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The author’s reason? Spiders. Mirkwood. Beorn. Wood-elves. Lake-men. And Smaug.

No, seriously. “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” is going to be the best part because hello, all the best stuff happens in it. “The Hobbit” Part Three-ie (out on December 17, 2014) is going to be the worst snooze cruise since Helm’s Deep. That’s because certain dragons are going to get whacked in the first of many hours and the rest is just going to be a big battle and then a long walk home.

Have a read of the rest and see whether you agree, or not.

[Read More]

In this feature, Ringer Captain Salt assembles what we know already form various actor blog posts, video logs and magazine articles and tries to tie it all together.

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Analysing the role of The Necromancer in The Hobbit

By Ringer Captain Salt

The Dol Guldur storyline was only a minor portion of the first Hobbit film. Yet it set in motion things which will expand into a major story thread in The Desolation of Smaug after Gandalf leaves the company early on to deal with “some pressing business away south”.

Just how will the Necromancer story play out in the second film? It appears this depends on how many of the other story lines are tied into that which most serves as a direct prequel to The Lord of the Rings.

The widespread rise of evil

As Gandalf establishes in An Unexpected Journey, the rise of evil preceding The War of the Ring is not localized to Dol Guldur or Mirkwood; trolls and orcs on the move seem to spark concern that the watchful peace may be coming a close. Certainly, it seems that Azog is connected to the Necromancer, at the very least through his son/wretched offspring, Bolg. According to leaked Bridge Direct descriptions from last year:

It was said that Azog the Desecrator fell many years ago in the great battle between the Orcs and the Dwarves. But now he appears again at the top of a deadly horde of killer orcs. For Gandalf begins a race against time because he has to figure out the connection between the most dangerous orc commander and the growing evil, which takes shape in the ruins of the fortress of Dol Guldur. One thing is totally clear: no one will deter Azog from his intention to destroy Thorin Oakenshield’s companions to the last dwarf.

Bolg is the offspring of Azog the Desecrator — like his father, he is huge pale orc. He is the overseer in the dungeons of Dol Guldur — torturing is his hobby. He garnishes his armor with the bones and the blood of his victims. This husky Orc fears nothing and nobody — until he suddenly meets an unexpected opponent.

Azog — Sauron’s newest undead minion?

Azog the Defiler

Also as some have noted, during the final confrontation with the Gundabad Orcs Sting gleams brightly until Bilbo lands across the head of Azog’s warg, at which point the blade dims. Why? Because Sting recognizes that Azog is not a “living” Orc? And why is Bolg, himself a formidable Orc chieftain of the north in Tolkien’s writings, serving as Sauron’s interrogator? Does he owe the Dark Lord a debt for raising a slain Azog from the abyss?

Despite many fans’ probable preference that Azog and Smaug remain independent agents rather than thralls of Sauron, the Bridge Direct description would not mention a connection between Azog and Sauron if there were not one. Additionally, in An Unexpected Journey Gandalf makes mention that he fears “the enemy” — meaning Sauron — could use Smaug “to terrible effect”.

(As an aside, this actually ties closely with Gandalf’s thoughts on the importance of Thorin’s mission and the northern theater in Tolkien’s The Quest for Erebor as published in Unfinished Tales).

And keep in mind that even before he had signed on to the project, but apparently after he had read the then-in-progress scripts, Ian McKellen mentioned that Peter Jackson and Co. had been quite clever about tying the various elements in The Hobbit together. The implication is that we would get a more cohesive narrative than the seemingly largely unrelated linear plot-lines that played out separately in An Unexpected Journey.

There was a spike of excitement on The Hobbit Discussion Board when some spoilers were found in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Annual.  Come on in and get spoiled right here.

As we are always inspired by the music of Howard Shore, the discussion on The Hobbit Board turned to sharing favorite musical moments in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.  Share your favorite moments here.

You should know that those of us at TORn really do have other interests.  That was displayed most enthusiastically when the Off Topic Discussion Board wondered:  “So how do you feel about Marvel movies?”  You can dive into the fun right here.

