Green Dragon Live

The Nicks are running across Rohan! Or at least the three hunters are. Join us as we attempt to catch up with our enemies in order to rescue our friends, but keep a wary eye out for clues, and for horsemen. Maps Map of Middle-earth LoTRproject.com interactive map - Caution: spoilers for new readers! Notes for this episode Now we see Aragorn "The greatest traveller and huntsman of this age of the world" (B1C2 - first mention) Orcs of different factions White Hand - Orthanc, Saruman's Uruk Hai - Orc Men Northern - Misty Mountains? Gundabad? Moria From the East - Mordor Orcs Aragorn longing for Gondor We see the King waiting for his time Eagle! Traveling away back to the North First sight of the orcs they're chasing - 12 leagues or more 1 league = 3 miles Spring has come to Rohan Hobbit evidence - the brooch (Pippin is smaller - pin) Debate to rest or not - Gimli and Legolas stick Aragorn with the choice "An ill chooser", we see the angst of having had bad chance before We are a side-quest (paraphrase) Choose sleep Legolas, standing - do Elves sleep? Rest their minds, sleep with eyes open, blending dreams with wakefulness Day 1 - ran all night Day 2 - ran all day - debated rest, and slept Day 3 Aragorn hears hoofs - riding northward - "What is happening in this land?" Huzzah for lembas Observations from the narrator seem to be from Aragorn's POV he is noting the differences and strangeness along the way Eastemnet - used to be a place where the Rohirrim helpt their herds but now it is empty (Darkness and danger is growing) Eomer admits to removing all the people and animals for safety - Saruman has claimed the land, and there is war between Isengard and Rohan Twice 12 leagues (72 miles) ON FOOT in two days and a night! "There is some will that lends speed to our foes and sets an unseen barrier before us." "The will is not behind (Sauron/Mordor) but before us." "Saruman" Day 4 (after another rest) Red Dawn The orcs rested - thrice 12 hours between the 2 groups End of day 4 - moving slowly Day 5 Fangorn North-west - 10 leagues Riders! - 105 - yellow hair - their leader is very tall - 5 leagues away - 3 empty saddles Wait for them to approach The Rohirrim Proud and willful True-hearted Generous in thought and deed Bold but now cruel Wise but unlearned Writing no books but singing many songs Long friends of Gondor Kin to the Bardings of Dale and the Beornings The horse people Sons or Eorl (Are the men of Dale from the East? Is Rohan the most successful (largest "Easterling" civilization?) Eomer (leader) - has a Gondorian accent when speaking the common tongue Eomer's suspicions anger Gimli (Legolas) "No evil to Rohan, nor to its folk, neither man or horse." (are the horses considered folk?) Riddermark - "Rider Land"? Aragorn draws his sword and names himself. Eomer immediately accepts his claim refers to him as "Lord" "What is the meaning of the dark words?" (The dream that sent Boromir to Rivendell) Eomer knows Boromir, Rohan lent him a horse, which returned riderless Halflings! - "Do we walk in legends?" Gandalf - known - has lost favor with the king Saruman was a friend, now there is trouble Shadowfax - the most precious of the king's steeds, Chief of the Mearas (the sire of their race was the great horse of Eorl) (What is this story?) 7 nights ago (two days before Boromir died) Shadowfax returned - wild Boromir's death - "great harm is this death to Minas Tirith" Wingfoot I name you - 45 leagues on foot in 4 days (135 miles) Orcs, slain and burned Eomer decides what to do with the travelers - Lends them horses - gets a promise of their coming to the King Hasufel and Arod Gimli on a horse is as Sam in a boat The place of the great burning "There are some things it is better to begin than to refuse, even though the end may be dark." Gimli starts a fire - have a care, cut no living wood - the tree is happy for the warmth, the forest is brooding - dangerous And old bend man, white cloak, wide-brimmed hat The horses are gone! Links greendragonlive.com Twitter Facebook iTunes/Apple Podcast Stitcher Google Play Music YouTube Special thanks to our friend Harry Murrell for the use of his music. Listen to more and subscribe to his channel here.

