Archives of past discussion meetings:
Virtual meeting: May 8 2021
Join us as the heroes of Gondor figure out what to do next in Chapter 9 'The Last Debate'. Tarja will share more on the Elven spiritual 'sea longing'.
Virtual meeting: May 1 2021
We will continue Chapter 8 'The Houses of Healing' on the importance of herbs and rest. Tarja shared an essay on Irmo, the Vala of Dreams.
Virtual meeting: April 17 2021
We will start Chapter 8 'The Houses of Healing' which begins on page 184. In this chapter we will see the importance of herbs and rest. Tolkien will allude to his opinions of the ideal monarch: the hands of the King are the hands of a healer. We will also finally check in on Legolas and Gimli. Tarja shared an essay on Este, the Vala of Healing
Virtual meeting: April 10 2021
Join us as we check in on Gandalf and Denethor. We will discuss 'The Pyre of Denethor' in the first part of 'The Return of the King'
Virtual meeting: March 27 2021
After being led through the Druadan forest by the Druadan Wose men led by Ghan-buri-Ghan, Dernhelm and Merry and the riders of Rohan arrive at last. The great battle takes place outside Minas Tirith in Chapter 5 'The Battle of the Pelannor Fields' on page 153 of The Return of the King PDF.
Virtual meeting: March 20 2021
Things are not looking very good for the defenders of Gondor. Minas Tirith has been besieged by enemies under the cover of darkness. Denethor has given in to despair. He goes to his funeral pyre, taking his unconscious son Faramir with him. Gandalf stands alone, facing the King of the Nazgul at the broken gates of Gondor. But, as destruction is about to be unleashed, Rohan arrives at last.. Let's see how the Riders of Rohan evaded the enemy on the roads as we discuss Chapter 5 'The Ride of the Rohirrim' from page 138 of The Return of the King PDF.
Virtual meeting: March 13 2021
Gandalf witnessed the family feud between the Steward Denethor and his son Faramir. As they turn to more practical matters, the siege vehicles of Sauron's forces roll up to the walls of the City. Let's see how the people of Gondor cope as we continue to discuss Chapter 4 'The Siege of Gondor' from page 112.of The Return of the King PDF.
Virtual meeting: March 6 2021
The hobbit Merry and the mysterious Dernhelm are on their way to Minas Tirith with King Theoden's riders. The story now turns to Pippin, who is now in the service of the Lord and Steward of Gondor, Denethor. The Storm of Mordor has come and the days are dark as we start Chapter 4 'The Siege of Gondor' on page 98.of The Return of the King PDF.
Virtual meeting: February 20 2021
Theoden has come to Dunharrow where he met his niece Eowyn. They talked about Aragorn and the 'fey' appearance before he took the path to the door. Hirgon of Gondor arrived bearing the Red Arrow and Theoden has agreed to ride to the war. We will continue to discuss 'The Muster of Rohan' beginning on page 90 of The Return of the King PDF.
Virtual meeting: February 13 2021
We return now to the hobbit Merry as he goes to Dunharrow for the Mustering of Rohan. We will see Tolkien's views on the topic of boasting as we learn of Baldor's life. Theoden will meet his niece Eowyn and they will talk about Aragorn. As the Storm of Mordor passes overhead, Theoden will receive the Red Arrow from Hirgon of Gondor, calling the Rohirrim to war. Join us as we discuss 'The Muster of Rohan' beginning on page 74 of The Return of the King PDF.
Virtual meeting: February 6 2021
Aragorn has decided to take the Paths of the Dead. We are currently discussing conversation with Eowyn. We will learn a bit more about her and Tolkien's role of women as we finish up Chapter 2 'The Passing of the Grey Company' beginning on page 64 of The Return of the King PDF.
Virtual meeting: January 30 2021
Aragorn will go to the Paths of the Dead and will meet Eowyn near their entrance. We will learn a bit more about her as we finish up Chapter 2 'The Passing of the Grey Company' beginning on page 61 of The Return of the King PDF.
Virtual meeting: January 23 2021
The story finally takes us to the want-to-be king Aragorn and his friends Legolas, Gimli, Merry, and King Theoden with chapter 2 'The Passing of the Grey Company' on page 44 of the PDF.
Virtual meeting: January 16 2021
We will continue with 'The Return of the King' Chapter 1 on page 20 of the PDF. I hope you look forward to joining us!
Virtual meeting: January 9 2021
Tarja will have another essay for us about the White Tree. I am also sending her essay from our last meeting about Luthien's Grief and the different soul paths that humans and elves will follow in their afterlives. We will also continue with 'The Return of the King' Chapter 1. We will pick up with 'hobbit pertness' at the top of page 12. I hope you look forward to joining us!