There was quite a milestone on the Message Boards when we reached 10,000 registered members!  That’s a LOT of people doing a LOT of discussing… and there’s always so much more to talk about!!

We’ll share more topics next week and hope you join in on the conversations!  Don’t forget, TheOneRing.net’s Message Boards NOW have over 10,000 registered fans, just like you.  Let your voice be heard!!

There are some fabulous, exclusive pieces up for grabs – including some things which, usually, money can’t buy! Time is running out on some of our auctions too, so best check them out now. Here are just a couple that might tickle your fancy:

Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun Tolkien signed by Dwalin & Bifur

PICTURES OF AUTOGRAPHS ADDED

Autographed during 2013 DragonCon in Atlanta, GA by The Hobbit Dwarves Bifur (William Kircher) and Dwalin (Graham McTavish) in generous support of TORn’s Fundraiser. More pictures will be coming.

This is a brand new copy of a recent Tolkien publication, ‘The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun’, which was edited by Christopher Tolkien and published 2009. The hardback book is in excellent condition; there are some minor scuffs/creases to the paper sleeve, plus a slight sticky mark where it looks like a price label was removed off the back. Otherwise in perfect condition.

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Published: 2009
By JRR Tolkien; edited Christopher Tolkien
ISBN: 978-0-547-27342-6

The winner may have to endure a bit of a delay in this UNIQUE bag’s shipment as it is still at DragonCon with our TORn reps. They still have a long journey home after the Convention.

Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun Tolkien signed by Dwalin & Bifur Auction

Autographed Official DragonCon Contest 1 Cert. by Bifur, Dwalin, Radagast

Autographed by 2 Dwarves and a Wizard; William Kircher (Bifur), Graham McTavish (Dwalin) and Sylvester McCoy (Radagast the Brown). This is a NEW and OFFICIAL 2013 DragonCon “Costume Contest Comedy Category” Winner’s Certificate [First Prize!]. They generously signed this certificate in support of TORn’s Fundraiser. Picture discoloration is due to lighting. Certificate color is off white as seen in picture of contestants on stage.

DragonCon’s Costuming Contest is a fashion show that focuses on the craftsmanship of the costumes created by Con-goers from all over the world. Hundreds of costumes are seen in the hallways, panels, and other competitions throughout DragonCon, but little attention was paid to the efforts taken to make these wearable works of art. For this reason, in 2006 the contest was created to acknowledge those efforts and abilities as opposed to just presentation skills. Each year, a panel of prestigious and professional judges in the costuming business host and judge the contest. One of the most exciting things for contestants is to receive recognition and an award for their own work from these judges.

The winner of this auction may have to endure a bit of a delay of shipment as it is still at DragonCon with our TORn reps. They still have a long journey home after the Convention.

Autographed Official DragonCon Contest 1 Cert. by Bifur, Dwalin, Radagast Auction

There are some fabulous, exclusive pieces up for grabs – including some things which, usually, money can’t buy! Time is running out on some of our auctions too, so best check them out now. Here are just three that might tickle your fancy:

Elijah Wood PERSONALLY AUTOGRAPHED 8×10 photograph

In EXCELLENT condition, this is an 8 x 10 inch photograph personally signed by Elijah Wood for one of our TORn staffers at ORC 2004 (One Ring Celebration Convention). This is not a pre-stamped signature. It’s the real thing!

For several years, TheOneRing.net would host an ORC Convention in Pasadena, California. At each 3-day Convention, the Hobbits (Billy Boyd, Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, and Dom Monaghan) would attend our festivities along with many of the LotR cast, artists, production crew, calligrapher Daniel Reeve (and more), as well as Tolkien artists, authors… you get the picture!

It was during the 2004 Convention that Elijah Wood autographed this photograph for our TORn staffer. There are no snapshots of this happy moment… just the fond memory of its recipient.

