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Copyright: © Samwise Gamgee
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After the Council, the hobbits gather to talk about the situation. Merry and Pippin insist that if Sam is going to accompany Frodo, they want to come, too. Meanwhile, Elrond is sending out scouts to gather intelligence, and they are returning with news. It looks as if Frodo and whoever goes along will set out just as winter begins. In particular, it is important they not set out until they get news of what became of the Black Riders, because they lost their horses at the ford. Once it seems clear the Black Riders—the Nine—are at least temporarily out of the picture, Elrond summons the hobbits and asks Frodo if he is still willing to go to Mordor. Besides Sam, Elrond appoints Gandalf, Legolas the Elf, Gimli the Dwarf, Aragorn, Boromir, and finally, Merry and Pippin. This makes a Company of nine: "the Nine Walkers shall be set against the Nine Riders that are evil." They are to leave in seven days. In preparation for the journey, the Elves forge the broken pieces of Narsil into a new sword for Aragorn named Andúril. Bilbo gives Frodo a sword—Sting—and a Dwarf-made shirt of mail made of mithril, a rare metal prized by Dwarves. Frodo puts the mail under his clothing. Boromir blows a great horn. Bill, the pony bought from Bill Ferny, is made ready. The Fellowship sets off and soon comes to a mountain range. They plan to cross by climbing the Redhorn Gate—a pass through the mountains on the far side of one high peak—Caradhras. They are overtaken by a flock of crows of a particular type known to be from Fangorn Forest. As they ascend, they find the going more and more cold and snowy. Finally, they must turn back, or risk freezing to death.
The Fellowship of the Ring: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Phil Dragash.
Art by Jian Guo.
AnUnexpectedJourney.shop is now open! If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us. We have a lot of fun plans for the future so stay tuned.
The next morning, Frodo wakes up early and meets Gandalf and Bilbo as he walks about the grounds of Elrond's house. They attend the Council together with Sam following behind, though he was not invited. There are many there already, including Elrond, Glorfindel, and Strider/Aragorn, as well as Men, Elves, and Dwarves unknown to Frodo. Glóin, one of the Dwarves, shares that a horseman from Mordor had come to them, asking about hobbits, and promising them magic rings of power if they showed Sauron friendship. Glóin has been sent to warn Bilbo that the Enemy is seeking him and his Ring. Elrond says the purpose of the Council is to answer the question of what is to be done with the Ring Sauron seeks. At this point, Elrond shares the entire history of the Ring, and how, in the Second Age of the world, Sauron forged the One Ring in secret to control all other rings of power, which had been made for use by Elves, Dwarves, and Men. He tells of how Gil-galad and Elendil fought Sauron and overthrew him, and how Isildur cut the One Ring from Sauron's hand. However, rather than destroy the Ring, Isildur claimed it as his own and was soon "betrayed by it to his death." The shards of Narsil, Elendil's sword, were given to Isildur's heir Valandil. The One Ring was lost, and in its absence, the Elves used their three rings to make beautiful things. The finding of the One Ring threatens all of these beautiful things, Elrond tells them. Boromir, a Man of Gondor, then tells his tale. Because Gondor is near Mordor, the growing power of the Enemy has already begun to affect that land. Amidst these rising tensions, Boromir and his brother Faramir (the sons of Denethor, Steward of Gondor) both have had the same prophetic dream, and they do not fully understand what it means. He has come to seek Elrond's wisdom on the matter. One of the references in Boromir's dream is to the "sword that was broken." Aragorn stands and displays his own sword, which everyone can see is broken in two pieces. When Boromir asks him who he is, Elrond interrupts, saying Aragorn is "descended through many fathers from Isildur Elendil's son of Minas Ithil." Aragorn reveals the sword is Narsil, and asks Boromir, "Do you wish for the House of Elendil to return to the Land of Gondor?" Bilbo interrupts, and so Elrond calls upon him to tell his part of the story next. He describes how he found the Ring: he had engaged in a game of riddles with Gollum, who had accidentally dropped the Ring, only to be picked up by Bilbo. Then Frodo tells of all that had happened since he acquired it. Both Legolas and Gandalf fill in gaps in understanding: first, Legolas tells the Council, Gollum, who had been held captive by the Elves, has escaped; then, Gandalf tells how Saruman, the head of the wizards' council, has betrayed them and seeks the Ring for his own use. Indeed, Gandalf reveals, Saruman imprisoned him on the pinnacle of Orthanc before he was rescued by an eagle. Then the assembled Company debates what should be done with the Ring. Some would like to hide it, or throw it in the sea. Boromir suggests using it for good ends. Elrond maintains the Ring cannot simply be hidden; it cannot be used for good; it must be destroyed in the fire of its forging. It is unclear who will take up this task, but finally Frodo says he will take the Ring to Mordor to destroy it. Elrond says Sam may go with Frodo.
