Join me in a re-read of the Lord of the Rings?

[ArathornJax]

The Bridge of Khazad-dûm.

Reading the Book of Mazarbul seems to show to me that show that the effort of Balin and company, though successful at first, resulted in the death of all the dwarves. It seems the enemy heard of this and sent Orcs up the Silverlode to retake Moria from the Balen and company. In the book the battle in the chamber of Mazarbul lasts to me very briefly, for after the company slays 13 orcs, the rest fled shrieking. It is also a huge orc chieftain who thrust his spear into Frodo, catching him on the right side. Aragorn quickly dispatches the orc-chieftain.
At that point Gandalf orders them to flee and he alone holds the door. At the door Gandalf meets what he calls is his match . . .

Gandalf describes his battle at the door and at that point, he doesn't know what he is facing. He has never felt such a challenge and it nearly broke him.

I find that I really like the description of the Balrog in the text. It was like a great shadow, in the middle of whcih was a dark form, of man-shape maybe, yet greater; and a power and terror seemed to be in it and to go before it. It had a streaming mane kindled and blazing behind it. In it's right hand was a blade like a stabbing tongue of fire; in its left it held a whip of many thongs.

Wings. Do Balrogs have wings? Long debated but I go with the the interpretation that they had shadows around them that appear as wings. These images kinda of show that:

Link 1 https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/ ... aking_its/
Link 2 https://www.etsy.com/se-en/listing/8009 ... clee-print
Link 3 https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/ ... portrayal/ This is my favorite except the whip needs multiple thongs.
Link 4 https://www.instagram.com/mithrandir.ga ... 0iz8hNoQP/

Gandalf following and saying Fly you Fools is a moment that for me always reminds me of the importance of sacrificing self for others. Aragorn warned Gandalf about going through the mines an it seems Aragorn had foresight. I like the fact that Aragorn clefts the helm of the orc chiefton at the gates and the others flee at his wrath and stroke.

So they leave Moria, minus one critically important character. It seems to me that loss is part of life and sometimes, we lose someone we really depend on in our lives and in the end, find the strength to carry onward.

[ArathornJax]

Well, Merry and Pippin have just finished the Ent Moot and Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas and have reunited with Gandalf. That is where I am now. A few observations from the reading.
1. The songs Tolkien put into the text . . . some I like, some I seem are tedious. I understand they convey knowledge . . . yet I found myself skimming those songs.
2. I love that in Lothlórien the company is given rest and time seems to stand still there. I like how Galadriel is portrayed more in the book than in any other adaptation. Old and wise, committed to opposing Sauron, yet knows her weakness and limits, admitting to them.
I also like that Haldir and the other elves are more engaged and more interactive and you get a sense for their character.
3. Gollum . . . we see more of him and his own hunt for the ring. Love how he uses the log and his arm comes up over the boat's edge with Frodo on watch.
4. Confirmation of the wing Nazgûl. Legolas shooting one of the fell beasts out of the sky.
5. Merry and Pippin's interaction with the Orcs. Love the roughness and evil of the Orcs and the dispute they have.
5. The Ents agreeing to march on Isengard and not putting it off as in the movies. I understand what Peter Jackson did but I MUCH prefer the book approach. I think also with age, comes the notion of not getting worked up until things reach a point that one must take action and cannot stand idly by. Also, with age comes more patience.
6. Gandalf's reveal I love in the Two Towers. Love the interaction and how powerful Gandalf's voice has become.
7. The description of Fangorn as a forest. There are few places even in nature now that one can truly get away to and not see the impact of our civilization on. The only places I have found are National Wilderness areas where I can go and hike and not run into someone as it takes more experience to be in those areas. I treasure those places now.
9. Éomer. I love the interaction that Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli have with Éomer in private after the initial encounter. It shows the personal side of Éomer and we get to understand his views on things which are more inline with what is happening in the broader world.
8. How Merry and Pippin helped to redeem Boromir after his temptation with the ring and Frodo. Yes, redemption came through his selfless act of giving his life for them. A theme that runs in many of Tolkien's works which I think is a manifestation of his religious background. I believe that until we are willing to sacrifice of our time and talents to benefit someone else, we are not fully engage in the experience of life. However, I don't think it takes the sacrifice of one's life to redeem oneself and I believe we as humans, are going to keep making mistakes not matter our age and experience. It is how we continue to learn. It is why extending grace and mercy and forgiveness to others is so important in life today.

There's more and if I think of adding something I will. Feel free to comment on your own reading or on these segments (Lothlórien to Fangorn Forest).

Also, I have the CD's of each of the books read by Rob Inglis and I listen to them on my way to work and I find I really am enjoying that avenue as well as reading, doing that side by side.