The Year of Jubilee

The spring of 3020 was marvelous. The dust of Galadriel worked wonders in the Shire; indeed, it was as if one year of growth equalled twenty. The seed that Sam planted at the fallen the Party Tree was that of a mallorn. "In after years, as it grew in grace and beauty, it was known far and wide and people would come on long journeys to see it: the only mallorn west of the Mountains and east of the Sea, and one of the finest in the world" (p. 303, The Return of the King). But the trees were not the only marvel in the Shire that year. Perfect amounts of rain, sunshine, and growth. Bountiful harvest and the conception of many hobbit children, many of whom sported golden hair which had been rare in the Shire.

"The fruit was so plentiful that young hobbits very nearly bathed in strawberries and cream; and later they sat on lawns under the plum-trees and ate, until they had made piles of stones like small pyramids or heaped skulls of a conqueror, and then they moved on" (p. 303, The Return of the King). There was no sickness in the Shire that year and everyone was filled with joy. The Southfarthing leaf was plentiful and the Northfarthing barley exceptional. Indeed, the beer of 1420 (Shire Reckoning) became legendary. Even a generation later it would be referenced after a well earned and well received  pint: "'Ah! that was proper fourteen-twenty, that was!'" (p. 304, The Return of the King).

Only for Frodo were things not altogether perfect. In March on the anniversary of his wound from Shelob he fell ill again. Farmer Cotton had looked after him while Sam had been out tending the lands of the Shire. All Frodo did was clutch the phial of Galadriel until the fit passed. When Bag End had been refinished and refurnished Frodo moved in and asked Sam to reside there as well. Sam was torn, for he wanted to merry Rosie Cotton. "'I see,' said Frodo: 'you want to get married, and yet you want to live with me in Bag End too? But my dear Sam, how easy! Get married as soon as you can, and then move in with Rosie. There's room enough in Bag End for as big a family as you could wish for'" (p. 304, The Return of the King). And so it was; Sam and Rosie were married later in the spring and moved in.

Both Frodo and Sam felt themselves very lucky. Sam to live with his love and wife Rosie and with his friend and master Frodo; while Frodo was cared better than any hobbit could ask. In fact, Frodo mostly faded out of the daily affairs of the Shire and began pouring over his and Bilbo's notes from their adventures. Meanwhile Merry and Pippin moved in together at Crickhollow and hobbits looked at them as lords in their armor and livery. But they were unchanged, unless it were possible that they were more jovial then when before they left. Sam was hurt that Frodo was given less respect then Merry and Pippin. "Few people knew or wanted to know about his deeds and adventures; their admiration and respect were given mostly to Mr. Meriadoc and Mr. Peregrin and (if Sam had known it) to himself" (p. 305, The Return of the King).

Overall everything was well until the fall. Frodo again seemed to be suffering and withdrawn. Sam was worried about his master and asked how he was. "'I am wounded,' he answered,' wounded; it will never really heal.' But then he got up, and the turn seemed to pass, and he was quite himself the next day. It was not until afterwords that Sam recalled the date was October the sixth. Two years before on that day it was dark in the dell under Weathertop" (p. 305, The Return of the King).

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 3020
Today's reading comes from: The Return of the King, pages 303-305

The Restoring of the Shire

The day after the Battle of Bywater Frodo released the prisoners from the Lockholes. Among them was Fredegar Bolger who had led a band or rebels against the ruffians. Lobelia Sackville-Baggins was also released and found herself choked up by the applause she received for standing up to the ruffians. "But she was crushed by the news of Lotho's murder, and she would not return to Bag End" (p. 301, The Return of the King). The possession of Bag End went back to Frodo and when she passed away the next spring she left a large inheritance to Frodo to help hobbits in need from Saruman's destruction of the Shire. Merry and Pippin hunted down the remaining men who had not fled the Shire and showed them to the borders. The Shire was cleared before the new year.

The hobbits tore down all of the ugly houses that the men had built and used the materials to repair or improve hobbit holes. In Hobbiton the first repair was to Bag End and the Hill. Sam's Gaffer was restored to Number Three Bagshot Row. Sam had overseen repairs across the Shire but his paramount grief was for all the trees recklessly felled at Saruman's command. In the midst of the repairs and fretting Sam remembered the box Galadriel had given him. He called together Frodo, Pippin, and Merry to open it. It was filled with fine grey dust and one seed. Merry felt Sam should throw it in the wind and let it do its work. Frodo encouraged Sam to use his own mind and decide what to do. Sam decided to plant saplings where all the best trees had been destroyed and with each planting he put a grain of the grey dust with it. Where the Party Tree had been he planted the seed. Restoring of the Shire had begun; but Sam would have to wait through winter to see what would happen.

