All stories must come to an end, and celebrations can’t last forever. Thus, although the hobbits set out with a kingly entourage, their company gradually dwindles to just the four of them and Gandalf. Read more
VI. Chapter 5: The Steward and the King
Now that the war’s over, it’s time to turn to love! Read more
V. Chapter 8: The Houses of Healing
This chapter illustrates one aspect of The Lord of the Rings which sets it apart from many of its brethren: It commits to showing the arduous process of healing the wounds of war. Read more
V. Chapter 7: The Pyre of Denethor
Despair strikes at the heart of the city, and it’s all Gandalf can do to keep the fire from spreading. Read more
V. Chapter 4: The Siege of Gondor
Despair assails the White Tower from within as inexorably as the hosts of Mordor without. Read more
IV. Chapter 7: Journey to the Cross-Roads
Help and hope show up in unexpected places in this rather low-key chapter. Read more
IV. Chapter 6: The Forbidden Pool
Now that we’ve gotten to know Faramir a bit, it’s time for him to offer advice and justice to the best of his knowledge. Read more
IV. Chapter 5: The Window on the West
Through a combination of Sam’s loyalty and the wisdom of a solemn young man, Frodo receives some much-needed aid in his quest (but not without quite a bit of discomfort first). Read more
IV. Chapter 4: Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit
In one of my favorite chapters, we get a brief reprieve from the horrors of Mordor – and meet another Tolkien avatar! Read more
Eucatastrophe 