This Saturday (at 6pm ET (New York time)), Hall of Fire will return to our chapter-by-chapter read-through of The Lord of The rings, rejoining Frodo, Sam and Gollum as they finally approach the gates of the Black Land.
Across the mouth of the pass, from cliff to cliff, the Dark Lord had built a rampart of stone. In it there was a single gate of iron, and upon its battlement sentinels paced unceasingly. Beneath the hills on either side the rock was bored into a hundred caves and maggot-holes: there a host of orcs lurked, ready at a signal to issue forth like black ants going to war. None could pass the Teeth of Mordor and not feel their bite, unless they were summoned by Sauron, or knew the secret passwords that would open the Morannon, the black gate of his land.
The Two Towers: Book IV, Chapter III: The Black Gate is Closed
After many days on the road to Mordor, Frodo and Sam reach a crucial checkpoint in their quest to destroy the One Ring: Morannon, the Black Gate of Mordor. Yet, after their long, arduous struggle to simply reach Mordor, the hobbits immediately realise there is no way to enter undetected. An alternative must be found. Fortunately, before Frodo can march himself to the Black Gate, it turns out that Gollum knows of such a place.
The Black Gate is Closed sets in motion the hobbits’ journey towards Cirith Ungol, home of the great spider, Shelob. It also gives us a better idea of how the armies of Sauron are preparing for his final assault on the free peoples of Middle-earth.
And within the tiny company, Gollum’s internal “Slinker” and “Stinker” conflict bodes only of trouble to come even as the two hobbits reluctantly resolve that they must again trust the creature that still obsessively desires the Ring.
Some suggested reading:
TTT: Bk IV, Ch III: The Black Gate is Closed
Time zone conversions
Not sure what time the chat will be where you are? Check this little conversion table out for some help. Alternatively, check our handy Event Announcer over on Time and Date for the correct time in your area.
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6.00pm EDT (New York)
5.00pm CDT (Chicago)
4.00pm MDT (Denver)
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11.00pm BST (London)
11.00pm CST (Paris)
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8.00am AEST (Sunday) Brisbane
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