To skip the migraine-inducingly-deep mode...
 

What images/scenes in the books resonate forcefully with you all as being, simply put, hilarious?

To me, Tolkien's best and most tastefully timed bit of comic relief is when Merry and Pippin arise from the rubble of Isengard to quite cheerfully greet Gandalf and the rest. The image of Merry calmly expounding on the history of pipeweed amidst the destruction and wreckage will always stick with me... Whether it's the timing (after all, the preceding chapters are rather tense and tiring) or the sheer irony - or the reminder of the fact that hobbits, despite outsiders' ideas, are often undaunted in the face of destruction - it's probably my favourite part of the book are far as conjuring a smile goes. Even more so that Gandalf cuts Merry short to warn Theoden that Hobbits will gladly expound on the doings of their "fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers, and remoter cousins to the ninth degree" at the edge of ruin.

Just thought that a little laughter-oriented posting is never amiss. ^^ And of course, if this fails, there's always the "what should I wear to the movie" and "lembas" threads, XD

iluffyouguyspitythenewbie*puppyeyes*

Welcome to the Books forums Ionia! We've been waiting for you. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

I have two favorites. Bilbo's speech at his birthday party and Lobelia being ushered to the door of Bag End the next day (after being "relieved" of several small but valuable items which had inexplicably found their way into her umbrella).

I've been here before! Just haven't found the right opening to post. ^_^ Thanks though...

The whole "half of you" statement kills me. Every single time. I told it to my friends one day and they just gave me this weird look.

Then again, this was right after they were discussing Mrs. Wright giving an easy test and I said it would happen on "Friday the first..." *shakes head at herself* Golly, no wonder they think I'm nuts. [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img]

I always find the Urak-hai that capture Merry and Pippin very funny.
"Go on running. What do you think? Sit on the grass and wait for the Whiteskins to join the picnic?"

[ December 19, 2001: Message edited by: Fenrir ]

My daughter just adores Strider's exasperation with Butterbur:

"Then who [sic] would you take up with? . . . A fat innkeeper who only remembers his own name because people shout it at him all day?"

* * *

"A hunted man sometime wearies of distrust and longs for friendship. But there, I believe my looks are against me."

Be interesting to see what the movie makes of the above, and whether or not Aragorn and Barliman get more in touch with their mutual feelings. Sounds like Strider is depressed, causing him to blow up at poor Barliman, who may be letting thoughts of inadequacy color his attitude towards the Rangers. Still, I don't think any cinematic interpretation will go so far as to introduce group hugs and Prozac.


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Celeborn: "for oft it may chance that old wives keep in memor word of things that once were needful for the wise to know."

that scene with Merry n Pippin in Isengard really IS gigglish. I luved reading Pippin's impression of the king of Rohan after they meet:
«A fine old fellow. Very polite.»

that gets me every time [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

*grins* I think Pippin plays a very important role, literature-wise: Well-timed comedy relief.

Gandalf threatening to break down the doors of Moria with Pippin's head is somehow funny to me.

Sam has several droll comments.

Gollum has some amusing moments.

Even Elrond gets in a dig at Sam at the Council.

I find Frodo (and Sauron!) somewhat lacking in the humor department.

I love how the darkest moments are punctuated by sudden humor:

Lonely Merry being tripped over (by a man cursing the tree roots) "I'm not a bag, nor a tree root, but a rather bruised hobbit" - "Well pack yourself up master bag!"

Sam and Frodo dodging off a cliff in Mordor -expecting rock, and getting thorns; Sam almost bursts out laughing - "Bless me, but i didn't think anything grew in Mordor! But if I'd of thought, this is just what I'd imagine!" "Orc armor, I wish I had an orc's hide."

Frodo to Sam in Cirith Ungol - "..have you inquired about inns along the way?"

Mercy! I'd nearly forgotten the thorns comment. That bears repeating... ^_^ I agree though... comparitively, Frodo kinda lacks the amusement factor. Not that I criticise. :P