Book I, Chapter One: A Long Expected Party

The story begins with the eleventy-first birthday party of Mr. Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who has been a bit of a celebrity in the shire for many years. He is a wealthy hobbit and he has many friends and admirers. One of his younger cousins is Frodo Baggins who Bilbo has adopted as an heir. Since Frodo and Bilbo have the same birthday (September 22) they plan to share a party and a lot of excited gossip precedes the party. The fireworks of the wizard, Gandalf, who has carts of his equipment and magic stuff sent in advance, provide entertainment. As a social event, the party is successful.

Bilbo makes an announcement to the crowd, saying that he is "immensely fond of you all" but "this is the END. I am going. I am leaving NOW. GOOD-BYE!" After saying this, Bilbo vanishes. This is on account of a magic ring that he has obtained in an adventure (that is described in detail in Tolkien's book, The Hobbit). Bilbo then reappears inside of his home, well away from the party. Bilbo is leaving for the city of the elves, which is known as Rivendell and he has left everything to his heir, Frodo. It is the wise wizard Gandalf who convinces Bilbo that he should also turn over the magical ring that he had won from a creature called Gollum. By this time, however, Bilbo is already a little attached to the ring (mainly for the powers of invisibility that it offers). Throughout the novel, we will find that this ring holds a special power over the bearer.

Bilbo offers the ring to Gandalf but in the end Gandalf suggests that the ring be given to Frodo. Some of the other belongings are distributed to neighbors, friends and relatives. Gandalf remains with Frodo and Bilbo heads off on his new adventure. This is really not a permanent farewell and three will be reunited quite a while later.

Analysis

Bilbo's somewhat callous disregard for his invitees is a foreshadowing of the more serious evil and disregard for others that will overwhelm a regular wearer of the ring. Indeed, the reader should be well aware of Bilbo's uncharacteristic aggression in regards to the ring. Basically, the ring has begun to taint him in an evil way. The contrast between Bilbo and Frodo can be seen in Frodo's silence and contemplative attitude and Bilbo's fascination with the humor and potential for suspense that the ring offers. The characterization of the wizard, Gandalf, shows the more common unity of age and symbolic wisdom.

One of the allusions to Christian traditional narratives is in Frodo's age and the understanding that hobbits do not reach the "coming of age" until 33 - the age at which Christ was crucified. We can expect Frodo to mature along his voyage in the trilogy, as he is now 33 years old. It is ironic, that Frodo is younger and more modest than Bilbo, his elder. Gandalf is both wise and old and he demonstrates his wisdom in his refusal to take the ring for himself. In a sense, the tension between possession of the ring and actually wearing it can be seen as a metaphor for will power to overcome temptation. Gandalf knows too much about the ring's power and so he knows not to tempt temptation, or to tempt fate as it would be.

On a thematic level, we can see how the story's humble beginnings are entirely based upon chance details - the "back-story" of The Hobbit is certainly important, but the ring was only a minor detail of that story. Moreover, there is a heavy-handed use of fate throughout Tolkien's trilogy. Frodo is the heir who receives Bilbo's belongings, but he certainly inherits his destiny in the transaction. There is an element of dramatic irony involved in the fact that the readers will come to learn far more about Frodo's journey, the ring's history and the nature of the Middle Earth, well before young Frodo does. This also serves to increase the level of suspense - a necessary ingredient in a good science fiction/fantasy work.

Book I, Chapter Two: The Shadow of the Past

The story continues quite some time after the birthday party featured in Chapter One, though Frodo, as he ages and Bilbo remains unseen, continues to celebrate the feast. Gandalf has another meeting with Frodo and to be sure, the wizard is not entirely welcome in the shire. Gandalf is benevolent and well-meaning, but the hobbits want Frodo to settle down and cultivate some "hobbit-sense" as opposed to the magic of Gandalf and whatever caused Bilbo to disappear. (Indeed, Bilbo had always been in troubles of a magical nonsensical variety).

Gandalf does not have very good news for Frodo, as is overheard by a hobbit named San Gamgee - and of course, the news involves the ring that has been left to Frodo. When Gandalf informs Frodo that the ring is incredibly powerful, Frodo replies that he had been warned in a letter and that he has worn the ring on his neck and not actually worn it on his finger. Gandalf replies that this is very wise and he then proceeds to explain the history of the ring and the imminent danger that looms over Frodo. Frodo's interjection: "How terrifying" is a good indicator of how out of the ordinary the ring's history is - as opposed to the humble, peaceable life of a hobbit.

The history of Frodo's ring is as follows: After Gandalf saw the negative effects on Bilbo, he suspected that they had a Great Ring of elfish creation, on their hands. With Frodo, Gandalf tosses the ring into a fire and ancient runes in the language of Mordor appear on the ring. These confirm the ring's great and evil power: "One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them." Frodo's ring belongs, in fact, to Sauron, the Dark Lord who desires to claim the ring.

Of course, the ring's history contains a fair share of battle, bloodshed and changing of hands. Isildur stole it from the Dark Lord and it was lost after Isildur's death - only to be found by Deagol, who was murdered by his brother Smeagol, who metamorphosed into Gollum - the creature that Bilbo stole the ring from in The Hobbit. Gollum then went down into the land of evil, called Mordor, and joined forces with Sauron, notifying him that Bilbo Baggins has possession of the ring. Armed with this information, Sauron and his henchmen are on their way to the shire to get the ring. Gandalf advises that Frodo make haste and escape with the help of Sam Gamgee. The ring has to be destroyed or else the Middle Earth remains in perpetual peril of Sauron - for he can do great evil with the power of the ring and basically enslave the Free People, hobbits and elves included. Unfortunately, Orodruin, a fiery mountainous fortress, is the only place where the ring can be destroyed. And of course, Orodruin is in the evil land of Mordor. Hence, the story begins in earnest. Frodo must avoid the evil contaminating power of the ring, escape the henchmen out to apprehend him, and see that the ring is destroyed. At least he has Gandalf on his side, and more help is sure to come.