The Nicks crack open the next named section of the LoTR story and discuss the way the story changes its narrative style and the suspense that comes with it. Boromir's departure from the Fellowship and Aragorn gets some clarity about his mission. Maps Map of Middle-earth LoTRproject.com interactive map - Caution: spoilers for new readers! Notes for this episode Aragorn on the seat of Amon Hen The world seems darkened, and there was nothing to see THE HORN OF GONDOR! Aragorn came too late and missed the fight Boromir is dying Sword: broken above the hilt Horn: cloven in two Pierced by many arrows The Hobbits are taken! Aragorn doesn't know what to do 1 Find the Ring and the Bearer 2 Go to Minas Tirith as bidden by his heart and Boromir's dying wish 3 Find the Halflings Everything he has done today is turned to ruin Gimli and Legolas slaying in the woods, also too late to help The Hobbits were bound, therefore likely still alive Finding the Hobbit knives Work of Westernesse Symbols of the enemy Strange looking orcs White Hand White 'S' Not Sauron - Red Eye Saruman - Evil is afoot, and the west is no longer safe Tending the fallen. Cannot bury him Give him to Anduin - the River of Gondor Carry him back to the river - hard to do with Boromir being so large and strong Lay him in the boat, and made him presentable. Towed the boat into the water Let him go, and he disappeared over Rauros "Rauros roared on unchanging" Boromir was not seen again in Minas Tirith It was said that he road his boat down the river all the way to the sea. The song of sorrow - The "people" hearken to the winds for news of Boromir (West, South, and North) Only two boats a mystery No orcs 2 packs gone also - Sam's for sure Aragorn puts the story together by Sam's words and apparent actions Frodo and Sam have taken the boat across the river What to do? Take the last boat after Frodo Or follow the orcs The direct path to Minas Tirith is apparently no longer an option Aragorn's personal mission is abandoned for the moment Aragorn finally knows what he must do - The company has played its part He must chase after the other hobbits or they will be left to torment and death. "My heart speaks clearly at last. The fate of the Bearer is in my hands no longer" "Yet we that remain cannot forsake our companions while we have strength left." "We will press on by day and dark… with hope or without hope we will follow the trail of our enemies, and woe to them if we prove the swifter. We will make such a chase that will be accounted a marvel among the three kindreds: elves, dwarves, and men. Forth the three hunters!" His mind was, at last, made up and the hunt begins! Links greendragonlive.com Twitter Facebook iTunes/Apple Podcast Stitcher Google Play Music YouTube Special thanks to our friend Harry Murrell for the use of his music. Listen to more and subscribe to his channel here.

The Nicks do their first recording in many months. This episode is a reconnecting of two friends and trying to establish a routine for the future of the podcast. The Nicks also talk briefly about Sauron's attacks in the northern parts of Middle-earth and ask if there are elves in the east.

The Nicks are joined by Erin and Aran to give their commentary while watching the extended edition of The Fellowship of The Ring (Disc 2). Cue up your copy and press play with us to listen and watch along with us in this special episode. We are playing the Extended Edition of the Fellowship of The Ring which has scenes that were either shortened or cut from the theatrical release. This episode covers DISC 2 only. After a short prelude, we will give a countdown as the cue for when to start the movie. The commentary is uncut and unedited and will run the full length of the film (minus some of the credits). Thank you for listening, we hope you enjoy this special episode of Green Dragon Live.

The Nicks are joined by Erin and Aran to give their commentary while watching the extended edition of The Fellowship of The Ring. Cue up your copy and press play with us to listen and watch along with us in this special episode. We are playing the Extended Edition of the Fellowship of The Ring which has scenes that were either shortened or cut from the theatrical release. This episode covers DISC 1 only. After a short prelude, we will give a countdown as the cue for when to start the movie. The commentary is uncut and unedited and will run the full length of the film. Thank you for listening, we hope you enjoy this special episode of Green Dragon Live.

The Nicks might be breaking up a bit in this episode, but it's only fitting as this is the Breaking of the Fellowship! How will the break happen? Is it physical? Or psychological? Which way will Frodo go? Who will go with him? Find out with us, live at the Green Dragon. Maps Map of Middle-earth LoTRproject.com interactive map - Caution: spoilers for new readers! Notes for this episode Sting shines blue Time to think, time to decide The group talks about what they will do Boromir has big plans Boromir cracks and nearly breaks Frodo Frodo Escapes up Amon Hen Oh The Things You'll See - while wearing the ring of power on the seat of seeing Boromir rejoins the group, gives sparse news Aragorn is angry with him, Frodo is missing Aragorn tries to organize a search party (there are orcs out there after all) everyone scatters instead Sam knows Frodo, feels the pain of being left behind Frodo tries to leave Sam tries to catch him, but can't swim Sam and Frodo get their gear and take off, the Fellowship is broken. Chapter's end Book's end - Congratulations you have made it through the Fellowship of The Ring! Links greendragonlive.com Twitter Facebook iTunes/Apple Podcast Stitcher Google Play Music YouTube Special thanks to our friend Harry Murrell for the use of his music. Listen to more and subscribe to his channel here.

