[Estelyn Telcontar]

The two major aspects of this chapter are Gandalf's announcement that he will be leaving the group - which reminds me of "The Scouring of the Shire" - and a new host, Beorn. The latter is a subject of much discussion and speculation among fans - do you see the skin-changer as a fairytale character who doesn't fit into the later tales, despite Tolkien's integration of his people in LotR?

There is also a Dwarven poem which doesn't seem to be as widely known or popular as "Far under the Misty Mountains". What do you think of "The wind was on the withered heath..."?

I can't help but wonder if Beorn and his "talking" animals will fit into Jackson's movie. They do seem uncharacteristic for Middle-earth; I've thought of them as an imported bit of Narnia. Tolkien doesn't Disnify them; however, they are in the position of servants to their (semi-) human master.

I'm trying to remember if this is the only outright vegetarian we meet in Middle-earth. Can you think of another?



Here's the previous discussion.