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 3019, November 4th through the end of the year
Today's reading comes from: The Return of the King, pages 301-303

The Scouring of the Shire

Now we come to the ending completely cut from Peter Jackson's film adaptation of The Return of the the King. As Gandalf alluded to this is the very reason some of the hobbits joined the Quest; to be ready for this moment.

On a rainy night the hobbits reached the Shire and to their dismay found the Brandywine Bridge under lock and key. Banging at the gate they were eventually answered by hobbits with lanterns who seemed quite uncomfortable with allowing anyone in after nightfall. Luckily Merry recognized one of them who explained "the Chief" (Lotho Sackville-Baggins) had rules and the rules didn't allow for anyone to entire the Shire after sundown. Indeed, the guard hobbits were concerned they might awake the Chief's big man. Men, or hooligans better put, had been enforcing the rules in the Shire. Merry and Pippin had enough and scaled the Gate and scared the guards. A horn sounded. Soon a man came up yelling threats to the intruders; it was Bill Ferny. "'Bill Ferny,' said Merry, 'if you don't open the gate in ten seconds, you'll regret it. I shall set steel to you, if you don't obey. And when you have opened the gates you will go through them and never return. You are a ruffian and a highway-robber'" (p. 278, The Return of the King).

Ferny quickly unlocked the gate, threw the key, and ran away as Bill the Pony gave his former master a nice kick to help him along. Coming inside the returning adventurers took lodging in one of the guard-houses, ugly houses built carelessly by men, and learned more about the situation. There were many "Rules" and it was plain that none of the hobbits liked them but wouldn't do anything about them either. Furthermore, the Chief knew all the happenings in the Shire and everyone was afraid to break the Rules. The next morning Merry, Pippin, Frodo, and Sam set off. They saw a great deal of smoke as if burning was taking place in the Shire, furthermore the ugly houses had begun to dot the landscape, and the inns were closed. As they came upon the good inn The Floating Log they were met by a large number of Shirrifs who listed several Rules the four newcomers had broken. They were to be handed to the Chief's men and taken to the Lockholes.

"To the discomfiture of the Shirriffs Frodo and his companions all roared with laughter. "'Don't be absurd!' said Frodo. "I am going where I please, and in my own time. I happen to be going to Bag End on business, but if you insist on going too, well that is your affair'" (p. 280, The Return of the King). Frodo and his friends journeyed on their ponies while the Shirriffs that had arrested them followed behind. Sam's recognized one of them and got more information as to what had been going on in the Shire. "'If I hear not allowed much oftener,' said Sam. 'I'm going to get angry'" (p. 281, The Return of the King). The next day they travelled on as Merry made the arresting Shirriffs go in front of Frodo and his friends. Many hobbits watched but were unsure if they were allowed to laugh or not.

When the Shirrifs tried to deal with the inquisitive onlookers Merry ordered them off and set their ponies on a nice trot to keep the Shirrifs moving at a pace they hadn't known in some time. By three o'clock the Shirriffs were too hungry and sore to go on and let the four friends go by themselves. As they travelled on and the sun began to set they reached Frodo and Sam's homeland. Reality set in. "Many of the houses that they had known were missing. Some seemed to have burned down. The pleasant row of old hobbit-holes in the bank on the north side of the Pool were deserted, and their little gardens that used to run down bright to the water's edge were rank with weeds. Worse, there was a whole line of the ugly new houses all along the Pool Side, where Hobbiton Road ran close to the bank. An avenue of trees had stood there. They were all gone. And looking with dismay up the road towards Bag End they saw a tall chimney of brick in the distance. It was pouring out black smoke into the evening air" (p. 283, The Return of the King).

Sam was hot and worried about his Gaffer. No one in their homeland had greeted them. At The Green Dragon, now run down, they were greeted by six men with clubs. Merry noted they looked like the men he had seen at Isengard. The men threatened these new uppity hobbits while Merry bantered with them. They made frequent reference to their boss, Sharkey, who had come recently. Frodo informed the men they were behind the times, that the King had returned and Isengard was destroyed. The men laughed it off saying they feared no messenger of the King. This was too much for Pippin. "'I am a messenger of the King,' he said. 'You are speaking to the King's friend, and one of the most renowned in all the lands of the West. You are a ruffian and a fool. Down on your knees in the road and ask pardon, or I will set this troll's bane in you!'" (p. 285, The Return of the King). This surprised the men who were used to bullying unarmed hobbits and they turned to run blowing their horns.