The Fellowship of the Ring: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Phil Dragash.
Art by Jian Guo.
AnUnexpectedJourney.shop is now open! If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us. We have a lot of fun plans for the future so stay tuned.
When Frodo wakes, he finds himself in the house of Elrond in Rivendell. Gandalf is present and tells Frodo everyone is safe, fills in some of the details of the narrow escape at the Ford of Bruinen, and explains he had been delayed because he was held captive. Gandalf also tells Frodo, as soon as he is well enough, there is to be a Council, at which Frodo will learn the answers to many questions. Gandalf explains that the "Black Riders are the Ringwraiths, the Nine servants of the Lord of the Rings," and that Aragorn is of the "race of the Kings from over the Sea," as are all Rangers. Frodo is astounded. Soon, Frodo feels well enough to socialize with his friends and the others in Elrond's house. Sam, who has been anxiously waiting for Frodo to recover, shows him around the big house. A great feast takes place in the hall of Elrond's house. After the feast, they retire to the Hall of Fire for singing and storytelling, and Frodo is surprised and delighted to find Bilbo there. After passing the evening together, they head off to bed to get a night's rest before the Council.
The Fellowship of the Ring: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Phil Dragash.
Art by Jian Guo.
AnUnexpectedJourney.shop is now open! If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us. We have a lot of fun plans for the future so stay tuned.
Strider assesses the situation. He believes the Black Riders were more easily chased away because there were only five of them, not nine—their full number. He also thinks the Riders believe Frodo is fatally injured and will soon be in their power. Strider tends the wound with a healing herb called athelas, but notes they must make haste to Rivendell where Elrond can use his healing abilities to help Frodo. For several days, the journey is uneventful but difficult, and Frodo's wound grows steadily more painful. As they travel, an Elf named Glorfindel appears and speaks urgently to Strider. Glorfindel has come from Elrond to help the hobbits reach Rivendell safely. He places Frodo on his horse and they continue on toward Rivendell. As they near Rivendell, the nine Black Riders catch up to them and pursue Frodo. Suddenly, the river forming a border of Rivendell rises up and scatters the Riders and their horses. The Company enters Rivendell; Frodo is unconscious.
The Fellowship of the Ring: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Phil Dragash.
Art by Jian Guo.
AnUnexpectedJourney.shop is now open! If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us. We have a lot of fun plans for the future so stay tuned.
Back in the Shire, Fatty Bolger has been staying in Frodo's Buckland home to make it appear Frodo is there. One night, Black Riders approach the house and attempt to enter. Fatty, however, quickly raises the alarm, and the Black Riders, realizing the Ring is no longer there, ride off. In Bree, Frodo and the others sleep while Strider stays awake, alert and listening. When Strider wakens them in the morning, they find the bolsters placed in their beds as decoys have been destroyed. Butterbur is distraught, and Strider and the hobbits decide to leave at once. After a delay caused by missing ponies, they get on their way with one pony bought from Bill Ferny, a dubious character. Aragorn leads them through the Midgewater Marshes, and they can see, in the distance, something "like lightning." When they get to the hill called Weathertop, Strider thinks the "lightning" they saw might have been caused by Gandalf. That night, five Black Riders attack. Strider and the hobbits defend themselves, but Frodo feels an overpowering desire to put on the Ring. When he does so, a Black Rider stabs him in the left shoulder with a magical blade before Strider can drive the Riders off. Frodo slips the Ring off his finger before falling unconscious.
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Frodo, Sam, and Pippin go back to the small parlor in which they had supper. Merry seems to have gone out, but Strider is waiting for them. The three hobbits are surprised and suspicious, but Strider seems to know more about their errand than they do. As they talk, Butterbur knocks, and apologizes for forgetting to give "Mr. Underhill" a letter Gandalf had left for him. Strider eventually convinces the hobbits he is trustworthy, despite his rough appearance, because he matches a description in Gandalf's letter. They agree to use him as their guide to Rivendell. Suddenly Merry appears, breathless. He had been outside and had a frightening encounter with Black Riders. Realizing the Riders have found them, they decide to stay in the parlor rather than return to their rooms. Bolsters are placed in their beds to make it appear the hobbits are asleep.
The Fellowship of the Ring: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Phil Dragash.
Art by Jian Guo.
