great care to make the place look as close to Bag End as possible. Merry had three hot baths prepared for the travelers and Fatty was busy with dinner preparations. They were glad for the baths and this, of course, started a rousing bath song sung by Pippen and ending with much splashing and mess. They ate a nice meal together and before cleaning up Merry demanded the tales of their journey. Pippen recalled everything, most importantly the Black Riders, while once again Frodo fell silent although he did elaborate on Farmer Maggot's guesses: "There is a connexion with Bilbo's old adventures, and the Rider's are looking, or perhaps one ought to say searching, for him or for me" (p. 113, The Fellowship of the Ring). Realizing the danger Frodo finally decided he must inform his friends of his plans to leave the Shire.

He explained that he had something to say but wasn't sure how to begin and that's when Merry jumped in. "'Just this, my dear old Frodo: you are miserable, because you don't know how to say good-bye. You meant to leave the Shire, of course. But danger has come on you sooner than you expected, and now you are making up your mind to go at once. And you don't want to. We are very sorry for you" (p. 113, The Fellowship of the Ring). Frodo was shocked. It was all he could do to open his mouth only to close it again. The others found this very comical. Pippin jumped into explaining they had been wise to his plans since the previous April. Frodo was now worried that all the Shire knew. Merry assured him that only their conspirators knew (for they knew Frodo best) and they all had assumed he would follow Bilbo at some point after the old hobbit had disappeared.

Frodo insisted that he must leave and quickly and begged them not to hinder him. "'You do not undertand!' said Pippin. 'You must go--and therefore we must, too. Merry and I are coming with you. Sam is an excellent fellow, and would jump down a dragon's throat to save you, if he did not trip over his own feet; but you will need more than one companion in your dangerous adventure' (p. 114, The Fellowship of the Ring). Frodo could not let his young friends go with him for they did not know the true danger. Merry insisted they did since they knew it involved Sauron and the One Ring. Frodo was once again speechless. Merry explained they had been aware of the Ring for some time ever since, as a young lad, he had seen Bilbo use it to disappear when the Sackville-Bagginses had approached. But what the Ring was exactly they did not know until none other than Sam Gamgee supplied all sorts of information. That is until Gandalf caught him. "'Sam!' cried Frodo, feeling that amazement could go no further, and quite unable to decide whether he felt angry, amused, relieved, or merely foolish" (p. 115, The Fellowship of the Ring). While Sam meant no harm Frodo wasn't sure who to trust.

"'It all depends on what you want,' put in Merry. 'You can trust us to stick you through thick and thin--to the bitter end. And you can trust us to keep ay secret of yours--closer than you keep it yourself. But you cannot trust us to let you face trouble alone, and go off without a word. We are your friends, Frodo'" (p. 115-116, The Fellowship of the Ring). At last Frodo saw that his only choice was to let his friends come with him. At this they prepared sang a song long prepared based on the Dwarvish tune sung with Bilbo long ago, a stanza: "'Farewell we call to hearth and hall! Though wind may blow and rain may fall, We must away ere break of day Far over wood and mountain tall. To Rivendell, where Elves yet dwell In glades beneath the misty fell, Through moor and waste we ride in haste, and whither then we cannot tell'" (p. 116, The Fellowship of the Ring).

So it was decided they would leave early the next morning since Merry already had ponies loaded and sacks packed for a journey to begin at any moment. Their path would be through the Old Forest. Fatty Bolger was quite against this plan for he had heard terrible stories about the Forest but seeing as how he would not be on the journey he did not belabor the point. Fatty's role was to carry on the notion that Frodo was living quietly in Crickhollow for as long as he could keep it up. He even would put on Frodo's clothes from time to time to give passerby's the idea that Frodo was in the house or working in the yard. "Fond as he was of Frodo, Fatty Bolger had no desire to leave the Shire, nor to see what lay outside of it" (p. 118, The Fellowship of the Ring). This pleased Frodo greatly for if Gandalf showed up Fatty could inform them of his route. With the Black Riders about a written message could simply not be left behind. Of course, no one had thought of the danger that might befall Fatty with the Black Riders about.  Off to bed they went but Frodo had little rest; his dreams were filled with strange things. Last though was the sound of a far off Sea and the smell of salt in the air though he had never seen or smelled such things in his waking life.