The four friends gathered their thoughts. Most were angry at Lotho but Frodo was sure Lotho had not meant for things to get so out of hand. Merry and Pippin turned to thinking of battle. Frodo was hesitant for any to be killed, even the men, and strictly commanded that no hobbit was to kill another hobbit. The like of such acts had never been done in all the Shire before. They knew they wouldn't be able to scare the men a second time and by the horn calls figured more would be arriving. Pippin thought of taking cover and Sam thought Farmer Cotton would take them in. Merry was resolute; hiding was what the hobbits had been doing and it couldn't continue. He wanted to raise the Shire. He asked Sam to round up Farmer Cotton to help. Bill the Pony almost turned back when he heard the horn of Rohan loosed by Merry. Sam had to urge his friend away from the battle call. "Then he heard Merry change the note, and up went the Horn-cry of Buckland, shaking the air. Awake! Awake! Fear, Fire, Foes! Awake! Fire, Foes! Awake!'" (p. 286, The Return of the King).

Sam saw lights sprouting up and dogs barking; the hobbits were answering the call. Sam found Farmer Cotton and his sons already ready. He quickly explained what was going on. The farmer was quite pleased, ready for something to happen since the new year. He hadn't done it himself because of his wife and daughter Rosie. "What about Mrs. Cotton and Rosie?' said Sam. "'It isn't safe yet for them to be left all alone.'" (p. 287, The Return of the King). With a grin Farmer Cotton said Sam could look after them as he and his sons ran up the road. Sam did check in. Rosie was a little put-off saying she had looked for Sam since the spring and couldn't understand why he would leave Frodo now as things got dangerous. "This was too much for Sam. It needed a week's answer, or none. He turned away and mounted his pony. But as he started off, Rosie ran down the steps. 'I think you look fine, Sam,' she said. 'Go on now! But take care of yourself, and come straight back as soon as you have settled the ruffians!'" (p. 288, The Return of the King).

When Sam returned to the others he found nearly the whole village had been roused. Farmer Cotton was detailing how many men they were up against and what kind of weaponry they had. He let Pippin know that his dad and the rest of the Tooks had been holding out in the Great Smials and they had shot three of the ruffians who had trespassed on their land. Encouraged, Pippin took a few with him to the Smials to rally the Tooks. Once again Frodo made it known he wished no one be killed but it seemed this would be impossible. Merry laid out his plans just as the scouts reported a score or more of men coming toward them. Most of the hobbits hid indoors while Farmer Cotton and a few others stayed. The men simply laughed at the barrier in the road and a few hobbits opened it for them as the strode forward. They didn't notice that the hobbits who opened the way followed quietly rather than ran away.

They questioned Farmer Cotton who was warming himself by a fire. Before long they realized this solitary hobbit wasn't alone and they were surrounded. But, not realizing their danger, the leader of the men wouldn't stand down to Merry's warnings. Merry explained they were covered by archers and had been drawn into the light. The leader raised his knife and charged Merry and soon fell dead with four arrows in him. The other men gave up instantly. Merry figured the next attack wouldn't come until the morning but even with their victory they had only dealt with a small percentage of the ruffians. Sam, anxious to see his Gaffer, took a couple of hobbits to fetch him. Merry set up a perimeter around the village and they settled in for the night. Farmer Cotton gave them a proper explanation of what had been happening in the Shire. Lotho had been buying up all sorts of property with money from selling Longbottom Leaf. Men came to pick up goods he sold but when winter came the men didn't leave. Lotho had the men build and tear down many things. For example, Ted Sandyman's mill was bought, torn down, and rebuilt twice as big with many wheels and gears. Sandyman went from owning his own mill to simply cleaning it for the men; though he didn't seem ill-pleased by it. Before they knew it the men were taking over.

It seemed that the only hobbits to protest were the Mayor and Lobelia Sackville-Baggins and both were thrown in the Lockholes. As they spoke Sam came back with his Gaffer who was quite upset with Frodo for selling Bag End and starting the mess. The Gaffer accepted Frodo's apology and sentiment to make amends. Frodo told him that Sam was now one of the most famous people in all the lands though the Gaffer had trouble believing it. "Sam blushed, but he looked gratefully at Frodo, for Rosie's eyes were shining and she was smiling at him" (p. 293-294, The Return of the King). Messengers came in the morning. The Tooks were coming but so was a force of men 100 strong. The Tooks arrived first adding another 100 hobbits to the defense. Once again Merry made a plan. The men came up Bywater Road which had high banks on either side with hedges on top. They were stopped by overturned carts. Hobbits pushed more wagons out behind them and they became aware of hobbits lining the hedges. Merry called of them to lay down their weapons and surrender or risk being shot.

The men decided to fight, many were focused only on killing not escaping. The fight was short but fierce with Merry slaying the leader of the Men. "Nearly seventy of the ruffians lay dead on the field, and a dozen were prisoners. Nineteen hobbits were killed, and some thirty wounded" (p. 295, The Return of the King). It was known as the Battle of Bywater and all the hobbits that participated were ever known by Shire-historians. Merry and Pippin were chief among the renown. Frodo was present but did not fight, rather he made sure the men who surrendered were not harmed. When they had rested and ate they decided to go to Bag End and deal with the Chief. When they arrived they were shocked: everything was gone even the Party Tree where Bilbo had given his birthday speech long ago. They encountered Ted Sandyman who laughed but quickly realized the men he had been allies with were no longer in control and he fled.

