Post by MajahTR on Jan 14, 2009 9:51:56 GMT -6
Foreword
Tolkien briefly explains the evolution of LotR and its place between the Hobbit and what would become the Silmarillion.
He states that his motive for writing the story was the wish to delight and excite the readers.
Tolkien denies that LotR is an allegory for WWII and that it had any influence over the writing but, reminds everyone that there was an earlier world war. He mentions that all of his friends except for one died in that war.
He admits to being influenced slightly by the destruction of his childhood home by technological advances, especially in the scouring of the Shire chapter.
Tolkien briefly explains the revisions and additions to the second edition and chastises Ace books for publishing the paperback edition without his consent.
Prologue
Concerning Hobbits
The history, personality and physical characteristics of Hobbits are explained.
Common personality traits: peaceful, quiet, did not understand complicated machinery, skillful with tools (but few shoemakers), shy of 'big folk', inclined to be fat, unhurried, sharp-eyed, nimble, elusive, hospitable, merry, fond of yellow and green, fond of jests, enjoyed eating very much, not fond of learning other than genealogy which they loved, not warlike, tough, difficult to daunt or kill, slow to quarrel, keen-eyed and sure at the mark, clannish, distrustful of the sea and boats, for the most part generous and not greedy, contented and moderate.
Common physical characteristics: between 2 and 4 foot tall, less stout and stocky than Dwarves; feet were large, tough, leathery and covered in curly hair; hair on heads was curly and commonly brown; faces were good-natured, broad, bright-eyed, red-cheeked; fingers long and skillful, relatives of Men.
Harfoots: browner of skin, smaller, shorter, beardless, bootless, neat and nimble hands, preferred highlands and hillsides, fond of Dwarves, most numerous, most inclined to settle in one place, preserved the custom of Hobbit holes the longest.
Stoors: broader and heavier in build, large hands and feet, could grow beards, wore boots at times, liked flatland and riversides, less shy of Men, moved west later after living near Dunland, the first to build houses.
Fallohides: fairer of skin and hair, taller, slimmer, beardless, loved trees and woodlands, liked Elves, least numerous, bold and adventurous, skilled in language and song, leading families had Fallohide ancestors.
History: The Hobbit's earliest tales come from a time when they lived "in the upper vales of the Anduin, between the eaves of Greenwood the Great and the Misty Mountains." Even before moving into Eriador, they divided into somewhat different breeds, but have since intermingled. The characteristics of each are noted above. One of the earliest settlements in Eriador was Bree. The Hobbits learned to write from the Dunedain and began to speak Common Speech, forgetting the languages they had used in the past except for a few words.
In the year 1601TA, The Shire was settled by Fallohide brothers Marcho and Blanco. The Shire became isolated because of the plague and famine in Eriador around the year 1637 TA. A time of plenty returned and Hobbits "heeded less and less the world outside where dark things moved…"The one and only battle (up until LotR) fought within the borders of The Shire occurred in the year 2747 TA when attacking Orcs were defeated.
Habitation: Though originally, all Hobbits lived in Holes called smails, "in Bilbo's days it was, as a rule, only the richest and the poorest that maintained that custom." Most others lived in long, low, comfortable houses with the same round windows and doors found in Holes. Almost all Hobbit homes, of both sorts, were lived in by large, and sometimes, extended families and filled with mathoms which were things they did not have a use for but could not throw away. Bilbo and Frodo were exceptional in that they remained bachelors.
Concerning Pipeweed
Tobold Hornblower of Longbottom brought Pipeweed, probably Nicotiana, to the Shire though until his dying day he would not divulge the secret of where it came from. It is believed that he found it in Bree but, originally it most likely came with the Men of Westernesse. It grew well in Gondor and was prized there only for its fragrant flower. Hobbits were the first to smoke it, but, the habit spread to the other races, including Wizards.
Of the Ordering of the Shire
The Shire was divided into four Farthings, named for the four directions. Buckland and Westmarch were added later.