AnUnexpectedJourney.shop is now open! If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us. We have a lot of fun plans for the future so stay tuned.
The hobbits arrive in Bree, a village in which both humans (Big Folk) and hobbits (Little Folk) make their homes. At the village gate, they answer some suspicious questions before being let through. As they pass through the gate, a dark figure climbs the gate and follows them. They get rooms and supper at The Prancing Pony, where Barliman Butterbur is the harried innkeeper. After supper, Frodo, Sam, and Pippin join some of the other guests in the common room, while Merry remains in the private parlor provided by Butterbur. Frodo, going by the name Mr. Underhill, pretends to be a writer planning a book on hobbits living outside the Shire in order to account for their presence. Amidst the chatter, Frodo notices a stranger smoking a pipe and watching him. This man introduces himself to Frodo as Strider. The stranger warns Frodo not to let Pippin talk too much, and Frodo realizes Pippin is telling the story of Bilbo's disappearance during his birthday speech. Rather than let Pippin finish, Frodo interrupts with a song of his own. Yet as he finishes his silly song, he disappears, having inadvertently placed his finger through the Ring in his pocket. Strider chastises Frodo as the room erupts in suspicious and puzzled murmuring.
The Fellowship of the Ring: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Phil Dragash.
Art by Jian Guo.
We are thrilled to announce that our online store, AnUnexpectedJourney.shop. is now open! If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us. We have a lot of fun plans for the future so stay tuned. Become A Subscriber. The next morning, the hobbits breakfast alone and are seen off by Tom and Goldberry. They make their way across the countryside as the sun rises in the sky and the temperature warms. Coming to a tall stone pillar, they let their ponies stray about on the grass as they sit in the cool shade of the stone and have lunch. The next thing they know, they wake "from a sleep they had never meant to take." The air is heavy and the ponies distressed, and they swiftly pack up and leave, but the mist only becomes thicker. Frodo, suddenly alone, becomes disoriented, wanders in the dark, and finally hears a cold voice saying, "I am waiting for you!" A dark figure takes him in a cold grip, and he falls unconscious. When he wakes, he realizes he has been captured and entombed by a Barrow-wight. As he gathers his courage, he sees his friends lying nearby, arrayed with treasures and dressed in white. A long sword has been laid across their three necks. Frodo hears an incantation, and sees a creeping hand going toward Sam. Grabbing a sword, Frodo hacks the hand from its arm, and calls out for Tom Bombadil. After a short silence, Frodo hears Tom's voice singing as he approaches. Tom banishes the Wight, and helps Frodo carry the others to safety. Sam, Merry, and Pippin wake up. Tom finds the ponies which had wandered off, and has each hobbit claim a sword from the many treasures in the wight's barrow. He accompanies them to the borders of his lands, and advises them to make for The Prancing Pony, an inn in the village of Bree. The Fellowship of the Ring: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien. Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore. Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Phil Dragash. Art by Jian Guo.
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Entering the house of Tom Bombadil, the hobbits find themselves in a well-lit room where, seated among water lilies, is Tom Bombadil's wife, Goldberry, the River's daughter. They are shown to rooms where they freshen up for supper, then join in a merry meal with Tom and Goldberry. After the meal, Frodo asks about the "Willow-man," but the others all think talking about their frightening experience should wait for daylight. They head off to bed. The next morning, the hobbits enjoy breakfast in Tom's home, then settle in for a long talk and storytelling with Tom as the rain pours outside. He tells them stories of nature and of ancient times, when "only the Elf-sires were awake." The stories are like a spell on the hobbits, so they cannot keep track of time. When the rain stops, it is suppertime. After another abundant meal, Tom's attention turns to the hobbits themselves—their story. Frodo finds himself telling Tom everything, and even showing him the Ring. Tom suddenly puts the ring on his own finger, but it has no effect on him. Furthermore, when Frodo tests out the Ring's power shortly after, he is invisible to all except Tom. The hobbits plan to leave in the morning, and be on their way. Tom tells them a rhyme they can sing if they get into any trouble before leaving his lands.
