Favorite Chapter of Lord of the Rings - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Boromir88 · 03-31-2005, 03:12 PM

[B]I wouldn't mind talking about some discussing about some of my favorite chapters...

FOTR: The Council of Elrond- The dialogue in this chapter is great, it also holds one of my favorite passages. Gandalf explaining his meeting with Saruman. I find Saruman an intriguing character, and any chapter with Saruman i find interesting. with a lot more depth then what some people think. He defies The good peoples of Middle-earth, while he secretly plans to figuratively stab Sauron in the back.

Lothlorien: This is a chapter I've been interested in for a few days now, with the thread "Galadriel's Intentions." I read a good post on another forum, that got me thinking about what Galadriel was trying to do when she offered each one of the Fellowship members the easy way out.

TTT: Really any chapter with Eomer and Theoden. I love these two characters, and I especially love The King of the Golden Hall.

The Window in the West is another good chapter. I think it holds a lot of suspense, you have Boromir's brother here, who is being kind to The Hobbits, yet in the back of your mind you're thinking...."I know he's going to take the ring. I just know it." Then Wham! "I wouldn't pick it up if Minas Tirith was burning to the ground."

Edit: I forgot to include the Voice of Saruman. The second encounter between Saruman and Gandalf, this time Gandalf wins out. I just love how you have all the Rohirrim guys are cheering, and applauding Saruman, then Theoden just denies him. Then Saruman's true self is revealed, and the spell on whoever was under it, was broken.

ROTK: Pelennor Fields- I just enjoy the battle, and it holds one of the most memorable scenes in my mind. When Aragorn and Eomer meet up in the midst of battle, "Let this be the hour, when we draw swords together." (Oh yeah, not to mention the defeat of the WK).

Gil-Galad · 03-31-2005, 04:05 PM

my absolute favourite is of course the same ones you stated Phantom

ROTK I, 4 & 5 & 6 The Siege of Gondor, The Ride of the Rohirrim, The Battle of the Pelennor Fields

even though i also really like the Appendices...(history geek)

THE Ka · 03-31-2005, 05:02 PM

I love the chapter when Treebeard comes into the story. Especially because in the earlier chapters you hear some remarks towards ents, but little else. It is always facinating when a new character comes into the story. Specifically talking trees.

I really didn't find The Departure of Boromir that shocking, I had some idea that he was going to end up being killed, but not where. I really thought he was going to die while on the river. That one part of the chapter on the river when he was described bitting his nails and slighty shaking while Merry and Pippin were becoming frightened by his nature and if he was going to end up drowning themselves, that was when I really thought he was going to end up paddle them off the falls...

~ Ka

Hookbill the Goomba · 04-02-2005, 04:32 AM

There are a good many chapters that I continuously come back to and re-read. They each have different reasons for this, as ye shall see.

From the Fellowship of the ring;

The Bridge of Kazad-dum.
I enjoy this chapter above all; I was tempted to put "A journey in the Dark" for a similar reason. I love the way Tolkien describes the dwarven architecture and I also like the scene in Balin's tomb. There are many mysteries revealed in this chapter, including the Balrogs and their debatable wings. Also there is the creature which Galdalf battles at the Door to Balin's tomb. I always previously assumed this to be the Balrog, but recently I have not been so sure, it has caused me to rethink a lot of my own theories about Moria and its inhabitants.
But mainly, I enjoy Gandalf’s battle with the Balrog and his subsequent departure from the story (albeit temporary one).

From The Two Towers

Flotsam and Jetsam.
I like this chapter because it’s full of jolly humour, mainly from Merry and Pippin. I just like the blatant view of how Hobbits can sit in the middle ruin and simply discuss the matters of the table and the small doings of relatives. I also like the description of the Ent's march on Isenguard as well as the confrontation with Saruman and Gandalf's concerns about what power he still holds.

