Green Dragon Live

A new podcast for Middle-earth. Made for your first and eleventy-first time to J.R.R. Tolkien's high fantasy world. Served up from The Green Dragon in Bywater of the Shire.

43. B3:C2 - The Riders of Rohan [LoTR Read Along] 10/06/2018

42. B3:C1 - The Departure of Boromir - [LoTR Read Along] 08/29/2018

41. Back In The Saddle 04/28/2018

40. DISC 2 - The Fellowship of The Ring - Extended Edition - Watch Along Commentary 04/19/2018

39. DISC 1 - The Fellowship of The Ring - Extended Edition - Watch Along Commentary 04/19/2018

38. B2:C10 - The Breaking of The Fellowship - [LoTR Read Along] 04/12/2018

37. B2:C9 - The Great River - [LoTR Read Along] 12/09/2017

36. B2:C8 - Farewell to Lorien - [LoTR Read Along] 11/14/2017

35. B2:C7 - The Mirror of Galadriel - [LoTR Read Along] 07/16/2017

34. B2:C6 - Lothlorien - [LoTR Read Along] 07/07/2017

34. B2:C6 - Lothlorien - [LoTR Read Along] The Nicks talk about stepping out of time in special and awe-inspiring places, as well as being too close to the special things near you. Our Fellowship makes a dash for the woods, in spite of the potential of danger within. Aragorn is forced to take the lead after Gandalf's fall, and now they take the last known road in the plan created in Rivendell. Maps Notes for this episode BESIEGED BY ORCS! AN ANCIENT FOE OF FIRE AND FLAME! THE FELLOWSHIP FLEES TO THE EASTERN GATE GANDALF MAKES A STAND AND SACRIFICES HIMSELF FOR THE FELLOWSHIP ARAGORN NOW LEADS… THE DRUMS OF THE ENEMY FADE AWAY WHAT WILL BECOME OF OUR FELLOWSHIP? WHAT AWAITS THEM ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ONCE GLORIOUS KHAZAD-DUM? The Story in this Chapter: Grieving the loss of Gandalf Need to press on. Rushing so quickly that they forgot that Sam and Frodo had been wounded and the company was lagging behind Aragorn and Legolas. Significance of the Geography They stop to look back at the peaks. Woe unto them for Caradhras having defeated them. Kheled-zaram - the Mirrormere - Durin’s Crown Entering the wood Silverlode - Celebrant Another river Nimrodel - Falls the voice of Nimrodel They take a break. Legolas sings. Haldir and co. Flets and the Galadhrim -- “Tree People” Sleeping in a flet/floor Passage in. but caveat. Blindfolded Gimli, then Legolas, then everyone. - Aragorn’s decision Celebrant - the crossing into the Naith of Lorien Cerin Amroth Looking to Dol Guldur - Two towers set in opposition Dol Guldur is inhabited - but by whom? Political News Allies being untrusting (this is the crux) (page 339 NJ copy) Significance of the Fellowship in Lorien and the interactions between the races A DWARF in Lorien!!!?!?!?!! ZOMG!!! Aragorn in Lorien Legolas in Lorien Experience/growth/etc. of the hobbits. Crossing the River Celebrant Links "Five Armies" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License /episode/index/show/greendragonlive/id/5516742

BONUS- Update from Nicholas Jon, Eowyn, and Lochlan 06/22/2017

33. Q&A #3 06/17/2017

32. B2:C5 - The Bridge of Khazad-dum - [LoTR Read Along] 06/05/2017

31. B2:C4 - A Journey in the Dark - [LoTR Read Along] 05/26/2017

31. B2:C4 - A Journey in the Dark - [LoTR Read Along] The Nicks take a walk in the dark as the Fellowship continues their journey. A danger in the dark is due to appear at any moment! What are those footsteps? Why can Frodo see in the dark? Why does Nick Andrew hate caves (and his brother)? All this and more in this episode of our read-along of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Maps Notes for this episode THIS JUST IN! THE RING IS ON THE MOVE. EAST TOWARD THE MISTY MOUNTAINS, THEN SOUTH… BIRDS SWOOP IN… THE EYES OF THE ENEMY ARE EVERYWHERE! THE PASS OF CARADHRAS. THE REDHORN GATE. THE FELLOWSHIP ATTEMPTS TO CLIMB OVER THE CRUEL MOUNTAIN. SNOW PILED ON. … ... WINDS... WHIPPED. THE HOBBITS? …. FREEZING AFTER BATTLING THE MOUNTAIN FOR LONGER THAN THEY CAN BEAR OUR COMPANY RESIGNS HEADING BACK DOWN THE MOUNTAIN HOW WILL OUR COMPANY HANDLE DEFEAT AND IS THERE ANOTHER WAY? The story in this chapter A rest, what to do? Only options are to go on… somehow Or go back to Rivendell Pippin perks up, Merry and Sam look hopeful Aragorn and Boromir make no sign Frodo troubled. We cannot return without shame, unless there is no other way and we are already defeated. Sam sinks back into his gloom The only other path is through Moria The Gap of Rohan is watched by Saruman, who has turned against the free people and to go south through Gondor will take FAR too long. Moria - more dangerous than the Redhorn Gate? Gandalf thought this might be the way through - Aragorn did not want to go this way at least until they tried the mountain pass. We see Aragorn here being very leader-like and less follower. Giving way to Gandalf. Gandalf is their guide for the time being, not Aragorn. Aragorn has definite opinions (we don’t see this in the movies as much) Gimli becomes interested - all others feel dread - even the hobbits who only know it from legend and vague fear. We can cover our trail and disappear for a little bit. Why not go south past the Gap and over the mountains into Gondor? (Boromir) Things have changed in the Gap The longer road would take WAY too long, it is not safe, and it is watched. Going through Moria would be like going up to the dark lord’s tower itself “The name of Moria is Black.” Gandalf has seen some stuff… he rebutted Boromir with I alone of you have been to The stronghold of Sauron The dungeons of the dark lord Dol Guldur There may be Dwarves in the mines - there might be a warm welcome somewhere inside Who will follow me if I lead you? (Gandalf) “How the wind howls!” -- it's not the wind! Warg attack They think it's done after Gandalf declares himself to them. They come back! First battle scene in our narrative. Gandalf steals the show… HUGE show of force and power. The missing falls and the stairs that go up The curious case of the unexpected lake Stepping in the water and the ripples in the deep Saying goodbye to Bill Repacking for the southward, warming, road Moon letters and drawings - ithildin Durin’s marks The tree of the High Elves The star of the House of Feanor(PIN) Hacking the doors Fear of the water ‘Friend’ and ‘Snakes?’ The door is a riddle Sam is the only one who moves to save Frodo - and is forced to choose Frodo over Bill Everyone quickly gets inside The way back is closed - let us hope the way forward is open. Follow the guiding light Frodo eventually realizes that he can see better in the dark than everyone except Gandalf (even Gimli!) - he/narrator attributes it to stab wound in his shoulder Brief rests and pauses along the way Pitter patter - the faint echo of footfalls. “I have no memory of this place” and the guard room well A rock that takes a long time hit the ground Tom-tap, tap-tom. Tap-tom, tom-tap, tap-tap, tom. Time to head back uphill Long march. Suddenly the walls disappeared - and they are in a vast cavernous room Risk a little real light. Spending the night, at night. Gimli’s song Sam likes it Gimli is gloomy The wealth of Moria was not in gold or jewels but in Mithril Pretty amazing stuff In the morning there is light Through a doorway a tomb Balin son of Fundin / Lord of Moria He is dead. There are no dwarves to welcome them. Gimli draws his hood over his face…. HERE ENDS THE CHAPTER Links "Five Armies" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License /episode/index/show/greendragonlive/id/5393466