I understand completely the need to adapt a book for cinema. You simply cannot recreate a book, especially one as rich and complex as The Lord of the Rings, page by page and scene by scene for a movie. I think for the most part Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philipa Boyens nailed it. They kept many of the great meta-themes of Tolkien's writings. This is the one place I was sorely disappointed.  (Even the virtual cutting out of the next three chapters I will read were not as disappointing). I think Tolkien wrote about friendship so well. I've commented on this blog several times about different friendships in the history of Middle-earth and how I've been inspired by them. Merry and Pippin (and Sam too) went with Frodo on his quest because of their deep friendship and affection for him. They knew it would be hard, dangerous, and could mean death. And they went anyway. For their friend. The scene that makes me shudder more than any in the movie adaptation is they way it seems Merry and Pippin stumble into Sam and Frodo and are just swept into the adventure. Whereas the book shows the months of planning they spent ensuring they would not led Frodo walk his path alone. These are true friends; brothers born for adversity.

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 3018, September 25

Today's reading comes from: The Fellowship of the Ring, pages 94-119

Black Riders and High Elves

Frodo, Sam, and Pippin awoke after their first night under the stars. They were a bit sore and groggy but the fair autumn weather lifted their spirits. They journeyed through the morning along the Road and when stopping for lunch Frodo recited Bilbo's traveling song. He remembered the older hobbit's words from long ago: "'It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door...You step into the Road, and if you don't keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to'" (p. 83, The Fellowship of the Ring). Frodo was about to realize just how dangerous adventures can be. After eating and resting Sam heard the sound of a horse approaching. Frodo felt a sudden urge to clear the Road and hide. Sam and Pippen hid in a hollow while Frodo, even though he suggested hiding, hesitated and was forced to lay down in some taller grass.

He saw a large black horse with a rider clad all in black approach near where they had just been. "When it reached the tree and was level with Frodo the horse stopped. The riding figure sat quite still with its head bowed, as if listening. From inside the hood came a noise as of someone sniffing to catch an elusive scent; the head turned from side to side of the road" (p. 84, The Fellowship of the Ring). Frodo felt an urge to put on the Ring; surely that would keep him safe from the rider. Suddenly the horseman moved on and Frodo watched him proceed farther down the Road; it seemed to him the rider turned off into a wooded area before disappearing. 

Frodo explained all that he saw to Sam and Pippin indicating he felt like the rider was searching for him. They all puzzled at what this could mean when Sam remembered the night before when they left Bag End. He had ran the spare key to his Gaffer just before they departed and the old hobbit told Sam about a strange Black Rider who was looking for Frodo. This was the conversation that Frodo had overheard that night. Frodo wished Sam had remembered it sooner and decided they should not use the Road openly from that point on. He had wished they had waited for Gandalf but that may have proved even more perilous.

The companions went along the rest of the day without any trouble. As dusk settled in and they had their supper and began singing walking-songs, derived by Bilbo of course. An excerpt: "'Upon the hearth the fire is red, Beneath the roof there is a bed; But not yet weary our are feet, Still round the corner we may meet A sudden tree or standing stone That none have seen but we alone'" (p. 86, The Fellowship of the Ring). Not nearly as much singing in The Lord of the Rings as The Hobbit; but it's a nice touch. I do wish some more songs had made the films! As the song ended they heard a horse; everyone went dead quiet. It was unmistakable and drawing closer. Once again the hobbits hid. Frodo felt an even stronger desire to put on the Ring as he watched the shape of the rider in the darkness. "The shadow bent to the ground, and then began to crawl towards him" (p. 88, The Fellowship of the Ring). Creepy!