The Nicks discuss the journey down the great river, the speed at which our Fellowship is cutting across the landscape, and the dangers it holds on either bank. Also discussing the desire to do more recordings with less interference from real life. Maps Map of Middle-earth LoTRproject.com interactive map - Caution: spoilers for new readers! Notes for this episode THEY GOT STUFF THEY'S ON A RIVER THEY GOTS BOATS The Story in this Chapter: Floating down the river is boring Landscapes change Aragorn lets the fellowship kind of just drift along… they don't paddle too much. Merry, Pippin, and Boromir | Aragorn, Frodo, and Sam | Legolas and Gimli Boromir acting strangely Sam sees eyes and strange logs floating alongside them - or is it catching up with them? Sam takes the watch - wakes Frodo Frodo sees a thing! Draws Sting and it flees! Aragorn wakes and says that he's seen it too… and even tried to catch... HIM?! They spot an eagle high up in the sky - at the same time they are approaching the Emyn Muil on the Eastern shore - Rohan on the Western shore Aragorn knows rapids are coming. They catch him off guard because he's never traveled by water through this area. Even Sam helps to paddle They have to turn around IN THE RAPIDS All together paddle! Paddle! paddle! Orcs! Yrch! Gollum's doing? Twangs of bowstrings -- they hit Frodo! A deeper blackness in the sky Legolas shoots it down The orcs seem to retreat Fellowship reach the safety of the opposite shore, and wait out the night Confusion about the moon… Aragorn finally reveals that they spent a lot more time in Lorien than any of them expected. -- Winter is almost over!!! In the morning Aragorn and Legolas scout the portage road around the rapids It's easy to find It is not as hard to carry everything as it could be. Boromir and Aragorn carry the boats Rapids (Sarn Gebir) BEHOLD THE ARGONATH! Parth Galen the grassy shore on the western side Nen Hithoel - the lake above Rauros Amon Hen - the Hill of Seeing - The Seat of Seeing - Western Shore Amon Lhaw - the Hill of Hearing - Eastern Shore Tol Brandir - The island in the middle of Nen Hithoel where none has ever set foot. Rauros - The great falls of the Anduin Links greendragonlive.com Twitter Facebook iTunes/Apple Podcast Stitcher Google Play Music YouTube "Five Armies" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Special thanks to our friend Harry Murrell for the use of his music. Listen to more and subscribe to his channel here.

The Nicks dive into this chapter of gift giving by asking which of the Fellowship's gifts would you steal, or what gift would you ask of Lady Galadriel? We discuss the differences between the movie gifts and the book. And, in spite of not making an actual plan, we prepare ourselves for a long trek downriver. Maps Map of Middle-earth LoTRproject.com interactive map - Caution: spoilers for new readers! Notes for this episode Summoned up to see Lord and Lady It's time to go. Celeborn talks over what lay ahead -- east is over Emyn Muil, west goes into Rohan/Fangorn and ultimately leads to Minas Tirith. Aragorn is doubtful and troubled. (Remember gandalf's plan!) Celeborn offers boats - this could prolong the decision! The Fellowship take their own council Majority choose to go west and make for Minas Tirith. Aragorn is quiet. Boromir makes his case -- "throw away what?" Gifted cloaks, Lembas, and rope Haldir comes back to escort them out of Caras Galadhon to the waters. Gifted boats! Off down the river Giant swan swims closer… oh dear. GALADRIEL -- she sings to them with a harp. Lord and Lady invite them to eat together as a farewell. Gifts are given. Aragorn gets a sheath for Anduril and the Elfstone Boromir gets a golden belt Merry/Pippin small silver belts with a golden flower clasp Legolas gets a bow of the Galadhrim strung with elf hair and a quiver of arrows. Sam gets a small box - adorned with a G for Galadriel/Garden, filled with soil from the orchard of Galadriel blessed in the way she may. Gimli - what gift would a Dwarf ask of the Lady? Sees them off. Galadriel sings another song. The set off down the river Aragorn/Frodo/Sam, Boromir/Pippin/Merry, Legolas/Gimli -- Bromance of the story! Other comments or observations: The story is picking up again. Gird your loins! Links greendragonlive.com Twitter Facebook iTunes/Apple Podcast Stitcher Google Play Music YouTube Special thanks to our friend Harry Murrell for the use of his music. Listen to more and subscribe to his channel here.

The Nicks get down to business by talking about the elephant in the room, this elephant being the new baby boy in Nicholas' family! Also, we meet the Lord and Lady of the Galadhrim - Celeborn, and Galadriel. Later, Galadriel shows two of our fellowship her magic mirror. Maps Map of Middle-earth LoTRproject.com interactive map - Caution: spoilers for new readers! Notes for this episode OUR FELLOWSHIP HAS ENTERED THE ENCHANTED FOREST ELVES FROM WITHIN HAVE CLEARED THE ORC SCUM WITHOUT! OUR FELLOWSHIP HAS BEEN ENTRUSTED WITH THE SECRETS OF THE GOLDEN WOOD WHAT WILL THEY FIND WITHIN THE CITY OF GREEN TOWERS? WILL THE LORD AND LADY BE GRACIOUS? HAS ANYONE PAID MIND TO BILL THE PONY? WILL THE COMPANY'S HEARTS FALTER UNDER THE LADY'S GAZE? The story in this chapter Approaching Caras Galadhon Long walk up Meeting Celeborn and Galadriel Testing hearts Rest Frodo starts to feel like it's time to go Galadriel shows Frodo and Sam the mirror Sam and the mirror Frodo and the mirror Galadriel and the Ring Galadriel and the other Ring Passing the test - does everyone have to pass the test Links greendragonlive.com Twitter Facebook iTunes/Apple Podcast Stitcher Google Play Music YouTube "Five Armies" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Special thanks to our friend Harry Murrell for the use of his music. Listen to more and subscribe to his channel here.