Analysis:

The tone of the novel becomes immediately bleak as the battle lines are drawn and the very existence of war is presented. Just as Frodo's continuation of the birthday celebrations is to be a symbol of his steadfastness and the depth of his character (something that the hobbits are known for), the allegory of Bilbo's ascension/vanishing act certainly parallels the Christian narrative of Christ's ascension. This is not so much in the technical details as in the subsequent gossip, philosophizing and debate over whether the subject in question is dead or alive. Nonetheless, the juxtaposition between Bilbo's elder jollity and Frodo's younger burdened position remains at the center of the story.

The narrative of the ring is important in establishing the fact that as far as characterization is concerned, Frodo is the hero of this epic - not Bilbo. Without reading into Tolkien's mind too much, it does seem reasonable to question whether the erasure of Bilbo is a strategy designed to take the older, already famous character (from the previously published novel, The Hobbit) and squarely put him in the background. The narrative structure of the novel is all the more interesting within this context because "The Shadow of the Past" is one of the key passages that "builds" the world of the Middle Earth. The larger novel is part of a trilogy, but that trilogy is part of a larger literary world. With the novel's copious references to characters, venues and classifications of beings (living nature, races of elves, hobbits, etc.), the reader should be well aware that Tolkien has created another world to parallel the world that we know. One consequence of writing science-fiction or fantasy is that no detail is random because nothing is taken for granted (for example: gravity, permanence of visibility, numerical sequence, cause and effect).

Tolkien was an Oxford professor, among other things, and in fact his work is considered by some literary critics to be a modern mythology rather than mere science-fiction. This is mostly because Tolkien intended a "moral" to his story, or at least, he wrote his story with the human condition as a constant philosophical concern. Reading about the hobbits offers an insight into human struggles - Tolkien's battles are not fantasy battles without moral relevance to everyday life.

Again, we are presented with the argument that the past heavily determines and foreshadows the future. Certainly, Tolkien's division of the Middle Earth's history into different "ages" of civilization forces the reader to confront these ideas. The story can only proceed by taking minute details of the past and expanding them. Tolkien's overriding philosophy, a heady mixture of Christianity and post WW2 trauma, presents a world where good and evil are painted in starkly archetypal forms, light and dark with high contrast and hardly anything morally gray to speak of. Indeed, the "gray" is only a symbol of indecision or a lack of steadfastness - a negative, to be sure. By the end of Chapter 2, the reader should have a sense that the unfolding trilogy will launch a war between good and evil; Frodo's role is not precisely certain, but good will win out in the end. The matter of the story is in discovering exactly how good will win. The ring, a symbol for the power of evil, an image of power and an archetypal gift that represents both hope and fate (inheritance) remains at the center of our attention.

Book I, Chapter Three: Three is Company

Gandalf is rather direct in the warning that he issues to Frodo at the start of the chapter: "You ought to go quietly, and you ought to go soon." Frodo takes quite a while to get ready for his departure though as he was very comfortable living at Bag End, Bilbo's house in the shire. Frodo does not know precisely where he is going to go and Gandalf explains a good deal to him about the necessary for secrecy. Frodo sells Bag End and he heads for Rivendell, which is the elf-town in the east. Apparently, this is where Bilbo was headed when he departed town.

As is expected, Frodo's sale of Bag End is a subject of gossip and most of the hobbits believe that when Frodo moved in with the help of a friend named Merry Brandybuck, he intended to stay in the little house in a place called Crickhollow. Meanwhile, Gandalf remains in the shire for about two months and in his next encounter with Frodo, he reiterates the warning concerning the ring: "don't use it!" Frodo still seems to be more concerned about his relatives, the Sackville-Bagginses and the inheritance of the belongings that he has left at Bag End. Packing continues with the help of Merry and Fredegar "Fatty" Bolger.

Frodo is now surrounded by a small company of compatriots: Sam, his father (who is a gaffer), Merry and Pippin. Frodo makes his way to Crickhollow, which is in Buckland, and not a moment too soon, for as they are leaving he overhears a voice asking questions about his location and departure. On the road, Frodo and the group hear hoof steps coming behind them and Frodo is overwhelmed with fear. The group goes into the shrubbery on the side of the road. The mysterious rider is dark and black, the face is obscured but the intent seems clearly ominous. Sam identifies the figure as the person who was asking questions earlier. The dark rider is scared away by the elves that arrive on the scene, singing. They keep the hobbits for the night and protect them, but they are gone in the morning.

Analysis:

One of the leading contributors to the ominous tone of the chapter is Gandalf's hushed warnings to Frodo. Indeed, the repetition of unknown danger is both an open-door to foreshadowing and a way to keep the tone largely negative despite the largely positive outlook and lifestyle of the shire. The contrast between the road ahead and the idyllic life at home could not be anymore severe. This traveler's burden is part of the archetypal quest story.

It is well worth knowing that Tolkien studied the ancient and medieval stories of knights and in fact edited a version of the classic work Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, famous for its overlaying of Anglo-Saxon pagan images and newer Christian ones. (The pubs that are called "Ivy Bush and Green Dragon" are puns that refer to English landscape and mythology as a way of slightly lightening the mood.) The stark images of good and evil, light and dark seem to have an opposite effect in the scenes describing Frodo's departure from the shire en route to the "Cracks of Doom." The portrayal of Bag End as "sad and gloomy and disheveled" is a foreshadowing of the high cost of war for the Hobbit village but it also signals that Frodo's old life is over.

Time is an important issue, plot-wise and symbolically as well, for Frodo has aged and matured; he is ready for the quest. Ironically, it is the pleasant summer time and the joviality and slack pace of hobbit-life further bolster the idea that this is the wrong time to be doing anything strenuous or dangerous. Frodo's desire to throw another birthday party is perhaps a strain of this same Hobbit simplicity that seems to resist acknowledging the troubles ahead. The descent of the story into the night and night imagery reflects the inevitability of the dark and looming voyage ahead. Frodo cannot avoid his fate, which seems to be advancing like clockwork. Gandalf has the role of offering history to the reader and guidance to Frodo. As a narrative device, Gandalf tends to plainly state the overriding urgencies of the plot line and the guiding philosophies of the writer. Frodo, in contrast, says little. His actions are a response to the urgencies of the story and from them, we can infer a broader sense of how Tolkien views life.