But at that moment other voices were heard; fair voices singing in the night. The shadow got up quickly mounted its horse and sped away. The voices drew closer and it became clear (to Sam's great excitement) Elves were approaching. They were singing in the ancient tongue of which Frodo had learned, thanks to Bilbo. This is what he heard: "'Snow-white! Snow-white! O Lady clear! O Queen beyond the Western Seas! O Light to us that wander here Amid the world of woven trees! Gilthoniel! O Elbereth! Clear are thy eyes and bright thy breath! Snow-white! Snow-white! We sing to thee In a far land beyond the Sea. O stars that in the Sunless Year With shining hand by her were sown, in windy fields now bright and clear We see your silver blossom brown! O Elbereth! Gilthoniel! We still remember, we who dwell In this far land beneath the trees, Thy starlight on the Western Seas'" (p. 88-89, The Fellowship of the Ring). Frodo named them High Elves and they were indeed. Being immortal they had lived Ages in Middle-earth and their walking-song harkened back to a time before the Sun praising the works of Varda one of the Valier.

Isn't it simply amazing to see the layers of detail Tolkien wove into his story? When I first read The Lord of the Rings, which was my introduction to Tolkien's writings, I felt as if there was a deep deep history to Middle-earth where I was only scratching the surface. Making my why through several writings in chronological order my original suspicions have been confirmed. I cannot praise the depth of his sub-creation enough.

The hobbits watched them pass when one of the Elves turned and said "'Hail, Frodo!'" (p. 89, The Fellowship of the Ring). This was a fortunate meeting and yet Frodo was puzzled that they knew him and seemingly about his journey. The Elf identified himself: "'I am Gildor,' answered their leader, the Elf who had first hailed him. 'Gildor Inglorian of the House of Finrod. We are Exiles, and most of our kindred have long ago departed and we too are now only tarrying here a while, ere we return over the Great Sea. But some of our kinsfolk dwell still in peace in Rivendell'" (p. 89, The Fellowship of the Ring). If you followed the link on Finrod it will take you to the first place he is mentioned in this blog but if you search his name he's in multiple posts--a very important Elf in the Ancient Days.

Pippin mentioned the encounter with a Black Rider and this changed the mood of the Elves. They decided to travel with the hobbits for the night. Pippin was relieved, Sam speechless, and Frodo thankful saying: "'Elen sila lumenn' omentielvo, a star shines on the hour of our meeting'" (p. 90, The Fellowship of the Ring). The Elves were delighted to hear their ancient tongue and from a Hobbit of all sources. They journeyed some miles before settling in a bough and there began to feast. "Sam could never describe in words, nor picture clearly to himself, what he felt or thought that night, though it remained in his memory as one of the chief events of his life. The nearest he ever got as to say: 'Well, sir, if I could grow apples like that, I would call myself a gardener. But it was the singing that went to my heart, if you know what I mean'" (p. 92, The Fellowship of the Ring). Sam's childlike wonder and presence is beautiful. It will be a boon of hope for Frodo throughout his journey. I think sometimes we can mistake childlikeness as a weak or unnecessary thing when nothing could be further from the truth. I often find myself wishing to be less childish and more childlike.

Pippin and Sam were fast asleep (Sam curled up by Frodo's feet refusing to leave his master) while Gildor and Frodo spoke. Frodo asked about Bilbo and Gildor confirmed he had seen the hobbit twice since he had left the Shire 17 years earlier. Gildor then turned his attention to Frodo's journey. Frodo thought only Gandalf and Sam were aware of it but it seems the news, in part not all, was spread to those who stood opposed to Sauron. "'I do not know for what reason the Enemy is pursuing you,' answered Gildor; 'but I percieve that he is--strange indeed though that seems to me. And I warn you that peril is now both before you and behind you, and upon either side'" (p. 92, The Fellowship of the Ring). Frodo was dismayed thinking the Shire would be safe. "'But it is not your own Shire,' said Gildor. 'Others dwelt here before hobbits were; and others will dwell here again when hobbits are no more. The wide world is all about you: you can fence yourselves in, but you cannot forever fence it out'" (p. 93, The Fellowship of the Ring). This text just caught me, you can see the wisdom in it from someone who has the experience of long life and has learned well. Reminds me of reading through Proverbs which inspires me to live a wise life. 