The government was very limited because most Hobbits obeyed The Rules as set down by the King at Fornost years before. The chief Took of the Took family held the office of Thain, which for the most part was just a nominal dignity. In times of emergency The Thain was the master of the Shire-moot, and captain of the Shire-muster and the Hobbitry-in-arms. The only real official in The Shire was the Mayor of Michel Delving. The only duty was to preside at banquets. The offices of Postmaster and First Shirriff were attached to the mayorship. Shirriffs and Bounders served as the Shire 'police'. There was an increase in the number of Bounders at the time of this story because there was an increase of strangers near the borders.
Of the Finding of the Ring
I JUST CAN'T make a synopsis of a synopsis. Suffice it to say that this section is a synopsis of the story The Hobbit. Paragraph 8 is a synopsis of the original version of "Riddles in the Dark".
Note on The Shire Records
The Red Book of Westmarch, originally Bilbo's diary, then Frodo's account of the War of the Ring, was so named because it was preserved at The Undertowers in Westmarch. Annexed to it were three other volumes that were given to Frodo from Bilbo and later another containing commentary, genealogies and various other materials. All were bound in red. The original was not preserved though copies were made.
The most complete copy is The Thain's book. It contained much annotation and corrections. The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen was included. Most importantly, "it alone contains the whole of Bilbo's 'Translations from the Elvish'."
The library at Brandy Hall contained "many works dealing with Eriador and the history of Rohan." These included: Herblore of the Shire, Reckoning of Years and Old Words and Names in the Shire.
At Great Smails the emphasis was on manuscripts written in Gondor which included the histories and legends of Elendil and his heirs, and the history of Numenor and the rise of Sauron. The Tale of Years was put together here, also.
Book I Chapter 1: A Long-Expected Party
Bilbo Baggins was deemed a peculiar Hobbit due to his disappearance, adventure, and unexpected return 60 years ago. He was very rich and well preserved.
When he was 99 years old, he adopted his younger cousin Frodo as his heir. Frodo's parents had drowned years before and he shared the same birthday as Bilbo. Frodo was going to be 33 years old and Bilbo 111. He planned a magnificent birthday party. Everyone inside The Shire and some outside it were invited. Bilbo gave presents to everyone, as was the custom of Hobbits. There were a variety of entertainments including fireworks by Gandalf, a wizard. A special Family dinner party for 144 guests was held under the Great Pavilion, somewhat separated from the rest of the larger party. After the inevitable after dinner speech, Bilbo put on the Ring and disappeared. Part of his plan for that day was to leave The Shire. He hurried back to Bag End to finish packing and leave. There he met up with Gandalf, his old friend. After arguing about the Ring, Gandalf won out and Bilbo left without it. Frodo inherited the Ring along with most of Bilbo's possessions. Gandalf warned Frodo to not use the Ring and to keep it safe because his suspicions were aroused by Bilbo's possessiveness of it.
BookI Chapter 2: The Shadow of the Past
After Bilbo left, Frodo settled into his title of Master of Bag End, lived alone and took long walks as Bilbo had done. At times on these walks, Frodo would meet Dwarves from far off countries fleeing from the Enemy in Mordor. The closer he got to the age of 50 years old, the more restless he felt. Gandalf had visited fairly often for a time. But, then after a nine year absence, he came to see Frodo once again. He told Frodo about The One Ring: its characteristics, how it was made, it's affect on the mortal wearer. Gandalf, also, confirmed the rumors of the rising of Sauron and the control he had over the Ringwraiths because of the nine rings he gave them.
Gandalf told Frodo the history of The Ring and how after being cut from Sauron, Isildur kept it until he was killed by Orcs at the Gladden Fields. A creature akin to Hobbits found it, and was killed by his friend of the same breed, Smeagol, so he could possess it. This creature was called Gollum, later. Gollum kept it for hundreds of years until The Ring left him and was found by Bilbo, unlikely by chance, but rather by Fate.