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The hobbits rise before dawn the next morning. Leaving a message for Gandalf with Fatty, they set out, riding sturdy ponies. Led by Merry, they pass through a high hedge, and enter the Old Forest, where "the trees do not like strangers." They walk a ways into the silent forest, along a path going gently uphill, feeling they are being observed, and disliked. Merry notices that the trees have shifted since the last time he was in the wood. Crossing over a hill, the path begins to take them on a downward path, toward the Withywindle valley—a place with a sinister reputation. Yet, this is the way the path leads, and before long they find themselves at the Withywindle River. The way is difficult, and soon they become very tired. At the base of a large willow tree, Frodo, Merry, and Pippin fall asleep, and Sam feels himself beginning to drift off as well. Before he descends into slumber, however, he is awakened by small noises. Frodo has fallen in the water, and Merry and Pippin have become trapped in the willow tree's great trunk. Frodo and Sam yell for help, which comes in the form of a jolly old man—Tom Bombadil—who sings a song to Old Man Willow. Tom's song causes the tree to give up its captives. Tom invites them to his house for supper. They follow his lead toward the house, where they hear singing.
The Fellowship of the Ring: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Phil Dragash.
Art by Jian Guo.
We are thrilled to announce that our online store, AnUnexpectedJourney.shop. is now open! If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us. We have a lot of fun plans for the future so stay tuned.
Merry, Frodo, Sam, and Pippin board the Bucklebury Ferry and cross the Brandywine River. They can see Brandy Hall, ancestral home of the Brandybucks, on the opposite bank. Arriving in Buckland, they alight and, looking back across the river, see a dark figure crawling along the bank. Merry can see the others are worried, but he doesn't know why. They promise to fill him in over supper. They all go to Frodo's new house, which Fredegar (Fatty) and Merry have prepared—complete with steaming hot water for baths. Frodo, Pippin, and Sam bathe, then settle down to a (second) supper. They bring their friends up to date on their adventures with the Black Riders, and Frodo decides he needs to reveal his own plan to leave the Shire. But when he hesitates, Merry reveals that they already know everything, and he and Pippin have decided to accompany Sam and Frodo. Sam is revealed as the informant. Fatty's part of the scheme will be to stay behind to keep up the appearance of Frodo's residence in Buckland. They plan to leave first thing in the morning.
The Fellowship of the Ring: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Phil Dragash.
Art by Jian Guo.
We are thrilled to announce that our online store, AnUnexpectedJourney.shop. is now open! If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us. We have a lot of fun plans for the future so stay tuned.
When the hobbits wake up the next morning, the Elves are gone, having left food for the hobbits' breakfast. Frodotells Sam, privately, that the two of them will need to leave the Shire right away. To the disappointment of the others, Frodo decides to cut across the countryside rather than stay on the road. This going proves difficult, and the Black Rider continues to pursue them. Eventually, though, they come to a gate at the edge of a farmer's field. Pippin recognizes the farm as belonging to Farmer Maggot. Frodo is worried Farmer Maggot will remember that, as a child, he stole mushrooms from his farm, but when they do encounter the farmer, he is helpful. Farmer Maggot tells them a "funny customer" has come around, asking about Mr. Baggins. Seeing that Frodo is concerned, he offers to give them a ride to the ferry in his cart after dinner. As they near the ferry, they are met by Merry, riding a pony. Farmer Maggot gives them a basket of mushrooms, says good-bye, then returns home.
The Fellowship of the Ring: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Phil Dragash.
Art by Jian Guo.
We are thrilled to announce that our online store, AnUnexpectedJourney.shop. is now open! If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us. We have a lot of fun plans for the future so stay tuned.
Weeks pass, and Gandalf becomes impatient with Frodo's lack of preparation for leaving. Although Frodo has good reasons for his slowness—he doesn't want to create gossip—he is also feeling reluctant to leave the Shire. He is inclined to wait until his 50th birthday. Gandalf agrees to this, and advises Frodo to travel toward the Elven realm of Rivendell, ruled by Elrond. Frodo announces he is selling Bag End to the Sackville-Bagginses, his unlikable cousins, and moving to Buckland—in a different part of the Shire. The townsfolk find this surprising, but chalk it up to his various eccentricities. One day, Gandalf announces he must leave and investigate something worrisome he has learned about, but tells Frodo he will be back for the birthday party. However, he does not show up, and Frodo decides to move forward with the plan without him. Frodo celebrates his birthday with his good friends, and then says good-bye to Bag End. Merry and another friend, Fredegar Bolger, go on ahead to get Frodo's new house ready. Later, walking along the road in a melancholy way, Frodo overhears a strange voice asking Sam's father, the Gaffer, about "Mr. Baggins." Soon after, Sam, Pippin, and Frodo set out. After a few days on the road, they hear another traveler coming up behind them. Frodo, feeling wary, decides they should hide and let the traveler go past. Once hidden, the four hobbits watch as a large black horse appears, carrying a figure clothed in a black robe and hood. Sniffing sounds come from inside the hood, and Frodo feels an urge to put on the Ring. He resists the urge, and the rider moves on. Sam reveals that this rider is the one that asked his father about Mr. Baggins. The hobbits decide to continue on, more cautiously. Later that evening, the black-cloaked rider overtakes them again, and Frodo once again feels the urge to put on the Ring. A company of Elves happens by, however, and the rider retreats. The leader of the company of Elves, Gildor Inglorion, recognizes Frodo, and allows the hobbits to travel with them after hearing about the Black Riders. The hobbits stay up late talking and eating with the Elves, and Gildor is uneasy about pursuing Black Riders, who he believes are servants of the Enemy, and that Gandalf did not show up when expected. He advises Frodo to leave for Rivendell without delay. The Fellowship of the Ring: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien. Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore. Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Phil Dragash. Art by Jian Guo.
