Gandalf discovers a damaged book documenting the Dwarves’ doomed attempt to retake Moria. They read with growing horror about the fates of Balin, Ori, and others; but at least they now know where they are and how to get out. Before they can leave, though, a killer drum solo begins in the depths far below, and soon they are attacked by Orcs, bigger Orcs, and even (say it with us) a cave-troll. Also: bad-luck names for library buildings, Tolkien’s commitment to realistic illustrations, and adventuring undergarments that offer more than just comfort.
For Shawn’s Prancing Pony Pondering from early 2017 about the use of the word doom in this chapter, see here.
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Recommended Reading:
Tolkien, J. R. R. The Fellowship of the Ring: Being the First Part of The Lord of the Rings (Mariner Books, paperback) pp. 313-19, “The Bridge of Khazad-dûm”
Tolkien, J. R. R. The Hobbit (Mariner Books, paperback)
Tolkien, J. R. R. (Christopher Tolkien, ed.) The Silmarillion (Mariner Books, paperback)
Fisher, Jason, ed. Tolkien and the Study of His Sources: Critical Essays (McFarland, paperback)
I was tempted to send you some meat extract but decided against it; seriously, that was up there with the “Gollum GPS”.
in considering the Fellowship becoming, apparently closer, and their bravery, I am reminded of two works that touch on these and related issues: Louis Markos’ “On the Shoulders of Hobbits” and Joseph Loconte’s “A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War: How J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis Rediscovered Faith, Friendship and Heroism in the Cataclysm of 1914-1918”. It occurs to me that both of these educators, who speak well and have humor within them (I’ve heard them “lecture” online), and would be both enlightening and enjoyable to interview. Just a thought.
Also, in case you somehow did not hear, but there is a new edition of the “Father Christmas Letters” coming out this October, with some added goodies.I
No P5 this week?
Hi Alan – I’m sorry I haven’t spotted this comment before now; I’m not sure how it slipped through the cracks.
I actually just read Loconte’s book a few weeks ago, and he would be a great person to get on the show sometime! I haven’t read Markos’ book yet, but I’ll pick it up. Thanks for the suggestion!
Hopefully by now you saw that we decided to combine our P5s for 158 and 159 into one… and as much as I appreciate the offer of Bovril, I don’t want to get you in trouble by having you ship it into the US! But thank you. 🙂
Shawn
Thanks for watching my back. Who knows the authorities would think of liquid meat entering the country! I think you’ll appreciate Markos’ book as her discussed the classical virtues and the theological virtues in the Professor’s Legendarium and Lewis’ Chronicles. (“Modified” to include friendship.)