Gollum came out of his cave to try to find The Ring and was drawn to Mordor by Sauron. There, Gandalf believed he told Sauron of Baggins and The Shire. After a time, Gollum was captured by a friend of Gandalf's, named Aragorn, and imprisoned by the Elves of Mirkwood.
Frodo decided that in order to save The Shire he needed to leave. Gandalf found Sam, Frodo's gardener and friend, eavesdropping so it was decided that Sam would go with Frodo.
Book I Chapter 3: Three is Company
Frodo decided to sell Bag End and on the day after his 50th birthday pretend to move to Crickhollow in Buckland. In reality, on Gandalf's advice, he and Sam were going to go to Rivendell with the Ring. Gandalf stayed in The Shire for two months, but left abruptly. Though Gandalf said that he would be back for Frodo's farewell party, he did not return.
On the evening of his leaving Bag End, Frodo overheard Old Gaffer Gamgee speak to a stranger asking questions about Frodo's whereabouts.
Sam, Pippin, who was a cousin and friend, and Frodo had a leisurely and pleasant beginning to their journey. But, it soon turned disquieting with the appearance of a Black Rider. Frodo had a desire to put on the Ring but, resisted it. He felt that the rider was looking or sniffing for him. Sam repeated the conversation his father had with a similar stranger. The Old Gaffer sent the stranger on to Buckland. The Hobbits decided to be more careful. After walking for a time, they heard another Black Rider. This one was scared off their scent by Elves walking and singing through Woody End.
Once the Elves were told of the black rider, they offer to take Frodo and company along with them. They stopped for the night near the town of Woodhall. There Frodo and Gildor, the spokesman for the Elves, talked a long while. Gildor told Frodo that the black riders were from the Enemy and also advised Frodo not to wait for Gandalf.
Book I Chapter 4: Shortcut to Mushrooms
The Elves left before the Hobbits awoke in the morning. Frodo decided to cut across country, rather than go back to the road. The way was difficult and not long after they began this leg of the journey, they saw another black rider.
Soon they reached Father Maggot's farm. Though Frodo was reluctant to approach him because of an incident in his youth, Farmer Maggot welcomed the Hobbits into his home. He told him that a black rider had been there asking about Baggins and offered to bring the Hobbits to Bucklebury Ferry. Near the ferry crossing they happily met up with Merry who was another cousin and friend of Frodo's.
Book I Chapter 5: A Conspiracy Unmasked
The four Hobbits crossed the Brandywine River by boat. As they climbed up the bank, they saw a black rider where they had just been on the other side of the river. They finally reached Frodo's new house, Crickhollow. Fatty Bolger was there to welcome them. After a bath and supper, Pippin told the story of their journey so far to Merry and Fatty.
The group told Frodo that they knew some things about the Ring and his need to leave the Shire. They had formed a conspiracy to make sure Frodo didn't leave without them, Sam being the major source of information.
It was decided that Fatty would stay at the house, pretending to be Frodo while the others made their way through the Old Forest, a somewhat dangerous and mysterious place.
Book I Chapter 6: The Old Forest
On their way and through the hedge that separated Buckland from the Old Forest, Merry told them a few stories of the trees within the forest. The trees were more "aware" than those of The Shire and able to interact with two legged creatures, usually in a malevolent way. The forest seemed to bar their way in some cases and guide them in certain directions in other cases. They were led into the heart of the forest and down to the Withywindle river valley. They found themselves getting very sleepy. Merry and Pippin leaned against an old enormous willow as Frodo bathed his feet in the river next to the tree. The three fell asleep. Sam felt the sleepiness uncanny and could hear the old tree singing them to sleep softly. He heard Frodo fall into the water. The tree had thrown Frodo in. Pippin had been swallowed by a crack in the tree and all that was showing of Merry was his legs. Frodo and Sam tried unsuccessfully to rescue them. Frodo ran along the path yelling for help. Tom Bombadil, Master of the Old Forest, was gathering water-lilies for his wife Goldberry and heard the call. He freed the Hobbits from Old Man Willow and invited the travelers to his house
Book I Chapter 7: In the House of Tom Bombadil
The Hobbits met Goldberry, the river daughter, at the house. Tom made them feel safe, saying that no evil could touch them there. They stayed for several days and talked long with Tom, mostly about ages past. On the last evening there, Tom asked to see the Ring. He put it on and nothing happened. The Ring vanished in Tom's hand. When he returned it, Frodo tested the Ring by putting it on.