Virtual meeting: December 19 2020
Tarja wants to share her essay on Luthien's Grief. This will reveal to us how human and Elven souls meet a different fate after death, which was a source of grief because Beren is a human and Luthien is an elf.. I will also share a video on Luthien's Grief as well. I think Tolkien's view on the fates of souls will be a good discussion point. As time allows, we will start the first chapter of Return of the King (PDF is attached), the third volume of the Lord of the Rings. Tolkien takes us back in time a little and we will see how Gandalf and Pippin are doing as they ride upon Shadowfax to Minas Tirith.
Virtual meeting: December 12 2020
We will continue our discussion of Chapter 9 'Shelob's Lair' and we will likely get into Chapter 10 'The Choices of Master Samwise'. We left off on page 509 of the PDF reading last Saturday. Tarja will share an essay she wrote about Yavanna, one of the queens of the Valar. Thank you Tarja!
Virtual meeting: December 5 2020
We will take a look at Chapter 9 'Shelob's Lair' in the second half of The Two Towers. This is an action filled chapter as Frodo and Sam must deal with one of the ancient foes of the world on the borders of Mordor. I'll provide a brief summary of the story so far before we start on Chapter 9.
Virtual meeting: November 28 2020
We left off on page 489 of 'The Stairs of Cirith Ungol' where Sam is talking about stories. This has been an informative part of the book where we are learning about what kinds of stories Tolkien likes and his viewpoint on storytelling as well. Also, I would like to share 'The Song of Beren and Luthien', J.R.R. Tolkien’s story of Beren and Luthien is one of the truest and purest tales of love ever told. Also, Tarja wants to tell us more about the Teleri Elves from an essay she wrote. Thank you Tarja.
Virtual meeting: November 21 2020
We will begin our discussion with a song from the Teleri that Tarja picked for us. I think she wants to tell us a little more about the Teleri as well. We will continue our discussion of Frodo and Sam as they climb 'The Stairs of Cirith Ungol', which starts on page 474 of the Two Towers pdf.
Virtual meeting: November 14 2020
We will take a small break from LotR and instead read 'The Song of Earendil'. This is an epic poem that Tolkien started to write in 1915. I have attached the poem as a pdf. I am also sharing some videos on it.
Virtual meeting: October 30 2020
Faramir has taken Frodo and Sam to the hideout of the Rangers of Ithilien, where they have a discussion about Boromir, whom we learn is Faramir's brother. We also learned about the truth-seekers of the Dunedain of Gondor, and how Faramir would not use the Ring even to Save Gondor from the ominous threat from the East. But what happened to Gollum? We will find out when we pick up at the beginning of Chapter 6 'The Forbidden Pool' on page 441. We may also see Frodo and Sam's last leg of the journey in the green lands of Ithilien as they move on in Chapter 7 'Journey to the Cross Roads' into the haunted valley of Morgul.
Virtual meeting: October 24 2020
We finished up at the end of Chapter 4 'Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit'. Gollum convinced Frodo to seek an alternative path into Mordor. This path led them south into the land of Ithilien where Sam saw many herbs and plants, some of which were unfamiliar to him. He and Frodo also witnessed a battle between men, and did not like it much. The hobbits were then captured by Faramir and the other Rangers of Ithilien. Tarja also shared Legolas's 'Song of the Sea'.
Virtual meeting: October 17 2020
We will pick up our discussion with Frodo and Sam as they sit hopelessly in front of the Black Gate of Mordor. Gollum will present an alternate plan for sneaking into Mordor. We will start on page 368 of the pdf and likely get into Chapter 4 'Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit'.
Virtual meeting: October 10 2020
Smeagol has been tamed for the time being. He is now leading Frodo and Sam through the Marshes. We left off today on page 348 of the Two Towers pdf.
Virtual meeting: September 26 2020
We are in the Chapter 'The Taming of Sme'agol' on page 333 of the pdf. This is Chapter 1 of the second half of The Two Towers. We may also start 'The Passage of the Marshes' on Saturday.
Virtual meeting: September 19 2020
I will share some songs on Tom Bombadil. I hope you will enjoy them. Then we will check in with Frodo and Sam. We will start the second half of 'The Two Towers' with Chapter 1 'The Taming of Smeagol' and get into Chapter 2 'Passage of the Marshes'.
Virtual meeting: September 5 2020
We will start the second half of 'The Two Towers' with Chapter 1 'The Taming of Smeagol' and get into Chapter 2 'Passage of the Marshes'.
Virtual meeting: August 29 2020
I hope you can join us as we discuss Chapter 11 'The Palantir'.
Virtual meeting: August 22 2020
We will start Chapter 10 next time 'The Voice of Saruman'. I hope you are enjoying the book.
Virtual meeting: August 15 2020
We are about half-way through Chapter 8 'The Road to Isengard' and we left off on page 232 of the PDF. We will likely finish Chapter 8 and get into Chapter 9 'Flotsam and Jetsam' on August 15.