They arrived at Bag End looking for Lotho but he did not answer. Frodo lamented that what had been done was the work of Mordor for Saruman had been doing Mordor's work whether he realized it or not. To their surprise Saruman came out and greeted them. Frodo realized instantly Saruman was Sharkey. Saruman gloated over the hobbits and reveled in the destruction of the Shire. Frodo would not allow him to be killed and ordered Saruman to leave. Saruman called to Wormtongue and began to leave but as he passed Frodo he pulled out a hidden knife and stabbed him only to have the blade break against Frodo's mail shirt. Sam and other hobbits tackled Saruman to the ground and drew their swords. Still Frodo would allow no harm to come to the former Wizard. "'He was great once, of a noble kind that we should not dare to raise our hands against. He is fallen, and his cure is beyond us; but I would still spare him; in the hope that he may find it'" (p. 299, The Return of the King).

Frodo's kindness and mercy created a mixture of hate and respect in Saruman who did not appreciate being indebted to mercy. Frodo called out to Wormtongue saying that he did not need to follow Saruman. Saruman revealed to the hobbits that Wormtongue had killed Lotho. In an instant of rage, Wormtongue jumped on Saruman's back and slit his throat. Three hobbits shot Grima down before Frodo could even speak. "To the dismay of those that stood by, about the body of Saruman a grey mist gathered, and rising slowly to a great height like smoke from a fire, as a pale shrouded figure it loomed over the Hill. For a moment it wavered, looking into the West; but out of the West came a cold wind, and it bent away, and with a sigh dissolved into nothing" (p. 300, The Return of the King). The hobbits stood in shock and disgust. Merry hoped this was the last stroke of the War; Frodo never imagined that it would happen at his doorstep of Bag End. Sam simply hoped that the Shire could be restored.

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 3019, October 30th-November 3rd

Today's reading comes from: The Return of the King, pages 277-300

News In Bree

The hobbits, with Gandalf, finally set out for the Shire. As they crossed the Ford of Bruinen Frodo became very detached and solemn. "'Are you in pain?' said Gandalf quietly as he rode by Frodo's side. 'Well, yes I am,' said Frodo. 'It is my shoulder. The wound aches, and the memory of darkness is heavy on me. It was a year ago today.' 'Alas! there are some wounds that cannot be wholly cured,' said Gandalf. 'I fear it may be so with mine,' said Frodo. 'There is no real going back. Though I may come to the Shire, it will not seem the same; for I shall not be the same. I am wounded with knife, sting, and tooth, and a long burden. Where shall I find rest?' Gandalf did not answer" (p. 268, The Return of the King). I am struck by how Frodo understands things will never be the same. I have never been in combat and have the utmost respect for those who are. I imagine they have similar sentiments about going back home as Frodo did.

On they rode and after while came to Weathertop. Frodo would not not even look upon that place nor let them tarry long in its presence. Near the end of October they came upon Bree. The gate was locked and their knocks took long to answer by an armed guard. Seeing Gandalf he let them in right away. The old gatekeeper, Harry, was no longer residing in Bree. They came to The Prancing Pony and were greeted by an astonished Nob. He ran for Barliman who was equally surprised figuring to never see the hobbits again after they vanished with Strider long ago. Butterbur was his whirl-wind self as usual and quickly set up Gandalf and the hobbits with room and board. Later he came by for conversation but when Gandalf asked for some pipe-weed Butterbur hinted that things were not well in the Shire for no weed could be found. After settling in with Bree bred pipe-weed the travelers shared their adventures with Barliman who said repeatedly, "'You don't say'" (p. 271, The Return of the King) as he could not believe his ears.

Butterbur, in his turn, revealed that things had not gone well in Bree. Outsiders had come to the area and attacked travelers on the road so that barely anyone traveled now and only by day. There had even been an attack on Bree where five Bree-landers were killed during the new year of 3019. He revealed that Harry the Gatekeeper and Bill Ferny had joined the Outsiders but had been run out of town. Pippin remarked that they had not been attacked and they had traveled by night no less. Butterbur said: "'They wouldn't go for armed folk, with swords and helmets, and shields and all'" (p. 271, The Return of the King). The hobbits realized many of the looks they had received were due to their appearance rather than their return. They had become quite accustomed to the weapons of war by this time. Butterbur continued to lament, "'You see, were not used to such trouble; and the Rangers have all gone away, folk tell me. I don't think we've rightly understood till now what they did for us'" (p. 272, The Return of the King).