30. B2:C3 - The Ring Goes South - [LoTR Read Along] 05/12/2017

30. B2:C3 - The Ring Goes South - [LoTR Read Along] The Nicks talk about getting used to crazy amounts of noise, or the lack thereof. The forming of the Fellowship of The Ring, as in the title of this volume of the novel. The preparations of the Fellowship, and the courage of the hobbits as they set forth. The lands between Rivendell and The Gap of Rohan, the mountains under which the ancient civilization of the Dwarves: Khazad-Dûm was crafted. Being beaten down by the misfortune of weather, and why you should read the next chapter in the dark! All this and more of Tolkien's world in this episode of Green Dragon Live! Maps Notes for this episode THIS JUST IN! THE COUNCIL WAS DECISIVE!THE RING MUST BE DESTROYED! THE HALFLING STILL CARRIES THE RING SAMWISE GAMGEE STILL GOING ALONG! WHAT BRAVE SOULS WILL ACCOMPANY? WHO WILL REPRESENT THE FREE PEOPLE?WHERE ARE THE RIDERS NOW? DID THEY SURVIVE?WHEN WILL THIS STORY CONTINUE, AND WHAT DID THEY NAME THE PONY? The story in this chapter: Hobbits meet by themselves Merry and Pippin want to go “Nothing’s been decided yet” What were you all doing in there then? Scouts sent out to look for signs of the riders and other enemies Gandalf overheard a hobbit say that people of intelligence are needed -- tells Frodo that he is THINKING of coming along. 2 Months go by - Winter sets in. Council of Elrond October 25 - Fellowship leaves December 25 Scouts return 8 of 9 Nazgul accounted for - scattered and sent back to Mordor, no Gollum Bilbo and Frodo meet one on one for the last time - Sting, Mithril coat Fellowship officially formed Gimli will represent Dwarves Legolas Elves Aragorn Men (Boromir coming too) Gandalf shall be the intelligence Frodo Sam - packing his things ...2 spots left. Elrond wants to send two from his house- Merry and Pippin interrupt. Elrond is okay with Merry, but not Pippin. Southward bound Hollin Aragorn starts being a Ranger!!! He notices there are no bird sounds -- odd to him. So silent that the fellowship merely talking “vibrates the ground”. Gandalf says that you always listen to a ranger, especially when it’s Aragorn! Crebain SPIES OF STAR WARS! The Redhorn Gate - Over Caradhras The mountain defeats them. Links "Five Armies" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License /episode/index/show/greendragonlive/id/5349865

