Post by Stormrider on Jan 24, 2009 18:58:40 GMT -6
From: Lord_Algamesh (Original Message) Sent: 11/29/2002 12:09 AM
Book IV Chapter One: The Taming of Smeagol
Well, we finally return to the portion of the saga concerning itself with Frodo and Sam. We last left the two as they broke away from the Fellowship and were preparing to cross the Emyn Muil. In this chapter, we find Frodo and Sam attempting to descend to the southern marshlands. Sam discovers a bit of Elvish rope in his pack and the two are able to negotiate a particularly difficult descent. Shortly thereafter, they discover that Gollum is following them. Sam surprises Gollum and after a brief struggle, he is taken captive. Frodo decides to accpet Gollum as a guide through the Wild to Mordor. Gollum certainly desires this arrangement because it allows him to stay in close proximity to the Ring ehich he carried so long. Gollum swears an oath by his "precious" to protect the Ring and to not let it fall into the Enemy's hands. He also promises to serve Frodo on the journey. Sam continues to have reservations about travelling with Gollum.
Book IV Chapter Two: The Passage of the Marshes
Gollum leads the two hobbits into the marshlands below the slopes of the Emyn Muil. Here, the Hobbits discover that the bog is inhabited by spirits of Men, Elves, and Orcs; creatures who fell before the Black Land in times long gone. Gollum warns them not to pay attention to the spirits or they will be drawn into the water to join the dead of the marsh. It is in this chapter that we begin to see that Frodo has resigned himself to death, independent of the outcome of his mission. The relationship between Gollum and Sam continues to deteriorate. Sam's trust is further eroded as he overhears Gollum speaking to himself late one night. Gollum speaks with two personalities - the more evil and sadistic being "Gollum" and the gentler being Smeagol. Apparently there is a great inner conflict going on within Gollum; part of him wanting to be nice to Frodo and the other half wanting to obtain the Ring at any cost. Sam keeps his eavesdropping quiet for the moment. During this conversation, we also receive confirmation that Gollum was given instructions by Sauron to find the Ring and bring it back to Mordor. Of course, this isn't a beneficial arrangement for Gollum but there appears to be some compulsion to appease the Will of Sauron. At the moment, we are uncertain how this will play out. The chapter ends with winged Nazgul flying errands above their heads on three seperate occassions during the night. Gollum states that they can feel the "Precious" and he refuses to continue towards Mordor. Frodo speaks harshly to Gollum after a useless attempt to plead for continued assistance and Gollum resumes his duties as guide to Mordor.
Book IV Chapter Three: The Black Gate is Closed
The trio eventually make their way out of the Dead Marshes and approach the Gates of Mordor from the North. The large structure is quite intimidating and it is apparent that a watchful eye is continually maintained to keep out or apprehend intruders. Frodo states his intention to continue to the Gate much to the horror of Gollum. Afterall, he felt that Frodo would abandon his mission once he saw the Black Gates. Gollum pleads with him not to go that way and then states that he knows another path, a secret path into the Black Land. Frodo chooses to trust Smeagol once again and follows him as he veers westward and south. Gollum continues to be vague as to his "secret way" which makes Sam more suspicious than ever but seems to satisfy Frodo. They eventually guess that Gollum intends to take them near Minas Ithil (now known as Minas Morgul - fortress of the RingWraiths; a fact which Gollum fails to mention). He also mentions that they will have to negotiate a "High Pass" to come down into Sauron's domain, which we learn is Cirith Ungol, a place of dread. Their journey is quite uneventful until they hear sounds coming from the open road (which they are avoiding). Peering through the underbrush and over the lip of a small rise, they spy a regiment of Men traveling into Mordor. Sauron is marshalling forces and swelling his ranks for battle to come. The chapter ends as Sam is trying to explain the "mythic" oliphaunt to Gollum. This conversation does well for Frodo's health and actually brings a laugh from him - a sound that has become rare and cherished by his faithful Sam. Gollum advises the Hobbits to find shelter and rest. their trek will continue after dusk.