Shelob's lair
I absolute favourite Chapter in The Two towers. It was a bit belated in its coming, but in ever re-read, it has kept me going through the otherwise rather dull, Frodo and Sam chapters. I love the since of mystery and the atmosphere Tolkien creates in this chapter, the use of Galadriel's pile to help beat Shelob and of course, the fulfilment of what Sam saw in the mirror. The end of the book was flawlessly written, "Frodo was alive, but taken by the enemy" Defiantly makes you want to read on.

From The Return of the King

Minas Tirith.
This chapter is a favourite of mine because it was the first bit of the Lord of the rings that I ever read. Foolish I know, but it was impossible to get hold of the other volumes at the time, but friends had told me all I needed to know. I like the use of Pippin in this chapter, he is (quite amusingly) the ignorant party, and so is almost Tolkien's way of introducing the realm of Gondor and its law to the reader by use of Pippin. Rather than go into any deep description of everything that many readers may find dull and monotonous, he uses Pippin's asking questions to aid instead.

Mount Doom.
The climax of the series. The first time I read this I was quite shocked at a couple of the things that happened. I did not see it coming when Gollum bit off Frodo's finger, however, the dancing of the end was a little predictable, but not unamusing. Frodo's final surrender to the Power of the ring and I can only imagine Sauron's reaction when re realised someone had his ring and was in Mount doom. I also like the final paragraph in this chapter where Frodo and Sam are convinced that they have come to their end... but maybe not...

I'll probably think of more, but those are my favourites.

Hot, crispy nice hobbit · 04-02-2005, 08:39 AM

I realised that the first few chapters of LOTR was not really that well liked... But if I am to right about my favorite chapters... I would probably be writing a chapter-by-chapter book review.

Never mind, lets git to it!

The Fellowship of the Ring
1. A Long-expected Party
Now this is one of my favorites because it linked back to the entire Erebor quest episode. I was really glad to read of Bilbo in his retirement, pestered by relatives. This chapter first formed the enchanting country-side image of the Shire which I was so desolated to read of in the last few chapters in the Return of the King.

2. The shadow of the past
This described in detail what had happened in the past that would lead to the coming events. It was a clear and concise describtion with an undertone of suspence and foreboding... one that I enjoyed.

3. Three is Company
I continued to enjoy the country-side description from this chapter, even as the suspense build up. Moreover, this chapter first introduces me to the demeanor of Elves defering from The Hobbit. First impression are lasting ones though.

4. A short cut to mushrooms
The suspense build up is much steeper now... But I seemed to have derived some plain hobbit-sense by then to realise that the journey is not even begun.

5. A conspiracy unmasked
Bathsong remains to this day one of my favorite songs... Moreover, this is more interesting than Bilbo's departure from the Shire in The Hobbit.

6. The Old Forest
This is one of the most exciting chapters in the beginning... though it would soon be dwarfed by later chapters... Nevertheless I am extremely tickled at the appearance of the Merry Fellow.

7. In the House of Tom Bombadil
Of course anything regarding that oversized hobbit with yellow boots are of interest to me. I read on with delight as Tom demonstrated his antiques.

8. Fog on the Barrow-downs
More suspense still... Highly interesting tomb-raiding by our happy foursome... I particularly enjoyed the part where Tom shooed away the wight in such a ridiculous fashion.

9. At the sign of the Prancing Pony
Inns are, as a rule, interesting places... I certainly anticipated much in this chapter, but was mildly disappointed when it did not lead to more revelation.

To be continued....

Lathriel · 04-02-2005, 01:43 PM

Of course I like A long expected party The hobbits are just so amusing.

I also like Three is company because the story finally really gets going. We ahve the first appearance of the evil guys so now the story is really going. It has been set up with the chapter before and now things are going in motion.

A conspiracy unmasked is so sweet. I always seem to forget about this chapter but when I come to it I always think to myself, "Oh yes, I love this chapter."Plus this chapter also foreshadows the grey havens in the form of the dream that Frodo gets.

I like the old forest because of the mystery around it.Although I love Tom Bombadil I sometimes get a little impatient in the next chapter.

Strider because this chapter introduces one of my favourite characters Aragorn!

A Knife in the dark because it still has some humour in it. "What do they live on when they can't get hobbit." (Sam referring to the midges) I also like it that this chapter briefly brings us back to the Shire because after we don't hear anything about it till ROTK.