Frodo asked Gildor what his advice for the journey was since Gandalf had not come. Gildor sat long in thought. He agreed with Frodo's plan to make for Rivendell but was ill-pleased to learn that Gandalf was late in meeting up with Frodo. "That Gandalf is late, does not bode well. But is said: Do not meddle in the affairs of Wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger. The choice is yours: to go or to wait.' 'And it is also said,' answered Frodo: 'Go not to the Elves for counsel, for they will say both no and yes'" (p. 93, The Fellowship of the Ring). This made Gildor laugh. Reluctantly Gildor advised that Frodo should leave at once and if Gandalf did not show he should not go alone. A trusted companion should go forth with him. "'The Elves have their own labours and their own sorrows, and they are little concerned with the ways of hobbits, or of any other creatures upon earth. Our paths cross theirs seldom, by chance or by purpose. In this meeting there may be more than chance; but the purpose is not clear to me, and I fear to say too much'" (p. 94, The Fellowship of the Ring). Yes Gildor; providence at work. 

Gildor ended their discussion with some final words of encouragement: to flee the Black Riders. The protection of Elbereth. And naming Frodo Elf-friend just as Bilbo had been named long ago.

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 3018, September 25th
Today's reading comes from: The Fellowship of the Ring, pages 81-94

A Lonely Party

Frodo's 50th birthday arrived along with a party. But Frodo was in no mood for it. Gandalf still had not arrived or sent word and it was his last day in Bag End before the Sackville-Bagginses took possession. Plus, he still wasn't sure how he would explain leaving the Shire to his friends. Still, joined by Merry, Pippen, Fredegar, and Folco and the last of Bilbo's wine they managed to have a good time and stay up late into the night. "Frodo's party was over, Gandalf still had not come" (p. 77, The Fellowship of the Ring). Had Frodo known the Ringwraith's were closing in on the Shire his concern over Gandalf's absence would have been more acute--as we can see:

"Night was waning on the twenty-second day of September when drawing together again they came to Sarn Ford and the southernmost borders of the Shire. They found them guarded, for the Rangers barred their way. But this was a task beyond the power of the Dunedain; and maybe it would still have proved so even if their captain, Aragorn, had been with them. But he was away to the north, upon the East Road near Bree; and the hearts even of the Dunedain misgave them. Some fled northward, hoping to bear news to Aragorn but they were pursued and slain or driven away into the wild. Some still dared to bar the ford, and held it while day lasted, but at night the Lord of Morgul swept them away, and the Black Riders passed into the Shire; and ere cocks crowed in the small hours of the twenty-third day of September some were riding north through the land, even as Gandalf upon Shadowfax was riding over Rohan far behind" (p. 341, Unfinished Tales). I love this additional detail from Unfinished Tales, it really adds to the tension of the situation.

On the morning of September 23rd Frodo and his friends finished the last of the packing. Merry and Fatty (Fredegar) left by cart to take the last of Frodo's things to Crickhollow and Folco headed home after lunch. Frodo was left with an empty Bag End, Sam, and Pippin. "Frodo was restless and anxious, listening in vain for a sound of Gandalf" (p. 77, The Fellowship of the Ring). Frodo's plan was to cross the Shire on foot giving Gandalf a few extra days to catch up to him. But it was far from a relaxing last day at Bag End as Lobelia Sackville-Baggins came early to inspect the place and make sure Frodo didn't take any agreed upon items that were to stay. She was as rude as could be. She left after several hours and was none to happy to leave one key to Bag End with Gaffer Gamgee.

It was announced that Sam was planning to move with Frodo and remain his gardener at his new home in Crickhollow; this would alleviate some concern about why Sam would be gone. The three friends ate one last dinner at the home. "They left the washing up for Lobelia" (p. 78, The Fellowship of the Ring) Ha! They loaded up their packs while Sam disappeared. Night was falling and Frodo took one more walk around Bag End half expecting to see Gandalf. "He turned to go back, and then stopped, for he heard voices, just round the corner by the end of Bagshot Row. One voice was certainly the old Gaffer's; the other was strange, and somewhat unpleasant. He could not make out what it said, but he heard the Gaffer's answers, which were rather shrill. The old man seemed put out" (p. 78, The Fellowship of the Ring). Frodo understood that this stranger was he was asking about himself and the Gaffer revealed he had moved. He did not know why, but Frodo felt a sense of relief when he heard the stranger leave rather than come toward Bag End.

