Mythgard's Exploring The Lord of the Rings

174: Council of Elrond Session 50 Mythmoot will be June 24-27! Stay tuned for future announcements on registration and presenters and check out the link: https://signumuniversity.org/mythmoot/​ In which we backtrack to Gandalf’s description of his relationship with Shadowfax. As his narrative come to an end, Gandalf announces that “The Tale is told from first to last.” Again, we’re reminded that the hand of Fate and Providence is at play that all the players have arrived just before curtain up. Gandalf asks what is to be done with the Ring. Elrond misses his cue and starts on a non sequitur, or could it be something else? Field Trip: Rhosgobel “Deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised.” ~J.R.R. Tolkien

173: Council of Elrond Session 49 02/02/21 TexMoot online is coming up! Check out https://signumuniversity.org/event/te...​ for details! In which we break down Gandalf’s path post-Weathertop back to Rivendell. Was it a wild-goose chase into the Ettenmoores? What did he hope to accomplish and what of the riders? Providence, doublespeak and more as Gandalf finishes his narrative. Why did Gandalf keep this long narrative until the Council instead of telling Frodo in his room?

172: Council of Elrond Session 48 01/26 TexMoot online is coming up! Check out https://signumuniversity.org/event/te...​ for details! In which Gandalf recounts the Nazguul’s infiltration of Bree, and their “starting lineup” and travel itinerary. We debate the Nazguul’s “Plan Bree” and their ultimate goal, Gandalf’s wild ride to Weathertop and The Witch King’s perspective of Frodo’s flight to Rivendell. Also, how unlucky are the Nazguul that they keep running into the Noldorin? Field Trip: Duskenvale Glandin

171: Council of Elrond Session 47 01/19 TexMoot online is coming up! Check out https://signumuniversity.org/event/te... for details! We’ve also launched our Signum Clubs program for kids! https://signumuniversity.org/academy/ In which we discuss the evolution of Butterburr’s name, and we learn the fate of the forgetful innkeeper. The nature of Gandalf’s blessing that made his beer fit for a King. And we contemplate Aragorn’s alter-ego Strider, Field Trip: Gladdenmere “Deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised.” ~J.R.R. Tolkien

Tonight, we get Gandalf's return in haste to the Shire and Bree. Will he pick up any decoy hobbits? Will he melt any butter?

Join the Tolkien Professor as he kicks off year five of the most in-depth Lord of Rings class of all time. Tonight, we watch as Boromir interrupts the Council of Elrond once more!

168: Council of Elrond Session 44 12/15 In which we disambiguate Tolkien's use of "try and" and "try to." Rohan bursts into the narrative, and we discuss the potential source of the rumor that the Rohirrim are selling horses to Mordor. Field Trip: Blómgard (Vales of Anduin) “Deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised.” ~J.R.R. Tolkien

167: Council of Elrond Session 43 12/08 In which we see Radaghast’s curtain call, as Sauruman’s pawn. The Eagles evolve from talking fairytale animals to agents of angels. The Wind Lord, Gwaihir rescues Gandalf after an entire summer stuck in Orthanc’s tower. Deus Ex Aquila: the eagles do seem to specialize in rescuing virtuous people (and their corpses) from “Sticky Wickeds,” don’t they? HOMEWORK: Find instances of “To try to” and “To try and” and we’ll examine it next time. Field Trip: Vales of Anduin, Blomgard “Deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised.” ~J.R.R. Tolkien

165: Council of Elrond Session 41 11/24 In which Saurman’s breeding programs and plans for conquest are tactfully discussed. Bob remains a hobbit. Gandalf hopes that Barliman forwarded his letter to his friends in the shire (oops). Why didn’t Gandalf lie to Saruman and then run away, and why do very few of Tolkien’s heroes lie? Field Trip: Vales of Anduin, Avabarg “Deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised.” ~J.R.R. Tolkien

166: Council of Elrond Session 42 12/01 In which we discuss what Saruman’s sacrificed for absolutely no ring. Frodo interrupts again, with his vision of Gandalf at Bombadill’s house. No one seems to care much, since everyone else is also getting divine dreams. Also does Tolkien hate spiders? Don’t forget to check out our newest offering: Signum Academy, extracurricular clubs for young people! Go to https://signumuniversity.org/academy/ for information. Field Trip: Vales of Anduin, Avabarg, Sharkey’s Slough (Gladden) “Deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised.” ~J.R.R. Tolkien

162: Council of Elrond Sessions 38 11/03/2020 In which the professor ponders what outcome Sauruman had expected before recruiting Gandalf, and whether Sauruman is using all his art on Gandalf or if the whole meeting was a trap to see if Gandalf has the One Ring on him, or a clue as to where it might be. Field Trip: Vales of Anduin towards Gladden Fields. “Deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised.” ~J.R.R. Tolkien

161: Council of Elrond Sessions 37 10/20/2020 In which Sauruman tries to recruit Gandalf with a well-rehearsed speech. He makes a few “revealing” slips, and speaks of a POWER, and the tragedy of trying to do The Mayar’s work with no power. Also what is a “slogo?” Field Trip: Carn Dun “Seat of the Witch King” “Deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised.” ~J.R.R. Tolkien