The Nicks talk about stepping out of time in special and awe-inspiring places, as well as being too close to the special things near you. Our Fellowship makes a dash for the woods, in spite of the potential of danger within. Aragorn is forced to take the lead after Gandalf's fall, and now they take the last known road in the plan created in Rivendell. Maps Map of Middle-earth LoTRproject.com interactive map - Caution: spoilers for new readers! Notes for this episode BESIEGED BY ORCS! AN ANCIENT FOE OF FIRE AND FLAME! THE FELLOWSHIP FLEES TO THE EASTERN GATE GANDALF MAKES A STAND AND SACRIFICES HIMSELF FOR THE FELLOWSHIP ARAGORN NOW LEADS… THE DRUMS OF THE ENEMY FADE AWAY WHAT WILL BECOME OF OUR FELLOWSHIP? WHAT AWAITS THEM ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ONCE GLORIOUS KHAZAD-DUM? The Story in this Chapter: Grieving the loss of Gandalf Need to press on. Rushing so quickly that they forgot that Sam and Frodo had been wounded and the company was lagging behind Aragorn and Legolas. Significance of the Geography They stop to look back at the peaks. Woe unto them for Caradhras having defeated them. Kheled-zaram - the Mirrormere - Durin's Crown Entering the wood Silverlode - Celebrant Another river Nimrodel - Falls the voice of Nimrodel They take a break. Legolas sings. Haldir and co. Flets and the Galadhrim -- "Tree People" Sleeping in a flet/floor Passage in. but caveat. Blindfolded Gimli, then Legolas, then everyone. - Aragorn's decision Celebrant - the crossing into the Naith of Lorien Cerin Amroth Looking to Dol Guldur - Two towers set in opposition Dol Guldur is inhabited - but by whom? Political News Allies being untrusting (this is the crux) (page 339 NJ copy) Significance of the Fellowship in Lorien and the interactions between the races A DWARF in Lorien!!!?!?!?!! ZOMG!!! Aragorn in Lorien Legolas in Lorien Experience/growth/etc. of the hobbits. Crossing the River Celebrant Links Battle Beast - King for a Day Battle Beast - I Want the World... and Everything In It greendragonlive.com Twitter Facebook iTunes/Apple Podcast Stitcher Google Play Music YouTube "Five Armies" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Special thanks to our friend Harry Murrell for the use of his music. Listen to more and subscribe to his channel here.

This is a quick update from Nicholas Jon about the various things that have been happening in our world which prevents us from having a solid upload schedule. Have a quick listen. Video version originally posted on our Facebook page. Links greendragonlive.com Twitter Facebook iTunes/Apple Podcast Stitcher Google Play Music YouTube Special thanks to our friend Harry Murrell for the use of his music. Listen to more and subscribe to his channel here.

The Nicks answer your questions about what Dwarf women look like, why it's hard to get into the books, why the names are so similar, the eye of Sauron, and more! Maps Map of Middle-earth LoTRproject.com interactive map - Caution: spoilers for new readers! Questions from listeners: What DO Dwarf women look like? -- CHAPTER 13 The Silmarillion, Quenta Silmarillion Friends who like Lord of the Rings... help! I'm almost done reading The Fellowship of the Ring and am having trouble. When does something happen that draws the reader to the character? When does the singing stop? When does something of importance happen? I fully expected to like the books. Am I reading it wrong? Do I have too high of expectations? Why do so many people like it?? Why are all the names so similar? Did the eye of Sauron ever have a physical body? And how did the eye come to exist Why doesn't Samwise pay off Sauron with all the diamonds he got from Chester Copperpot's buried treasure? Links greendragonlive.com Twitter Facebook iTunes/Apple Podcast Stitcher Google Play Music YouTube Special thanks to our friend Harry Murrell for the use of his music. Listen to more and subscribe to his channel here. This episode was published on Harry's birthday! Happy Birthday, Harry, thanks for sharing your work with us!

The Nicks convene at the Green Dragon very late at night to discuss the chapter The Bridge of Khazad Dum - wherein Gandalf stands toe to toe, brother vs. brother with the Balrog "Durin's Bane." Maps Map of Middle-earth LoTRproject.com interactive map - Caution: spoilers for new readers! Notes for this episode OUR FELLOWSHIP STRIDES BOLDLY THROUGH DARK AND DANGEROUS CAVERNS.WITH FEW STOPS. LESS FOOD. AND EVEN LESS LIGHT.OUR HEROES STRUGGLE TO FIND THE PATH THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS FEW THINGS KEEP THEM MOVING.HOPING FOR LIGHT AGAINLONGING FOR WIND AGAINRUNNING FROM THE DARKAND THE FEAR OF ENEMIES! AND NOW THE TOMB OF BALIN HAS BEEN FOUND!WILL OUR HEROES ESCAPE THIS DARK TOMB?HAS OUR GUIDE SUCCESSFULLY BROUGHT US TO THE END?OR HAS TRAGEDY FINALLY FALLEN ON OUR FELLOWSHIP? The story in this chapter It was very late when we got started, and we didn't flesh out our notes. The Book of Mazarbul Trapped! Cave Troll Frodo is NOT a stuck pig Something behind the door - Immensely powerful Run to the bridge A Balrog! You cannot pass! Fly you fools! Sir Ian McKellen - How To Act: https://youtu.be/nyoWmkhRyp8 The Tragic use of the music from this scene... to sell a Superhero movie: https://youtu.be/wArmHSPIvlQ The music from the Bridge of Khazad-dum - by Howard Shore: https://youtu.be/xDn-hc28aEw?t=5m56s Links greendragonlive.com Twitter Facebook iTunes/Apple Podcast Stitcher Google Play Music YouTube "Five Armies" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Special thanks to our friend Harry Murrell for the use of his music. Listen to more and subscribe to his channel here.