Tom gave instructions to the Hobbits about the next part of their journey through the Barrow-Downs.
Book I Chapter 8: Fog on the Barrow-Downs
The four Hobbits said farewell to their hosts and continued on the journey to Rivendell. When they stopped for their noon-meal, they took an unexpected nap. When they awoke, near sundown, a fog had descended all around them. The Hobbits decided to make their way to the road, but soon Frodo lost the others in the fog. He found himself near a barrow and a Barrow-wight seized him.
When Frodo awoke, he found himself inside a barrow mound, lying next to the other Hobbits. He saw an arm creeping toward Sam. Finding courage he hewed at the arm with a sword he found near him. Then Frodo called for Tom Bombadil using a rhyme Tom had taught the Hobbits. Tom saved them and gave each a knife from the barrow mound. He guided them safely to the road leading to Bree.
Book I Chapter 9: At The Sign of the Prancing Pony
In Bree, Hobbits and Big folk lived together in harmony. The Prancing Pony Inn was an important meeting place. When the Hobbits arrived at the Prancing Pony they made arrangements to stay the night. Frodo, Sam and Pippin decided to go to the common room, while Merry thought to sit in their rooms awhile then take a bit of air outside.
As the three Hobbits were enjoying the evening in the common room, Strider, a ranger, watched Frodo. He warned Frodo to stop his friends from talking too much. In order to divert attention from Pippen, who was telling the story of Bilbo's farewell party, Frodo jumped on a table and began singing. During a second rendition of his song, he fell and accidentally the Ring slipped on his finger and he vanished. Though Frodo tried to say that he crawled under the table when he fell most of the patrons did not believe him.
Book I Chapter10: Strider
The mysterious Strider followed the three Hobbits unnoticed back to their room. Merry was not there. Strider tells them of their danger and offers to guide them.
Butterbur, the innkeeper, came to the door with a letter he was supposed to send Frodo months ago. It was from Gandalf warning Frodo to make haste and to look for Strider. Butterbur warned the Hobbits against Strider and told them of the Black riders appearing in Bree. But, Frodo decided to trust Strider because of Gandalf's letter and his own intuition.
Merry came running into the room. Black Riders were in Bree. A plan was devised to have the Hobbits remain in the parlor and not go to their beds.
Book I Chapter 11: A Knife in the Dark
While the Hobbits slept in Bree, three black riders descended on Crickhollow. Fatty Bolger ran to the nearest house and the Horn-call of Buckland was blown. The Black riders fled, but not until they found out that the house was empty.
In the morning at the inn, Strider and the Hobbits saw that Black riders had destroyed their bedroom. Plans were made to leave Bree with Strider. They left Bree by the main road and pretended to make their way to Archet. But instead they turned and walked through a marsh as they made their way to Weathertop, which had been a watch-tower in earlier days. Several nights after leaving Bree, Frodo and Strider saw lights flashing on the distant hilltop.
When they reached Weathertop days later, Strider saw evidence that Gandalf had been there and that a fiery battle had taken place. They made a small fire and Strider sang part of the Tale of Tinuviel.
Black riders found them. Frodo could not resist the urge to put the Ring on. He saw the five black riders clearly. One wounded him in the shoulder before being driven off by Strider. Frodo slipped the Ring off his finger.