Frodo decided to set off immediately and gathered Pippen but Sam was still missing. Frodo called out to him. "'Coming, sir!' came the answer far within, followed soon by Sam himself, wiping his mouth. He had been saying farewell to the beer-barrel in the cellar" (p. 79, The Fellowship of the Ring). That picture brings a smile to my face. Frodo and Sam in the book, at least in the beginning, have an almost servant/master relationship. You often see Sam referring to Frodo as sir and yet you can see Sam has much more devotion to Frodo than to a master or boss. Off Frodo, Sam, and Pippen went with Frodo offering a last goodbye to Bag End. "He waved his hand, and then turned and (following Bilbo, if he had known it) hurried after Peregrin down the garden-path" (p. 79, The Fellowship of the Ring).

They walked on through the countryside avoiding the roads and any peeping eyes. Frodo thought his pack rather heavy (he was out of shape in reality). "'I could take a lot more yet, sir. My packet is quite light,' said Sam stoutly and untruthfully" (p. 79, The Fellowship of the Ring). This is a great example of Sam's devotion to Frodo. Of course Pippen felt that Frodo would be just fine when he shed a few pounds from his body rather than the backpack. They marched on until past midnight talking and humming along the way before finding a nice shelter under a tree to rest for that evening.

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 3018, September 22nd-24th

Today's reading comes from: The Fellowship of the Ring, pages 76-81 and Unfinished Tales, page 341

The Location of the Shire Revealed

Frodo grew worried; it was now September and he had not seen or heard from Gandalf since June. Preparations were made for moving out of Bag End and Frodo hoped to see the Wizard by his birthday when the wizard promised to return at the latest. Frodo's friends Folco, Fredagar, Pippin, and Merry helped him pack his belonging's not staying at Bag End and sent off the contents to his new home at Crickhollow on September 20th, two days before the birthday. On the next day Frodo watched constantly for the wizard but still no news. He was anxious and whether he knew it or not had good reason to be.

The Ringwraiths had given up their search for Gollum and the Shire by September and received urgent bone-chilling messages from their master Sauron. "For Sauron had now learned of the words of prophecy heard in Gondor, and the going forth of Boromir, of Saruman's deeds, and the capture of Gandalf. From these things he concluded indeed that neither Saruman nor any other of the Wise had possession yet of the Ring, but that Saruman at least knew where it might be hidden" (p. 339, Unfinished Tales). So the Ringwraiths were ordered to go to Isengard with all speed. "They rode through Rohan in haste, and the terror of their passing was so great that many folk fled from the land, and went wildly away north and west, believing that war out of the East was coming on the heels of the black horses" (p. 339, Unfinished Tales).

They reached Isengard on September 20th, two days after Gandalf escaped. "Then Saruman, already filled with wrath and fear by the escape of Gandalf, perceived the peril of standing between enemies, a known traitor to both" (p. 339, Unfinished Tales). For his deception against Sauron's spies was known and with his imprisonment of Gandalf he had betrayed the Wise. But he was prepared against Sauron's stroke and the Nazgul could not enter Isengard. Saruman's main power was in his voice and he was able to deceive the Witch-king when answering his threats. Saying he did not possess the Ring nor knowing where to find it. But: "'There is only one whom I guess to have this knowledge: Mithrandir, enemy of Sauron. And since it is but two days since he departed from Isengard, seek him nearby'" (p. 340, Unfinished Tales). As they left Saruman knew he must find the Ring or be destroyed.

