The Ring passes the fortress of the Ringwraiths, and then Tolkien gets meta. 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
IV. Chapter 3: The Black Gate is Closed
This chapter is mainly focused on the balance of power between Frodo and Gollum (and Sam’s misconceptions thereof). Read more
IV. Chapter 2: The Passage of the Marshes
Frodo and Sam must rely on Gollum to lead them through the dead lands surrounding Mordor, but despite his friendlier demeanor, he still clearly has some ulterior motives. Read more
III. Chapter 11: The Palantír
Concerning hobbits and wizards… Read more
III. Chapter 10: The Voice of Saruman
Saruman’s armies are destroyed and his fortress overrun, but he’s still far from harmless – so Gandalf needs to disarm him. Read more
III. Chapter 8: The Road to Isengard
Gandalf is rather cryptic as he leads Théoden, Aragorn, and the others to a parlay with Saruman. Read more