Book I, Chapter Four: A Short Cut to Mushrooms

Frodo has been protected by the elves, which are among the Free People, opposed to the evil Sauron. He wakes up from his sleep in the ferns and feels quite refreshed. Sam and Pippin are with him and they enjoy the food that the elves have left. Frodo announces that the plan for the day is to walk to Bucklebury as soon as possible. Unfortunately, there are bound to be more Black Riders ahead. After offering his perspective on the dangers ahead, Frodo asks Sam if he is still willing to accompany him on the journey. Sam eagerly swears his loyalty, saying, "if any of those Black Riders try to stop [Frodo], they'll have Sam Gamgee to reckon with." This lightens the scene a bit.

Understandably, Frodo does not want to risk being seen on the road and so the company takes several detours into the countryside rather than traveling on the road. Even with this precaution, they cannot avoid coming across Black Riders, though they successful navigate their way through the scene. As the chapter comes to a close, Frodo adjusts the course yet again and the company arrives at the mushroom plantation of Farmer Maggot. Frodo knows Maggot from his youth and the farmer transports them in a covered wagon. They are heading to the ferry of the Brandywine river and soon enough, Merry is present on the scene to ferry them into Buckland.

Analysis:

The phrase "short cuts make long delays" is indicative of the suspense that Tolkien employs in the chapter. The Black Riders are certainly a symbol of evil, but there is still the persistent contrast offered by the hobbit's imagery of leisure and enjoyment. They engage in singing, drinking and even the names "Brandywine" and "Merry" seem positive - though Brandywine is, of course, the site of a historical battle. In short, the story seems to be as circuitous as Frodo's journey. Things that seem negative are suddenly positive and vice versa. In archetypal terms, day and night are opposed to one another and it is no surprise that chapter four's day journey is safer and more protected than the bleaker night journey of the previous chapter.

The characterization of Frodo reflects a certain level of depth that hadn't been present before. In the not too distant past, Frodo was tempted to put the ring on - he is already susceptible to this temptation. At the same time, his inner sense is molding him into a leader, for he has managed to navigate safely and seek help despite his innate inability. For some reason, fate is guided Frodo despite himself and he is even able to assert a bit of nobility in the scene where he parallels a sacrificial hero who seeks to turn away his companions so that they are not endangered. This foreshadows the conclusion of Part One, when Frodo will decide to journey alone.

Book I, Chapter Five: A Conspiracy Unmasked

The hobbits continue along Ferry Lane and when they approach the ferry, Merry leads the way over the Brandywine River. The friendly Bucklander people, who were very fond of boats, inhabit this area of the marsh. As they are traveling, the hobbits realize that they are being followed by a dark shrouded figure. They hurry and narrowly escape. Soon they arrive at Frodo's new home in Crickhollow, which does look very much like his old home. Fatty Bolger greets them and the group is soon merry and jovial with plenty of food and drink abounding.

In discussing Frodo's future, the hobbits express their desire to help Frodo on his adventure but Frodo expresses misgivings. Eventually, his friends are forced to admit that they know much of the secrets involving Bilbo's disappearance, Gandalf's advice and the ring enabling its bearer to disappear. At first, Frodo is horrified that his friends would spy on him but in the end, he is comforted by the extent of their willingness to protect him and the sacrifices they are willing to make on his behalf in spite of their limited knowledge. Planning the journey, for Frodo cannot stay long, it is agreed that the group will avoid the main road so as to elude the Black Riders. But this forces them to sojourn in the Old Forest - a rather unpalatable option. Fatty Bolger remains at Crickhollow to keep up appearances; he will also brief Gandalf on what has transpired whenever Gandalf arrives.

Analysis

This chapter foreshadows the future difficulties of the journey and of Fatty Bolger's role as a sentinel. The archetypal Old Forest, briefly mentioned here, will become more important in Chapter Six. The images of dark and light are also very archetypal in this work as it is in all of Tolkien's writing: dark vs. light = evil vs. good. The Black Rider can be juxtaposed with the lamps of the shire. The shire can also be read as an allusion to Britain and the English country life (the Bucklanders especially). Finally, two of the narrative's dominant themes are treated here. The first theme concerns the idea of "home;" especially as Tolkien's world is a fictional one, it is interesting to note how important home is for Frodo, who lives in a world that does not exist. Nonetheless, he suffers the same pangs of homesickness that afflict all heroes who are on a quest. The second theme, involving the truthfulness and trustworthiness of Frodo's friends is ultimately a question of character that recurs throughout the novel.

Book I, Chapter Six: The Old Forest

Frodo wakes up and finds Merry urging him to get ready to go. The others are already awake and time is of the essence. Soon after six o'clock they are ready to leave and Fatty Bolger accompanies them for a bit, before returning to Crickhollow. Merry leads the company along a Hedge until he reaches the entrance of the Old Forest. At this point, the hobbits enter, intending to take a very direct route that avoids traveling through the center of this rather formidable place. At one point, they find a place called Bonfire Glade and this location affords them a view of the forest, the large tracts of land that they still have to cross - and it is also a respite from the dense thick forest.

Bonfire Glade is also a piece of evidence attesting to the difficult and awkwardly strained relationship between the hobbits and nature. The trees attack the hobbits and the hobbits respond in kind. At one point in their journey, the group encounters some of this hostility first-hand. Trees shift to block the straight-forward route, edging the caravan deeper into the center of the Old Forest. Roots jut out from the ground in order to trip the ponies. Ultimately, an especially aggressive tree called Old Man Willow encircles two of the hobbits and they are trapped inside of the tree. Fortunately, a fellow by the name of Tom Bombadil is passing through the area and he is very well acquainted with the antics of Old Man Willow. He rescues the hobbits and brings them to safety in his own residence. Again, the company has been saved.

