The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - Your Top TEN

Macalaure · 06-20-2008, 06:07 AM

Well, well, well...

The Siege of Gondor:
I know the arguments between Gandalf, Denethor, Faramir, and Pippin aren't really at the center of the story, and shouldn't merit the first spot here, but I enjoy reading them like few passages else. Also, the development of the siege with the climax of the confrontation of Gandalf and the Witch-king is a nail-biter.
The Shadow of the Past:
It's amazing how Tolkien turned a chapter which, in essence, is nothing but boring exposition into such an exciting read.
The Bridge of Khazad-dûm:
The most exciting of the more action-focussed chapters. This chapter draws upon the atmosphere established in "A Journey in the Dark" and makes it unbearably dense. It is maybe the part where danger seems most "graspable".
The Breaking of the Fellowship:
The dialogue of Boromir and Frodo is more than superb, and Amon Hen is a real breath-holder.
The Stairs of Cirith Ungol:
The description of Minas Morgul alone would qualify this chapter, but then there's also the near-detection by the Witch-king and Gollum's near-repentence.
Mount Doom:
The climax chapter. I love the last scenes between Gollum and Frodo and Sam - quite intense.
The Battle of the Pelennor Fields:
Probably the most fast-paced chapter of all. The chapter contains the death of Théoden and the fight of Éowyn, Merry, and the Witch-king - enough said.
Death!
The Pyre of Denethor:
The extension of "The Siege of Gondor" concerning Denethor, Faramir, Gandalf, and Pippin.
The Window on the West:
I had to include a more quiet chapter here. I have to admit it took me a long time to appreciate the three Faramir-chapters in Book IV.
The Council of Elrond:
The point where finally everything starts to make sense. At the surface, this chapter is painfully long and contains painfully much of dry talk, but at the second view, this chapter contains more excellent passages than can be listed, and it's a joy to experience how this mess of various accounts given leads precisely where Tolkien wants it to lead.

Sooo many nice chapters left out. *sniff*

Hmm... if more people add their favourites here, I might be tempted to turn it into one great list, giving 10 points for 1st place on each top 10, 9 for 2nd etc.

The result could be interesting.

06-20-2008, 06:07 AM	#4
Macalaure Fading Fëanorion Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: into the flood again Posts: 2,911	Well, well, well... The Siege of Gondor: I know the arguments between Gandalf, Denethor, Faramir, and Pippin aren't really at the center of the story, and shouldn't merit the first spot here, but I enjoy reading them like few passages else. Also, the development of the siege with the climax of the confrontation of Gandalf and the Witch-king is a nail-biter. The Shadow of the Past: It's amazing how Tolkien turned a chapter which, in essence, is nothing but boring exposition into such an exciting read. The Bridge of Khazad-dûm: The most exciting of the more action-focussed chapters. This chapter draws upon the atmosphere established in "A Journey in the Dark" and makes it unbearably dense. It is maybe the part where danger seems most "graspable". The Breaking of the Fellowship: The dialogue of Boromir and Frodo is more than superb, and Amon Hen is a real breath-holder. The Stairs of Cirith Ungol: The description of Minas Morgul alone would qualify this chapter, but then there's also the near-detection by the Witch-king and Gollum's near-repentence. Mount Doom: The climax chapter. I love the last scenes between Gollum and Frodo and Sam - quite intense. The Battle of the Pelennor Fields: Probably the most fast-paced chapter of all. The chapter contains the death of Théoden and the fight of Éowyn, Merry, and the Witch-king - enough said. Death! The Pyre of Denethor: The extension of "The Siege of Gondor" concerning Denethor, Faramir, Gandalf, and Pippin. The Window on the West: I had to include a more quiet chapter here. I have to admit it took me a long time to appreciate the three Faramir-chapters in Book IV. The Council of Elrond: The point where finally everything starts to make sense. At the surface, this chapter is painfully long and contains painfully much of dry talk, but at the second view, this chapter contains more excellent passages than can be listed, and it's a joy to experience how this mess of various accounts given leads precisely where Tolkien wants it to lead. Sooo many nice chapters left out. sniff Hmm... if more people add their favourites here, I might be tempted to turn it into one great list, giving 10 points for 1st place on each top 10, 9 for 2nd etc. The result could be interesting.