Tolkien briefly explains the evolution of LotR and its place between the Hobbit and what would become the Silmarillion.
He states that his motive for writing the story was the wish to delight and excite the readers.
Tolkien denies that LotR is an allegory for WWII and that it had any influence over the writing but, reminds everyone that there was an earlier world war. He mentions that all of his friends except for one died in that war.
He admits to being influenced slightly by the destruction of his childhood home by technological advances, especially in the scouring of the Shire chapter.
Tolkien briefly explains the revisions and additions to the second edition and chastises Ace books for publishing the paperback edition without his consent.
Prologue
Concerning Hobbits
The history, personality and physical characteristics of Hobbits are explained.
Common personality traits: peaceful, quiet, did not understand complicated machinery, skillful with tools (but few shoemakers), shy of 'big folk', inclined to be fat, unhurried, sharp-eyed, nimble, elusive, hospitable, merry, fond of yellow and green, fond of jests, enjoyed eating very much, not fond of learning other than genealogy which they loved, not warlike, tough, difficult to daunt or kill, slow to quarrel, keen-eyed and sure at the mark, clannish, distrustful of the sea and boats, for the most part generous and not greedy, contented and moderate.
Common physical characteristics: between 2 and 4 foot tall, less stout and stocky than Dwarves; feet were large, tough, leathery and covered in curly hair; hair on heads was curly and commonly brown; faces were good-natured, broad, bright-eyed, red-cheeked; fingers long and skillful, relatives of Men.
Harfoots: browner of skin, smaller, shorter, beardless, bootless, neat and nimble hands, preferred highlands and hillsides, fond of Dwarves, most numerous, most inclined to settle in one place, preserved the custom of Hobbit holes the longest.
Stoors: broader and heavier in build, large hands and feet, could grow beards, wore boots at times, liked flatland and riversides, less shy of Men, moved west later after living near Dunland, the first to build houses.
Fallohides: fairer of skin and hair, taller, slimmer, beardless, loved trees and woodlands, liked Elves, least numerous, bold and adventurous, skilled in language and song, leading families had Fallohide ancestors.
History: The Hobbit's earliest tales come from a time when they lived "in the upper vales of the Anduin, between the eaves of Greenwood the Great and the Misty Mountains." Even before moving into Eriador, they divided into somewhat different breeds, but have since intermingled. The characteristics of each are noted above. One of the earliest settlements in Eriador was Bree. The Hobbits learned to write from the Dunedain and began to speak Common Speech, forgetting the languages they had used in the past except for a few words.
In the year 1601TA, The Shire was settled by Fallohide brothers Marcho and Blanco. The Shire became isolated because of the plague and famine in Eriador around the year 1637 TA. A time of plenty returned and Hobbits "heeded less and less the world outside where dark things moved…"The one and only battle (up until LotR) fought within the borders of The Shire occurred in the year 2747 TA when attacking Orcs were defeated.
Habitation: Though originally, all Hobbits lived in Holes called smails, "in Bilbo's days it was, as a rule, only the richest and the poorest that maintained that custom." Most others lived in long, low, comfortable houses with the same round windows and doors found in Holes. Almost all Hobbit homes, of both sorts, were lived in by large, and sometimes, extended families and filled with mathoms which were things they did not have a use for but could not throw away. Bilbo and Frodo were exceptional in that they remained bachelors.
Concerning Pipeweed
Tobold Hornblower of Longbottom brought Pipeweed, probably Nicotiana, to the Shire though until his dying day he would not divulge the secret of where it came from. It is believed that he found it in Bree but, originally it most likely came with the Men of Westernesse. It grew well in Gondor and was prized there only for its fragrant flower. Hobbits were the first to smoke it, but, the habit spread to the other races, including Wizards.
Of the Ordering of the Shire
The Shire was divided into four Farthings, named for the four directions. Buckland and Westmarch were added later.