29. B2:C2 pt2 - The Council of Elrond - Gandalf's Tale & the Purpose of the Council - [LoTR Read-Along] 05/05/2017

29. B2:C2 pt2 - The Council of Elrond - Gandalf's Tale & the Purpose of the Council - [LoTR Read-Along] The Nicks fall into a meme-hole, discuss the doings of Gandalf and Saruman, and finally get down to brass tacks to decide what is to be the fate of this Council... and The Ring. THIS JUST IN! A COUNCIL HAS GATHERED….TO COUNCIL.... ELVES, DWARVES, MEN, AND HALFLINGS TOGETHER UNDER ONE ROOF! DELIBERATIONS ENSUE AND STORIES ARE TOLD -- INCLUDING BILBO’S! ISILDUR’S BANE REVEALED! WHY ARE WE HERE? CAN ONE SIMPLY WALK INTO MORDOR, AND WHAT IS GANDALF’S STORY? Maps Notes for this episode Other fandom trolling memes: The story in this chapter Gandalf's Tale: Gandalf has the longest part to tell - but he has done the most to understand the enemy, the Ring, and to set in motion the tale we now read. Saruman The Rings and their jewels or lack thereof Hunting for Gollum Saruman knew of writing upon the Ring - but what is the source of his knowledge Who else but Sauron held the Ring? Isildur That means Minas Tirith might hold a clue Abandoning the chase to go to Gondor! Denethor not very welcoming The scroll of Isildur describing the “fire writing” unknown language - but eleven letters Gandalf HAS tested the Ring Speaking the words of Mordor - of the Ring Gollum did go to Mordor He was forced to spill his guts about the Ring The servants of the enemy have been to the Shire, and now know - perhaps the enemy already knows - that the Ring is in Rivendell Gollum imprisoned with the Wood Elves Definitely still full of mischief Legolas speaks up in distress Gollum has escaped How so? Was it coordinated? Did he have help? Or was he just being opportunistic? Gollum is cunning, escapes the skill of the elves to track Heading to Dol Guldor Gandalf - Gollum may have a part to play yet - Tolkien keeps insisting on this - it must mean something What of Saruman? Drawn to Orthanc by the message of Radagast (taken advantage of my Saruman) - Tells of Nazgul The Nazgul keep asking for the Shire Saruman summons Gandalf to give him “aide” Radagast to send messages Bree - stopped at the Prancing Pony (when was all of this?) To Isengard - Orthanc - Built by Numenor - At the Gap of Rohan Fear fell on him inside Isengard Saruman the White or…. Many Colors Saruman feels that Gandalf has been hiding information in the Shire Saruman has contempt for Radagast … and Gandalf… and their colors “Saruman the Wise” “Saruman ring maker” “Saruman of many colors” White - can be broken - or - is perfect Leaving the path of wisdom A choice The world of men which we must rule We need power “WE” “There is no help in elves or dying Numenor” Join with that power - there is hope that way - and rich reward Join the evil way despising the many evil things biding their time to come to their true purpose. Knowledge, Rule, Order No change in designs - only in our means The Ruling Ring - “If WE could command that, then the power would pass to US.” Gandalf a prisoner of Orthanc - on the pinnacle A narrow stair of many thousand steps. In Letter 210 - Tolkien tells us that Orthanc is 500 feet tall In modern American building terms that is about 29 stories. Not huge - but massive for the surrounding area To take the stairs literally then - 500 feet divided by “many thousand” (5000?) works out to be approximately 1000 steps per hundred feet. - 100 steps per 10 feet or 10 steps per foot. Pits and forges, wolves, and orcs - Saruman is building an army - to rival Sauron How was this kept hidden from Gandalf when he got there? Or did it happen while he was there? Frodo calls back to a dream! (REVISIT PIN) It was late Radagast was true and trustworthy The Eagles - Gwaihir Rohan Tribute of horses - tribute of horses and many to Mordor It’s a lie Evil at work Shadowfax Tireless, swift as the flowing wind, silver by day, shade by night, light footfall, unridden, untamed, Gandalf reached the Shire when Frodo was in the Barrow Downs though they left the same day (Rohan, Hobbiton) Gaffer - changes for the worst (Needs a pin?) Changes already started? Has Saruman already started to tear it apart looking for the Ring? Crickhollow Broken into - Hope left Gandalf To Bree - Butterbur Good news - renewed hope! A night’s rest. The Nazgul’s movements 2 Nazgul in Bree 4 in the Shire 2 at Crickhollow Captain in secret south of Bree After the attack on Bree/Crickhollow Some across country Eastward The Captain and others along the Road 2 days out from Bree - Gandalf beset in the Ring of Amon Sul - Weathertop The Wraiths were already there. Closed around at night - Light and Flame! Gandalf fled to the North - then toward Rivendell Gandalf nearly 14 days to Rivendell Only 3 days before Frodo End of tale THE PURPOSE! - What shall we do with the Ring The old forest used to stretch from where it is to the other side of Isengard (Fangorn even?) Can we obtain help from Tom Bombadil? Send the Ring to him for safe keeping? The Ring has no power over him. He would forget it and throw it away Also, even the enemy could be held off - his country would be besieged and ultimately overthrown The Ring cannot be kept away by strength only 2 options Send it over the Sea They would not receive it - it belongs to Middle-earth Destroy it We have no craft that can unmake it. OR cast it into the deeps - where it could not be recovered. Only a delay tactic Gandalf wants to make an end of Sauron - not delay Sauron - would expect the Westward option (in or over the sea) He would March up the coast to the Grey Havens Westward road seems easiest - and therefore must be avoided It will be watched That leaves only the option to undo the Ring The only hope - to take the Ring to Mordor - to the fire Frodo felt a dead darkness in his heart Boromir Why hide and destroy? What if it has come to us in our great moment of need? Why not wield it? Valor needs first strength, and then a weapon. The Ring can be our weapon. Elrond We cannot use it It was made by Sauron and is his alone it cannot be wielded by any except those with great power of their own. But for them, the desire of it corrupts their heart Like Saruman - corrupted by the thought alone It is evil and dangerous Nothing is evil in the beginning - even Sauron. Boromir So be it Gondor will fight on Perhaps the sword that was broken can help “If the hand who wields it holds more than an heirloom but also the sinews of the kings of men” May the day not be delayed It would comfort us to know others fought also Gloin More power if the people's join together What of the three rings of the elves? They were made by the dark lord long ago Do they remain? Are they idle? Elrond We cannot speak of them They are not idle, but they also are not weapons But if Sauron regains the One all their strength would be turned to destruction If the One is destroyed Perhaps they will be freed, and be able to heal the hurts of the world Or perhaps they will fail and many things will fade and be forgotten Glorfindel But all the Elves are willing to take this chance! Back to the destruction of the Ring What strength have we for the finding of the fire? That is the path of Despair! Or Folly! Gandalf Despair Is only for those who see the end beyond all doubt Wisdom to recognize necessity when all other courses have been weighed Folly It may appear to those who cling to false hope. Let folly be our cloak/veil before the eyes of the enemy The only measure Sauron knows is Desire, “the desire for power and so he judges all hearts.” He does not think that anyone can refuse it, and therefore follow through with destroying it If we seek to destroy it - we shall put him out of reckoning AKA - he won’t see it coming - it’s not a possibility he thinks would ever happen “This quest may be attempted by the weak with as much hope as the strong.” Small hands do them because they must While the eyes of the great are elsewhere (THIS IS THE CRUX OF THE PLAN!) Bilbo - It’s plain enough what you’re pointing at I started it, and I must finish it. Boromir nearly laughs at Bilbo Elrond - your part is ended What do you mean by “they” The messengers who are sent with the Ring Bilbo - “Exactly, and who are they to be?” That seems to be the only thing this Council needs to decide Let’s get some names together No one spoke - looking downcast - in deep thought Frodo - felt a dread or doom on him And an overwhelming desire to rest in peace with Bilbo in Rivendell “At last with an effort, he spoke and wondered to hear his words, as if some other will was using his small voice. ‘I will take the Ring.’ [NJ - DEFINITION OF BRAVERY - the quality or state of having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty. -- speaking up in spite of deep desires because it is the thing that must be done, or the right thing to do.] Elrond I think that this task is appointed for you, and if you do not find a way no one will. But it is a heavy burden I do not lay it on you but if you take it freely I would say that your choice is right. And though all the mighty elf-friends of old, Hador, Hurin, Turin, and Beren, you shall be seated among them. SAM! [Again eavesdropping] -- But you won’t send him off alone! No indeed - You at least shall go with him. A nice pickle we’ve landed ourselves in, Mr. Frodo. New Characters: Denethor - Steward of Gondor Saruman the White/Many Colored - Istari, Leader of the White Council Gollum (makes an appearance) Theoden - King of Rohan Shadowfax? - Lord of Horses Radagast the Brown - Istari, part of the White Council Links "Five Armies" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License /episode/index/show/greendragonlive/id/5330175

28. B2:C2 - The Council of Elrond part 1 - The Tale of The Ring - [LoTR Read Along] 04/27/2017

28. B2:C2 - The Council of Elrond part 1 - The Tale of The Ring - [LoTR Read Along] The Nicks take a close look at the goings on of Middle-earth, the Council is called at a time when all the free folks happen to be represented, the tale of The Ring is told and the larger picture is starting to become clear to those present that now is the time of action, there is a chance NOW to strike against the enemy. THIS JUST IN! A WOUNDED HOBBIT HEALED. WRAITH WORLD AVOIDED. THE TIME FOR FEASTS IS OVER. THE TIME FOR TALK IS NIGH! ELROND THE ELF LORD HOSTS A GREAT COUNCIL. SECRETS ARE TOLD -- DECISIONS… MADE. WHO ARE ALL THESE PEOPLE? WHAT DECISIONS WILL THEY COME TO? AND WHAT OF THE RULING RING? Maps Notes for this episode Frodo feels great! He wants to explore. No time for that _BELL RINGS!_ The gathering (Many Meetings part 2) Boromir - A stranger unlooked for Gloin’s report from Erebor and Dale The messenger from “The Lord Sauron the Great”. We are gathered here uncalled and unlooked for to decide what to do. Elrond’s Tale (which skips millennia in the telling - see the Silmarillion) The long memory of Elrond Tells long tale of the forging of the Great Rings Celebrimbor The story of the Rise and Fall of Numenor Elendil the Tall, his sons Isildur and Anarion The rise of Gondor and Arnor Gil-Galad The Last Alliance against Sauron Defeat of Sauron Diminished, but not Destroyed Isildur claims the Ring as a wergild (compensation) and an heirloom of his house. The Rise of Gondor and Arnor The Fall of Arnor and the diminishment of Gondor Confusion about the actual history of the Ring What is all this about trees? (white trees?) Boromir’s Report Begs leave from Lord Elrond to talk more of Minas Tirith and Gondor. Numenorian blood not spent - Boromir takes offense Smoke rises from Mount Doom Mordor is allied with Harad Ithilien overrun East shore of Osgiliath has been abandoned to the Enemy Gondor holds the line Only Rohan will send aide these days Dreams, he and his brother. Travels 110 days to find Rivendell and seek Elrond’s council. The lineage of Aragorn Broken Sword? Dreams? Same Sword? “Bring out the Ring Frodo” Love, loathing, fear, shame How do we know it is Isildur’s Bane - Boromir All that is gold does not glitter Aragorn and the Rangers and the North Dunadain vs. Gondor as unsung heroes Bilbo’s tale The true version Frodo’s tale - lots of interruptions Bilbo wants to talk more about it later -- great story sans interruptions Frodo thinks the story is still incomplete -- wants to know more about Gandalf Galdor the elf from Grey Havens also wants to know more Wants to know about Saruman Links "Five Armies" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License /episode/index/show/greendragonlive/id/5305175