I like Many Meetings even of its just because of the beginning."Where a I and what is the time?" Frodo (Well you guys know the rest) The council of Elrond is a chapter that I like on and of.

The Ring goes South is a neat chapter because you have been introduced to new characters and in this chapter you learn a bit more about them.

Journey in the dark is neat because you are introduced to yet another culture. Although you learn a lot about dwarves in the Hobbit you now learn about the very center of their culture.

Lothlorien is also a good chapter because as in Journey in the dark you learn more about the cultures in ME.

The great river has its neat moments plus the probelm of Gollum.
And that is just FOTR. I guess I'll post more later.

WarBringer · 04-08-2005, 08:39 PM

My favorite chapters are both from The Fellowship:

Strider- The meeting with Strider/Aragorn is by far my most memorable moment of the LOTR series. I remember thinking to myself-"This guy might be trouble", and I even worried that he would result in the death of one of the characters, or lead the hobbits astray and/or slaughter them. Tolkein's description is flawless, and few chapters have ever transported me to a place better than "Strider"

The Bridge of Khazad-Dum- Who among us can resist the allure of the herioc last stand against pure evil? The defeat of a host of goblins by a handful of brave warriors, The flight of the Fellowship, chased all the while by the goblins and one of the most evil beings of all time, and of course, Gandalf turning alone, leaning upon his staff in weariness, knowing that his doom (or his blessing?) is before him.

To me, these chapters are Tolkein's greatest achievment in the trilogy.

03-31-2005, 03:12 PM	#1
Boromir88 Laconic Loreman Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: USA Posts: 7,521	[B]I wouldn't mind talking about some discussing about some of my favorite chapters... FOTR: The Council of Elrond- The dialogue in this chapter is great, it also holds one of my favorite passages. Gandalf explaining his meeting with Saruman. I find Saruman an intriguing character, and any chapter with Saruman i find interesting. with a lot more depth then what some people think. He defies The good peoples of Middle-earth, while he secretly plans to figuratively stab Sauron in the back. Lothlorien: This is a chapter I've been interested in for a few days now, with the thread "Galadriel's Intentions." I read a good post on another forum, that got me thinking about what Galadriel was trying to do when she offered each one of the Fellowship members the easy way out. TTT: Really any chapter with Eomer and Theoden. I love these two characters, and I especially love The King of the Golden Hall. The Window in the West is another good chapter. I think it holds a lot of suspense, you have Boromir's brother here, who is being kind to The Hobbits, yet in the back of your mind you're thinking...."I know he's going to take the ring. I just know it." Then Wham! "I wouldn't pick it up if Minas Tirith was burning to the ground." Edit: I forgot to include the Voice of Saruman. The second encounter between Saruman and Gandalf, this time Gandalf wins out. I just love how you have all the Rohirrim guys are cheering, and applauding Saruman, then Theoden just denies him. Then Saruman's true self is revealed, and the spell on whoever was under it, was broken. ROTK: Pelennor Fields- I just enjoy the battle, and it holds one of the most memorable scenes in my mind. When Aragorn and Eomer meet up in the midst of battle, "Let this be the hour, when we draw swords together." (Oh yeah, not to mention the defeat of the WK). __________________ Fenris Penguin

03-31-2005, 04:05 PM	#2
Gil-Galad Psyche of Prince Immortal Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Above a Parapet Obvious exits are: North, South, and Dennis Posts: 4,734	my absolute favourite is of course the same ones you stated Phantom ROTK I, 4 & 5 & 6 The Siege of Gondor, The Ride of the Rohirrim, The Battle of the Pelennor Fields even though i also really like the Appendices...(history geek) __________________ Love doesn't blow up and get killed.