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After the initial shock of Bilbo's disappearance wears off, life in Hobbiton generally returns to normal, and Frodolives for many years as a bachelor at Bag End. He often dines with Merry and Pippin, his good friends. As time passes, some people notice Frodo doesn't seem to show his age, an observation they had made about Bilbo, too. It is only as Frodo nears 50 that he begins to feel a bit restless. He starts wandering far from home, talking to travelers, and getting news of the world outside the Shire. Quite a bit of turmoil seems to be going on in the outside world—both Dwarves and Elves are on the move more than usual, and there are rumors of the "Enemy" and the "Land of Mordor." Then Gandalf unexpectedly returns, and reveals to Frodo that the magic ring he inherited from Bilbo is actually the One Ring crafted in secret by Sauron, the great Enemy in Mordor, to overpower all the other magic rings possessed by Men, Elves, and Dwarves. Gandalf tests the ring to be sure of this fact, and fiery words appear: "One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them." Gandalf then gives some of the One Ring's history, and says the ring must not be found by Sauron, who will use it to "cover all the lands in a second darkness." Frodo learns how the Ring came to him, beginning with Isildur, who cut it from Sauron's hand. Isildur was killed by Orcs in the Great River, Anduin, and the Ring lay at the bottom of the river for many years. The Ring then passed to Gollum, who murdered his friend to possess it. From Gollum, the Ring passed to Bilbo, and finally, to Frodo. As if this news were not dire enough, Gandalf also tells Frodo that Sauron had captured Gollum and now knows the name "Baggins" and the location "Shire." Frodo realizes the Ring must leave the Shire, and he must take it, secretly. Just as he resolves to do this, Gandalf catches Sam Gamgee, Frodo's gardener, eavesdropping. Well-intentioned Sam agrees to go with Frodo as punishment for listening in. The Fellowship of the Ring: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien. Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore. Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Phil Dragash. Art by Jian Guo.
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Eccentric hobbit Bilbo Baggins has announced his 111st birthday party will be a very special one, and the town of Hobbiton in the Shire is abuzz with the news. Bilbo is known to be generous and thought to have a secret cache of treasure from his previous adventures, and so the residents of Hobbiton believe the party will be quite grand. The September 22 birthday is shared by Bilbo's nephew Frodo, who came to live with Bilbo at Bag End after his parents' deaths, and their custom has been to share birthday celebrations. This year, Frodo will be turning 33—the "coming of age" for hobbits. In addition, rumor has it Gandalf the wizard will be setting off the fireworks for the celebration. There is much to anticipate, and the residents of Hobbiton watch supplies arrive at Bag End with growing excitement. Amidst the preparations, Gandalf and Bilbo have a private talk about Bilbo's plan to leave the Shire following the party. Gandalf encourages Bilbo to stick to the plan. On the day of the party, tents and pavilions populate a large field, and the guests arrive to presents (hobbits give others presents on their birthdays), abundant food, exciting entertainment, and flowing drink. Gandalf's fireworks are remarkable and magical. After supper, Bilbo gives a short speech, then suddenly places a magic golden ring on his finger and vanishes, to the surprise and consternation of all. Invisible, Bilbo walks back to Bag End, where Gandalf is waiting for him. Gandalf reminds Bilbo he promised to leave the magic ring with Frodo. Bilbo's ring allowed him to avoid his greedy and annoying relatives, the Sackville-Bagginses, who continue to pester Frodo in the present. Bilbo reluctantly leaves it behind as he departs on his journey. Gandalf makes sure the ring passes safely into Frodo's possession, but warns him to keep it secret and safe. Then Gandalf also leaves, and Frodo watches him walk down the road leading out of Hobbiton. The Fellowship of the Ring: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien. Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore. Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Phil Dragash. Art by Jian Guo.The Fellowship of the Ring: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien. Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore. Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Phil Dragash. Art by Jian Guo.