The Nicks take a walk in the dark as the Fellowship continues their journey. A danger in the dark is due to appear at any moment! What are those footsteps? Why can Frodo see in the dark? Why does Nick Andrew hate caves (and his brother)? All this and more in this episode of our read-along of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Maps Map of Middle-earth LoTRproject.com interactive map - Caution: spoilers for new readers! Notes for this episode THIS JUST IN! THE RING IS ON THE MOVE. EAST TOWARD THE MISTY MOUNTAINS, THEN SOUTH… BIRDS SWOOP IN… THE EYES OF THE ENEMY ARE EVERYWHERE! THE PASS OF CARADHRAS. THE REDHORN GATE. THE FELLOWSHIP ATTEMPTS TO CLIMB OVER THE CRUEL MOUNTAIN. SNOW PILED ON. … ... WINDS... WHIPPED. THE HOBBITS? …. FREEZING AFTER BATTLING THE MOUNTAIN FOR LONGER THAN THEY CAN BEAR OUR COMPANY RESIGNS HEADING BACK DOWN THE MOUNTAIN HOW WILL OUR COMPANY HANDLE DEFEAT AND IS THERE ANOTHER WAY? The story in this chapter A rest, what to do? Only options are to go on… somehow Or go back to Rivendell Pippin perks up, Merry and Sam look hopeful Aragorn and Boromir make no sign Frodo troubled. We cannot return without shame, unless there is no other way and we are already defeated. Sam sinks back into his gloom The only other path is through Moria The Gap of Rohan is watched by Saruman, who has turned against the free people and to go south through Gondor will take FAR too long. Moria - more dangerous than the Redhorn Gate? Gandalf thought this might be the way through - Aragorn did not want to go this way at least until they tried the mountain pass. We see Aragorn here being very leader-like and less follower. Giving way to Gandalf. Gandalf is their guide for the time being, not Aragorn. Aragorn has definite opinions (we don't see this in the movies as much) Gimli becomes interested - all others feel dread - even the hobbits who only know it from legend and vague fear. We can cover our trail and disappear for a little bit. Why not go south past the Gap and over the mountains into Gondor? (Boromir) Things have changed in the Gap The longer road would take WAY too long, it is not safe, and it is watched. Going through Moria would be like going up to the dark lord's tower itself "The name of Moria is Black." Gandalf has seen some stuff… he rebutted Boromir with I alone of you have been to The stronghold of Sauron The dungeons of the dark lord Dol Guldur There may be Dwarves in the mines - there might be a warm welcome somewhere inside Who will follow me if I lead you? (Gandalf) "How the wind howls!" -- it's not the wind! Warg attack They think it's done after Gandalf declares himself to them. They come back! First battle scene in our narrative. Gandalf steals the show… HUGE show of force and power. The missing falls and the stairs that go up The curious case of the unexpected lake Stepping in the water and the ripples in the deep Saying goodbye to Bill Repacking for the southward, warming, road Moon letters and drawings - ithildin Durin's marks The tree of the High Elves The star of the House of Feanor(PIN) Hacking the doors Fear of the water 'Friend' and 'Snakes?' The door is a riddle Sam is the only one who moves to save Frodo - and is forced to choose Frodo over Bill Everyone quickly gets inside The way back is closed - let us hope the way forward is open. Follow the guiding light Frodo eventually realizes that he can see better in the dark than everyone except Gandalf (even Gimli!) - he/narrator attributes it to stab wound in his shoulder Brief rests and pauses along the way Pitter patter - the faint echo of footfalls. "I have no memory of this place" and the guard room well A rock that takes a long time hit the ground Tom-tap, tap-tom. Tap-tom, tom-tap, tap-tap, tom. Time to head back uphill Long march. Suddenly the walls disappeared - and they are in a vast cavernous room Risk a little real light. Spending the night, at night. Gimli's song Sam likes it Gimli is gloomy The wealth of Moria was not in gold or jewels but in Mithril Pretty amazing stuff In the morning there is light Through a doorway a tomb Balin son of Fundin / Lord of Moria He is dead. There are no dwarves to welcome them. Gimli draws his hood over his face…. HERE ENDS THE CHAPTER Links Eagle Cave greendragonlive.com Twitter Facebook iTunes/Apple Podcast Stitcher Google Play Music YouTube "Five Armies" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Special thanks to our friend Harry Murrell for the use of his music. Listen to more and subscribe to his channel here.