27. B2:C1- Many Meetings - [LoTR Read Along] 04/20/2017

27. B2:C1- Many Meetings - [LoTR Read Along] The Nicks wake from their slumber to find themselves in Rivendell where they must try and remember their family, meet new friends, and see old friends in a new light. THIS JUST IN! THE ENEMY HAS GONE TO WAR! OPENLY DECLARING HIMSELF, THE DECEIVER SENDS HIS 9 WRAITHS AFTER OUR HEROES. FRODO IS WOUNDED AND ON THE BRINK. A MYSTERIOUS ELF LORD COMES TO HIS AID. AFTER LENGTHY PURSUIT ACROSS MILES OF COUNTRY THE SERVANTS OF THE ENEMY DRAW CLOSER THAN COMFORT ALLOWS. NEARING RIVENDELL GLORFINDEL, THE ELF LORD, CALLS ON ANCIENT POWERS COMBAT THE ENEMY IN PURSUIT. WILL HIS PLAN PLAY OUT? WILL FRODO, OUR HERO, SURVIVE THE DAY? Maps Notes for this episode Many Meetings Gandalf - what happened at the Ford - the true nature of Frodo’s injury/ringwraiths - “Delayed?” - comments about Weathertop - lost time Sam and the Hobbits - Sam has stayed with him each of the 4 days… barely left his side. Pippin - “The Lord of the Ring” - Gandalf jumps on that. “Only one Lord of the Ring.” The banquet - A banquet fit for the high lords of old. Elrond - ageless. Neither young nor old. At his one side sat Gandalf, at the other Glorfindel. Glorfindel - a hero! Gandalf again - he looks like a lord of old. Arwen - lady Arwen. Undomiel. Evenstar. Her birth and rise mark the close of the "Elven Chapter" in Middle-earth. Sam wanted to wait on Frodo during the banquet. - Frodo is seated upon many fine cushions to give him the same “height”. Gloin - THE Gloin. Companion of Thorin Oakenshield. - He talks a lot. Very excited to find a courteous “listener” in Frodo. - They swap stories about their homelands. The Hall of Fire - a place of quiet and reflection… unless it's feast or banquet time. Then it’s a place of songs and stories! Stranger in the corner -- Bilbo! - The Ring Strider-Aragorn-Dunadan The Twins /Elladan and Elrohir, Elrond’s twin sons. Absent from the banquet Earendil - in the song - Good old hobbit-talk BEDTIME! Thoughts “I wish you could have held out at Weathertop.” (NJ - if he had not revealed himself by way of the Ring, would they have been able to fight them off with fire without them making an attack on Frodo?) “There are many powers in the world, for good or for evil.” “Some are greater than I am. Against some, I have not yet been measured. But my time is coming. The Morgul-lord and his Black Riders have come forth. War is preparing!” (NJ - The powers of the world, their interaction with the people of the world has been greatly reduced in recent millennia. Yet we see these little hints that there is something larger happening in the story.) “I thought, well, that they (the Big People) were just big and rather stupid: kind and stupid like Butterbur; or stupid and wicked like Bill Ferny” “You don’t know much even about them if you think old Barliman is stupid,” “I have known strong warriors of the Big People who would quickly have been overcome by that splinter, which you bore for seventeen days.” (NJ - often we are reminded that there is more to the Hobbits than meets the eye) Ringwraiths Real horses Real cloaks - to give shape to their nothingness (NJ - nothing in the Seen, something in the Unseen) Fragment of the blade Frodo turning Wraith With the ring on - like standing halfway between the worlds “Those who have dwelt in the Blessed Realm live at once in both worlds, and against both the Seen and the Unseen they have great power.” Blessed Realm Seen and Unseen Links /episode/index/show/greendragonlive/id/5284499

26. Q&A #2 04/13/2017

25. BONUS - "Restaurant Review" - Green Dragon Brew Pub - Fond du Lac, WI 04/11/2017

24. B1:C12 - Flight to the Ford - [LoTR Read Along] 04/07/2017

24. B1:C12 - Flight to the Ford - [LoTR Read Along] The Nicks discuss embarrassing stories of when we were fools and couldn't remember what we did, Frodo's predicament, Glorfindel's shiny nature, slipping into the wraith world, a cavalry of waves, the geography, and history of this leg of the journey, and ending the first book on a cliffhanger. Maps What Happened Last Time?: The company came together in the nick of time as Strider’s usefulness came through on the first night of their acquaintance. During the night at the Prancing Pony, Black Riders stole into the rooms set aside for the Hobbits, and brutally murdered their pillows, and in the words of Tommy Boy, “Woah, that was close.” After some trouble leaving town, Strider is able to get the company lost and out of sight of the Riders while making their way to Weathertop. Seven days, one funky lightning show, and a million bug bites later and they make it to Weathertop just in time for the Black Riders to ambush them and stab Frodo with a blade from Mordor. This is bad news. Where Are We in the Narrative?: Our Heroes have left home and hearth behind - beyond the Shire, beyond Bree - besides Bilbo, no other Hobbit in living memory has gone so far afield as these brave, foolhardy, unnatural hobbits. Joining in with a Ranger from the North - Strider, they inch closer to Rivendell while being chased by Black Riders of Mordor. Dark times have found the company, and they will likely need help to arrive safely at Rivendell, but help in the wild is very unlikely to be found. Notes for this episode: FRODO: What happened at Weathertop? The Ring and his realization. The wound. What does it feel like Eventually, it all but heals up to just a white mark…??? How does it affect him? Strider comments that the Riders wounded him in such a fashion to make him unable to resist them. shade/shadow over his eyes The world looks pale His friends look like shadows eventually Shadows in his dreams Another dream GEOGRAPHY: Wilderness of what once was Arnor/The Kingdoms of the North Towers in the distance No one lives here, not anymore Hoarwell (river number 1) The bridge. The jewel. Did it fall idly, or placed intentionally? Either way, Strider is comforted. Trollshaws Bilbo’s story! Sam’s song. Talk about song… How do you read it? Do you read it sing-song, or actually give it a made-up melody? The Bruinen (Loudwater) - The Ford (river number 2) STRIDER: Leadership in question… Sam doesn't trust him after he disappears post-Weathertop battle. How does he respond to this? What does he do to and with Frodo knowing that he was wounded by the Witch-king of Angmar? How do the hobbits respond? Athelas and its effects. THE CHASE: Some Black Riders from behind Frodo hesitates - Glorfindel commands his horse to RUN! Noro lim Asfaloth, noro lim! Some Black Riders ahead Frodo gets ahead and across the ford by the skin of his teeth The standoff The “cavalry of waves” What does it mean? Valar? Intervention? THE END OF THE FIRST BOOK: Our first cliffhanger… How does this compare and contrast with the literature you’re used to reading? How does it to the rest of the book we’ve read so far? Another Tolkienism... Notable Difference(s) from Films: Arwen instead of Glorfindel Hard to determine how much time is passed even though they say it’s two weeks in the movie Locations/Distance Traveled/Distance apart: Wilderness of what once was Arnor The Hoarwell Trollshaws The Bruinen (Loudwater) - the Ford New Characters: Glorfindel What to Watch for in the Next Chapter: We end on a cliffhanger! Does Frodo survive? Links /episode/index/show/greendragonlive/id/5246706