Elijah Wood Autographed Photo Auction

TORn’s ‘Road to DragonCon!’ Faux Mirkwood Orc Arrow

Since leaving Los Angeles, California last Monday, TORn’s most Worthy Warriors have taken to the Road on a Quest to DragonCon in Atlanta, Georgia. They will arrive at the mighty Con this Labor Day Weekend (August 30 – September 1). The journey has been fraught with danger, travelling through unknown lands, and braving endless cups of questionable coffee.

Now you can own a piece of the ‘Road to DragonCon’. During their trip while at 4-corners USA, they came upon what they have dubbed a ‘Mirkwood Orc Arrow’. Now, we all know that the chance of Orcs being found in Southwest America is pretty slim, but that makes this item all the more unique. Okay… it’s really not from Mirkwood, or Orcish, but what if it was!?”

Because this treasure is on the Road, the exact dimensions and materials of this weaponry are unknown for now… making it all the more mysterious. Let’s make a guess and say the arrow is 16-18 inches long with a wooden shaft and a green stone or plastic arrowhead. Admit it. You’re intrigued! Take a chance and defy reason… make a bid!

Watch for more captivating trinkets as our Rugged Road Warriors find plunder along the way there and back again. Own a piece of the ‘Road to DragonCon’.

And there’s more! Because our Travellers are not at home, there may be a delay of a week or so before your auction Fundraising item can be shipped to you. Thank you for your interest, understanding and bravery!

Faux Mirkwood Orc Arrow Auction

 Bilbo Baggins long-sleeve t-shirt Hobbit

Item is a high quality standard Size Large official New Line Productions long-sleeved T-shirt. New with tags –100% cotton – never worn, never washed (may shrink). It is a light tan color, and the image has been photo-silk screened (it is not a transfer).  Measurements: Across Chest 21.5 inches, Sleeve Length (from sleeve seam at shoulder to wrist) is 23.5 inches, Overall Length (from shoulder to hem) is 31 inches.”

Bilbo Baggins Long-sleeve T-shirt Auction

Or click here to check out all our auctions!

There are some fabulous, exclusive pieces up for grabs – including some things which, usually, money can’t buy! Time is running out on some of our auctions too, so best check them out now. Here are just three that might tickle your fancy:

EXCLUSIVE 3-piece set of Lord of the Rings Art by Jerry VanderStelt

This auction offers a beautiful 3-piece set of The Lord of the Rings Collector Edition Lithographs by prominent artist, Jerry VanderStelt. Best known not only for his works inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien, he also captures the worlds of Indiana Jones, Star Wars, and much more in the Fantasy/SciFi genre.

Each Lithograph of the 3-piece set has a unique Remarque or sketch drawn on the bottom left corner, signed separately from the normal signature and a certification of authenticity.

The collage of iconic images, moments from The Lord of the Rings includes:

Set 1: The Fellowship of the Ring
Set 2: The Two Towers
Set 3: The Return of the King

These Lithographs are printed on a Heidelberg press using 200 line screen for superior reproduction quality, as well as utilizing “100 year” archival inks, and an aqueous coating for a protective finish. Each litho is made with heavy 100 pound paper and measure at 24 x 30 inches each. If you purchase the 3-piece set through BUY IT NOW, Mr. Vanderstelt has offered to personalize each Lithograph. Your prize will also be shipped to you directly from the Vanderstelt Studio, which is a site you must visit to see his stunning work up close. Jerry VanderStelt’s life-like detail and style of artwork gives each of his subjects a rich depth and beauty that’s impossible to describe.

Lord of the Rings Art Auction

TORn Collector’s Ed. Hobbit Magazine signed by Dwalin, Bifur and more

This copy has found itself travelling to DragonCon 2013 where it has been signed by two of The Hobbit’s Dwarves — Dwalin; Graham McTavish and Bifur; William Kircher — for TORn’s Fundraiser! It also has two of the articles signed by their authors. A collaborative effort between Topix Media Lab and your friends here at TheOneRing.net, this tribute to The Hobbit covers everything you need to know about The Hobbit movies from a fan perspective.

