FELLOWSHIP STUDY GUIDE ~ 2

 
 

J. R. R. TOLKIEN & THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING
being the first part
 of THE LORD OF THE RINGS

 
 

English 104 - Introduction to Literature: Fiction, Fall 2003 (rev)
Cora Agatucci, Humanities Dept., Central Oregon Community College

 

Page numbers given below refer to this edition of the text:
Tolkien, J. R. R.  The Fellowship of the Ring, being the first part of The Lord of the Rings. 
[Rev.] 2nd ed. [Originally published 1965/1966.]  Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1994.

BOOK TWO (Chapters I - X, pp. 211-398)

[Ch. 1]  I.  MANY MEETINGS (pp. 213-232)

Three days later:  Frodo awakes in Rivendell*, his arm almost completely cured by Elrond*--half-elven Master of Rivendell and legendary in Middle-earth history.  At his bedside, Frodo finds Gandalf, who answers some of Frodo's questions--about what happened at the crisis confrontation with the Black Riders at the Ford of Bruinen.
That evening
at a great Elven feast celebrating the victory at the Ford of Bruinen, the Hobbits are guests of honor and Frodo meets Elrond; his daughter Arwen; and Glóin, one of the twelve dwarves who accompanied Bilbo Baggins on his great adventure [recounted in The Hobbit].  Frodo reunites with his uncle Bilbo, who has lived at Rivendell--and visibly grown old--since he left the Shire 17 years earlier.  They have a bad, but brief, moment concerning the Ring, which still exercises some power of Bilbo, the former Ring-bearer. After consulting with Strider, Bilbo completes and chants his song about Eärendil, then retires with Frodo for more quiet talk.

*On Elrond & Rivendell:  "After the invasion of Eriador by Sauron in the mid-Second Age, Elrond founded a refuge there in a deep hidden valley; this was named Imladris, or Rivendell in the Common Speech. After Sauron's defeat by Tar-Minastir of Númenor, Elrond remained in Rivendell, where he prospered with the aid of the Great Ring, Vilya.  Elrond played a great part in the histories of the Second and Third Ages; he marched with Gil-galad and Elendil to the War of the Last Alliance, and was a leading member of the White Council. At the time of the Council of Elrond in 3018 (Third Age), he had dwelt in Middle-earth for some 6,500 years."
 --
The Encyclopedia of Arda: http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/

[Ch. 2] IITHE COUNCIL OF ELROND (pp. 233-264)

A great council is held at Rivendell to determine how to prevent Sauron from recovering the Ring and achieving absolute power over the world.  Among those attending are Elrond, Gandalf, Frodo, Bilbo, Glóin, Glorfindel, Aragorn [AKA: Strider, the Ranger], Legolas [son of Thranduil, King of the Elves of Mirkwood], and Boromir [a mortal man and son of Denethor, Steward of Gondor].  At the Council of Elrond, the entire history of the Ring is reconstructed by various storytellers present, up to most recent and disturbing events. Gandalf tells of his betrayal and captivity by Saruman the White, the highest wizard of the order, whose desire for the power of the Ring has seduced him into an alliance with Sauron.  The council concludes that the Ring cannot be used and must be destroyed--if possible and in the only way possible: it can only be "unmade" by being cast into the fires of Orodruin [the Mount Doom of Mordor where Sauron originally made the Ring].  Finally, it is Frodo (to his own amazement) who comes forward to accept this perilous mission.  Elrond accepts Frodo's offer. 

[Ch. 3] IIITHE RING GOES SOUTH (pp. 265-286)

Two months later:  After sending out scouts to search for news of the Enemy's actions (i.e. Sauron and Saruman], Elrond names the multiracial nine who will constitute "The Fellowship of the Ring" to carry out this important mission: 1. Frodo, 2. Samwise Gamgee, 3. Merry, and 4. Pippin, of the Hobbits; 5. Gandalf, the wizard; 6. Legolas, for the Elves; 7. Gimli, for the Dwarves;  8. Aragon [AKA: Strider] and 9. Boromir, for the mortal men. 
Bilbo gives his elven sword Sting (which glows blue when Orcs are near) and his shirt of Mithral dwarf-mail to Frodo just before the Fellowship departs on its dangerous mission.
For some days: The company travels southward, west of the Misty Mountains, harried by spies of the Enemy--crows and hawks flying overhead.  When the company tries to cross the Misty Mountains over the hostile Pass of Caradhras, they are thwarted by great snow storms and forced to turn back.