23. B1C11 - A Knife in the Dark - [LoTR Read Along] 03/28/2017

23. B1C11 - A Knife in the Dark - [LoTR Read Along] The Nicks debate nerdy names for Nicholas' yet-to-be-born son. And the escape from Bree, march through Midgewater Marshes, and the back roads to Weathertop, and the attack on the company. Maps Notes for this episode What Happened Last Time?: Our Hobbits find themselves in the company of “Strider”, one of the rangers from the North. He knows more than he lets on initially and when tension is high none other than Butterbur comes bursting in finally delivering a letter for Frodo from GANDALF that he meant to deliver months ago. Gandalf lobbies for Striders inclusion in the company, calling him by his true name “Aragorn” and the Hobbits agree to trust him. Merry finally returns from his walk after being fetched by Nobb and tells us that the Black Riders are in Bree! Strider helps them set decoys in their proper room and our hobbits drift off as night settles in and danger is closing! Where Are We in the Narrative?: Frodo and his companions have come all the way to Bree without the help of anyone, except Farmer Maggot and Tom Bombadil - now out of the Shire and in entirely new lands for any living Shire Hobbit save Bilbo the companions have taken on a new guide - Strider. With a little faith and a letter from Gandalf, and the almost certainty that they have no other choice their new companion plans to get them lost as soon as possible on road toward Weathertop and then toward Rivendell. The Story in this Chapter: Crickhollow attacked - 3 Black Riders AWAKE ! FEAR! FIRE! FOES! AWAKE! Last time the Horn of Buckland was sounded was 100 years ago, the white wolves came in the Fell Winter, when the Brandywine was frozen over Prancing Pony infiltrated The stable emptied The southerner with no friends Buying a pony from Bill The goodness of Butterbur Sam hits Bill in the face with an apple… and it was a waste of an apple The Archet Feint / getting lost in a good way “Short cuts, long cuts” Midgewater Marshes (3rd day-5th day) Neekerbreekers! Lightning from the ground to the east (four nights out) The moon! Six days in the wilderness to get to Weathertop History of Weathertop Amon Sul No barrows… the men of the west didn’t “live” here, but they defended it against Angmar. It’s said that Elendil stood there watching Gil-Galad approach from the west in the days of the Last Alliance Gil Galad “Starlight” Fortnight to Rivendell How long is a fortnight? (2 weeks We get a bunch of the nature and limitations/ strengths of the Nazgul The story of Tinuviel Edith and John Tolkien's epitaphs "Beren" / "Luthien” We’re told a wonderful story here, but the best telling is in the Silmarillion Strider’s tale ends and the hobbits get up to stretch. They notice the moon rising above the hill and BOOOOM Weathertop is attacked - 5 Black Riders Un-hiding with the Ring The crowned wraith Approaches with a sword in one hand and a knife in the other. This hand and blade are glowing when he approaches Frodo Fire and ice the two blades Frodo’s blade from the barrows - forged by the men of Westernesse to fight Angmar The Crowned Wraith’s blade pierces with what feels like poisonous ice Invoking the name of Elbereth! Akin to “OH MY GOD!” Notable Difference(s) from Films: Top of the hill - in the ruins vs in the dell Locations/Distance Traveled/Distance apart: We leave Bree! Archet, Midgewater Marsh, Amon Sul (Weathertop) New Characters: the Pony! Info/History from Other Titles/Sources: Fell Winter - Tolkien Companion What to Watch for in the Next Chapter: Frodo was stabbed…. What does this mean in the long-run? Links /episode/index/show/greendragonlive/id/5210243

22. B1:C10 - Strider - [LoTR Read Along] 03/18/2017

22. B1:C10 - Strider - [LoTR Read Along] The Nicks discuss whether Nicholas is in love with Aragorn and whether Frodo can trust Strider, the long-expected physical description of our main character, the danger outside, and a letter that is only 3 months late. From the podcast episode entitled -- "Why do so many people begin their sentences with the word So? In linguistics, this is called sentence-initial so. The word So at the start a sentence can serve a variety of functions." Maps Notes for this episode What Happened Last Time?: Frodo, Sam, Pippin, and Merry take their leave of Tom Bombadil at the road outside of Bree, after a short walk they arrive at the gate at night and are greeted none-too-kindly by Harry the gatekeeper who is astonished that 4 Shire-hobbits have arrived after dark. Finding the Prancing Pony, and having a pleasant dinner Merry stays behind and/or goes for a walk in the town while Frodo, Sam, and Pippin visit the common room. They are greeted warmly by the locals, and find their stories welcome, though bordering on too much info. Frodo - trying to divert attention away from too many questions - accidentally makes their position much worse and raises more questions about themselves than ever. Where Are We in the Narrative?: Frodo and co. have finally made it to Bree after setting out from the Shire (small delays in the Old Forest and the Barrow Downs aside.) Gandalf is still MIA and word is spreading that he is unaccounted for. A mysterious Ranger knows perhaps more than we’d like of Frodo Baggins of the Shire, and Rivendell seems a lofty distance away………………*OMINOUS* The Story in this Chapter: (We didn't keep to our notes in the same way as other episodes) Words we use differently - faggot Strider - serious, friendly?, scared, knowledgeable, full of warnings, rascally look, quick ears, hunter, can avoid being seen, laughs, smiles, older than he looks, knows the lands from the Shire to the Misty Mountains (more?) Reminds me of the CONSTANT VIGILANCE of Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody Overheard the hobbits on the road out of the downlands Has been looking for Frodo Hopped the gate Things he says that show he knows things and/or is a friend Knows Tom Bombadil He knows what chases them, and their number (not given) He knows Frodo’s first name, not just Baggins “The secret” Later mentions the Ring, no one mentions it before. He speaks the verse Shows the broken blade Mentions that he learned of Frodo’s leaving the Shire from Gildor Inglorion Bill Ferny Swarthy sneering fellow Swarthy means dark skinned (additional sources #1) Would sell anything to anybody and make mischief for amusement Friendly with a Southern stranger Strider’s face and body language when speaking of the black riders He is really afraid of them, which should scare the hobbits even more “You fear them, but you do not fear them enough” Sam - voice of reason? Caution Stereotype of a vagabond Frodo’s leadership “Caution is one thing, and wavering is another” Assumes that the riders have missed him. Before the night is over the Black Riders will have heard of Frodo Butterbur Arrives Apologies aplenty - though weak First descriptions of Frodo’s physicality (it’s only chapter 10) Stout, red cheeks, taller than some, fairer than most, cleft chin, perky with a bright eye. Frodo Baggins - Number 1 Bagshot Row - Bag End - Hobbiton in the Shire Mid Year’s Day - Summer Solstice We would think of this as the first day of Summer EncArda - Mid-year’s Day - The day that marked the middle of the year Also called , the day that fell in the middle of the year was an important feature in many of the calendars of . On a modern calendar, Mid-year's Day would be 22 June. (Additional Sources #2) If Gandalf is not with him - he may be in trouble Trouble is not far off - the black riders Dogs yammering - geese screaming Butterbur slammed the door on them They’re getting a lot of rejection Blocking Strider Would never leave Bree The idea makes him scared MORDOR - The Shadow in the East Butterbur even more scared The worst news in Bree Story of Bilbo known in Bree - people putting it all together Merry is still missing The Letter - Post Scripts Gandalf was in haste and had to add three addendums to make sure he told all 1 - don’t use it again - an assumption? 2 - The real Strider - thanks for the poem… Aragorn Broken sword 3 - Poor, poor, Butterbur Gandalf in great danger Not just a firework maker Trust Strider? Trust without proofs “The enemy has set traps for me before now” Wants friendship Pippin - Handsome is as handsome does “You would die first unless you are made of sterner stuff than you look to be” Sam - Play-acting spy “If I was after the ring” ← first-time “ring” is used this chapter “If by my life or death I can save you, I will” Enemy would “Seem fairer and feel fouler” The verse Out of Bree Get lost Go to Weathertop Strider and Gandalf Came back to the area in the Spring Sarn Ford down the Brandywine - 1st of May Strider learned the original plan Strider is troubled about Gandalf’s absence Word came to Strider from elven folk of Gildor had spread the word that Gandalf was missing and that the Riders were about. Also, that Frodo has left Hobbiton - but no news about leaving Buckland (success!) What can hold Gandalf back? - THE enemy? “This business of ours will be his greatest task Merry finally comes in, out of breath, he just saw the black riders! Strider asks for more details, Merry is hesitant (first time he’s met him!) Aragorn tells him he has a stout heart (dare I say surprised at him? Are they already proving more hardy than they look?), but Merry was “drawn somehow” after the Rider. 2 Figures - one Muttering the other whispering or hissing. Something knocked him over, made him feel like he had fallen into deep water. Nobb found him with two men stooped over him… he called over to them and they fled. Nobb shouting is also possibly a brave thing - though he lives in a place where Man-kind and Hobbit-kind are equals - maybe not so brave as typical for him. Strider calls it “the black breath” and declares that the southerner is a spy, and Bill Ferny too! Reassures that the Riders will not openly attack a home….. Yet. Stay here… and do not go to your rooms… we’ll stay together and bar the door. Frodo catches Merry up on everything he has missed while Strider and Nobb grab their luggage. Nobb is proud of creating decoys of the hobbits in their rooms. Pippin (at Frodo’s expense) - “Very lifelike” Uncommon word for Nicholas when he first read this story - “Bolster” A long thick pillow placed under other pillows to add support or bolster them. They block the door with a chair, Frodo draws the curtains and Strider lights a fire and sits in the chair against the door. “Jumped over the moon… very ridiculous of you Frodo,” comments Merry. Strider - “I hope so.” SLEEP! Other comments or observations: What is the timing of the events alluded to in the chapter? Gandalf met Strider - May 1 Gandalf wrote the letter (Mid-Year - June 22)- where was Frodo? How many weeks has Frodo and company lost? For that matter - how long has Gandalf been missing? Notable Difference(s) from Films: Much shorter sequence, Nobb is not involved, nor are any southerners or spies. No letter from Gandalf. We are not told Strider’s true name this soon in the films. Locations/Distance Traveled/Distance apart: Still in Bree/ The Prancing Pony New Characters: Bill Ferny - The swarthy, sneering, Breelander Info/History from Other Titles/Sources: - Swarthy means dark skinned. If you like tall, dark and handsome men, you find a swarthy complexion attractive. Not everyone with dark skin is swarthy. The word is usually used to describe someone whose skin is weather beaten and darkened by the sun, or has an olive complexion. What to Watch for in the Next Chapter: Back on the road with a new guide - trying to get lost in the wilderness - hoping Strider is a good guy (he is). Links /episode/index/show/greendragonlive/id/5180669