Gandalf encouraged the inn-keeper telling him the Rangers would be returning and furthermore the King had returned. Barliman wasn't sure how to take this news and mostly worried about if the King would let Bree be. "'He will,' said Gandalf. 'He knows it and loves it'" (p. 273, The Return of the King). This puzzled Barliman, particularly when told the King was fond of his beer (which was uncommonly good since Gandalf's last visit!). Sam finally spelled it out plainly for the confused Butterbur: "'He's Strider. The chief of the Rangers. Haven't you got that in your head yet?'" (p. 273, The Return of the King). As they discussed Barliman remembered something that had stood on the edges of his brain, Bill the Pony, whom they took to the very Gates of Moria had returned to Bree. Sam was overjoyed and ran to see his beloved pony on the spot. They stayed in Bree for the next day answering many questions of the town folk. "'Bree memories being retentative, Frodo was asked many times if he had written his book" (p. 274, The Return of the King).

As they departed from Bree, with Bill the pony, the hobbits wondered what Barliman was getting at about the Shire. Sam recalled his vision in Galadriel's mirror and felt that things were gone horribly wrong. Pippin was sure it had to do with Lotho Sackville-Baggins but Gandalf reminded them that Saruman had been interested in the Shire for some time. Merry felt assured with Gandalf's help that wouldn't be an issue but Gandalf would not be going with them to the Shire. "'You must settle its affairs yourselves; that is what you have been trained for. Do you not yet understand? My time is over: it is no longer my task to set things to rights, nor to help folk do so. And as for you, my dear friends, you will need no help. You are grown up now. Grown indeed very high; among the great you are, and I have no longer any fear at all for any of you'" (p. 275, The Return of the King). The Wizard revealed that his plans were to visit Tom Bombadil and have a long talk with him. I would have liked to have read that conversation!

As they came near the Barrow-downs Frodo wishfully looked to see old Bombadil but he was not there. Gandalf assured him Tom would be as good and unconcerned as ever. Perhaps the only thing that would interest him in all their tales would be the Ents. He encoruaged the hobbits to hurry on before the gates around the Shire were locked. Merry informed him there are no gates. "'There weren't any gates, you mean,' said Gandalf. 'I think you will find some now. And you might have more trouble even at the Buckland Gate than you think. But you'll manage all right. Good-bye, dear friends! Not for the last time, not yet. Good-bye!'" (p. 276, The Return of the King). And like a bolt of lightening Gandalf and Shadowfax bolted across the Downs. Now just the hobbits remained: Sam, Pippin, Merry, and Frodo who had started the journey long ago together.

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 3019, October 6th-End of October
Today's reading comes from: The Return of the King, pages 268-276

Many Farewells

When the celebrations had ceased the first of many partings began. Imrahil, Faramir, and Arwen stayed in Edoras. "None saw her last meeting with Elrond her father; for they went up into the hills and there spoke long together, and bitter was their parting that should endure beyond the ends of the world" (p. 256, The Return of the King). Eomer and Eowyn parted with Merry wishing him honor and good fortune and welcome into the Mark at anytime. He would not accept great reward from them. Eowyn did give him an ancient horn of Rohan one she said Eorl the Young had used. "'He that blows it at need shall set fear in the hearts of his enemies and joy in the hearts of his friends, and they shall hear him and come to him'" (p. 256, The Return of the King). They embraced before departing. Travelling onward rest was made at Helm's Deep and there Legolas made good on his promise to Gimli letting the Dwarf lead him through the Glittering Caves. The Elf was speechless. Next the company rode to Isengard and found the Ents had been busy. The walls were thrown down and gardens planted all around the Tower.

Treebeard and Quickbeam greeted the guests. Treebeard seemed to be well-informed on the events of the War. He and the Ents had battled a large force of Orcs after capturing Saruman and destroyed most of them. The remaining Orcs were handled by Celeborn and Galadriel whom Treebeard called Great ones. Aragorn thanked Treebeard saying the Ents help would never be forgotten. "'Never is too long a word even for me,' said Treebeard" (p. 258, The Return of the King). Gandalf questioned Treebeard about Saruman and quickly noted the former White Wizard was spoken of in the past tense. Treebeard revealed that he had let Saruman go seven days earlier hating to cage any living creature and deeming him harmless. "'You might be right,' said Gandalf; 'but this snake had still one tooth left, I think. He had the poison of his voice, and I guess that he persuaded you, even you Treebeard, knowing the soft spot of your heart'" (p. 258, The Return of the King).