Side-bars and feature articles, contributed by our own volunteer staff, include interviews, a feature on book vs. the movie, articles on games and collectibles, a Middle-earth timeline, and much more! The high-quality, glossy paper used for this magazine is also packed with colorful pictures of cast and crew members, locations, collectibles, gorgeous fan art and a few exclusives! One thing that makes this truly a collector’s edition is that there are only two ads in the entire 82-page magazine.

Signed Hobbit Magazine Auction

Paperback The Hobbit signed by Graham McTavish and William Kircher

This is a NEW paperback copy of The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien with a movie tie-in picture from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey film released in December, 2012.  This copy has travelled to DragonCon 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia and has found itself autographed by 2 Dwarves (William Kircher and Graham McTavish) for TORn’s Fundraiser Auction.

Signed copy of The Hobbit Book Auction

Or click here to check out all our auctions!

There are some fabulous, exclusive pieces up for grabs – including some things which, usually, money can’t buy! Time is running out on some of our auctions too, so best check them out now. Here are just three that might tickle your fancy:

Tauriel Poster signed by its artist David Powell / Rosie the Riveter

Autographed by David Powell, Senior Designer of Badali Jewelry and lifelong Tolkien fan.  Powell is the designer and original artist of this new Hobbit-inspired poster of Elf Warrior Tauriel.  Her pose resembles the WWII American propaganda poster Rosie the Riveter reflecting the power of the female worker at war time.  Measures at 18×24 inches.

Tauriel Poster signed by David Powell Auction

Hobbit Canvas Tote Swag Book Bag SIGNED BY Dwalin & Bifur

PICTURES OF AUTOGRAPHS ADDED

This canvas book bag/tote/swag bag is signed in purple sharpie by Dwarves Dwalin (Graham McTavish) and Bifur (William Kircher) at 2013 DragonCon for TORn’s Fundraiser. This NEW autographed tote sports the picture of the Misty Mountains drawn by JRR Tolkien for the 1937 cover of his (then) new book, The Hobbit.

Made by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt publishers, the bag is durable, measures at 14″ high x 12″ wide, and is not available at stores.

The winner may have to endure a bit of a delay in this UNIQUE bag’s shipment as it is still at DragonCon in Atlanta, GA with our TORn reps. They still have a long journey home after the Convention.

Signed Hobbit Tote Bag Auction

Children of Hurin Bookmarks signed by Dwalin

PICTURE OF AUTOGRAPH ADDED Discoloration is from the lighting when picture was taken.

Unavailable for sale, this limited special-edition Bookmark accompanied the 500 1st editions of JRR Tolkien’s The Children of Hurin at the special 2007 release in NYC. These 500 editions contained a bookplate with the signatures of Christopher Tolkien (editor) and Alan Lee (artist). This auction is only for one of those unique Bookmarks (NOT for the book).

This Bookmark is even MORE special now with an autograph by Graham McTavish (Dwalin) for TORn’s Fundraiser while at 2013 DragonCon.

The winner may have to endure a bit of a delay in shipment as it is still at DragonCon with our TORn reps. They still have a long journey home after the Convention.

Signed Children of Hurin Bookmark Auction

Or click here to check out all our auctions!

There are some fabulous, exclusive pieces up for grabs – including some things which, usually, money can’t buy! Time is running out on some of our auctions too, so best check them out now. Here are just three that might tickle your fancy:

4-ALA “READ” Bookmarks OUT OF PRINT; LotR and Hobbit

In July 2001, the American Library Association (ALA), in association with New Line Cinema, offered three different Lord of the Rings Bookmarks and identical full-size posters in honour of J.R.R.Tolkien’s works and Peter Jackson’s films. This sale is for just the hard-to-find Bookmarks. They include Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) “Make It AHobbit”; Arwen Evenstar (Liv Tyler) “Fantasize New Worlds”; and Gandalf (Ian McKellen) “Discover Magic”. Also included in this Auction is the newest ALA tribute to Tolkien’s works and Jackson’s films The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) “Take An Unexpected Journey” released in November 2012.