21. B1:C9 - At The Sign of the Prancing Pony - [LoTR Read Along] 03/12/2017

21. B1:C9 - At The Sign of the Prancing Pony - [LoTR Read Along] The Nicks discuss going to the bar alone; being a stranger in a new land; Bree, the Bree-folk, and their sayings; the types people that travel through Bree and the Prancing Pony, and more! Maps Notes for this episode: What Happened Last Time? The hobbits get a restful night's sleep and leave the HOTB early in the morning making way through the Barrow Downs and up back to the main road to continue on to the village of Bree. BUT ITS NOT THAT EASY. After an unplanned inside-of-the-eyelids study leaning up against a standing stone session Frodo wakes up, it's dark out and FOG IS EVERYWHERE!!! He tried to find the hobbits, gets caught by a wight, wakes up in a barrow, spots the others looking rightly terrible and, losing all hope, calls for Tom to come help using that little song. Tom saves the day by gets them out of their predicament and walks them back up to the main road. Where Are We in the Narrative? Our heroes are finally arriving at what we can likely call our first major checkpoint of the adventure, Bree. After shortcuts through forests and fields, disastrous dealing with menacing trees, and barrow wights, and the luck of finding a friend in Farmer Maggot and Tom Bombadil to aid them on their road: Leaving the Shire has not been as easy as they, nor Gandalf would have predicted, and going back into civilization is both a relief and a threat. Many eyes and ears prying, who knows who is friend, and who is foe? The Story in this Chapter: The Breeland Rangers The Big Folk and the Little Folk The Bree Folk “Outsiders” to the Shire Folk Many outsiders? Dyke and Gate and the two main roads “Strange as news from Bree” The Northern Lands are desolate - What was up there? What is there now? ANGMAR! The old capital of Arnor, Annuminas, was northwest as well, on the shores of Lake Evendim. Gatekeeper (Harry) Suspicious of the Hobbits, and suspicious to the Hobbits Dark Figure over the gate Strider? Black Rider? Gollum? Sam quails at the size of men Prancing Pony First Impressions Barliman Butterbur - thoughts? short for a man - he’s a bit taller than hobbits and a bit shorter than most men Seems to be a master of his trade. Can talk, knows when to be quiet and unassuming, friendly and inviting His talk "doesn’t have no point" - he catches the Hobbits up on the basic particulars of what is happening in the inn tonight. Bree Sayings Strange as news from Bree (East Farthing) It never rains, but it pours There’s no accounting for East and West (the Rangers and Shire Folk) - The Bree version of “Strange as news from Bree” Frodo, Sam, Pippin to the common room Merry to hang back and maybe go for a walk outside Bree Hobbits and names Frodo using geography and history which are not used in Bree much, difference in language, or maybe difference in class/education Mr. Brandybuck, Mr. Took, Sam Gamgee, Mr. Underhill The Southerner Solo? Part of the company come up the Greenway? Strider Note the way he is described - physically Tolkien gives as little as possible to describe Even stranger travelers in Bree Frodo’s foolish action The Ring - A call from outside? A jump over the moon - a slip - and the Ring’s opportunity to reveal itself A song! Tolkien’s purpose in writing the types of things he did, was to give England a kind of mythology, of which it was robbed by the arrival of invaders who brought their own. In a little way, this is the same thing - giving us a long version of Hey Diddle Diddle Is Frodo a traveling magician?! Swarthy Breelander (Bill Ferny), Squint-eyed Southerner, and Harry the gatekeeper leave together Harry and Bill both gatekeepers? (totally speculation) Trying to describe the scene to Barliman Strider uses Frodo’s proper surname and says that he put his foot in it or rather his finger Clearing the house Private meetings Other comments or observations: Who climbs over the wall? Notable Difference(s) from Films: We are back in line with the films! Sort of. The feel of Bree is remarkably different, especially TPP. Locations/Distance Traveled/Distance apart: East of the HoTB - up into the Barrow-downs, then northward toward the main road leading into the village of Bree. New Characters: Everyone our hobbits encounter! Barliman Strider Harry at the Gate/Southerner/Breelander What to Watch for in the Next Chapter: We learn more about Strider and our journey really begins. Links: /episode/index/show/greendragonlive/id/5161859