Analysis:

One of the recurring scenes of this novel is the near escape of the awkward and naïve group. One of the ironies of the story is that the heroes are not innately heroic; they only survive with the help of others. One development as the trilogy unfolds focuses on Frodo's maturation into a true and more independent hero. Until then, we find a host of side characters that are created with a specific utility in mind. Bombadil is the necessary character at the necessary time and after he plays his role in this scene, the story continues without him.

As for archetypes, the conflict between the hobbits and the Old Forest is very much like the basic struggles between humankind and nature. The Bonfire Glade is a symbol of the discord that is now rampant in Middle Earth. This chapter also shows how animated nature is in the world of Tolkien. This is not to say that the Old Forest is necessarily evil and/or on the side of Sauron - but they are not vegetative entities without their own agendas. Finally, the characterization of Tom Bombadil as a wise nature-man reinforces the idea of Middle Earth as a mysterious place in which wisdom and knowledge are both extremely valuable. Indeed, one of the major themes of the work concerns wisdom and knowledge: we see this in the ring, in the advice of Gandalf and now with Bombadil who we might consider as a stand-in for Gandalf until he arrives.

Book I, Chapter Seven: In the House of Tom Bombadil

When the hobbits enter Tom Bombadil's house, his wife, Goldberry, greets them. She has long blond hair and she is wearing a green gown; she is surrounded by water lilies and she looks like she is enthroned as a queen. She tells them to "laugh and be merry" and also to "fear nothing! For tonight you are under the roof of Tom Bombadil." Tom escorts the hobbits to a room where they are able to wash themselves and prepare for a meal. Because they are in the company of Tom Bombadil, the hobbits are very merry and their fears subside. They are surprised to discover that they are singing out loud at the table. That night, Frodo dreams about the Black Riders and when he wakes in the middle of the night, he questions his own courage. It is not long, though, before he falls asleep again. The hobbits spend the next day in Bombadil's house because of the impending rain.

During the day, the hobbits listen to Tom's many stories that really comprise a history of the region. Both Tom and the Old Forest are old survivors who have seen many things. Tom explains that he is "Eldest" and that he "was here before the river and the trees." Later in the evening, Tom plies the hobbits with questions, though he already knows much of their story. The hobbits show him the ring and when he puts it on his finger, he does not disappear. The hobbits are a little concerned, but Tom keeps them calm and they settle down for the night.

Analysis:

One interesting feature of Tolkien's characterization of the heroes is the fact of their dependence upon so many sources of aid. This group is not independent and they only survive because of their good fortune. Tom Bombadil is a character from Tolkien's earlier writing and he provides a greater context for the world in which the trilogy takes place. In this chapter, Tolkien's personification of the Old Forest is intense. Like Bombadil, the forest is "ancient, a survivor of vast forgotten woods;" more important, however, is the fact that "the countless years had filled them with pride and rooted wisdom, and with malice" - human (or at least, animal) characteristics. Again, "nature" in Tolkien's world is not simple vegetable life.

On a thematic level, this chapter focuses on the theme of hospitality, which is important not only because the travelers have left their homes but also because the travelers are surrounded by enemies. Tom Bombadil is also associated with various images of nature and growth, indicating to the reader that he is a character that the hobbits can trust. We can look at the meal that they share as a symbol of the bond between them. Throughout the story, we will see how true bonds of allegiance and, in Bombadil's case, patient kind-heartedness, produce very strong relationships between strangers.

Book I, Chapter Eight: Fog on the Barrow-Downs

The night is fairly quiet until Frodo hears a sweet singing sound while he is sleeping. After breakfast, the hobbits leave Bombadil's house and a little bit later, while they are on the road, they look back in the direction of the house and they see Goldberry waving at them. Goldberry encourages them and reminds them to hold to their purpose. The group continues, moving along the road as it slowly transforms into a valley, which is only followed by more valleys. After a few hours, they see that they are descending into the forest. They wake up, after a few hours of unintended sleep, feeling groggy and miserable.

As they travel, a cold, damp mist that seems to be entrapping them surrounds the hobbits. Darkness looms ahead and Frodo hopes that they have found the north-gate of the Barrow-downs, their exit from the forest. Instead, Frodo falls into the darkness and finds himself alone - even his pony is gone. Frodo calls out for Sam, Pippin and Merry but he cannot find them; then, he hears cries of "help, help!" An evil-sounding voice groans from the ground and the last thing Frodo remembers is an icy grip that seizes him. Frodo wakes up and discovers that he is trapped inside of a barrow. Frodo makes his way to the others and finds that they are under a magical spell, soon to be killed. When Frodo hears an evil song (incantation) in the air, he calls for Tom Bombadil, who soon appears on the scene. The hobbits are saved (again) and Tom banishes the barrow-wight from the region. The hobbits are reunited with their ponies and Bombadil travels with them until they make their way out of the forest. They continue on, heading for an old inn called The Prancing Pony, located in the town of Bree.

Analysis:

This is a work within the "fantasy" genre and in creating the hobbits' world, Tolkien relies upon his academic and literary interest in medireview literature. Goldberry's characterization is much in line with the traditional stories of knights and ladies (who encourage the warriors). Her hair and her dress are both described as flag/banner images another medireview tradition. The barrow-wight that stores up treasures is an allusion to Grendel's mother, the fearsome villain in the Anglo-Saxon epic, Beowulf. Another simile describes her as "small and slender like a sunlit flower" but only after she has completed her role. A recurring motif in this chapter, and several others, is the power of sleep and forgetfulness as a magical force. Again and again, the hobbits find themselves sleepy, groggy or unconscious. Down in the barrows, the sleep is a metaphor for death, just as the barrows are metaphorical graves. Consequently, Frodo hears voices from the earth, fears for his own life and feels an "icy touch" grip him.

Book I, Chapter Nine: At The Sign of the Prancing Pony

Bree is the main town in Bree-land and the men (humans) in Bree are friendly and familiar with Hobbits, Dwarves, Elves and other non-human inhabitants of the region. When they make their way to The Prancing Pony, the hobbits find that they are not the only guests. Frodo takes on an alias (Mr. Underhill) because he does not want to find any trouble with the Black Riders. A man called Barliman Butterbur runs the establishment. Inside the inn, the hobbits find the Bree-hobbits to be rather inquisitive and nosy. Frodo becomes especially worried when he sees an old, weather-beaten man in the corner of the room, staring at the new arrivals. This man is called Strider and Frodo worries that he is in league with the Black Riders.