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For Bilbo, even though the adventure is complete, life's journey carries on. His wandering feet have led him home for now, but the roads that go ever on foreshadow the adventurous trilogy to follow.
The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.
Art by Jian Guo.
We are thrilled to announce that our online store, AnUnexpectedJourney.shop. is now open! If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us. We have a lot of fun plans for the future so stay tuned.
The final stop before Bilbo Baggins reaches home is Rivendell, where the elves greet him with a song to celebrate the dragon's death. Gandalf also tells Elrond of his activities when he left the hobbit and the dwarves to continue their quest alone. The wizard has traveled to the North to vanquish the evil Necromancer and restore normalcy to the region. Feeling rested, the hobbit continues recalling some of their adventures. Following Gandalf's advice, Bilbo recovers the buried gold from the trolls' storeroom. When the duo arrives at Bag End, they discover a crowd of hobbits rapidly auctioning off Bilbo's possessions, as he was assumed dead. The troll gold is used to buy back as many items as possible, but his silver spoons have disappeared. The hobbit burglar finds he is now treated with suspicion by most of the community except for some younger nieces and nephews on the Took side. Years later, as Bilbo is writing his memoirs, Gandalf and Balin stop to visit and report that peace and prosperity have been restored to the lands and people once oppressed and destroyed by Smaug.
The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.
Art by Jian Guo.
We are thrilled to announce that our online store, AnUnexpectedJourney.shop. is now open! If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us. We have a lot of fun plans for the future so stay tuned.
Bilbo Baggins is knocked out shortly after spotting the eagles and misses the end of the conflict. A soldier finds the unconscious hobbit and carries him to the winning camp. Gandalf congratulates the hobbit for his luck in surviving the battle, and Bilbo is quickly taken to Thorin, who is dying from battle wounds. Thorin sincerely apologizes to Bilbo and recognizes he cannot take the treasure with him into death. The hobbit grieves for Thorin, and Bilbo is now ready to return home. Thorin is buried with the Arkenstone, which was destined to be his, and Dain, the new dwarf king, proves wise in distributing the treasure. A large group including Gandalf and Beorn travels with the elves and the Elvenking, and they all sing Bilbo's praises. After spending the winter with Beorn, Bilbo stays for a while in Rivendell.
The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.
Art by Jian Guo.
We are thrilled to announce that our online store, AnUnexpectedJourney.shop. is now open! If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us. We have a lot of fun plans for the future so stay tuned.
The following morning, negotiators approach the gates and reveal the Arkenstone, hoping it will move Thorin to make a deal. Thorin, still fixated on the treasure, relents and accepts the plan, but he has no intention of fulfilling his end of the bargain. Thorin plans to wait for Dain and his troops, keep the gold, and fight for the Arkenstone. In anger he turns on Bilbo Baggins and threatens to kill him. Some of the dwarves are secretly dismayed at Thorin's treatment of the hobbit. Dain and his troops finally appear. Bard will not let Dain in to see Thorin, and both sides prepare to do battle. Suddenly the skies darken as thousands of bats block out the sun. Their arrival signals the threat of attack by a huge force of goblins and wargs. The danger forces the elves, men, and dwarves to unite to defeat their common enemy. At first the strategy appears to work, but the numbers of evil fighters are too great. Thorin, finally coming to his senses, breaches his wall and emerges to rally the weary allies. Just when it appears the goblins will prevail, the eagles arrive, and the forces for good gain the upper hand. Bilbo, who has been with the elves, puts on his invisibility ring and is struck by a rock and knocked unconscious before the final victory.
The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.
Art by Jian Guo.
We are thrilled to announce that our online store, AnUnexpectedJourney.shop. is now open! If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us. We have a lot of fun plans for the future so stay tuned.
Several days pass in a standoff; the dwarves are trapped inside Lonely Mountain, and the armed men and elves block the exit. Roäc, the raven, reappears and reports that Dain and his troop of 500 are near but predicts that is not enough force to defeat the opposing troops. He again encourages Thorin to settle the affair peacefully. Thorin rejects this advice, and in despair Bilbo Baggins decides to take action, trying to force Thorin's hand. Still in possession of the Arkenstone, Bilbo takes a turn at guard duty and heads to the elves' camp. When he is taken to the leaders, Bard and the Elvenking, Bilbo reports the movement of Dain's warriors and gives the Arkenstone to them, hoping they can use it to bargain with Thorin. Bilbo meets Gandalf in the camp, but he returns to the dwarves in the fortress.