The government was very limited because most Hobbits obeyed The Rules as set down by the King at Fornost years before. The chief Took of the Took family held the office of Thain, which for the most part was just a nominal dignity. In times of emergency The Thain was the master of the Shire-moot, and captain of the Shire-muster and the Hobbitry-in-arms. The only real official in The Shire was the Mayor of Michel Delving. The only duty was to preside at banquets. The offices of Postmaster and First Shirriff were attached to the mayorship. Shirriffs and Bounders served as the Shire 'police'. There was an increase in the number of Bounders at the time of this story because there was an increase of strangers near the borders.
Of the Finding of the Ring
I JUST CAN'T make a synopsis of a synopsis. Suffice it to say that this section is a synopsis of the story The Hobbit. Paragraph 8 is a synopsis of the original version of "Riddles in the Dark".
Note on The Shire Records
The Red Book of Westmarch, originally Bilbo's diary, then Frodo's account of the War of the Ring, was so named because it was preserved at The Undertowers in Westmarch. Annexed to it were three other volumes that were given to Frodo from Bilbo and later another containing commentary, genealogies and various other materials. All were bound in red. The original was not preserved though copies were made.
The most complete copy is The Thain's book. It contained much annotation and corrections. The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen was included. Most importantly, "it alone contains the whole of Bilbo's 'Translations from the Elvish'."
The library at Brandy Hall contained "many works dealing with Eriador and the history of Rohan." These included: Herblore of the Shire, Reckoning of Years and Old Words and Names in the Shire.
At Great Smails the emphasis was on manuscripts written in Gondor which included the histories and legends of Elendil and his heirs, and the history of Numenor and the rise of Sauron. The Tale of Years was put together here, also.
Book I Chapter 1: A Long-Expected Party
Bilbo Baggins was deemed a peculiar Hobbit due to his disappearance, adventure, and unexpected return 60 years ago. He was very rich and well preserved.
When he was 99 years old, he adopted his younger cousin Frodo as his heir. Frodo's parents had drowned years before and he shared the same birthday as Bilbo. Frodo was going to be 33 years old and Bilbo 111. He planned a magnificent birthday party. Everyone inside The Shire and some outside it were invited. Bilbo gave presents to everyone, as was the custom of Hobbits. There were a variety of entertainments including fireworks by Gandalf, a wizard. A special Family dinner party for 144 guests was held under the Great Pavilion, somewhat separated from the rest of the larger party. After the inevitable after dinner speech, Bilbo put on the Ring and disappeared. Part of his plan for that day was to leave The Shire. He hurried back to Bag End to finish packing and leave. There he met up with Gandalf, his old friend. After arguing about the Ring, Gandalf won out and Bilbo left without it. Frodo inherited the Ring along with most of Bilbo's possessions. Gandalf warned Frodo to not use the Ring and to keep it safe because his suspicions were aroused by Bilbo's possessiveness of it.
BookI Chapter 2: The Shadow of the Past
After Bilbo left, Frodo settled into his title of Master of Bag End, lived alone and took long walks as Bilbo had done. At times on these walks, Frodo would meet Dwarves from far off countries fleeing from the Enemy in Mordor. The closer he got to the age of 50 years old, the more restless he felt. Gandalf had visited fairly often for a time. But, then after a nine year absence, he came to see Frodo once again. He told Frodo about The One Ring: its characteristics, how it was made, it's affect on the mortal wearer. Gandalf, also, confirmed the rumors of the rising of Sauron and the control he had over the Ringwraiths because of the nine rings he gave them.
Gandalf told Frodo the history of The Ring and how after being cut from Sauron, Isildur kept it until he was killed by Orcs at the Gladden Fields. A creature akin to Hobbits found it, and was killed by his friend of the same breed, Smeagol, so he could possess it. This creature was called Gollum, later. Gollum kept it for hundreds of years until The Ring left him and was found by Bilbo, unlikely by chance, but rather by Fate.