Book IV Chapter One: The Taming of Smeagol
Well, we finally return to the portion of the saga concerning itself with Frodo and Sam. We last left the two as they broke away from the Fellowship and were preparing to cross the Emyn Muil. In this chapter, we find Frodo and Sam attempting to descend to the southern marshlands. Sam discovers a bit of Elvish rope in his pack and the two are able to negotiate a particularly difficult descent. Shortly thereafter, they discover that Gollum is following them. Sam surprises Gollum and after a brief struggle, he is taken captive. Frodo decides to accpet Gollum as a guide through the Wild to Mordor. Gollum certainly desires this arrangement because it allows him to stay in close proximity to the Ring ehich he carried so long. Gollum swears an oath by his "precious" to protect the Ring and to not let it fall into the Enemy's hands. He also promises to serve Frodo on the journey. Sam continues to have reservations about travelling with Gollum.
Book IV Chapter Two: The Passage of the Marshes
Gollum leads the two hobbits into the marshlands below the slopes of the Emyn Muil. Here, the Hobbits discover that the bog is inhabited by spirits of Men, Elves, and Orcs; creatures who fell before the Black Land in times long gone. Gollum warns them not to pay attention to the spirits or they will be drawn into the water to join the dead of the marsh. It is in this chapter that we begin to see that Frodo has resigned himself to death, independent of the outcome of his mission. The relationship between Gollum and Sam continues to deteriorate. Sam's trust is further eroded as he overhears Gollum speaking to himself late one night. Gollum speaks with two personalities - the more evil and sadistic being "Gollum" and the gentler being Smeagol. Apparently there is a great inner conflict going on within Gollum; part of him wanting to be nice to Frodo and the other half wanting to obtain the Ring at any cost. Sam keeps his eavesdropping quiet for the moment. During this conversation, we also receive confirmation that Gollum was given instructions by Sauron to find the Ring and bring it back to Mordor. Of course, this isn't a beneficial arrangement for Gollum but there appears to be some compulsion to appease the Will of Sauron. At the moment, we are uncertain how this will play out. The chapter ends with winged Nazgul flying errands above their heads on three seperate occassions during the night. Gollum states that they can feel the "Precious" and he refuses to continue towards Mordor. Frodo speaks harshly to Gollum after a useless attempt to plead for continued assistance and Gollum resumes his duties as guide to Mordor.
Book IV Chapter Three: The Black Gate is Closed
The trio eventually make their way out of the Dead Marshes and approach the Gates of Mordor from the North. The large structure is quite intimidating and it is apparent that a watchful eye is continually maintained to keep out or apprehend intruders. Frodo states his intention to continue to the Gate much to the horror of Gollum. Afterall, he felt that Frodo would abandon his mission once he saw the Black Gates. Gollum pleads with him not to go that way and then states that he knows another path, a secret path into the Black Land. Frodo chooses to trust Smeagol once again and follows him as he veers westward and south. Gollum continues to be vague as to his "secret way" which makes Sam more suspicious than ever but seems to satisfy Frodo. They eventually guess that Gollum intends to take them near Minas Ithil (now known as Minas Morgul - fortress of the RingWraiths; a fact which Gollum fails to mention). He also mentions that they will have to negotiate a "High Pass" to come down into Sauron's domain, which we learn is Cirith Ungol, a place of dread. Their journey is quite uneventful until they hear sounds coming from the open road (which they are avoiding). Peering through the underbrush and over the lip of a small rise, they spy a regiment of Men traveling into Mordor. Sauron is marshalling forces and swelling his ranks for battle to come. The chapter ends as Sam is trying to explain the "mythic" oliphaunt to Gollum. This conversation does well for Frodo's health and actually brings a laugh from him - a sound that has become rare and cherished by his faithful Sam. Gollum advises the Hobbits to find shelter and rest. their trek will continue after dusk.