The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.
Art by Jian Guo.
We are thrilled to announce that our online store, AnUnexpectedJourney.shop. is now open! If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us. We have a lot of fun plans for the future so stay tuned.
Back at the stronghold the group notes the unusual activity of the birds. Roäc, an ancient raven, arrives and delivers both good and bad news. The dwarves learn of Smaug's death, but they are warned that a large force of elves and men is approaching. When the bird advises Thorin to work with Bard toward a peaceful solution, Thorin angrily vows to protect the gold and enlists the bird to take a message to Dain, a cousin, to come to the aid of his group. The dwarves block the main entrance and sing a song praising their achievement and vowing to defend their treasure. When the men and elves arrive, they request a parley (negotiation), but Thorin refuses and fires an arrow at them in defiance.
The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.
Art by Jian Guo.
We are thrilled to announce that our online store, AnUnexpectedJourney.shop. is now open! If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us. We have a lot of fun plans for the future so stay tuned.
As the dwarves and Bilbo Baggins explore the vast caverns, the narrator reports Smaug's wrathful attack on Lake-town. Bard tells the citizens the dragon will attack the community. Many people get in boats to escape the fire and destruction, but Bard and other archers try to slay the beast. The old thrush—who overheard the mention of Smaug's weakness—carries that information to Bard. With information on Smaug's unprotected spot, the defender uses a last black arrow and kills Smaug. Survivors of Lake-town arrive on shore where they face desperate conditions; winter is coming, and they are without food or shelter. Fortunately the Elvenking and his warriors arrive. An agreement is reached by which some men and elves will remain to build shelters and find provisions while a party will set out for Lonely Mountain to verify the fate of Thorin and of the treasure in Smaug's lair.
The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.
Art by Jian Guo.
We are thrilled to announce that our online store, AnUnexpectedJourney.shop. is now open! If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us. We have a lot of fun plans for the future so stay tuned.
The expedition is trapped in the secret passage for several days. The group realizes Smaug has disappeared from his lair and sends Bilbo Baggins out to explore the situation. Bilbo finds the fabled Arkenstone and conceals it as his share of the treasure. Thorin also gives Bilbo a chain mail coat created by the elves. The dwarves explore the treasure and finally occupy an old watchman's tower to detect Smaug's return.
The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.
Art by Jian Guo.
We are thrilled to announce that our online store, AnUnexpectedJourney.shop. is now open! If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us. We have a lot of fun plans for the future so stay tuned.
At this point in the adventure, Bilbo Baggins undertakes the most dangerous feat he has been asked to perform. Assuming his burglar role, he creeps down the tunnel and into the dragon's lair. Fortunately Smaug is sleeping, and Bilbo grabs a magnificent goblet to take to the dwarves. When the dragon senses that some treasure has been taken, he goes on a rampage searching for the thief. After Smaug returns to his hoard Bilbo again approaches to identify himself. The overconfident monster casually exposes his belly, and Bilbo identifies a weakness in a bare patch of skin. As the hobbit exits the den Smaug shoots flames up the tunnel; Bilbo barely escapes. Unfortunately, in Bilbo's banter with the dragon, he exposes Lake-town and its people and accidentally reveals that they helped him. In a rage the dragon destroys the secret entrance and flies off to Lake-town to punish the citizens for aiding the treasure seekers.
The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.
Art by Jian Guo.
We are thrilled to announce that our online store, AnUnexpectedJourney.shop. is now open! If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us. We have a lot of fun plans for the future so stay tuned.
As Bilbo Baggins and the dwarves travel through the desolation of Smaug, their mood changes. While they are geographically closer to their goal, achieving it seems as far away as ever. Bilbo, however, continues to study the map and contemplates the runes. After the group discovers the secret door, the attempts to open it fail. Only Bilbo continues to consider options. When the old thrush (bird) appears, the hobbit realizes the events described on the map are occurring, and he encourages Thorin to use the key to open the entrance.
The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.
Art by Jian Guo.
We are thrilled to announce that our online store, AnUnexpectedJourney.shop. is now open! If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us. We have a lot of fun plans for the future so stay tuned.
After the dwarves recover from the uncomfortable trip downriver, Thorin presents himself to Lake-town's Master and describes his mission. The Wood-elves challenge Thorin, saying that the group is made up of escaped prisoners and should not be welcomed. However, the citizens of the town press the Master to give the dwarves a positive reception. The Lake-people remember the songs and tales of old, and they are enamored with Thorin and his group. When the Master gains knowledge that some of the treasure is hidden in the mountain, he accepts the dwarf band, and they receive two weeks of food and provisions. Once they leave, the Master is glad to have them out of his domain.