The 3 Lord of the Rings Bookmarks are out of print and will not be re-issued per a 10-year copyright agreement; although Bilbo is still around Each Bookmark measures at 2″ x 6″ and is made of light card stock. One side has the picture as seen in this listing, and the other side is blank white.

LOTR and Hobbit Bookmarks Auction

Lord of the Rings Poster with Gandalf by Cauty

Gandalf and the Hobbits was created by J. Cauty in 1973 when he was 17 years old. This Lord of the Rings poster is iconic for the style of the 70s when Tolkien was fast becoming popular.  Size is 24″ x 36″

Lord of the Rings Poster with Gandalf by Cauty Auction

Sam and Frodo on Mt. Doom Return of the King movie poster

This is a moment in The Lord of the Ring: The Return of the King of the final struggle of Sam and Frodo climbing deadly Mt. Doom and Sam’s heroic action to try and save Frodo and the Quest of the Fellowship. His words are printed on the poster:

“Then let us be rid of it, once and for all! Come on, Mister Frodo. I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you! Come on!”

NEW — Quality of picture is because of camera flash and lighting — Size is 27″ x 40″

Sam and Frodo on Mt Doom Poster Auction

For more details, read the article here.

We recently added a couple of amazing items from our friend artist Jerry Vanderstelt covering his The Lord of the Rings Trilogy prints as well as his newest print of Dwalin the Dwarf from The Hobbit Trilogy. We’ve also added a couple of autograph items from Graham McTavish and William Kircher who play Dwalin and Bifur in The Hobbit Trilogy.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy 3-Piece Print Set

This auction offers a beautiful three-piece set of The Lord of the Rings Collector Edition Lithographs by prominent artist, Jerry VanderStelt. Best known not only for his works inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien, he also captures the worlds of Indiana Jones, Star Wars, and much more in the Fantasy/SciFi genre. Each Lithograph of the three-piece set has a unique Remarque or sketch drawn on the bottom left corner, signed separately from the normal signature and a certification of authenticity.

TORn Collector’s Edition of The Hobbit Magazine signed by Dwalin and Bifur

This is a new copy of TheOneRing.net’s premier magazine tribute to The Hobbit! A collaborative effort between Topix Media Lab and your friends here at TheOneRing.net, it covers everything you need to know about The Hobbit movies from a fan perspective. Side-bars and feature articles, contributed by our own volunteer staff, include interviews, a feature on book versus the movie, articles on games and collectibles, a Middle-earth timeline, and much more! The high-quality, glossy paper used for this magazine is also packed with colorful pictures of cast and crew members, locations, collectibles, gorgeous fan art and a few exclusives! One thing that makes this truly a collector’s edition is that there are only two ads in the entire 82-page magazine.

Dwalin the Dwarf Print by Jerry Vanderstelt

Jerry Vanderstelt is also offering the winner of this Auction the choice of the frame-ready canvas or to have the canvas Gallery Wrapped.  The two images displayed with this Auction show the raw, canvas form and also how the Gallery Wrap option gives it a mounted, more dimensional look.  The canvas measures 18 x 24 inches, NOT counting the border that is designed to be Gallery Wrapped. Once it is Gallery Wrapped, the canvas will measure 18 x 24 inches.  Please allow 2-3 weeks for completion. The work uses the finest materials available of archival inks as well as Breathing Color’s exclusive “Lyve” canvas and “Timeless” protective finish.

he Hobbit Paperback signed by Graham McTavish and William Kircher

This is a NEW paperback copy of The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien with a movie tie-in picture from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey film released in December, 2012.  This copy has travelled to DragonCon 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia and has found itself autographed by two Dwarves (William Kircher and Graham McTavish) for TORn’s Fundraiser Auction.