Meanwhile, Pippin (whose alias is "Took") has become a drunken spectacle. He is telling the story of Bilbo's farewell party and Frodo is worried that Pippin will unwittingly reveal the secret of the ring in recounting Bilbo's disappearance. Trying to mend the situation, Frodo takes the attention from Pippin by standing on top of the table and beginning a comic song. He is nervous and so he starts fidgeting in his pockets and he accidentally slips the ring onto his finger. He vanishes - accidentally. Panicking, he moves to the corner and joins Strider again. The hobbits want to know how Mr. Underhill (Frodo) has managed to disappear and then reappear. Mr. Underhill insists that he has done no such thing. The chapter ends just as the innkeeper, Mr. Butterbur, confronts Frodo, with an important message.

Analysis

The narrative structure of this chapter should remind us that Tolkien is still at the beginning of his story (remember, this is a trilogy). Chapter Nine begins with a history of the region that offers parallels to our world, partly because of Tolkien's idea of "Westernesse" and partly because there are "Big People" (humans) in this part of the story. Strider's character is introduced here and he only grows in importance, in chapter ten. Frodo is fearful of Strider and Tolkien adds an element of suspense to the story, until Chapter Ten confirms Strider's honor. Frodo and his friends are always getting themselves into trouble and there is irony in the fact that in the process of trying to repair the situation, Frodo only makes everything worse.

Book I, Chapter Ten: Strider

Strider goes to the hobbits' room and tells them that he has some good advice to give them - if they will give him a reward. He wants to be taken along. Frodo, of course, refuses to make a deal until he learns more about Strider. Strider tells Frodo that he heard the hobbits talking, as they arrived in Bree and created false names. Strider then reveals that he has been looking for a hobbit named Frodo Baggins and he is glad that he has found him. Strider tells Frodo that his accident with the ring has made his position dangerous and he might find trouble with various villains in the town (including a guy called Bill Ferny).

Mr. Butterbur comes to the room with a letter from Gandalf, addressed to Frodo Baggins. The letter is a few months old and when Frodo reads it, he realizes that Gandalf warned of danger well before the hobbits actually left the Shire. Gandalf has also introduced Strider as another figure who can be trusted. Under Strider's guidance, the hobbits put bolsters under the sheets of their beds so that they appear to be in their rooms. Then, they move to the parlor and sleep their while Strider watches over them.

Analysis:

This chapter confirms Strider's honor and he joins the list of characters who offer to assist Frodo. While the hobbits are rather inept, there is always help for them, just when they need it. Gandalf's letter foreshadows a good deal of difficulty to come and even though the hobbits have found two wise and powerful friends (Butterbur and Strider), the chapter ends with a depressing and foreboding tone. It seems clear that the forces of evil are as powerful as the hobbits are powerless. The hobbits move slow and steady and they are prepared to end their day. But the narrative structure of the preceding chapters (especially chapters seven and eight) should warn us that the night is incredibly dangerous. There are nightmares within Frodo's head and there are nightmarish figures in the world around Frodo. The repeated images and motifs of the last few chapters should prepare the reader for Chapter Eleven: "A Knife in the Dark."

Book I, Chapter Eleven: A Knife in the Dark

While the hobbits are sleeping in the inn at Bree, Fatty Bolger is kept awake at the house in Buckland. There are three black figures roaming the house and there is a voice that says "Open, in the name of Mordor." This breaks the door down but Fatty Bolger has already escaped to the nearest house, more than a mile away. He is babbling but the villagers understand that an invasion is underway and as they prepare for battle, the black figures flee. After the wake, the hobbits return to their rooms and find the bolsters slashed to pieces. The stable-doors had been opened in the night and the ponies were gone. They are forced to buy an expensive pony from Bill Ferny and they make their way out of Bree.

They travel off of the road and into the forest to avoid the Black Riders and with Strider leading them, the hobbits have five days of relative calm and security. Strider tells stories and sings old songs that celebrate heroes and old rulers. He also warns them not to use the word "Mordor" when they are outside. They soon find a message that Gandalf has left, scratched into a tree, indicating that he had been at that location on October 3 (3 days before them). Clearly he was in danger and could not leave a longer message. The hobbits see black riders moving towards them and, of course, they are frightened. Strider defends them well, using his firebrand. Frodo is afraid and he gives into his temptation to put on the ring. Invisible, Frodo is also more imperiled. He sees the riders clearly and one of them wears a crown. He stabs Frodo with his knife and to defend himself, Frodo stabs at the rider's feet and calls out: "O Elbereth! Githoniel!" With his last effort, Frodo wisely removes the ring from his hand.

Analysis:

The motif of the song becomes especially important in this chapter because ultimately, Frodo was saved not by his knife but by the phrase "O Elbereth! Githoniel!" The parallel to this is the scene where Strider warns Pippin not to use the evil word ("Mordor") so flippantly. Also, the Black Riders used the same word to break Fatty Bolger's door. The theme of language relates to the invented history of Tolkien's world but it also plays into the battle between good and evil. We saw this in Chapter One and Gandalf's explanation of the ring's creation. We also learn more about the characters known as the Black Riders. They are amorphous in shape and incredibly threatening. They use their horses to see and they can detect blood (living creatures) and they instinctively seek out the presence of the ring. Frodo must also come to terms with his own failings and temptations; this temptation grows each time Frodo wears the ring.

Book I, Chapter Twelve: Flight to the Ford

This is the last chapter of Book One. Frodo regains consciousness and he asks the other hobbits about the "Pale King." It is at this point that he realizes, that they did not see the Black Riders as clearly as he did. Strider tends to Frodo's wound, and it is a good thing that Strider is there to protect the group. He uses a medicinal plant called athelas to tend to Frodo's wound but it is spreading numbness in Frodo's shoulder. The next day, the group continues on the road and nothing really happens until they come across the trolls that Gandalf turned to stone (in another story). The hobbits are closer to the road to Rivendell and when they cross the Last Bridge, they are greeted by an elf called Glorfindel. He knows Strider and in fact, he has come from Rivendell to help them. Frodo is now on Glorfindel's horse and Frodo's wound is poisonous. He is suffering strange depressing dreams that alternate with reality.