As their conversation ended Quickbeam gave the keys of Orthanc to Aragorn who in turn gave the valley to the Ents to do as they pleased. As they made ready to depart Legolas, with Treebeard's permission, decided to leave for his land through Fanghorn with Gimli by his side as the Dwarf had promised. "'Here then at last comes the ending of the Fellowship of the Ring,' said Aragorn" (p. 259, The Return of the King). Gimli said goodbye to the hobbits no longer fearing for their peril. He hoped to see them again but was not sure that all of the Company would ever be gathered together again. "Then Treebeard said farewell to each of them in turn, and he bowed three times slowly and with great reverence to Celeborn and Galadriel. 'It is long since we met by stock or by stone, A vanimar vanimalion nostari!' he said. 'It is sad that we should meet only thus at the ending. For the world is changing: I feel it in the water, I feel it in the earth, and I smell it in the air. I do not think we shall meet again.' And Celeborn said: 'I do not know, Eldest.' But Galadriel said: 'Not in Middle-earth, nor until the lands that lie under the wave are lifted up again. Then in the willow-meads of Tasarinan we may meet in the Spring. Farwell!'" (p. 259, The Return of the King). There are several glimpses in Middle-earth leading one to believe it will pass away and be made new again.

Merry and Pippin shared one last end-draught with Treebeard who was quite happy to see them again. As they left he reminded them to send news if they should have any signs of the Ent-wives. As they rode toward the Gap of Rohan Aragorn left the company to the dismay of the hobbits. He had been a constant in their journey. Pippin was especially sad wishing he had a seeing stone to check in on his friend. Aragorn revealed his plan to perhaps reinstate the Orthanc stone so he could see his realm and reminded Pippin he was still in the service of the King who could call at anytime. He said goodbye to Galadriel who said to him: "'Elfstone, through darkness you have come to your hope, and now have all your desire. Use well the days!'" (p. 260, The Return of the King). I love that: use well the days. May I remember those wise words; to use well my days. As they rode away they took a look back at the King. "Then Aragorn took the green stone and held it up, and there came a green fire from his hand" (p. 260, The Return of the King).

"'...King Elessar, when he was crowned in Gondor, began the re-ordering of his realm, and one of his first tasks was the restoration of Orthanc, where he proposed to set up again the palantir recovered from Saruman'" (p. 276-277, Unfinished Tales). Many hidden treasures were discovered in the tower including artifacts of great value to Rohan; obviously stolen for Saruman by Grima Wormtongue. "At last behind a hidden door that they could not have found or opened had not Elessar had the aid of Gimli the Dwarf a steel closet was revealed. Maybe it had been intended to receive the Ring; but it was almost bare. In a casket attached to a fine chain; it was empty and bore no letter or token, but beyond all doubt it had once borne the Ring about Isildur's neck. Next to it lay a treasure without price, long mourned as lost forever: the Elendilmir itself, the white star of Elvish crystal upon a fillet of mithril that had been descended from Silmarien to Elendil, and had been taken by him as the token of royalty in the North Kingdom" (p. 277, Unfinished Tales). At this time Aragorn bore an Elendilmer though it was but a replica forged in Imladris for the line of Isildur. He took the original with great reverance and only wore it during the high days of the North Kingdom. Men were puzzled by the finding of these two great artifacts. For the body of Isildur had never been discovered, or so they thought, and it seemed impossible for anyone to possess these treasures without finding them on his bones. "Had Saruman found, and scorned them--burned them with dishonour in one of his furnaces? If that were so, it was a shameful deed; but not his worst:" (p. 277, Unfinished Tales).

Six days after parting from Aragorn, near the Misty Mountains, they came upon Saruman and Grima. He was combative as ever sparring words with Gandalf. His venomous tirades weren't reserved for Gandalf alone. "'And as for the Lady here, I do not trust her: she always hated me, and schemed for your part. I do not doubt that she has brought you this way to have the pleasure of gloating over my poverty'" (p. 261, The Return of the King). Galadriel assured him that it was not so, but rather good fortune, that he might have a last chance. "'If it truly be the last I am glad,' said Saruman; 'for I shall be spared the trouble of refusing it again'" (p. 261, The Return of the King). Berating Grima Saruman sought to move on from his unwelcome company. He could not help but stare at the hobbits as he left and commenting how they had everything they could want including the best pipe weed. Moved by pity Merry offered him the last of his weed recovered from the sack of Isengard. This displeased Saruman, who took it anyway, and said: "'Well, it will serve you right when you come home, if you find things less good in the Southfarthing than you would like. Long may your land be short of leaf!'" (p. 262, The Return of the King).