03-31-2005, 05:02 PM	#3
THE Ka Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: As with the flygja Posts: 1,403	I love the chapter when Treebeard comes into the story. Especially because in the earlier chapters you hear some remarks towards ents, but little else. It is always facinating when a new character comes into the story. Specifically talking trees. I really didn't find The Departure of Boromir that shocking, I had some idea that he was going to end up being killed, but not where. I really thought he was going to die while on the river. That one part of the chapter on the river when he was described bitting his nails and slighty shaking while Merry and Pippin were becoming frightened by his nature and if he was going to end up drowning themselves, that was when I really thought he was going to end up paddle them off the falls... ~ Ka __________________ Vinur, vinur skilur tú meg? Veitst tú ongan loyniveg? Hevur tú reikað líka sum eg, í endaleysu tokuni?

04-02-2005, 04:32 AM	#4
Hookbill the Goomba Alive without breath Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: On A Cold Wind To Valhalla Posts: 5,912	There are a good many chapters that I continuously come back to and re-read. They each have different reasons for this, as ye shall see. From the Fellowship of the ring; The Bridge of Kazad-dum. I enjoy this chapter above all; I was tempted to put "A journey in the Dark" for a similar reason. I love the way Tolkien describes the dwarven architecture and I also like the scene in Balin's tomb. There are many mysteries revealed in this chapter, including the Balrogs and their debatable wings. Also there is the creature which Galdalf battles at the Door to Balin's tomb. I always previously assumed this to be the Balrog, but recently I have not been so sure, it has caused me to rethink a lot of my own theories about Moria and its inhabitants. But mainly, I enjoy Gandalf’s battle with the Balrog and his subsequent departure from the story (albeit temporary one). From The Two Towers Flotsam and Jetsam. I like this chapter because it’s full of jolly humour, mainly from Merry and Pippin. I just like the blatant view of how Hobbits can sit in the middle ruin and simply discuss the matters of the table and the small doings of relatives. I also like the description of the Ent's march on Isenguard as well as the confrontation with Saruman and Gandalf's concerns about what power he still holds. Shelob's lair I absolute favourite Chapter in The Two towers. It was a bit belated in its coming, but in ever re-read, it has kept me going through the otherwise rather dull, Frodo and Sam chapters. I love the since of mystery and the atmosphere Tolkien creates in this chapter, the use of Galadriel's pile to help beat Shelob and of course, the fulfilment of what Sam saw in the mirror. The end of the book was flawlessly written, "Frodo was alive, but taken by the enemy" Defiantly makes you want to read on. From The Return of the King Minas Tirith. This chapter is a favourite of mine because it was the first bit of the Lord of the rings that I ever read. Foolish I know, but it was impossible to get hold of the other volumes at the time, but friends had told me all I needed to know. I like the use of Pippin in this chapter, he is (quite amusingly) the ignorant party, and so is almost Tolkien's way of introducing the realm of Gondor and its law to the reader by use of Pippin. Rather than go into any deep description of everything that many readers may find dull and monotonous, he uses Pippin's asking questions to aid instead. Mount Doom. The climax of the series. The first time I read this I was quite shocked at a couple of the things that happened. I did not see it coming when Gollum bit off Frodo's finger, however, the dancing of the end was a little predictable, but not unamusing. Frodo's final surrender to the Power of the ring and I can only imagine Sauron's reaction when re realised someone had his ring and was in Mount doom. I also like the final paragraph in this chapter where Frodo and Sam are convinced that they have come to their end... but maybe not... I'll probably think of more, but those are my favourites. __________________ I think that if you want facts, then The Downer Newspaper is probably the place to go. I know! I read it once. THE PHANTOM AND ALIEN: The Legend of the Golden Bus Ticket...