Without question the Ringwraiths rode back into Rohan in search of Gandalf. The next day, September 21st, they ran into Grima Wormtongue who was on an errand to tell Saruman Gandalf had visited Edoras and revealed Saruman's evil intentions. In complete terror of the Witch-king Grima told all that he knew (interestingly it is noted Grima would have told all he knew under less threat). Grima revealed the location of the Shire, Gandalf's intentions to go there, and that Saruman also knew where the Shire was located. He begged and pleaded for his life promising to not say a word of their encounter to anyone. The Witch-king obliged, not out of pity, but because he could see how evil Grima was and deemed him more likely to do harm to Saruman than good. Plus he was in need of haste so he did not lead his fellow Nazgul back to Isengard. "Sauron's vengeance could wait" (p. 340, Unfinished Tales).

The Witch-king divided the Nazgul into four pairs taking the two swiftest with him. Along the road they met a spy of Saruman who often did business in the Shire for his master buying pipe-weed. Overtaking him he also told everything he knew and gave them detailed maps of the Shire that Saruman had prepared. "These the Nazgul took, and then sent him on to Bree to continue spying; but warned him that he was now in the service of Mordor, and that if he ever tried to return to Isengard they would slay him with torture" (p. 341, Unfinished Tales). The man was of Dunlending descent and did as he was told. "The Witch-king had now a clearer understanding of the matter. He had known something of the country long ago, in his wars with the Dunedain, and especially of the Tyrn Gorthad of Cardolan, now the Barrow-downs, whose evil wights had been sent there by himself" (p. 348, Unfinished Tales). Knowing the land from ages before he knew that Bree was an important information gathering place in that area. This was another bad omen for Saruman and almost proved deadly perilous to Frodo.

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 3018, September 20th-23rd
Today's reading comes from: The Fellowship of the Ring, page 76; Unfinished Tales, pages 339-341; 346-347; and 348

The Hunt for the Ring Intensifies

In the chaos of battle between Sauron's Orcs and Thranduil's Elves Gollum escaped. "It seems clear that pursued both by Elves and Orcs Gollum crossed the Anduin, probably by swimming, and so eluded the hunt of Sauron; but being still hunted by Elves, and not yet daring to pass near Lorien (only the Ring itself made him dare to do this afterwords), he hid himself in Moria" (p. 345, Unfinished Tales). There all traces of Gollum vanished until the Nine Walkers proceeded through the mines.

Meanwhile back in the Shire Gandalf announced he was leaving to gather news after staying with Frodo for two months. This was the end of June not long after Sauron's attack on Gondor and Thranduil. Frodo sensed the wizard was worried. "'...I have heard something that has made me anxious and needs looking into'" (p. 76, The Fellowship of the Ring). No doubt Gandalf caught wind of the attacks. He told Frodo to stick to the plan unless word was sent to leave sooner and to never use the Ring. Gandalf feared he had been idle too long and left the very next morning. Frodo was concerned at first but soon the comforts of the Shire put him at ease. "The Shire had seldom see so fair a summer, or so rich an autumn: the trees were laden with apples, honey was dripping in the combs, and the corn was tall and full" (p. 76, The Fellowship of the Ring).

With the attacks on Gondor and Mirkwood serving their purpose the Witch-king led the Ringwraiths, invisible, onward in their mission. Invisible terror went with them wherever they journeyed and they crossed the Anduin around July 1st. Once across the River they received horses and raiment and now could be seen as Black Riders and began their search for the Shire around July 17th. "About the twenty-second of July they met their companions, the Nazgul of Dol Guldur, in the Field of Celebrant. There they learned that Gollum had eluded both the Orcs that recaptured him, and the Elves that pursued them, and had vanished" (p. 339, Unfinished Tales). Interesting side note: the Nazgul commander at Dol Gulder was Khamûl. He informed the newcomers that no signs of the Halfings had been found in the Vales of Anduin--where Gollum indicated they would be. The Witch-king made the decision to search North hoping to find the Shire or Gollum; as it was they were still not searching in the right direction.

But the Witch-king had a guess about the Shire. "That this would prove to be not far from the hated land of Lorien seemed to him not unlikely, if it was not indeed within the fences of Galadriel. But the power of the White Ring he would not defy, nor enter yet into Lorien" (p. 339, Unfinished Tales). On the Ringwraith's searched in vain. I like the suspense of reading this account along with what's revealed in the Fellowship of the Ring. Frodo had no idea how close and intense was the danger coming after him. 