The Nicks talk about getting used to crazy amounts of noise, or the lack thereof. The forming of the Fellowship of The Ring, as in the title of this volume of the novel. The preparations of the Fellowship, and the courage of the hobbits as they set forth. The lands between Rivendell and The Gap of Rohan, the mountains under which the ancient civilization of the Dwarves: Khazad-Dûm was crafted. Being beaten down by the misfortune of weather, and why you should read the next chapter in the dark! All this and more of Tolkien's world in this episode of Green Dragon Live! Maps Map of Middle-earth LoTRproject.com interactive map - Caution: spoilers for new readers! Notes for this episode THIS JUST IN! THE COUNCIL WAS DECISIVE!THE RING MUST BE DESTROYED! THE HALFLING STILL CARRIES THE RING SAMWISE GAMGEE STILL GOING ALONG! WHAT BRAVE SOULS WILL ACCOMPANY? WHO WILL REPRESENT THE FREE PEOPLE?WHERE ARE THE RIDERS NOW? DID THEY SURVIVE?WHEN WILL THIS STORY CONTINUE, AND WHAT DID THEY NAME THE PONY? The story in this chapter: Hobbits meet by themselves Merry and Pippin want to go "Nothing's been decided yet" What were you all doing in there then? Scouts sent out to look for signs of the riders and other enemies Gandalf overheard a hobbit say that people of intelligence are needed -- tells Frodo that he is THINKING of coming along. 2 Months go by - Winter sets in. Council of Elrond October 25 - Fellowship leaves December 25 Scouts return 8 of 9 Nazgul accounted for - scattered and sent back to Mordor, no Gollum Bilbo and Frodo meet one on one for the last time - Sting, Mithril coat Fellowship officially formed Gimli will represent Dwarves Legolas Elves Aragorn Men (Boromir coming too) Gandalf shall be the intelligence Frodo Sam - packing his things ...2 spots left. Elrond wants to send two from his house- Merry and Pippin interrupt. Elrond is okay with Merry, but not Pippin. Southward bound Hollin Aragorn starts being a Ranger!!! He notices there are no bird sounds -- odd to him. So silent that the fellowship merely talking "vibrates the ground". Gandalf says that you always listen to a ranger, especially when it's Aragorn! Crebain SPIES OF STAR WARS! The Redhorn Gate - Over Caradhras The mountain defeats them. Links greendragonlive.com Twitter Facebook iTunes/Apple Podcast Stitcher Google Play Music YouTube "Five Armies" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Special thanks to our friend Harry Murrell for the use of his music. Listen to more and subscribe to his channel here.

The Nicks fall into a meme-hole, discuss the doings of Gandalf and Saruman, and finally get down to brass tacks to decide what is to be the fate of this Council... and The Ring. THIS JUST IN! A COUNCIL HAS GATHERED….TO COUNCIL.... ELVES, DWARVES, MEN, AND HALFLINGS TOGETHER UNDER ONE ROOF! DELIBERATIONS ENSUE AND STORIES ARE TOLD -- INCLUDING BILBO'S! ISILDUR'S BANE REVEALED! WHY ARE WE HERE? CAN ONE SIMPLY WALK INTO MORDOR, AND WHAT IS GANDALF'S STORY? Maps Map of Middle-earth LoTRproject.com interactive map - Caution: spoilers for new readers! Notes for this episode Use the Force Harry Vader Brita Saruman Trololo Trolling Saruman Part 2 Trolling Saruman Part 3 Other fandom trolling memes: 1 2 3 4 5 The story in this chapter Gandalf's Tale: Gandalf has the longest part to tell - but he has done the most to understand the enemy, the Ring, and to set in motion the tale we now read. Saruman The Rings and their jewels or lack thereof Hunting for Gollum Saruman knew of writing upon the Ring - but what is the source of his knowledge Who else but Sauron held the Ring? Isildur That means Minas Tirith might hold a clue Abandoning the chase to go to Gondor! Denethor not very welcoming The scroll of Isildur describing the "fire writing" unknown language - but eleven letters Gandalf HAS tested the Ring Speaking the words of Mordor - of the Ring Gollum did go to Mordor He was forced to spill his guts about the Ring The servants of the enemy have been to the Shire, and now know - perhaps the enemy already knows - that the Ring is in Rivendell Gollum imprisoned with the Wood Elves Definitely still full of mischief Legolas speaks up in distress Gollum has escaped How so? Was it coordinated? Did he have help? Or was he just being opportunistic? Gollum is cunning, escapes the skill of the elves to track Heading to Dol Guldor Gandalf - Gollum may have a part to play yet - Tolkien keeps insisting on this - it must mean something What of Saruman? Drawn to Orthanc by the message of Radagast (taken advantage of my Saruman) - Tells of Nazgul The Nazgul keep asking for the Shire Saruman summons Gandalf to give him "aide" Radagast to send messages Bree - stopped at the Prancing Pony (when was all of this?) To Isengard - Orthanc - Built by Numenor - At the Gap of Rohan Fear fell on him inside Isengard Saruman the White or…. Many Colors Saruman feels that Gandalf has been hiding information in the Shire Saruman has contempt for Radagast … and Gandalf… and their colors "Saruman the Wise" "Saruman ring maker" "Saruman of many colors" White - can be broken - or - is perfect Leaving the path of wisdom A choice The world of men which we must rule We need power "WE" "There is no help in elves or dying Numenor" Join with that power - there is hope that way - and rich reward Join the evil way despising the many evil things biding their time to come to their true purpose. Knowledge, Rule, Order No change in designs - only in our means The Ruling Ring - "If WE could command that, then the power would pass to US." Gandalf a prisoner of Orthanc - on the pinnacle A narrow stair of many thousand steps. In Letter 210 - Tolkien tells us that Orthanc is 500 feet tall In modern American building terms that is about 29 stories. Not huge - but massive for the surrounding area To take the stairs literally then - 500 feet divided by "many thousand" (5000?) works out to be approximately 1000 steps per hundred feet. - 100 steps per 10 feet or 10 steps per foot. Pits and forges, wolves, and orcs - Saruman is building an army - to rival Sauron How was this kept hidden from Gandalf when he got there? Or did it happen while he was there? Frodo calls back to a dream! (REVISIT PIN) It was late Radagast was true and trustworthy The Eagles - Gwaihir Rohan Tribute of horses - tribute of horses and many to Mordor It's a lie Evil at work Shadowfax Tireless, swift as the flowing wind, silver by day, shade by night, light footfall, unridden, untamed, Gandalf reached the Shire when Frodo was in the Barrow Downs though they left the same day (Rohan, Hobbiton) Gaffer - changes for the worst (Needs a pin?) Changes already started? Has Saruman already started to tear it apart looking for the Ring? Crickhollow Broken into - Hope left Gandalf To Bree - Butterbur Good news - renewed hope! A night's rest. The Nazgul's movements 2 Nazgul in Bree 4 in the Shire 2 at Crickhollow Captain in secret south of Bree After the attack on Bree/Crickhollow Some across country Eastward The Captain and others along the Road 2 days out from Bree - Gandalf beset in the Ring of Amon Sul - Weathertop The Wraiths were already there. Closed around at night - Light and Flame! Gandalf fled to the North - then toward Rivendell Gandalf nearly 14 days to Rivendell Only 3 days before Frodo End of tale THE PURPOSE! - What shall we do with the Ring The old forest used to stretch from where it is to the other side of Isengard (Fangorn even?) Can we obtain help from Tom Bombadil? Send the Ring to him for safe