As Saruman and Grima left Sam was quite uncomfortable with the former Wizard's words concerning the Shire. Gandalf agreed that Saruman was still capable of evil deeds but Frodo was intent on seeing Bilbo in Rivendell before going home. As they neared the Gates of Moria the company camped for seven days. Galadriel and Celeborn were ready to depart but wanted first to speak with Elrond and Gandalf. Long they spoke of ages past, their labor in the world, and what was to come and yet no words were spoken as they shared their thoughts in each other's minds. Hence the telepathic bits we see in the movie adaptations. Finally they parted, at least until the power of the Three Rings was appointed to pass away. Frodo watched them go and saw a flash of light and Frodo knew that Galadriel had held aloft her Ring as a gesture of farewell.

At long last they arrived in Rivendell and the hobbits went straight away to Bilbo who was alone in his room. It was littered with papers and pencils and he was old and tired. They were able to celebrate his birthday (129!) on September 22nd and stayed sometime afterword. Bilbo wished to hear and record all their adventures but would often fall asleep as they talked and seldom wrote anything down. "The only part that seemed really to rouse him and hold his attention was the account of the crowning and marriage of Aragorn" (p. 264, The Return of the King). One October night Frodo felt it was time to leave Rivendell and go to the Shire; Sam wholeheartedly agreed. They spoke with Elrond and he agreed to allow them to go. "To their delight Gandalf said: 'I think I shall come too. At least as far as Bree. I want to see Butterbur'" (p. 265, The Return of the King).

They said goodbye to Bilbo who was sad to see them go. To Frodo he gave several books he had been working on. "To Sam he gave a little bag of gold. 'Almost the last drop of the Smaug vintage,' he said. 'May come in useful, if you think of getting married, Sam.' Sam blushed" (p. 265, The Return of the King). To Merry and Pippin he gave some of his sage Bilbo-advice. He asked Frodo about his Ring one last time; if he could see it. Frodo reminded Bilbo it was lost; that it needed to be. The old hobbit remembered how his little magic Ring had gotten caught up in all sorts of big plans. he began to sing a version of his road goes ever on song and fell asleep. Sam lamented that Bilbo had gotten very far on his books which woke the old hobbit right up. "'You see, I am getting sleepy,' he said. 'And when I have time to write, I only really like writing poetry. I wonder, Frodo my dear fellow, if you would very much mind tidying things up a bit before you go? Collect all my notes and papers, and my diary too, and take them with you, if you will. You see, I haven't much time for the selection and the arrangement and all that. Get Sam to help, and when you've knocked things into shape, come back, and I'll run over it. I won't be too critical'" (p. 266, The Return of the King). Of course Frodo agreed.

The next day the hobbits and Gandalf departed. Elrond gave Frodo some words telling him there would be no need to return to Rivendell. For in the future Bilbo would return to the Shire and Elrond would be with him. "These words no one else heard, and Frodo kept them to himself" (p. 267, The Return of the King).

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 3019, mid-July to beginning-October
Today's reading comes from: The Return of the King, pages 256-260; Unfinished Tales, page 369; The Return of the King, pages 260-267

Theoden's Last Ride

After the celebration for Arwen and Aragorn's wedding subsided Frodo wished to journey back home.  He also wanted to see Bilbo in Rivendell. Aragorn offered to ride with Frodo in seven days time, for Eomer was soon to return to Gondor and claim Theoden's body. He wished for gifts of great honor to give to Frodo. "But the Queen Arwen said: 'A gift I will give you. For I am the daughter of Elrond. I shall not go with him when he departs to the Havens; for mine is the choice of Lúthien, and as she so have I chosen, both the sweet and the bitter. But in my stead you shall go, Ring-bearer, when the time comes, and if you then desire it'" (p. 252, The Return of the King). She then gave Frodo a gem that shone like starlight to remember her and Aragorn and to bring him comfort when memories of past evil came to haunt him.

Three days later Eomer came with his finest knights and was met by Aragorn's court and the Elves still remaining, including Galadriel. Eomer went quickly to Gimli and asked if his axe was ready for they had a certain issue to settle concerning the Lady. Eomer confessed that he did not think Galadriel the fairest lady that lived but before Gimli could fetch his axe he said: "'But first I will plead this excuse...Had I seen her in other company, I would have said all that you could wish. But now I will put Queen Arwen Evenstar first, and I am ready to do battle on my own part with any who deny me. Shall I call for my sword?' Then Gimli bowed low. 'Nay, you are excused for my part, lord,' he said. 'You have chosen the Evening; but my love is given to the Morning. And my heart forebodes that soon it will pass away for ever'" (p. 253, The Return of the King).

The time came to depart for Rohan; accompanying the Riders were Aragorn and his knights, Arwen and the Elves, and the remainder of the Fellowship. Merry bore King Theoden's arms. Gandalf rode Shadowfax and Gimli rode with Legolas. Imrahil and Faramir came. "Never had any king of the Mark had such company upon the road as went with Theoden Thengel's son to the land of his home" (p. 254, The Return of the King). As the travelled they came near the hills of the Wild Men and could hear the drums beating. Aragorn had the trumpets loosed and the heralds announce: "'Behold, the King Elessar is come! The Forest of the Druadan he gives to Ghan-buri-ghan and to his folk, to be their own for ever; and hereafter let no man enter it without their leave!' Then the drums rolled loudly, and were silent" (p. 254, The Return of the King).