164: Council of Elrond Session 40 11/18 In which Gandalf describes his imprisonment and the ravaged Isengard’s transformation. Sauruman is building an army to rival Mordor. Is building an orc army really plausible deniability? Field Trip: Vales of Anduin, Gladden Fields “Deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised.” ~J.R.R. Tolkien

163: Council of Elrond Session 39 11/10 In which we finish our discussion of the confrontation between Gandalf and Saruman. Gandalf makes it clear that he isn't taken in by Saruman's words, and we discuss what how Saruman must be sizing up Gandalf based on his response. Field Trip: Hultvís (Vales of Anduin) “Deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised.” ~J.R.R. Tolkien

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Session 157: Council of Elrond Session 33 09/29/2020 In which Gandalf relates his meeting with Sauruman and the wizards’ rapport is analyzed. Field Trip: Carn Dum “Deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised.” ~J.R.R. Tolkien

160: Council of Elrond Session 36 10/20/2020 In which Saurman decries his title as Saruman The White and Gandalf tries to defend its virtues to the newly self-styled Saruman of the Many Colors. Field Trip Carn Dum Instance. “Deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised.” ~J.R.R. Tolkien

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Council of Elrond 23: 06/16/2020 In which The Professor discusses Gandalf’s recounting of his meeting with Denathor and his “hoard” of books. Boromir’s interjection is discussed and we begin Isildur’s written account of The Ring. Field Trip: Angmar, Kusle Lannan & Gorothlad “Deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised.” ~J.R.R. Tolkien

Council of Elrond 22: 06/09/2020 In which The Professor delves into Gandalf’s search for the ring’s identity and his trip to Minas Tirith’s archives. Field Trip Minas: Angmar, Minas Agar, Minas Maur “Deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised.” ~J.R.R. Tolkien

Council of Elrond 21: 06/02/2020 In which the Professor deconstructs Galdor’s reference to the “long-debated ring,” Sauruman’s comment about hope cheating Sauron, and Gandalf’s account of chasing Gollum and researching the ring. Sauruman’s study of the rings and his connection to the White Council (and 2 elven ring bearers) is discussed. “Deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised.” ~J.R.R. Tolkien

Council of Elrond Session 20: 05/26/2020 In which the professor discusses Gandalf’s investigation into the ring’s identity and history and the tracking down of Gollum. Field Trip: Barad Gularan ~Monica/Vilori “Deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised.” ~J.R.R. Tolkien

Council of Elrond Session 19: 05192020 In which the professor discusses Galdor’s intent again, and the word “trove.” Elrond introduces Gandalf and it is discussed why he uses the name “Gandalf” instead of “Mithrandir.” It’s discussed why Gandalf took so long to decipher the identity of Bilbo’s ring. Gandalf acknowledges that it did take too long, but at least Sauron was even slower on the uptake. Gandalf talks about his consultation with Saruman and his trip to Dol Guldur and facing the necromancer. Saruman refuses to believe that Bilbo’s ring is the One Ring. Does Saruman blame/credit Ulmo for the “disappearance” of the ring into “the sea” in his passive conjecture? Field Trip: Imlad Balcorth “Deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised.” ~J.R.R. Tolkien

Council of Elrond Session 18: 14052020 In which The Professor dissects Bilbo’s recounting, and it’s debated why Elrond is allowing the Ring’s Story to be told in this haphazard manner. Did he have a set agenda or is he winging it? Frodo’s account is given and it’s debated who interrupted his story for more detail. Bilbo comments that Frodo’s retelling is a good story and enthuses about putting Frodo’s account in writing. Galdor, like Boromir, demands more proof that Frodo’s Ring is Isildur's ring, claiming that only the wise could follow this train of logic. Field Trip: Imlad Balchorth “Deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised.” ~J.R.R. Tolkien

Council of Elrond Session 17: 05052020 Bilbo calls for a lunch break, but Elrond asks him to relate his account of taking the ring from Gollum and shows again his remarkable grasp of hobbitry. Bilbo refers to his dislike of being labeled “thief” and the implications of that. Field Trip: Himbar and discussing the hierarchy of the Angmar forces. “Deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised.” ~J.R.R. Tolkien

Council of Elrond Session 16: 04282020 In which the Professor dissects Boromir’s request for proof that Frodo’s ring is Isildur’s bane, and his general tone of his request. We debate Elrond’s use of “shall” in “That shall be told.” Field Trip: Himbar and the local village outside Carn Dum. “Deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised.” ~J.R.R. Tolkien

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Council of Elrond Session 14: 04-14-2020 In which The Professor delves into Bilbo’s heated recitation of his “All That is Gold Does not Glitter” poem at the Council, and the intended audience is discussed. Aragorn addresses Boromir’s doubts and tries to assuage them. Field Trip: Gabilshathur, an Angmar Dwarf Settlement “Deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised.” ~J.R.R. Tolkien

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