20. B1:C8 Fog on the Barrow-downs - [LoTR Read Along] 03/04/2017

20. B1:C8 Fog on the Barrow-downs - [LoTR Read Along] The Nicks discuss the consequences of sleeping, mid-day naps, getting lost in the fog, being ambushed by wights, running naked in the sun, singing about "old Fatty Lumpkin", and the history of Angmar and the small Kingdoms of former Arnor. Maps Notes for this episode What Happened Last Time?: The Hobbits have found possibly the strangest thing in Middle-earth in the form of Tom Bombadil. “Master”, “eldest”, “he is as you see him” are just some of the terms used to describe the who and what of good ol’ Tom. Through song and tale he weaves his knowledge and divulges the hearts and goings on of the trees and other fantastic beasts in the Old Forest, and he even knows a thing or two about the Ring, though it curiously doesn’t seem to affect him very much, if at all. Now the Hobbits, are laid to rest before venturing forth from the house of Tom Bombadil back toward the road, and then toward Rivendell. The Story in this Chapter: Waking Leave taking Goldberry is calling after them! A view of the road - but not really An unexpected nap Fog on the Barrow-downs “Follow me!”... “Where are you guys?” Atop the Barrow Within the Barrow Garbed in white, with circlets, and rings A sword lay across their necks A SEVERED ARM crawls toward them like a macabre spider Calling out to Tom Bombadil Frodo finds his voice again. Running in the sun to shake off the darkness Fatty Lumpkin - Tom’s pony! On the road to Bree. Other comments or observations: Angmar! Carn Dum! Nick Andrew LOVES THESE PLACES!! Referenced in the Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies as the reason Bolg travels north and Tauriel and Legolas follow him -- the threat of a resurrected Angmar is too much to ignore! LotRO Players who completed the first major story arc of the game's narrative got to know Angmar extremely well. Most of you even got to play through a raid into Carn Dum itself. Speaking of Carn Dum, it's an oddity in the world of Middle-earth as we don’t exactly know what that name means… we can assume it is a compound of Elvish and Dwarvish, in which case it means “the Red Halls.” Creepy, eh? Angmar was founded in midway point through the third age of ME with a singular purpose… DESTROY any and all remnant of the North that brought about Sauron’s demise at the War of the Last Alliance. Witch-king!!!!!! Notable Difference(s) from Films: We get a small shot of the fog-laden Barrow-downs as one of the Nazgul looks over it atop his horse. Locations/Distance Traveled/Distance apart: East of the HoTB - up into the Barrow-downs, then northward toward the main road leading into the village of Bree. New Characters: The barrow wight Info/History from Other Titles/Sources: Lots of information about Carn Dum and Angmar in Tolkien’s various other published works. I highly encourage you to check them out -- even if you just google it. What to Watch for in the Next Chapter: BREE! Links /episode/index/show/greendragonlive/id/5139061

19 - B1C7 - In The House of Tom Bombadil - [LoTR Read Along] 02/19/2017

19 - B1C7 - In The House of Tom Bombadil - [LoTR Read Along] In this episode the Nicks discuss what it's like to be the house guest of the biggest enigma in literary history - as Nick likes to say. Nicholas asks about potentially bad habits of being a house guest, and together they try to uncover some clues about Tom Bombadil and his wife Goldberry - the River Woman's Daughter. Maps Notes for this episode Last Time - In the Lord of The Rings:Frodo, Pippin, Merry, and Sam have reached a safe haven…. Or have they?! After a dizzying experience in the Old Forest and a harrowing brush with death at the roots of Old Man Willow our hobbits are invited to the home of a strange man who seems to have saved them from danger with mere song. Who is this “Tom Bombadil, Tom Bombadillo”, and was it mere chance that he happened on them just in the nick of time? The Story in this Chapter: They are greeted by Goldberry, Frodo is stirred into a sudden outburst of song. The hobbits can’t help but SING when they are in the HoTB Song is everywhere in the HoTB! Everywhere. They bathe and are treated to an amazing dinner where they all drink sing together. Dreams - each of the hobbits has a dream (Except Sam). Frodo clearly dreams of a tower that we may or may not have talked about in the prologue series… and an old man with white hair wielding a staff. The hobbits are all comforted back into sleep by the words spoken earlier by Tom and/or Goldberry. Tom tells stories by speaking and singing -- as he tells them the hobbits lose themselves in his words. They learn all about Old Man Willow. They also keep losing him and then catching up with his song/tale. Tom tells them he came before. He is “Eldest”. What could this mean? Notable Difference(s) from Films: “Gnawing, biting, breaking, hacking, burning.” is a line given by Treebeard in the films when he describes creatures that come into the woods. This line here is spoken by Tom when he is telling the Hobbits about the ways of trees. New Characters: Tom Bombadil Goldberry What to Watch for in the Next Chapter: The Barrows! Links /episode/index/show/greendragonlive/id/5097551

18 - B1:C6 - The Old Forest - [LoTR Read Along] 02/06/2017

18 - B1:C6 - The Old Forest - [LoTR Read Along] The Nicks discuss walking in the woods and being scared in real life. The Hobbits come in close contact with the menace of the trees, Old Man Willow, and a stranger called Tom Bombadil. What Happened Last Time?: Frodo, Pippin, Merry, Sam, and Fatty Bolger have finally met up in Frodo’s new house at Crickhollow. After a bath, and some supper, the friends talk about what has happened on their journey through the Shire. Frodo, though reluctant, is finally put on the point of telling his friends that he is leaving the Shire altogether, but, as it turns out, he doesn’t have to because they already know a good deal of the story themselves. With Sam gathering information the friends have helped Frodo by conspiring to help him on his journey toward Rivendell. With final preparations in order, a quick night’s sleep is all that separates these Hobbits from their adventure into the Old Forest and beyond. Where Are We in the Narrative?: Frodo has finally made it to his home at Crickhollow in his attempt to disguise his departure from the Shire, his mission to take the Ring to Rivendell is about to start. His friends have conspired to help him, which is very welcome to Frodo especially as Gandalf is still conspicuously missing! Though none of them fully understand the dangerous road they are embarking on... they at least have each other. The Story in this Chapter: Waking up at 4:30 AM is hard to do On the road by 6:00 AM Through the Hedge When trees attack The menace of the trees With ears to hear The Clearing - “Bonfire Glade” Still empty of trees - a safe place? The trees really can move, and the trail on the other side. Can they erase trails or just move them around? Do created things count differently? Capital ‘P’ Places The bald hill Speaking the plan out loud All roads lead to Withywindle Down and to the right until you get to the river The Barrow’s effect in the River, and on the forest? The Lullaby of Papa Willow Words in the wind Suspicious Sam The Revenge of Old Man Willow -or “Get off my roots!” Sam saves the ponies And Frodo OTHER SOURCES: See #1 Deep rooted laughter -or- Feeling the heat “He’ll squeeze me in two” The voice of Tom Bombadil Stops Frodo and Sam in their tracks “...they stopped short as if they had been struck stiff.” Much more to come next time An invitation to supper, a lawn, and a brick-lined path. Other comments or observations: Notable Difference(s) from Films: All of this forest is missing from the movie, the only parts that survive in the extended cuts are lines given to Treebeard and a tree that attacks Merry and Pippin in the same way Old Man Willow does. Locations/Distance Traveled/Distance apart: The Old Forest The River Withywindle The House of Tom Bombadil New Characters: Old Man Willow Tom Bombadil Goldberry Info/History from Other Titles/Sources: The Complete Tolkien Companion 3rd Edition - Entry: “Old Man Willow” More next time from the Letters What to Watch for in the Next Chapter: Possibly the strangest creature in all of Middle-earth has just invited the hobbits to his home - what effect will he have on the hobbits, the journey, the Ring? Links - If you enjoyed this episode please consider rating and reviewing us on iTunes. Your support helps us grow the show and make more of it. Thank you for being here, use the links below to find more about us and get in touch! /episode/index/show/greendragonlive/id/5054885