In 15 days time they came to Edoras. Theoden was laid to rest and many songs of lament were sung. "But Merry stood at the foot of the green mound, and he wept, and when the song was ended he arose and cried: 'Theoden King, Theoden King! Farewell! As a father you were to me, for a little while. Farewell!'" (p. 255, The Return of the King). Since Theoden ended in honor great celebration feasts were held. "Then a mistral and lore master stood up and named all the names of the Lords of the Mark in their order: Eorl the Young; and Brego builder of the Hall; and Aldor brother of Baldor the hapless, and Frea, and Freawine, and Goldwine, and Deor, and Gram; and Helm who lay hid in Helm's Deep when the Mark was overrun; and so ended the nine mounds of the west-side, for in that time the line was broken, and after came the mounds of the east-side: Frealaf, Helm's sister-son, and Leofa, and Walda, and Folca, and Folcwine, and Fengel, and Thengel, and Theoden the latest" (p. 255, The Return of the King).

Eomer was hailed as the new King of the Mark and his first announcement in the Hall was to give his sister Eowyn away in marriage to Faramir. Before the assembly the two were troth plighted and Aragorn marveled that Eomer would give away that which was fairest in his country. The act further affirmed the close bond between Gondor and Rohan. "It is recorded that after Theoden's funeral, when Eomer reordered his realm, Erkenbrand was made Marshal of the West-mark, and Elfhelm Marshal of the East-mark, and these titles were maintained, instead of Second and Third Marshall, neither having precedence over the other" (p. 369, Unfinished Tales).

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 3019, June-July
Today's reading comes from: The Return of the King, pages 252-255, Unfinished Tales, page 369

Aragorn Weds Arwen

Gandalf could not be found. The Fellowship wondered where he was and what was happening.  Aragorn was gone as well. The Wizard had taken the King out of the City. Together they climbed Mount Mindolluin and gazed at the lands. Gandalf declared them (and further beyond sight) to be Aragorn's realm. He said to the King: "'The Third Age of the world is ended, and the new age is begun; and it is your task to order its beginning and to preserve what may be preserved. For though much has been saved, much must now pass away; for the power of the Three Rings also is ended. And all the lands that you see, and those that lie round about them, shall be dwellings of Men. For the time comes of the Dominion of Men, and the Elder Kindred shall fade or depart'" (p. 249, The Return of the King). That makes me sad; I've always loved the Elves in these stories. It's hard a sad thought to picture Middle-earth without them. Aragorn wished for Gandalf's counsel; he wanted a sign that the White Tree of the City should flourish again. "'Turn your face from the green world, and look where all seems barren and cold!' said Gandalf" (p. 249, The Return of the King).

Aragorn saw a solitary growing thing. Climbing closer he found that it flowered white petals and he knew it was a kin of the White Tree of Gondor. Gandalf confirmed: "'Verily this is a sapling of the line of Nimloth the fair; and that was a seedling of Galathilion, and that a fruit of Telperion of many names, Eldest of Trees'" (p. 250, The Return of the King). He told Aragorn that fruit from this line of trees rarely ripens but when it does it must be planted so that it does not die out of the world; this Aragorn was to remember. Aragorn took the sapling and planted it in the Citadel at Minis Tirith. The remains of the whithered White Tree of old were removed; but held in honor and not burned. "'The sign has been given,' said Aragorn, 'and the day is not far off.' And he set watchmen upon the walls" (p. 250, The Return of the King). The day before Midsummer messengers brought word that a host of Elves were coming to the City. Aragorn made preparations.

On Midsummer's Eve they arrived. "'First rode Elrohir and Elladan with a banner of silver, and then came Glorfindel and Erestor and all the household of Rivendell, and after them came the Lady Galadriel and Celeborn, Lord of Lothlorien, riding upon white steeds, and with them many fair folk of their land, grey-cloaked with white gems in their hair; and last came Master Elrond, mighty among Elves and Men, bearing the sceptre of Annuminas, and beside him upon a grey palfrey rode Arwen his daughter, Evenstar of her people" (p. 250-251, The Return of the King). At last Frodo understood the day Aragorn spoke of and why he desired his friends remain in the City. "And Aragorn the King Elessar wedded Arwen Undomiel in the City of Kings upon the day of Midsummer, and the tale of their long waiting and labours was come to fulfillment" (p. 251, The Return of the King).

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 3019, Mid-May to Mid-summer's day
Today's reading comes from: The Return of the King, pages 248-251