The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.
Art by Jian Guo.
We are thrilled to announce that our online store, AnUnexpectedJourney.shop. is now open! If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us. We have a lot of fun plans for the future so stay tuned.
As the dwarves desperately seek to find a way out of the forest before starving, they are taken prisoner by the Wood-elves. Bilbo Baggins quickly puts on the ring, so the elves never know he is there. He follows the elves into their cave and watches as they interrogate the dwarves. The dwarves do not reveal they are on a treasure hunt. Thorin and the other dwarves do not want to share their treasure with anyone, even if it means freedom. For two weeks Bilbo searches for a way to rescue his friends. Finally he devises a plan. He gets the keys from drunken guards to rescue the dwarves from their cells. By the banks of an underground river sit empty wooden barrels. These containers are filled with food by the Lake-men, sent down the river to the elves, and then sent back to be refilled. Now they will serve as escape vehicles for the dwarves.
The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.
Art by Jian Guo.
We are thrilled to announce that our online store, AnUnexpectedJourney.shop. is now open! If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us. We have a lot of fun plans for the future so stay tuned.
The group enters the dark and dreary forest. The farther along they go, the more downcast and hopeless they feel. They come to a river across the path. It is much too wide to try to wade or swim across, and they heed Beorn's warning to not touch or drink any water in the forest.
The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.
Art by Jian Guo.
We are thrilled to announce that our online store, AnUnexpectedJourney.shop. is now open! If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us. We have a lot of fun plans for the future so stay tuned.
The eagles take the group as far south as possible to the Carrock. Gandalf tells them of his plans to leave soon, but first he takes them to "the Somebody," who happens to be a skin-changer named Beorn. He is human by day and a big black bear by night.
The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.
Art by Jian Guo.
We are thrilled to announce that our online store, AnUnexpectedJourney.shop. is now open! If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us. We have a lot of fun plans for the future so stay tuned.
After escaping the goblins, Bilbo catches up with the rest of his friends. He retells the story of his escape with great vigor—but leaves out the details of the ring. Gandalf reminds them the goblins will begin searching for them as soon as the sun goes down. They hurry along but are soon surrounded by wolves.
The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.
Art by Jian Guo.
We are thrilled to announce that our online store, AnUnexpectedJourney.shop. is now open! If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us. We have a lot of fun plans for the future so stay tuned.
Bilbo awakens to find himself alone in the dark. In the turning point of the adventure, he finds a tiny ring as he feels around on the ground, trying to find his way. He pulls out the little sword he had taken from the trolls' storeroom. This sword had also been made in Gondolin for the goblin wars; its elvish blade lights the way.
The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.
Art by Jian Guo.
We are thrilled to announce that our online store, AnUnexpectedJourney.shop. is now open! If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us. We have a lot of fun plans for the future so stay tuned.
The journey becomes quite difficult as the group gets caught in a mighty storm—a "thunder-battle" filled will rain, lightning, hail, and giants who are throwing boulders that destroy the forests. The two young dwarves, Fili and Kili, are sent to search for a safe place to lie down, and they quickly return. The cave Fili and Kili select appears to be perfect; in the middle of the night, however, the back wall opens, and out pour goblins who take all the ponies and capture the dwarves and Bilbo.
The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.
Art by Jian Guo.
We are thrilled to announce that our online store, AnUnexpectedJourney.shop. is now open! If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us. We have a lot of fun plans for the future so stay tuned.
The dwarves, Bilbo and Gandalf continue their journey to Lonely Mountain and come to the edge of the Wild. Gandalf suggests they try to get to the Last Homely House west of the mountains—a perilous journey through ravines on narrow, slippery paths.
The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.
Art by Jian Guo.
We are thrilled to announce that our online store, AnUnexpectedJourney.shop. is now open! If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us. We have a lot of fun plans for the future so stay tuned.
Bilbo is sent to explore a warm light shining through the woods and comes upon three man-eating trolls cooking their mutton. Bilbo knows he has three choices: warn his friends, kill the trolls, or steal from them. He chooses to steal from the trolls, but he is instantly caught.
The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.
Art by Jian Guo.
We are thrilled to announce that our online store, AnUnexpectedJourney.shop. is now open! If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us. We have a lot of fun plans for the future so stay tuned.
Bilbo Baggins is a simple hobbit with a simple life. His quiet life is interrupted when a group of dwarves and a famous wizard, Gandalf, show up at his home with a treasure map in hand.
The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.
Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.
Art by Jian Guo.
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