As the chapter ends, the group arrives at the last river that they must cross. Of course, Black Riders are right on their trail, at the Ford of Bruinen. Frodo is on Glorfindel's horse and Glorfindel commands his horse to head for the Ford, leaving the group behind. There are nine Black Riders trying to ambush Frodo but Glorfindel's horse gets Frodo across the river in time. The Riders follow Frodo's course and as they begin fording the river, they command Frodo to join them and follow them to Mordor. Frodo is saved when whitewater rapids come out of nowhere, briefly flooding the river and erasing three of the Black Riders from the scene. The six Black Riders that remain are also lost when their maddened horses plunge into the raging water.

Analysis:

Frodo's ring creates a greater contrast between the bearer (Frodo) and the rest of the group. He is the only one that has seen the Pale King, and at the end of the chapter, Frodo is alone on the opposite side of the ford. He has regained some moral stature because in the crucial moment, he wins - not by battling, but by remaining firm in his position. The scene where the evil Black Riders are destroyed in the rapids is intended as an allusion to the famous Old Testament story where Egyptian soldiers are chasing Moses and his people. Stranded at the Red Sea, Moses parts the water leads his people across the dry seabed and when the group is safely on the other side, the water rushes back to its original position. The story ends as "the riders are thrown into the sea." In contrast to the Old Forest, this force of nature works to the favor of Frodo and his friends.

Book II, Chapter One: Many Meetings

Frodo wakes up in bed, not knowing where he is. Gandalf greets him and explains that he is in Elrond's house. Fortunately, everyone is safe and Frodo's memory is returning to him slowly. Frodo has been talking in his sleep, so Gandalf already knows most of his story; and what little Frodo did not reveal, Gandalf could easily figure out on his own. Gandalf explains his delay, recounting his own capture by the enemy. The Council is going to meet and establish an appropriate plan regarding the ring.

Frodo is lucky that he was brought to Elrond, a master of healing. Elrond is able to remove a splinter of the knife that the Pale King used to attack Frodo. The sliver was drifting inside Frodo's body, towards his heart, and it would have turned him into a wraith. Wearing the ring, put Frodo halfway inside of the wraith-world where he could see the Black Riders and they could see him. In these moments, Frodo was in the greatest danger. The Elves are mighty warriors against the wraiths and the assistance of Glorfindel was especially valuable. Rivendell is still safe and the Black Riders have been blocked. Later on, Frodo also meets Bilbo and they have a conversation, all in preparation for the Council that convenes the following day.

Analysis

The activity of this chapter largely foreshadows the events of Chapter Two. Frodo is able to get some much-needed recuperation and once again, he is surrounded by powerful friends - Elrond, Gandalf, Strider - all of whom are immensely skilled. The chapter provides a good deal of history, regarding the elves, Strider and the Ring itself. Again, the theme of hospitality is introduced and the wisdom of the older protectors is also of importance.

Book II, Chapter Two: The Council of Elrond

The day begins early and Frodo and Bilbo accompany Gandalf to the Council meeting, which is full of representatives. One of the dwarves explains their concerns regarding a messenger sent from Mordor who wants to buy information about a hobbit. The head of the council is Elrond and he gives a very important history lesson to those gathered. In the Second Age, elven-smiths created the Rings of Power and then there was the one ring that rules all of the others. Sauron made this ring, but Isildur stole it and then it was lost in a river. The next speaker is Boromir, a traveler from Minas Tirith. He is a strong warrior with an inclination towards battle. He has had a dream that is a riddle to him. Basically, this dream was about the scene playing before his eyes. Strider reveals himself as Aragorn and he is a descendant of Isildur. After Bilbo's partial explanation of the ring, Frodo completes the story and presents the ring for everyone to see.

Gandalf answers more questions about the ring but he is interrupted by an elf that has an urgent message. The elves had been keeping Gollum imprisoned but he has escaped (yet again).This is a potentially dangerous situation if Gollum heads back to the enemy with information. Gandalf's story is another blow to the forces of good, for he reveals that his own mentor, Saruman, desires the ring and wants to use its power. When Gandalf did not agree with Saruman's aims, the wizard was imprisoned in a tower - but of course, Gandalf has escaped. Boromir wants to use the ring to defeat Sauron but in the end, the Council agrees that using the evil ring will contaminate any endeavor however well-intentioned. Gandalf also warns that they cannot simply throw the ring into the sea (it has already been lost in the sea before, and it was found). Gandalf says that deep in Mordor, there is the mountain, Orodruin, and inside of this mountain there are the Cracks of Doom. This is where the ring can be destroyed. In the end, Frodo volunteers himself for the challenge.

Analysis:

This chapter is a crucial part of the story, and it is one of the few times that we see such a grand host of characters assembled together. Frodo is guided by fate and this chapter foreshadows the maturity and growth of the hobbit. This chapter also delves deep into the politics of Middle Earth, digging up old alliances and forgotten secrets. Again, the theme of wisdom reminds us of how much history and knowledge can be hidden or used for evil. Saruman is a sad example of a good power that has become corrupted. Frodo will have to be careful that he does not yield to the temptations of the ring. Finally, Boromir is introduced in this chapter and his character does not change very much, in the following chapters. Most important, he is a natural contrast to the timid, humble and weak hobbit. But in the end, Frodo is the hero, not Boromir.

Book II, Chapter Three: The Ring Goes South

Elrond has sent scouts in various directions, to learn more about the perils ahead. Gandalf and Frodo are forced to wait until news returns, concerning the Black Riders. Gandalf explains that those nine Riders were not destroyed in the river. After two months of searching, eight of the Riders are accounted for but one other one remains. When Elrond speaks to Frodo, he warns that the road will be difficult and that he has little counsel to offer. He selects Nine Walkers to form the Company of the Ring, in opposition to the Nine Riders. Frodo, Sam and Gandalf are joined by Boromir, Strider (Aragorn), Legolas the elf, Gimli the dwarf, Merry and Pippin. Strider has his sword re-forged and he renames it as well.