Virtual meeting: August 1 2020
We will meet via Zoom to begin our discussion of Chapter 7 'Helm's Deep' which starts on page 188 of The Two Towers pdf. We will also start Chapter 8 'The Road to Isengard'. I have attached The Two Towers pdf for your convenience. Even if you do not have a chance to read, please don't let that deter you from joining us.
Virtual meeting: July 25 2020
We will meet tomorrow via Zoom to begin our discussion of Chapter 6 'The King of the Golden Hall' which starts on page 155 of The Two Towers pdf. We may also take a look at the Old English epic poem 'The Wanderer' which inspired the tone of this chapter. Both documents are attached.
Virtual meeting: July 4 2020
We will be starting Chapter 5 'The White Rider' on page 124 in the pdf. This is an important turning point chapter in 'The Two Towers' and indeed in the entire 'Lord of the Rings' story. I hope you can join.
Virtual meeting: June 27 2020
We will meet on Saturday, June 27 from 2-3:30 pm and pick up where we left off with Chapter 4 'Treebeard' on page 95 on 'The Two Towers' pdf. I am sharing some further information on Tolkien's thoughts on the Ents and Entwives that was published in The Letters of JRR Tolkien, Letter #144. This letter was written to Naomi Mitchison, who had been doing page proofs of the first two volumes of The Lord of the Rings, and wrote to Tolkien with a number of questions about the book.
Virtual meeting: June 20 2020
We will continue our discussion about forests, trees, and Ents with Chapter 3 'Treebeard' on page 88 on The Two Towers pdf. I am sending The Two Towers pdf again for your convenience.
Virtual meeting: June 6 2020
This is a reminder that we will meet tomorrow (Saturday) May 23 2020 from 2-4 pm. We are up to Chapter 3 'The Uruk-hai' on page 68 in the PDF. We will likely also start Chapter 4 "Treebeard".
Virtual meeting: May 30 2020
We will pick up from Chapter 2 'The Riders of Rohan' on page 29 of The Two Towers pdf. We will also check in on Merry and Pippin as they are being driven across the plains in Chapter 3 'The Uruk-hai'.
Virtual meeting: May 23 2020
We will be conducting this meeting via Zoom due to the ongoing COVID pandemic.
The Fellowship has splintered into several smaller parties. How will they fare on each of their paths? Come join us as we begin the second volume of Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers.
Virtual meeting: May 16 2020
We will be conducting this meeting via Zoom due to the ongoing COVID pandemic.
The Fellowship is now faced with the difficult decision of either journeying south to Minas Tirith to aid in the wars of Gondor or journeying east into Mordor to seek out Mount Doom. Or will we come to the end of Fellowship? Join us as we discuss the final chapter of The Fellowship of the Ring.
Virtual meeting: May 9 2020
We will be conducting this meeting via Zoom due to the ongoing COVID pandemic.
The Fellowship prepares to depart the Elvish realm of Lothlorien. Before leaving, the Lord and Lady bestow gifts upon the Fellowship members. They then continue their long journey south.
Virtual meeting: May 2 2020
We will be conducting this meeting via Zoom due to the ongoing COVID pandemic.
The Fellowship meets the Lord and Lady of Lothlorien and take a long rest. Frodo also looks into the mirror of Lady Galadriel and the Lady is offered the One Ring freely. Join us as we see how Galadriel is able to reject the power of the Ring.
Virtual meeting: April 25 2020
We will be conducting this meeting via Zoom due to the ongoing COVID pandemic.
The Fellowship managed to escape the darkness of Moria, but at a great cost to itself. Let's see how Aragorn will lead the Fellowship as we enter the enchanted woods of Lothlorien and continue the Quest.
Virtual meeting: April 18 2020
We will be conducting this meeting via Zoom due to the ongoing COVID pandemic.
During our last meeting, we read how a fellowship was formed to help Frodo complete his Quest. Next, they will brave a long dark road through Khazad-Dum in an attempt to cross the mountains. Join us online!
Virtual meeting: April 11 2020
We will be conducting this meeting via Zoom due to the ongoing COVID pandemic.
During this meeting we will refresh ourselves on the first half of Fellowship of the Ring of the Lord of The Rings story so far. Frodo and Co. managed to get the Ring to Rivendell, where a council was held to decide it's fate. It was the will of the council that the Ring was to be destroyed. However, this can only be done in Sauron's forges in Mount Doom, which is located in the heart of Sauron's dark land of Mordor. A fellowship was formed to help Frodo complete his Quest. Join us as Frodo sets out from Rivendell on the long road south.
