His weight. "Little bunny is getting nice and fat again on bread and honey," [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Either that or his fear of the bears/orcs/etc would have worked.

Your turn Liriodendron.

All right......Hmmmm, What was Gandalf doing when he got the map (and key) of The Lonely Mountain from Thrain?

Meeting the Necromancer for tea, of course. He has a nasty habit of showing up for things like that, just ask Bilbo.

Now seriously. He was spying to see who the Necromancer really was. Sauron or a Nazgul, or just some random evil bad guy? It was of course Sauron.

I was looking for the specific words Gandalf used to describe his "spying". Sort of cute for a crotchety wizard. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Ok, so he was finding things out as usual, and a nasty dangerous business it was too!

Yes, the wonderful "Finder Outer"! The next question belongs to you.

What languages does Gandalf claim to know (in the Hobbit only) other than the Common Speech?

I believe it was the wargs' (wolves) speech.

That is true, but it is only one language. More!

....."a great grey wolf. He spoke to them in the dreadful language of the Wargs. Gandalf understood it. Bilbo did not, but it sounded terrible to him",

Exactly what kind of "more" do you want! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] [img]smilies/confused.gif[/img]

Other languages he knows. From the Hobbit only!

I think he also understood the language of Bears.

He knew the "correct" thing to say to an eagle! [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

"May the wind under your wings bear you where the sun sails and the moon walks."

But the eagles are speaking the common tounge (I think!) [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img]

It has been a couple of days and I really like this thread. Since I got the first (of many) correct answers, I'm going to go ahead and ask a question.
After the riddle competition had officially started, what idea was rather on Bilbo's mind?

Ha! Eating of course! That's the way Hobbits are! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Ha-Ha, Yes as always. Except on this occasion Bilbo was afraid of being eaten.

So.......How many "grim" dwarves did Dain have with him?

I am thinking it is 500? Is that right Liriodendron?

[ January 20, 2003: Message edited by: Dain B.C ]

Hi Dain BC! Yes, that's the correct number. Your turn to ask a question. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Allright. Heres a similar sort of question:

What two weapons were each dwarf in Dain's army armed with?

Two-handed Mattocks and a short broad sword

Thats exactly right Beren! Your turn.

Wonderful! With my luck I'm going to end up giving one thats already been said.

How many of the men of Lake Town stayed the night with the Dwarves and Bilbo after rowing up the river to the Lonely Mt?

none and none!

AH! trickssssy.

Your turn.

What food did Bofur request from Bilbo during the meeting at Bag End ?

mince-pies and cheese?

Exactly.

Cool! [img]smilies/cool.gif[/img] ....So, what did goblins go on raids for?

With the exception of Gandalf & Co. their usual purpose was to look for food & prisoners to work in their mines.

yes! food and slaves.....what horrible creatures! [img]smilies/eek.gif[/img] Your turn for the next question again, Russandol

what gift did Bilbo present to the Elven King ?

A necklace of silver and pearls that Dain had given him at their parting. (I could have sworn I answered this a couple of hours ago! [img]smilies/confused.gif[/img] )

It's not the most expansive of works is it? But of course, pearls are correct. Feel free to conjure up something really obscure [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img]

No! ha ha, I really meant a "posting" problem! But you are right, Coming up with a good question is more of a challenge than finding the answers! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] (sometimes) [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] Well, here's something I always thought hilarious....Who was called a "descendant of rats"?

Bilbo I think.

Yes! That is right. Do you recall who called him that, and why??? [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Thorin called him that 'cause he stole the Arkenstone. Bilbo took it quite well I think, [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

Extra points for Beren, but I think I will go.

After Bilbo and co. were rescued by the Eagles, the next day, what did Bilbo go to do when he woke up?