The group is heading south and it is already December when they depart. The Nine Walkers pass through the Misty Mountains and all is fine until they realize that some birds that are flying overhead are following them. Besides the birds, the group has other problems that they have to deal with - chief among them, crossing the mountains. This is an exercise in futility, however. The group travels through a tall mountain, Caradhras, but their road quickly becomes dangerous. It leads them towards a cliff and a heavy snow begins to fall. The snow becomes overwhelming, so they turn back but they are trapped by the snow that has fallen behind them. Eventually, they dig their way out.

Analysis:

The mountainous perils of Caradhras are the major focus of this chapter. Here, again, we find that nature is not in its usual archetypal form; instead, these elements of nature have a personality and they are capable of malice. Caradhras remains standing as a symbol of defiance - the mountain is not necessarily allied with Sauron, the evil one. It is important to realize that the intentions of the mountain are not part of the larger political arena. In Chapter Three, we also see how the "fellowship of the Ring" begins to take form and the inevitable dissolution of the group is already foreshadowed. The chapters that follow will continue to develop this final aspect of the plot.

Book II, Chapter Four: A Journey in the Dark

Caradhras' temper subsides when the group of nine finally gives up its attempt to scale the peak. Of course, they cannot allow themselves to suffer from Caradhras' extreme elements. Gandalf's conclusion is that they must eliminate their exposure and he suggests that they pass through the mountains by traveling below them: through the caves of Moria. The group balks at this suggestion; Moria is perhaps even more dangerous than the Old Forest and that was no walk in the park. While the travelers squabble, a company of howling wolves urges them into assent and they hurry towards the caves.

The next day, the group travels to the west and Gandalf opens a magic door. These doors close just in time for the group to escape an attack by one of the vicious creatures that live in the nearby lake. Now safe from tentacled beasts and howling wolves, the travelers are at the mercy of the miles and miles of caves that stretch before them. They are in the cave system for two nights and Gandalf is the only one who can navigate and lead the group. The caves of Moria spark an ancient tension in the group because the dwarves once mined Moria for valuable metals but they have lost the territory. The tombstone of Balin the dwarf explains the story of one unsuccessful dwarf who tried to reclaim Moria.

Analysis

The caves of Moria present as negative an image as can be expected. The deep enclosure of the caves is in juxtaposition to the elevated exposure that the fellowship of the Ring suffered on Caradhras. While Caradhras' peril seemed more "natural," the dangers of Moria are largely supernatural. The howling wolves only further substantiate Moria's status as a symbol of evil. This chapter also relies upon the opening and shutting of doors, and this is highly symbolic of the continuing operation of Fate in the characters' lives - especially in the life of Frodo. The fact that wise Gandalf almost gets lost should tell us that the group is being guided more by fate than by anything else. The tombstone of dead Balin is only more evidence that everyone must eventually end up exactly where they are meant to be. The fatalist themes of the later chapters of the novel are a direct result of the responsibilities of Frodo's quest and the fact that though he is an unseemly hero, he will eventually be left to continue his road alone.

Book II, Chapter Five: The Bridge of Khazad-dûm

This is one of the crucial and, unfortunately, depressing moments of the story. The fellowship is still inside of the central room where Balin's tomb is located. Gandalf is translating a tattered book that offers Balin's history and the story of his group of travelers. The evil orcs attacked them and massacred them. Of course, this is depressing material to read while one is in these very caves and before the story has ended, the drums of the orcs are heard approaching. Their first advance - at the west - is blocked and the group then heads for the east door. Frodo is attacked by an orc but he manages to survive. Even as Gandalf puts a locked door between his group and the orcs, the orcs have magic of their own to collapse the doorway altogether. The travelers are running to the Bridge of Khazad-dum and here, again, they are attacked. Balrog, the wicked orc, has fallen upon them with a sword of fire. Gandalf stands firm and destroys the bridge, sending Balrog to his death. But as the rest of the group escapes to safety on the other side, Gandalf is pulled down along with Balrog, into the bottomless depth below. With the loss of Gandalf, it is unclear how the fellowship might continue.

Analysis:

One of the distinguishing features of this chapter is the musical tone that is begun with the chant of the word "doom" (in the runes) and continued with the thumping drum-sounds of the nearby orcs. The convergence of the literary scene and the (characters') real scene is an interesting technique that Tolkien does not use often; still, we cannot underestimate the importance of language, runes and texts in Tolkien's world. Gandalf's parallel position with dead Balin only adds to the stories of the evil caves of Moria. Again, fate's operations have been mysterious. The contrasting images of fire and light and dark might have usually distinguished good from evil, but in this chapter, both the good Gandalf and the evil Balrog end up dead in the deep foam.

Book II, Chapter Six: Lothlórien

After Gandalf's urging to continue on without him, Strider/Aragorn was the one to get the group moving again and he continues in this role in Chapter 6. Here, at least, the terrain is not as depressing and evil. When they arrive at Lorien, Boromir is concerned and when the group enters the forest, they are apprehended by spying elves. Legolas knows them and so friendly terms are established. The elves also have information regarding Frodo. The orcs pursue the group into Lorien but they are unsuccessful; meanwhile, the elves blindfold the fellowship until they arrive at their destination. The eight travelers find themselves in the company of the Lady Galadriel, situated in an incredibly beautiful and intensely colored forest.