March 7 2020 2-4 PM
We will continue to learn about the history of the One Ring and how the Council decides its fate in Chapter 2 'The Council of Elrond'
February 22 2020 2-4 PM
Frodo has recovered and rejoined with Gandalf and Bilbo. We will now learn the history of the One Ring and determine its fate in Chapter 2 'The Council of Elrond'.
January 25 2020 2-4 PM
Frodo has gotten the Ring safely to Rivendell, but what will be it's fate? We will continue our discussion of the Lord of the Rings from Chapter 1 'Many Meetings' and get into Chapter 2 'The Council of Elrond'.
Yuletide and Christmas break! Our next meeting will be in late January!
November 30 2019 2PM
Join us on November 30 as we meet a new companion. It seems those hobbits keep getting into trouble! Lets hope Strider can get them to Rivendell. We will start from Chapter 10 and perhaps reach the end of Chapter 12.
November 16 2019 2PM
Join us on November 16 as we take leave of Tom Bombadil and continue on to Frodo’s first serious adventure in the Great Barrow in Chapter 8. We will then go on to the Town of Bree where we will meet a new companion.
November 2 2019 2PM
Join us on November 2 as we trek through the mysterious Old Forest and meet the strange but delightful Tom Bombadil and Goldberry in Chapters 6 and 7.
October 19 2019 2PM
We started from Frodo's encounter with Gildor at the end of Chapter 3 and then completed Chapters 4 and 5. I hope you are enjoying the book!
October 5 2019 2PM
We finished up Chapter 2 and Frodo is on his journey in Chapter 3. After encountering the Black Riders twice, we left off with his encounter with Gildor near the end of Chapter 3.
September 21 2019
We began 'The Lord of the Rings' Chapter 2 'The Shadow of the Past' when Gandalf comes back to Frodo's house in the Shire after 17 years abroad. He conducts a test and learns that Frodo's ring is indeed the One Ring. He then tells Frodo of the ring lore that he knows, and Gollum's sad story.
September 7 2019
We began 'The Lord of the Rings' Chapter 1 'The long-Expected Party' and read about Bilbo's dissapearance, how Frodo inherited the grand hobbit hole Bag End, and the One Ring. 17 years later, the story continues as rumours of a new power rising in the East begins to influence the westlands.
August 24 2019
We will begin 'The Lord of the Rings' on August 24. I would like to discuss the Forward and Prologue as there are some fun things to delve into in both of those sections. We may get to start Chapter 1 'The long-Expected Party' but that depends on how much I get off track. Come join us!
August 3 2019
We had our summer potluck while we watched part of an abridged film adaption of Peter Jackson's The Hobbit movie. We then briefly discussed Chapters 9 through 12 of The Hobbit.
June 30 2019
We finished reading Chapters 6, 7, and 8 of The Hobbit. We saw how Bilbo and the Dwarfs again escaped the goblins and wargs in the forest and their rescue by the Great Eagles. We also read how Bilbo and Gandalf met Beorn the skin-changer. Gandalf left Bilbo in charge of the company of Dwarfs to tend to some business down South, allowing Bilbo to awaken his true potential. Bilbo's sword acquires a name, Sting, after putting down some of the fell monstrosities of the forest.
June 15 2019
We finished reading Chapters 4 and 5 of The Hobbit. We saw how Bilbo and the Dwarfs angered the Great Goblin and how they escaped immediate capture. We also read how Bilbo confronted the creature Gollum in the darkness, and how mercy and strength stayed his hand when he had the opportunity to kill him.
June 1 2019
We finished reading Chapters 2 and 3 of The Hobbit. We saw how Bilbo and Gandalf cunningly evaded the Trolls Bert, Tom, and William and how they obtained swords. We also met the Elves for the first time and Elrond. They also learned some secrets from Thror's Map!
May 18 2019
We finished reading Chapter 1 of The Hobbit. We discussed the geography of the Hobbit homeland and the cultural importance of the land to the Hobbit people. We also learned of dragons, and how Tolkien used them in his books. Lastly, we looked at the conflicting adventurous (Tookish) and affluent (Baggins) sides of Bilbo.
May 4 2019
After an introduction to the background of The Hobbit, we started reading aloud the first chapter. We will continue reading The Hobbit in subsequent meetings. The main discussion points were the purpose of literature, which is to both teach and delight, what is adventure, the undertones of sadness, sorrow and lament in Tolkien's works, and the concept of 'hero'.
April 13 2019
Why do we need Fairy-stories in our lives? Let's continue our discussion on how JRR Tolkien describes the Fairy Story as a literary art form. After discussing the main points, we have set aside the essay for now and will begin reading from The Hobbit in May.
Background reading: On Fairy-Stories by JRR Tolkien
March 30 2019
Our first meeting! After an introduction of JRR Tolkien's early life and his time in the Great War, we began to discuss his essay on the Fairy Story as a literary art form.
| 30_march_2019_jrr_tolkien_discussion_group.pdf |