04-02-2005, 08:39 AM	#5
Hot, crispy nice hobbit Wight Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Troll's larder Posts: 195	Of Hobbits and Merry fellows I realised that the first few chapters of LOTR was not really that well liked... But if I am to right about my favorite chapters... I would probably be writing a chapter-by-chapter book review. Never mind, lets git to it! The Fellowship of the Ring 1. A Long-expected Party Now this is one of my favorites because it linked back to the entire Erebor quest episode. I was really glad to read of Bilbo in his retirement, pestered by relatives. This chapter first formed the enchanting country-side image of the Shire which I was so desolated to read of in the last few chapters in the Return of the King. 2. The shadow of the past This described in detail what had happened in the past that would lead to the coming events. It was a clear and concise describtion with an undertone of suspence and foreboding... one that I enjoyed. 3. Three is Company I continued to enjoy the country-side description from this chapter, even as the suspense build up. Moreover, this chapter first introduces me to the demeanor of Elves defering from The Hobbit. First impression are lasting ones though. 4. A short cut to mushrooms The suspense build up is much steeper now... But I seemed to have derived some plain hobbit-sense by then to realise that the journey is not even begun. 5. A conspiracy unmasked Bathsong remains to this day one of my favorite songs... Moreover, this is more interesting than Bilbo's departure from the Shire in The Hobbit. 6. The Old Forest This is one of the most exciting chapters in the beginning... though it would soon be dwarfed by later chapters... Nevertheless I am extremely tickled at the appearance of the Merry Fellow. 7. In the House of Tom Bombadil Of course anything regarding that oversized hobbit with yellow boots are of interest to me. I read on with delight as Tom demonstrated his antiques. 8. Fog on the Barrow-downs More suspense still... Highly interesting tomb-raiding by our happy foursome... I particularly enjoyed the part where Tom shooed away the wight in such a ridiculous fashion. 9. At the sign of the Prancing Pony Inns are, as a rule, interesting places... I certainly anticipated much in this chapter, but was mildly disappointed when it did not lead to more revelation. To be continued.... __________________ 'He wouldn't make above a mouthful,' said William, who had already had a fine supper, 'not when he was skinned and boned.'

04-02-2005, 01:43 PM	#6
Lathriel Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Wandering through Middle-Earth (Sadly in Alberta and not ME) Posts: 612	Of course I like A long expected party The hobbits are just so amusing. I also like Three is company because the story finally really gets going. We ahve the first appearance of the evil guys so now the story is really going. It has been set up with the chapter before and now things are going in motion. A conspiracy unmasked is so sweet. I always seem to forget about this chapter but when I come to it I always think to myself, "Oh yes, I love this chapter."Plus this chapter also foreshadows the grey havens in the form of the dream that Frodo gets. I like the old forest because of the mystery around it.Although I love Tom Bombadil I sometimes get a little impatient in the next chapter. Strider because this chapter introduces one of my favourite characters Aragorn! A Knife in the dark because it still has some humour in it. "What do they live on when they can't get hobbit." (Sam referring to the midges) I also like it that this chapter briefly brings us back to the Shire because after we don't hear anything about it till ROTK. I like Many Meetings even of its just because of the beginning."Where a I and what is the time?" Frodo (Well you guys know the rest) The council of Elrond is a chapter that I like on and of. The Ring goes South is a neat chapter because you have been introduced to new characters and in this chapter you learn a bit more about them. Journey in the dark is neat because you are introduced to yet another culture. Although you learn a lot about dwarves in the Hobbit you now learn about the very center of their culture. Lothlorien is also a good chapter because as in Journey in the dark you learn more about the cultures in ME. The great river has its neat moments plus the probelm of Gollum. And that is just FOTR. I guess I'll post more later. __________________ Back again

04-08-2005, 08:39 PM	#7
WarBringer Wight Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Wandering The North Posts: 184	My favorite chapters are both from The Fellowship: Strider- The meeting with Strider/Aragorn is by far my most memorable moment of the LOTR series. I remember thinking to myself-"This guy might be trouble", and I even worried that he would result in the death of one of the characters, or lead the hobbits astray and/or slaughter them. Tolkein's description is flawless, and few chapters have ever transported me to a place better than "Strider" The Bridge of Khazad-Dum- Who among us can resist the allure of the herioc last stand against pure evil? The defeat of a host of goblins by a handful of brave warriors, The flight of the Fellowship, chased all the while by the goblins and one of the most evil beings of all time, and of course, Gandalf turning alone, leaning upon his staff in weariness, knowing that his doom (or his blessing?) is before him. To me, these chapters are Tolkein's greatest achievment in the trilogy. __________________ Fortune Favors the Bold...