FOTR 8

As Frodo and company travel the Barrow-downs, they start to feel a cold chill about them and come across a strange stone circle miles wide. They soon get lost as it quickly becomes dark. Frodo gets separated from the others and somehow cannot reach the others. He is quickly grabbed by a Barrow Wight, a phantom-like creature, and then passes out. When Frodo comes to, he is in a dark chamber filled with gold and weapons. He looks over at his friends who look deathly white and are clad in gold adornments as if for burial. Frodo collects all his courage and slashes the Barrow Wights hand as it reached for Sam's soul. he then summons Tom Bombadil, master of nature, to help him. Tom bursts through the wall of the chamber and rescues all of the hobbits and even revives Sam, Pippin, and Merry! This book is full of suspense and they've barely left their homes, much less the first book in a three-part series!

FOTR 7

Pg 126-149

            Sam and Pippin almost became a tree’s lunch when the four heroes decided to take a nap!  Frodo and Merry frantically ran back the way they came partially in fear but more to find help. They came across Tom Bombadil, the ‘master of nature’ in these parts. He happily agreed to free Frodo’s’ friends from the evil tree and by calm coaxing and some reasoning, got the two sleepyheads free of the trees ‘jaws’. The four of them followed Tom to his home and met his beautiful elf-wife Golden flower. They stayed in his house for quite a few days, telling jokes and songs and eating some delicious food. However, Frodo finally reasoned they should leave, and they sadly went, still fearing what lies ahead, for now they must venture through the barrow-downs; notoriously dangerous they are told. So much action and I am only on the fifth chapter!

FOTR 6

PG 121-125

As Frodo and his friends enter the woods with wary glance, unsure of the dangers that are in the woods. As the troop move on, Frodo and pippin could actually sense the trees enmity for them. Sam, however, was the bravest of the Hobbits because he has been in this woods many times. Despite this, he started to doubt his thoughts because the Forest itself moved the clearing away, for that was were they were headed. Luckily, they did find the clearing and stopped for lunch. The trees were not as angry as before, Frodo says. As they continue, it seems the trees realize these are good Hobbits, and let up on the intimidation. They are not out of the forest yet, but I think they will be fine when they do get out.

FOTR 5

PG 111 – 120

            Once Frodo and company reached his new home, they quickly undressed and fought over whom would bathe first. Merry makes peace between the three when he mentions the new house has three bathtubs and a large copper bowl they can use for the same purposes. After some songs in the shower, Frodo and his buddies have a second supper (which is not uncommon for hobbits) with Merry and another friend named ‘Fatty’ Bolger. During the feast, they discussed the fact that they knew Frodo was leaving for quite some time. They insisted that they go with Frodo on his quest, no matter what ma befall them. Deeply moved, Frodo thanks them for being his friends and they plan their quest out of the Shire. However, Bolger decides to stay behind to see if Gandalf the wizard come looking for them and to stray any Black Riders away from them. This seemed like a bold and selfless act until we discover he is actually scared of the Old Woods, were Frodo and company are going for fear of the shadowy riders. Sam, Frodo, pippin, and merry enter the forest through a secret passageway, being wary of trees dropping limbs on them. Who knows what dangers are in these ominous woods?