The Nicks take a close look at the goings on of Middle-earth, the Council is called at a time when all the free folks happen to be represented, the tale of The Ring is told and the larger picture is starting to become clear to those present that now is the time of action, there is a chance NOW to strike against the enemy. THIS JUST IN! A WOUNDED HOBBIT HEALED. WRAITH WORLD AVOIDED. THE TIME FOR FEASTS IS OVER. THE TIME FOR TALK IS NIGH! ELROND THE ELF LORD HOSTS A GREAT COUNCIL. SECRETS ARE TOLD -- DECISIONS… MADE. WHO ARE ALL THESE PEOPLE? WHAT DECISIONS WILL THEY COME TO? AND WHAT OF THE RULING RING? Maps Map of Middle-earth LoTRproject.com interactive map - Caution: spoilers for new readers! Notes for this episode Frodo feels great! He wants to explore. No time for that _BELL RINGS!_ The gathering (Many Meetings part 2) Boromir - A stranger unlooked for Gloin's report from Erebor and Dale The messenger from "The Lord Sauron the Great". We are gathered here uncalled and unlooked for to decide what to do. Elrond's Tale (which skips millennia in the telling - see the Silmarillion) The long memory of Elrond Tells long tale of the forging of the Great Rings Celebrimbor The story of the Rise and Fall of Numenor Elendil the Tall, his sons Isildur and Anarion The rise of Gondor and Arnor Gil-Galad The Last Alliance against Sauron Defeat of Sauron Diminished, but not Destroyed Isildur claims the Ring as a wergild (compensation) and an heirloom of his house. The Rise of Gondor and Arnor The Fall of Arnor and the diminishment of Gondor Confusion about the actual history of the Ring What is all this about trees? (white trees?) Boromir's Report Begs leave from Lord Elrond to talk more of Minas Tirith and Gondor. Numenorian blood not spent - Boromir takes offense Smoke rises from Mount Doom Mordor is allied with Harad Ithilien overrun East shore of Osgiliath has been abandoned to the Enemy Gondor holds the line Only Rohan will send aide these days Dreams, he and his brother. Travels 110 days to find Rivendell and seek Elrond's council. The lineage of Aragorn Broken Sword? Dreams? Same Sword? "Bring out the Ring Frodo" Love, loathing, fear, shame How do we know it is Isildur's Bane - Boromir All that is gold does not glitter Aragorn and the Rangers and the North Dunadain vs. Gondor as unsung heroes Bilbo's tale The true version Frodo's tale - lots of interruptions Bilbo wants to talk more about it later -- great story sans interruptions Frodo thinks the story is still incomplete -- wants to know more about Gandalf Galdor the elf from Grey Havens also wants to know more Wants to know about Saruman Links greendragonlive.com Twitter Facebook iTunes/Apple Podcast Stitcher Google Play Music YouTube "Five Armies" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Special thanks to our friend Harry Murrell for the use of his music. Listen to more and subscribe to his channel here.