[Ch. 4]  IV. A JOURNEY IN THE DARK (pp. 287-312)

The company beats back a savage attack by Wargs, demonic were-wolves of Sauron, but realizes that the only way left to reach the other side of the Misty Mountains is through the mines of Moria -- called Khazad-dum* in the Dwarvish tongue--once a splendid realm of the Dwarves, but now a desolate and dreadful place.  The company reaches the Doors of Moria and finally discover the password to open them.  But as they enter, the deadly Watcher, lurking in the pool outside the Doors, attacks Frodo and would have dragged him under but for Sam's brave and timely intervention.  The Fellowship retreats inside the Doors of Moria, asthe Watcher vents its evil fury by using its octopus-like tentacles to bar the Doors from the outside.  There is no other choice now but for the Company to traverse the underground hell of Moria in order to pursue their Quest.
For the next two days, the Fellowship travels as quietly as possible through the darkness of the Mines of Moria, hoping not awaken its evils.  During that time, Frodo frequently believes he hears distant footsteps following the company. 
On the Third Day in the Mines of Moria, the Fellowship reaches *Balin's tomb and finds a book of chronicles there.

* Khazad-dum, later called Moria: "The grandest and most famous of the mansions of the Dwarves. It lay in the central parts of the Misty Mountains, tunnelled and carved through the living rock of the mountains themselves, so that a traveller could pass through it from the west of the range to the east. It was founded in very ancient days by Durin the Deathless, who came upon a shimmering lake beneath the mountain Celebdil, with a crown of stars reflected in its waters. He named that lake in the Dwarvish tongue, Kheled-zâram, the Mirrormere, and there he started the building of Khazad-dûm.  Much of its great wealth of was based on the mithril that was found in its mines, and as the centuries passed, the Dwarves mined deeper and deeper for the precious metal."  Eventually, the Dwarves "dug too deep, and unleashed a nameless terror from the depths beneath the city. The creature wreaked dreadful destruction, and . . .

the Dwarves fled their ancient home. After millennia as one of the richest cities in Middle-earth, Khazad-dûm stood dark and empty," . . . .  [and] was given a new name, Moria, the Black Pit."
-- The Encyclopedia of Arda: http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/

*Balin, a Dwarf descended of Durin, accompanied Gandalf and Bilbo Baggins on the Quest of Erebor, recounted in The Hobbit.  Later Balin led an attempt to reclaim the Dwarves' ancestral home Khazad-dum [later called Moria, the Black Pit], but was defeated and eventually slain.
 -- The Encyclopedia of Arda: http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/

[Ch. 5] V. THE BRIDGE OF KHAZAD-DûM (pp. 313-323)

After reading the chronicles, Gandalf learns more about how the Fellowship may find their way out of the Moria.  Just as the Companions are about to set off, they are attacked by Orcs and Trolls in the chamber of the tomb.  A valiant defense against this attack enables the Fellowship to escape through another door from Balin's tomb, and Gandalf moves to prevent further enemy attacks through this door by locking it with a spell.  But Gandalf's spell is opposed by a counter-spell of a strong, unknown opponent.  Under the pressure of these contending spells, the door breaks, the chamber collapses, and the passage is blocked.  As a result, the Fellowship gains time to flee their Enemy pursuers by an alternative route, and they reach the level below the Gates leading out of Moria.  Though the Enemy pursuers attempt to lay a trap of fire, they are cut off from the Fellowship.  The Fellowship companions hurry to cross the narrow bridge of Khazad--Dûm over a deep chasm, but then a Balrog* appears: an ancient demon wielding a great sword and fiery whip.  After the others have crossed, Gandalf confronts the Balrog on the bridge.  An epic battle of supernatural forces ensues between Gandalf and the Balrog on the bridge, the bridge breaks, and both the Wizard and the Balrog fall into the chasm.  The rest of the Fellowship escape safely out of the eastern Gates of Moria, but they are devastated by the loss of Gandalf.