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 3018, July

Today's reading comes from: Unfinished Tales, page 345; The Fellowship of the Ring, pages 76; and Unfinished Tales, page 339

The War of the Ring Begins

Even as Gandalf turned up in the Shire (and as secret as he was many knew he was in Bag End) Sauron was learning that Gollum had been captured  "It is most likely that the first news of Gollum would be learned by the servants of Dol Guldur after Aragorn entered the Forest; for though the power of Dol Guldur was supposed to come to an end at the Old Forest Road, its spies were many in the wood" (p. 343-344, Unfinished Tales). It seems the Ringwraith commander of Dol Guldur sought to learn as much about Gollum and the Man who captured him as he could before contacting Barad-dur. It would have been late April before Sauron learned this news. 

This caused the Dark Lord much fear and haste and solidified his decision to use the Ringwraiths. Particularly since he learned that Gandalf had went to Mirkwood presumedly to see Gollum. His regular servants could not obtain any further information. "And this was due largely both to the vigilance of the Dunedain and to the treachery of Saruman, whose own servants either waylaid or misled the servants of Sauron" (p. 337, Unfinished Tales). This, of course, made Sauron very angry but for the moment he did not have the strength to punish Saruman. Rather, speed was of the essence so risking the Wise learning of their mission he prepared the Ringwraiths. 

Meanwhile roughly three weeks passed (into May now) and Frodo still had not acted on his plan to leave the Shire though Gandalf constantly reminded him he needed to go both soon and quietly. Frodo insisted it was tough to do both. Frodo decided that by his (and Bilbo's) next birthday (in September) he could make all arrangements. Gandalf agreed but insisted it should not be any later for he was growing more anxious the longer they waited. Frodo felt this starting point to be appropriate since he would be 50 at his next birthday just as Bilbo was on his adventure. Gandalf counseled Frodo to make for Rivendell, which was East, and this pleased Frodo very much.

Soon after (perhaps end of May) big news spread around the Shire: Frodo Baggins was selling Bag End, or rather had sold it to none other than Lobelia Sackville-Baggins! Rumors swirled as to why he did this (running out of money? heading back to his relations?) but whatever the reason it was clear Frodo was moving out of Bag End and heading to Buckland where he did have some family. He announced that his friend Merry would be helping him find a new hole. Indeed, with Merry's help he had secretly already bought a house at Crickhollow just outside of Buckland. "To all but Sam he pretended he was going to settle down there permanently. The decision to set out eastwards had suggested the idea to him; for Buckland was on the eastern borders of the Shire, and as he had lived there in childhood his going back would at least seem credible" (p. 76, The Fellowship of the Ring).

Sauron wished to keep hidden the sending of the Ringwraiths prepared a diversion. It was an offensive assault on both Gondor and the realm of Thranduil. After, it was viewed by many as the beginning of the War of the Ring. "The Orcs assailed the realm of Thranduil, with orders to recapture Gollum; and the Lord of Morgul was sent forth openly to battle against Gondor" (p. 338, Unfinished Tales). Two quick points: Gandalf said he left Gollum with the Wood Elves and the Lord of Morgul is the Witch-king, Captain of the Nazgul. These two strokes happened at the end of June. He found Gondor more prepared that he anticipated, for Denethor had great foresight, but really both fronts were a disguise as to why the Ringwraiths were moving abroad. 

Sauron's purposes came to be. "In the event Gollum escaped" (p. 344, Unfinished Tales). So now his enemies were deprived of using Gollum for any future information. In the assault on Gondor the Witch-king was permitted to reveal himself (and his terror) briefly and in the chaos the other Nazgul began their hunt for the Ring. "Without belittling the valour Gondor, which indeed Sauron found greater far than he hoped, it is clear that Boromir and Faramir were able to drive back the enemy and destroy the bridge, only because the attack served its main purpose" (p. 344, Unfinished Tales).

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 3018, April-June

Today's reading comes from: Unfinished Tales, pages 343-344; 338; 345 and The Fellowship of the Ring, pages 73-76