The Nicks wake from their slumber to find themselves in Rivendell where they must try and remember their family, meet new friends, and see old friends in a new light. THIS JUST IN! THE ENEMY HAS GONE TO WAR! OPENLY DECLARING HIMSELF, THE DECEIVER SENDS HIS 9 WRAITHS AFTER OUR HEROES. FRODO IS WOUNDED AND ON THE BRINK. A MYSTERIOUS ELF LORD COMES TO HIS AID. AFTER LENGTHY PURSUIT ACROSS MILES OF COUNTRY THE SERVANTS OF THE ENEMY DRAW CLOSER THAN COMFORT ALLOWS. NEARING RIVENDELL GLORFINDEL, THE ELF LORD, CALLS ON ANCIENT POWERS COMBAT THE ENEMY IN PURSUIT. WILL HIS PLAN PLAY OUT? WILL FRODO, OUR HERO, SURVIVE THE DAY? Maps Map of Middle-earth LoTRproject.com interactive map - Caution: spoilers for new readers! Notes for this episode Many Meetings Gandalf - what happened at the Ford - the true nature of Frodo's injury/ringwraiths - "Delayed?" - comments about Weathertop - lost time Sam and the Hobbits - Sam has stayed with him each of the 4 days… barely left his side. Pippin - "The Lord of the Ring" - Gandalf jumps on that. "Only one Lord of the Ring." The banquet - A banquet fit for the high lords of old. Elrond - ageless. Neither young nor old. At his one side sat Gandalf, at the other Glorfindel. Glorfindel - a hero! Gandalf again - he looks like a lord of old. Arwen - lady Arwen. Undomiel. Evenstar. Her birth and rise mark the close of the "Elven Chapter" in Middle-earth. Sam wanted to wait on Frodo during the banquet. - Frodo is seated upon many fine cushions to give him the same "height". Gloin - THE Gloin. Companion of Thorin Oakenshield. - He talks a lot. Very excited to find a courteous "listener" in Frodo. - They swap stories about their homelands. The Hall of Fire - a place of quiet and reflection… unless it's feast or banquet time. Then it's a place of songs and stories! Stranger in the corner -- Bilbo! - The Ring Strider-Aragorn-Dunadan The Twins /Elladan and Elrohir, Elrond's twin sons. Absent from the banquet Earendil - in the song - Good old hobbit-talk BEDTIME! Thoughts "I wish you could have held out at Weathertop." (NJ - if he had not revealed himself by way of the Ring, would they have been able to fight them off with fire without them making an attack on Frodo?) "There are many powers in the world, for good or for evil." "Some are greater than I am. Against some, I have not yet been measured. But my time is coming. The Morgul-lord and his Black Riders have come forth. War is preparing!" (NJ - The powers of the world, their interaction with the people of the world has been greatly reduced in recent millennia. Yet we see these little hints that there is something larger happening in the story.) "I thought, well, that they (the Big People) were just big and rather stupid: kind and stupid like Butterbur; or stupid and wicked like Bill Ferny" "You don't know much even about them if you think old Barliman is stupid," "I have known strong warriors of the Big People who would quickly have been overcome by that splinter, which you bore for seventeen days." (NJ - often we are reminded that there is more to the Hobbits than meets the eye) Ringwraiths Real horses Real cloaks - to give shape to their nothingness (NJ - nothing in the Seen, something in the Unseen) Fragment of the blade Frodo turning Wraith With the ring on - like standing halfway between the worlds "Those who have dwelt in the Blessed Realm live at once in both worlds, and against both the Seen and the Unseen they have great power." Blessed Realm Seen and Unseen Links greendragonlive.com Twitter Facebook iTunes/Apple Podcast Stitcher Google Play Music YouTube Special thanks to our friend Harry Murrell for the use of his music. Listen to more and subscribe to his channel here.

The Nicks take a break from the chapters as an interlude between Books 1 and 2. Some reflection on the story so far, and questions from our listeners! Maps Map of Middle-earth LoTRproject.com interactive map - Caution: spoilers for new readers! Links greendragonlive.com Twitter Facebook YouTube Google Play Music Special thanks to our friend Harry Murrell for the use of his music. Listen to more and subscribe to his channel here.

The Nicks, joined by Jake, Jenni, and Eowyn get together at the Green Dragon Brew Pub in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. If your name is the Green Dragon, we're interested in testing your fare, the food, and the drink. This short episode is cut from our whole meal together and barely passes as a review. The food was good, heavy and rich with cheese in the case of the flatbreads, but very enjoyable nonetheless. The potato wedges were delicious, with a crispy perfection. The Dragon Eggs were very good - Hard boiled eggs wrapped in sausage and deep fried - even the Nicks (who don't usually like hard boiled eggs found them delectable).The drinks were tasty, but nothing that would make the hair on your toes curl up with excitement. The venue is standard bar restaurant, adequate but not any resemblance of a place that takes its name from Lord of The Rings. In fact, we don't know if the name is any reference to Tolkien's works. We would, however, like to go back and try some of the other pub food, the burgers for example. Links greendragonlive.com Twitter Facebook YouTube Google Play Music Special thanks to our friend Harry Murrell for the use of his music. Listen to more and subscribe to his channel here.