* Balrog of Morgoth: The monster of Moria lurked alone there ifor nearly five hundred years. After that time, the old city of Khazad-dûm began to be peopled again, but not by Dwarves. Sauron directed his creatures there, and it began to fill with orcs and trolls.
 -- The Encyclopedia of Arda: http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/

[Ch. 6] VILOTHLóRIEN (pp. 324-343)

Gimli and Frodo visit the *MirrormereThen the Fellowship company hurries away from Moria, fearing pursuit by Enemies. When Frodo and Sam fall behind, the company stops for awhile so Aragorn can tend the wounds of Frodo and Sam.  Then the surviving companions of the Fellowship enter the forest of Lórien, cross the river Nimrodel--where Legolas sings its song--and are finally stopped and questioned by Elves guarding of Lórien's borders.  The Fellowship companions pass the night safely in Lórien tree-platforms, though Orcs pursue them and Gollum stalks them. 
The next two days: Because Elrond's messages have reached Lórien, the Company are permitted to enter--but at first, only blindfolded and accompanied by guards.  The second day, the group is met by Elves who bring messages from the Lord and Lady of Galadhrim, who give permission for the Company to walk into Lórien with their eyes free. The company is enchanted by this strange and wonderful land, where ancient and beautiful things still thrive as they did in the Elder Days.  Aragorn is particularly taken with

 

powerful memories when they reach Cerin Amroth (the Mound of Amroth).

*Mirrormere: "The shining lake in the Dimrill Dale beneath the eastern doors of Khazad-dúm, so called because of the stars reflected in its surface. It was called Kheled-zâram by the Dwarves" -- The Encyclopedia of Arda: http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/
 

[Ch. 7] VII. THE MIRROR OF GALADRIEL (pp. 344-357)

Several days in Lothlórien: Surviving members of the Fellowship meet Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel, talk about the Quest and the loss of Gandalf.  One evening, Galadriel takes Frodo and Sam to a garden with a stream, where she fills a silver basin with its water to create a Magic Mirror.  Galadriel invites Frodo and Sam to look into the Magic Mirror, but warns them that the visions it may show of the past, present and future can be treacherous.  Sam looks in the Magic Mirror and sees a terrifying vision of the destruction of the Shire and its trees. Then Frodo looks into the Magic Mirror and sees many puzzling and disturbing visions, including Gandalf in a white robe; Bilbo pacing a room; the Sea; the Eye of Sauron.  Afterwards, Frodo sees Nenya, one of the three great Elven Rings, upon Galadriel's finger (though, significantly, Sam cannot see it).  Frodo offers the One Ring to Galadriel, who is seriously tempted but refuses to take it, thus passing "the test."

[Ch. 8]  VIII. FAREWELL TO LóRIEN (pp. 358-370)

When the surviving Fellowship prepares to leave Lórien, the Elves give them three light boats for their journey down the Anduin River; grey Elvin cloaks that will aid in hiding them; several good ropes and lembas (an Elven bread) with amazing properties.  After the Company departs in the Elven boats, they are met downstream by a swan-shaped ship commanded by Celeborn and Galadrial, who invite the Companions onboard for a farewell feast.  Galadriel gives special gifts to each member of the Company, including a silver brooch with a green gem for Aragorn, a crystal phial of starlight for Frodo (which will later save him from Shelob in Mordor), and a box of soil (with special seeds) for Sam.  The Company is sorely grieved to leave the safety and beauty of the  Elves of Lórien.

IX [Ch. 9]: THE GREAT RIVER (pp. 371-385)

The next several days:  The surviving 8 members of the Fellowship travel down the "Great River"--The Anduin River--on the Elven boats.  Gollum follows them on a log of wood--dangerous not only because Gollum is driven to recover his "precious" (the One Ring) but also because Gollum is likely to attract or actively invite the unwanted attention of the Enemies.  The Company also fears attack by Orcs patrolling the east side of the river, aided by other sentient creatures that may be spying upon them--e.g. an eagle they have observed far up in the sky.  The Company begins to travel under cover of night, but even so they are attacked by Orcs from the east-bank near the Rapids of Sarn Gebir.  The attacking Enemies are set back when Legolas shoots down a strange dark shape flying over them.  The surviving Fellowship retreat into a bay of the Anduin River, carry their boats and baggage past the Rapids, then continue their river voyage past the Argonath--The Pillars of Kings, featuring great statues of Isildur and Anárion built long ago by the Númenóreans.  When they near the Falls of Rauros, the Companions beach their Elven boats to decide their future course:  to go east to Mordor, or to turn south towards Minas Tirith.