Gollum came out of his cave to try to find The Ring and was drawn to Mordor by Sauron. There, Gandalf believed he told Sauron of Baggins and The Shire. After a time, Gollum was captured by a friend of Gandalf's, named Aragorn, and imprisoned by the Elves of Mirkwood.
Frodo decided that in order to save The Shire he needed to leave. Gandalf found Sam, Frodo's gardener and friend, eavesdropping so it was decided that Sam would go with Frodo.
Book I Chapter 3: Three is Company
Frodo decided to sell Bag End and on the day after his 50th birthday pretend to move to Crickhollow in Buckland. In reality, on Gandalf's advice, he and Sam were going to go to Rivendell with the Ring. Gandalf stayed in The Shire for two months, but left abruptly. Though Gandalf said that he would be back for Frodo's farewell party, he did not return.
On the evening of his leaving Bag End, Frodo overheard Old Gaffer Gamgee speak to a stranger asking questions about Frodo's whereabouts.
Sam, Pippin, who was a cousin and friend, and Frodo had a leisurely and pleasant beginning to their journey. But, it soon turned disquieting with the appearance of a Black Rider. Frodo had a desire to put on the Ring but, resisted it. He felt that the rider was looking or sniffing for him. Sam repeated the conversation his father had with a similar stranger. The Old Gaffer sent the stranger on to Buckland. The Hobbits decided to be more careful. After walking for a time, they heard another Black Rider. This one was scared off their scent by Elves walking and singing through Woody End.
Once the Elves were told of the black rider, they offer to take Frodo and company along with them. They stopped for the night near the town of Woodhall. There Frodo and Gildor, the spokesman for the Elves, talked a long while. Gildor told Frodo that the black riders were from the Enemy and also advised Frodo not to wait for Gandalf.
Book I Chapter 4: Shortcut to Mushrooms
The Elves left before the Hobbits awoke in the morning. Frodo decided to cut across country, rather than go back to the road. The way was difficult and not long after they began this leg of the journey, they saw another black rider.
Soon they reached Father Maggot's farm. Though Frodo was reluctant to approach him because of an incident in his youth, Farmer Maggot welcomed the Hobbits into his home. He told him that a black rider had been there asking about Baggins and offered to bring the Hobbits to Bucklebury Ferry. Near the ferry crossing they happily met up with Merry who was another cousin and friend of Frodo's.
Book I Chapter 5: A Conspiracy Unmasked
The four Hobbits crossed the Brandywine River by boat. As they climbed up the bank, they saw a black rider where they had just been on the other side of the river. They finally reached Frodo's new house, Crickhollow. Fatty Bolger was there to welcome them. After a bath and supper, Pippin told the story of their journey so far to Merry and Fatty.
The group told Frodo that they knew some things about the Ring and his need to leave the Shire. They had formed a conspiracy to make sure Frodo didn't leave without them, Sam being the major source of information.
It was decided that Fatty would stay at the house, pretending to be Frodo while the others made their way through the Old Forest, a somewhat dangerous and mysterious place.
Book I Chapter 6: The Old Forest
On their way and through the hedge that separated Buckland from the Old Forest, Merry told them a few stories of the trees within the forest. The trees were more "aware" than those of The Shire and able to interact with two legged creatures, usually in a malevolent way. The forest seemed to bar their way in some cases and guide them in certain directions in other cases. They were led into the heart of the forest and down to the Withywindle river valley. They found themselves getting very sleepy. Merry and Pippin leaned against an old enormous willow as Frodo bathed his feet in the river next to the tree. The three fell asleep. Sam felt the sleepiness uncanny and could hear the old tree singing them to sleep softly. He heard Frodo fall into the water. The tree had thrown Frodo in. Pippin had been swallowed by a crack in the tree and all that was showing of Merry was his legs. Frodo and Sam tried unsuccessfully to rescue them. Frodo ran along the path yelling for help. Tom Bombadil, Master of the Old Forest, was gathering water-lilies for his wife Goldberry and heard the call. He freed the Hobbits from Old Man Willow and invited the travelers to his house
Book I Chapter 7: In the House of Tom Bombadil
The Hobbits met Goldberry, the river daughter, at the house. Tom made them feel safe, saying that no evil could touch them there. They stayed for several days and talked long with Tom, mostly about ages past. On the last evening there, Tom asked to see the Ring. He put it on and nothing happened. The Ring vanished in Tom's hand. When he returned it, Frodo tested the Ring by putting it on.