17. B1:C5 - A Conspiracy Unmasked - [LoTR Read Along] 01/29/2017

17. B1:C5 - A Conspiracy Unmasked - [LoTR Read Along] In this episode, The Nicks rip apart Buzzfeed's attempt at knowing things about LoTR, discuss Chapter 9 - A Conspiracy Unmasked, and decide if they would rather be in Frodo's shoes or Fatty's. Maps Notes for this episode What Happened Last Time? Frodo, Pippin, and Sam took a shortcut through the forest and across the field from Woodhall toward the ferry. Though it was harder than the road and took them off course, it seems to have been a good idea because they missed the black riders the whole day, and the end up on Farmer Maggot’s farm. While there Farmer Maggot feeds them and offers to take them by cart to the ferry, where they happen to meet their friend - Merry. Where Are We in the Narrative?: Frodo, Sam, and Pippin are on the border of the Shire, in Buckland, where Crickhollow resides. Danger has come upon them sooner than anyone, including Gandalf, could have imagined. Frodo must leave for Rivendell immediately, in spite of Gandalf’s continued absence. But, Frodo is miserable because he doesn’t know how to tell his friends that he is leaving. The Story in this Chapter: Over the ferry Buckland (Bucklebury is almost a suburb of Buckland… it's its own small country!) Crickhollow Very hobbit-hole like, despite being a house. Creature comforts -even arranged similarly to Bag End Conspirators revealed DUN DUN DUNNNNN!!!!! Making plans Preparations already made - because Merry is a boss. Fatty stays behind - who has the more dangerous role? Resting up for the first leg of the journey through the Old Wood and Eastward to Rivendell Frodo has a weird dream -- on a tower, near the seeaaaaaa [turtles] Notable Difference(s) from Films: All of this is missing from the movie Locations/Distance Traveled/Distance apart: Bucklebury Ferry Buck Hill & Brandy Hall Bucklebury Crickhollow Probably a total of around 5 miles New Characters (but not really): Fredegar Fatty Bolger What to Watch for in the Next Chapter: The Journey out of the Shire begins with the next chapter as Frodo and company enter into the potentially dangerous Old Forest on the borders of Buckland. Links /episode/index/show/greendragonlive/id/5033744

16. B1:C4 - Shortcut to Mushrooms - [LoTR Read Along] 01/18/2017

16. B1:C4 - Shortcut to Mushrooms - [LoTR Read Along] The Nicks discuss Chapter Four of Fellowship - Getting caught in the bogs and thickets, Black Riders, Bamfurlong, Farmer Maggot's dogs, whether Frodo's story mirrors Bilbo's, narrow misses, social status, and traveling in the fog without lanterns. Nicholas Jon sounds like he's hiding from the black riders in a tin can, and tries a looser editing style. Nick Andrew lives in the loudest place possible and tries to imagine Sam's fangirling over the Elves with a real-world example... from his own experience? We'll never know. Maps Last time in The Lord of The Rings Frodo inherited the Ring from Bilbo and learned that it is the One Ring and must be destroyed. He sells his house and takes his friends on an adventure through the Shire only to be dogged by a black rider. Some elves take them in for the night and give them the advice to not wait for Gandalf. Where are we in the narrative? Frodo, Sam, and Pippin are still in the Shire making their way to Buckleberry Ferry and then on to Crickhollow, Frodo’s new house. The Elves showed concern for Frodo especially when they heard that the travelers have seen a black rider and Gandalf hasn’t come as promised. Unwillingly the Elves give the advice to move ahead with their plan and not to wait for Gandalf. Notes for this episode The Story in this Chapter: A chance to get to know Hobbits better Thinking at breakfast? Hobbits are supposed to EAT!! Food is their THING. Frodo speaking aloud - sign of the Ring? The change coming over Sam Oracle-esque? Something in his heart/gut tells him that he “has to see it through.” Shortcuts Golden Perch, Ivy Bush, Green Dragon (Most of the buildings mentioned in the Shire are Inns) If you look at the map - the road (trail?) to Woodhall dead-ends. Was Frodo planning to go over the country from the beginning? Pippin - and Hobbit jesting/poking/digging “First check.” Sam saves the company - “You’ve got sharp ears, Sam” Is this a recognition of having spotted the rider Or a request to listen and keep an ear out? Golden Drink (possibly Miruvor as we later learn) - alcohol? stimulant? some other nourishing thing? REDBULL! The first Nazgul cry - “There are words in the cry,” and that was no hobbit voice. The ease at which the Hobbits forget their fear when the Shire does its thing. Bamfurlong is a great bit of LoTR trivia - good to have in your back pocket to show your knowledge - also useful as a substitute curse word when around children. Farmer Maggot How near the miss - Nazgul / Frodo at Farmer Maggot’s Sam’s suspicious nature Dogs response to the Nazgul (movie-book) Maggot tells off a Nazgul - “Back where you belong” - funny because he doesn’t really know what that might mean 14 to dinner - some mirroring to Bilbo? Bilbo had 15 - symbolically could show the incompleteness of the party (Gandalf? Merry? The rest?) Sam’s position showing? - “You & Pippin and all” - “You & Merry (Maggot’s closer friend) and all” Sundown - and they only got to the farm from Woodhall 5+ more miles to the ferry Frodo is anxious - Pippin is drowsy - Sam is watchful “I want Mr. Baggins, have you seen him?” - not as effective in the audio book - frighteningly ambiguous in writing. Other comments or observations: Book pacing Natural divide between character based narrative and descriptive narrative? Fast = action and character? Or Fast = a lack of world description? Slow = A lot of everything? - For Tolkien the physical world is hugely important - character-like - but the characters are not described in much detail. We can see the world, and the people in it, but we can’t see their faces except as we imagine them to be. Some books with different pacing Wheel of Time - Robert Jordan - slow (though starts okay) Belgariad - David Eddings - Quick pace - every chapter moves the story ahead Angels and Demons - Dan Brown - Very fast pace (movie like cuts) Lord of the Rings - Slower very descriptive - minimal character description - not a lot of politic-ing Notable Difference(s) from Films: All of this is missing from the movie Locations/Distance Traveled/Distance apart: The actual distance traveled is probably 20 miles maximum including 5+ by cart. New Characters: Farmer Maggot and his family/household Info/History from Other Titles/Sources: Letter 206 - Funny incident where Tolkien went to a Hobbit Dinner and spoke, and on the menu was “Maggot Soup” which was, of course, mushroom soup named for Farmer Maggot. What to Watch for in the Next Chapter: Next chapter Frodo and all finally make it to Crickhollow - but Frodo needs to leave right away. He will have to tell his friends that he is going, but he doesn’t know how to break it to them. Links /episode/index/show/greendragonlive/id/5001626

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