[Ch. 10] XTHE BREAKING OF THE FELLOWSHIP (pp. 386-398)
                          "The Company spend the night on the western bank of the River.
                          The blade of Sting, Frodo's sword, is gleaming, indicating that Orcs
                          are not far. The next day they must decide their future course; the
                          choice lies on Frodo, since the Ringbearer's course can only be
                          decided by the Ringbearer himself. Frodo feels he could make the
                          decision more easily if he was alone, and the others give him an
                          hour to make up his mind. He walks away and unsuccessfully tries
                          to make a clear decision. Meanwhile, Boromir leaves. "

--"The Lord of the Rings" Chapter Summaries: "The Two Towers"
Tolkien Page: The Lord of the Rings
URL: http://www-lehre.informatik.uni-osnabrueck.de/~skremer/martyn/index.html
PATHWAY:  > TOLKIEN > Comprehensive chapter summaries of "The Lord of the Rings"

Peter Jackson's film adaptation of The Fellowship of the Ring concludes with events recounted in Book Three, Ch. 1 of J. R. R. Tolkien's The Two Towers, being the second part of The Lord of the Rings:

The Two Towers, Book Three, Chapter 1: "The Departure of Boromir" -  Plot Summary:
"Aragorn follows Frodo's trail to the summit of Amon Hen; there he hears the sound of Boromir's horn amid the cries of many Orcs, and he runs down to help Boromir.  He comes too late, however: Boromir is already dying, and in his last words he tells Aragorn about his attack on Frodo and about the attack of the Orcs, which have taken the Hobbits as prisoners.  Gimli and Legolas return soon afterwards, and together they carry Boromir's body into a boat and let it float down the River.  They also notice that a boat and Sam's baggage are missing, and conclude that Frodo and Sam must have crossed the River and headed towards Mordor while everybody else was looking for Frodo.  Thus it seems unlikely that the remaining three companions could still find them, and Aragorn decides that they will pursu[e] the Orcs and attempt to rescue Merry and Pippin. They start the chase at once and with greatest speed, for the Orcs have already gained an advantage of several hours."
--"The Lord of the Rings" Chapter Summaries: "The Two Towers"
Tolkien Page: The Lord of the Rings
URL: http://www-lehre.informatik.uni-osnabrueck.de/~skremer/martyn/index.html
PATHWAY:  > TOLKIEN > Comprehensive chapter summaries of "The Lord of the Rings"

Sources 

Tolkien Online: The One Ring
The definitive almost-everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-Tolkien site. [C.A.]
URL: http://www.tolkienonline.com/
Website Review:  Sauter, Michael.  "Tolkien Online."  Bio Scope: Reviews.  Biography 5.12 (Dec. 2001): 38 (1pp).  EBSCOHost Academic Search Elite, Article Number 5541928.
Review excerpt:  A "l
avishly over-stuffed Web site, devoted to the teeming fantasy world of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings,"  including the "daily offering of excerpts from Tolkien's literature and letters; the massive archive of news, reviews, articles, and essays; and the ever-growing gallery of strikingly original artwork, by Tolkien and some of his best-known interpreters."
The Complete List of Film Changes, by "Ancalagon The Black" (Tolkien Online 1999-2002), describes, evaluates, and documents differences between Jackson's film adaptation of The Lord of the Rings and Tolkien's books.  Ancalagon's "Film Changes" is an ongoing and exhaustively detailed project --being revised after the release of the first film, and still evolving in anticipation of the release of films 2 and 3 in the trilogy.  An enlightening case study in film adaptation of literature is emerging! [C.A.]
Index URL: http://www.tolkienonline.com/movies/changes_index.cfm [last accessed Aug. 2002]

Original 'Fellowship' List [of changes]:
URL: http://www.tolkienonline.com/movies/changes_fotr.old.cfm
The Complete List of Film Changes Revisited - The Fellowship of the Ring
contains "The Prophecy" [the only essay so far, as of August 2002]:
URL: http://www.tolkienonline.com/movies/changes_fotr.01.cfm
General Changes:
URL: http://www.tolkienonline.com/movies/changes_general.cfm

Tolkien Page: The Lord of the Rings ... by J.R.R. Tolkien, 2000.
Tolkien Page links to Tolkien verses, chapter summaries for all three books of The Lord of the Rings, a picture gallery, and related WWW sites. Framed web environment.  [C.A.]
URL: http://www-lehre.informatik.uni-osnabrueck.de/~skremer/martyn/index.html
PATHWAY:  > TOLKIEN > Comprehensive chapter summaries of "The Lord of the Rings"

The Lord of the Rings.”  Magill Book Reviews 1 Aug. 1990.  Rpt. EBSCOHost Academic Search Elite, 2002: Article No. 9008011173.
Abstract:  Article gives plot synopses of all three parts of The Lord of the Rings.
EBSCOHost Abstract:  “This 3-volume epic fantasy tells of the war against Sauron, the evil Lord of the Rings, and in particular of the hobbit Frodo's quest to destroy the Rings of power by throwing it into the fires of Mount Doom.”

Fellowship Study Guide 1. Prologue & Book One
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