Finally, the first official trailer for The Return of the King arrived on September 27th. Most ringers seem…
Continue ReadingFinally, the first official trailer for The Return of the King arrived on September 27th. Most ringers seem to agree that it is simply the best trailer even shown in a theater, and it’s quite hard to disagree with them. First glimpse of Shelob, Minas Tirith under siege, the rohirrim massing before the charge on the Pelennor. Let’s make the wait for this Christmas a bit more bearable by having a closer look at the trailer in #thehalloffire this weekend.[More]
“Leaf by Niggle” was first published in the Dublin Review in January 1945, and is widely regarded as an allegory of Tolkien’s own creative process. Many would also claim that it is indeed an allegory of Tolkien’s life up to that point. [Despite Tolkien’s avowed dislike for ‘allegory’] Along with the essay “On Fairy-Stories” the story about Niggle can be found in the book “Tree and Leaf” which offers the underlying philosophy (Sub-Creation) of Tolkiens writings. [More]
Gandalf is the first to see the Eagles coming out of the North upon the field of battle. Soon all the hosts of Mordor tremble when the will of Sauron is removed from them, and the armies of the West watch in awe as Barad Dur crumble and the spirit of Sauron makes one last hateful threat against Middle-Earth. But Gandalf bids Gwaihir the Windlord bear him to Mt. Doom. There Frodo and Sam wait for the end in the fires.[More]
When pondering the relevancy of Tolkien to the 21st century, some things immediately come to mind, such as the lure of power and industry vs. nature. But I wonder if it’s not even more interesting to look at our collective memory. For Tolkien anchored his stories firmly in the traditions and legends of Europe. Myths speak to us about who we are and where we come from, and surely that is the greatest and most fundamental relevance any story can have, no matter what age the reader lives in? [More]
“Here at the end of all things….”
With the attention of the Dark Lord turned outside his borders, Sam and Frodo make their way across the treacherous terrain of the Gorgoroth. Here, at the end of their journey and with no hope of return, the two hobbits resolve themselves for the final steps to Mt. Doom. Now is Sam’s finest hour, forsaking food and water for his master, while determinedly making way for a destination he has no idea how to find. [More]
There’s been a bit of a break since the last posted transcript, but here’s a new bunch of three to bring everyone up to date. And you can access the entire set via the Barliman archives.
[Lesson 6] [Lesson 7] [Lesson 8]