Tom gave instructions to the Hobbits about the next part of their journey through the Barrow-Downs.
Book I Chapter 8: Fog on the Barrow-Downs
The four Hobbits said farewell to their hosts and continued on the journey to Rivendell. When they stopped for their noon-meal, they took an unexpected nap. When they awoke, near sundown, a fog had descended all around them. The Hobbits decided to make their way to the road, but soon Frodo lost the others in the fog. He found himself near a barrow and a Barrow-wight seized him.
When Frodo awoke, he found himself inside a barrow mound, lying next to the other Hobbits. He saw an arm creeping toward Sam. Finding courage he hewed at the arm with a sword he found near him. Then Frodo called for Tom Bombadil using a rhyme Tom had taught the Hobbits. Tom saved them and gave each a knife from the barrow mound. He guided them safely to the road leading to Bree.
Book I Chapter 9: At The Sign of the Prancing Pony
In Bree, Hobbits and Big folk lived together in harmony. The Prancing Pony Inn was an important meeting place. When the Hobbits arrived at the Prancing Pony they made arrangements to stay the night. Frodo, Sam and Pippin decided to go to the common room, while Merry thought to sit in their rooms awhile then take a bit of air outside.
As the three Hobbits were enjoying the evening in the common room, Strider, a ranger, watched Frodo. He warned Frodo to stop his friends from talking too much. In order to divert attention from Pippen, who was telling the story of Bilbo's farewell party, Frodo jumped on a table and began singing. During a second rendition of his song, he fell and accidentally the Ring slipped on his finger and he vanished. Though Frodo tried to say that he crawled under the table when he fell most of the patrons did not believe him.
Book I Chapter10: Strider
The mysterious Strider followed the three Hobbits unnoticed back to their room. Merry was not there. Strider tells them of their danger and offers to guide them.
Butterbur, the innkeeper, came to the door with a letter he was supposed to send Frodo months ago. It was from Gandalf warning Frodo to make haste and to look for Strider. Butterbur warned the Hobbits against Strider and told them of the Black riders appearing in Bree. But, Frodo decided to trust Strider because of Gandalf's letter and his own intuition.
Merry came running into the room. Black Riders were in Bree. A plan was devised to have the Hobbits remain in the parlor and not go to their beds.
Book I Chapter 11: A Knife in the Dark
While the Hobbits slept in Bree, three black riders descended on Crickhollow. Fatty Bolger ran to the nearest house and the Horn-call of Buckland was blown. The Black riders fled, but not until they found out that the house was empty.
In the morning at the inn, Strider and the Hobbits saw that Black riders had destroyed their bedroom. Plans were made to leave Bree with Strider. They left Bree by the main road and pretended to make their way to Archet. But instead they turned and walked through a marsh as they made their way to Weathertop, which had been a watch-tower in earlier days. Several nights after leaving Bree, Frodo and Strider saw lights flashing on the distant hilltop.
When they reached Weathertop days later, Strider saw evidence that Gandalf had been there and that a fiery battle had taken place. They made a small fire and Strider sang part of the Tale of Tinuviel.
Black riders found them. Frodo could not resist the urge to put the Ring on. He saw the five black riders clearly. One wounded him in the shoulder before being driven off by Strider. Frodo slipped the Ring off his finger.