Analysis:

As one of the last vestiges of goodness, surrounded by evil, this "heart" of Elvendom is entering its sunset/twilight hours. Towards the end of the chapter, we learn that "the sun that lay on Lothlorien had no power to enlighten the shadow of that distant height." At several points, the motif of light and darkness is introduced as a way of understanding the solitary aspect of Lothlorien's goodness. Another metaphor is used to liken Lothlorien to the heart, and this is a tragic implied death for we know that Lothlorien is doomed to end. The traveler who leaves Lothlorien might preserve in his memory what will almost certainly cease to exist upon the earth. As the final "bright spot" in the novel, we can see an intentional juxtaposition of Khazad-dum and Lothlorien. It still remains unclear how the fellowship will survive without Gandalf; accordingly, the foreshadowed dissolution of the group is beginning to seem inevitable. Finally, in the vacuum left that Gandalf has left behind, we can expect the Lady Galadriel to play a larger role in the next chapter; her goodness and her power to discern the minds and hearts of the warriors recall Goldberry's character.

Book II, Chapter Seven: The Mirror of Galadriel

Caras Galadon is the central city of the elves in Lorien and this is where the group meets Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. They had been expecting Gandalf to arrive and so, they are deeply saddened to hear about his death at Moria. Several times, Galadriel looks into the hearts of the travelers so that she can perceive their intentions. She is testing them to see if they are steadfast on their quest. In Lorien, Frodo and the others are enjoying a peaceful and beautiful country and this lasts for several days. Of course, this must soon come to an end and one afternoon, Galadriel invites Frodo and Sam to look into the Mirror of Galadriel. When Sam looks, he sees that the land of the hobbits is being destroyed and he desires to return home. When Frodo looks into the mirror, he sees the great and evil eye of Sauron searching for him, but while Frodo can see Sauron, Sauron cannot see him. After this awakening, Frodo can also see that Galadriel is wearing one of the rings. Discussing the rings with Galadriel, Frodo offers to give her his ring, so that Lorien might not be destroyed. Galadriel is sorely tempted but in the end she passes the test and refuses to accept the ring. For even if she operates with the best of intentions, the evil of the ring must eventually overtake her. She would much rather se the rings destroyed and lose her own power, even as Sauron's reign is destroyed.

Analysis

Lady Galadriel stands as a symbol of her people and of sacrifice. Here, she has the opportunity to claim limitless power and immortality for herself, but she understands that there must be a balance between one era and the next. Furthermore, she understands the contaminating powers of the ring and she warns Frodo that he must use his enhanced sight but nonetheless avoid wearing the ring. Otherwise, Sauron will be able to find him. The themes of vision, hiding and surveillance have been a part of this novel from the start, but the mirror motif adds another element to the story. In one sense, the "mirror, mirror on the wall" is familiar from children's literature (fairy tales). At the same time, the mirror allows the viewer to see himself - or in the cases of Sam and Frodo, the viewers see themselves in what is most dear to them. The literary tradition of the elusive oracle dates back to ancient Greek mythology. Galadriel and her mirror are definitely within this vein; instead of offering simple prophecies, the mirror presents scenes of "things that were, and things that are, and things that yet may be."

Book II, Chapter Eight: Farewell to Lórien

When the group prepares to leave, they have the option of staying in Lorien, but they are all going to leave and continue on their journey. It is not clear that they are all going to the same place, however. As they are traveling by boat, they have a few days left to decide whether they are going to go their separate ways. It is clear that Boromir wants to go to Minas Tirith but this is not along the route that directly leads them to their mission. Galadriel gives each of them a gift (including a phial of water containing a brilliant light - for Frodo). As she sings to the group, the distance between Lorien and the boats only widens. Lorien seems to fall into the sea and voyagers clearly see that they will never behold that beautiful place ever again.

Analysis:

Again, the tone of the story has become depressing and somber. Without the imminent battle-sounds or the drums of Moria, Lorien is dying. The courage of the elf-queen is seen in her willingness to sacrifice her power to defeat the evil of Sauron - and yet, it is unclear whether the voyagers are agreed on a purpose. Frodo is growing wiser and his character is increasingly distinct from the others. The light of Earendil's star is a symbol of hope and goodness; if the elves cannot preserve Lorien for all of time, Galadriel can nonetheless, pledge her allegiance to Frodo's cause and offer a gift that may prove useful in the long run. The length of the voyage ahead is daunting - remember we are approaching the end of the first novel of a trilogy. The group's inability to agree on a course foreshadows the inevitable dissolution of the group. At this point, all seems guided by fate: the gift of the sword, Anduril, to Aragorn and the arrival of Frodo, the ring-bearer were both pre-ordained and destined to come to pass. While Lorien enters her twilight though, we can only hope that Frodo is only now coming into his own; while Lorien is in her archetypal autumn, Frodo is entering the summer of his middle-age and strength.

Book II, Chapter Nine: The Great River

This chapter recounts ten days of travel along the Anduin River. The first few days are peaceful but one night, Sam spots a log in the water that seems rather ominous. There are two eyes shining in the murk and it does not take long to confirm that this is Gollum. After escaping from custody (quite a few chapters ago), Gollum began tracking the group once they left the caves of Moria. When the company reaches the challenging rapids of Sarn Gebir, they discover themselves in an ambush, with arrows flying overhead and an abundance of orcs. An incredible shadowy shape rises from the east and speeds towards the ship, churning up the evil groans of its compatriots, as it glides upon the water. Legolas shoots a perfectly aimed arrow into the creature, felling it. After this, they hear sounds of mourning and while Frodo has a good suspicion regarding this creature's identity, it remains unsaid. After the rapids, the company continues to Amon Hen at the river's end.

Analysis:

One of the more interesting details of this chapter is Tolkien's consistent reference to the East as the source of the evil winged spirits that threaten to overtake the company. We might recall the people of Westernesse for a suitable contrast. Considering Tolkien's context, writing in the wake of the Second World War, several critics suggest an equation that links the dark and alien orcs with the multiple foes of Britain and her allies - all to the East (Germany, Japan). The black winged creatures that are presented in this chapter are all symbolic of the fallen angel, Lucifer, as understood in Biblical terms. The fall of the especially fearsome shadow-bird is an image consistent with the lightning-bolt fall of Lucifer, from heaven. Especially in the night scenes, Frodo's character takes on more of a leadership role as a guardian and his decision to forego an explanation of who/what the dark shadow was suggests that he has inherited the wisdom exemplified by Gandalf and Galadriel, before him. Again, it remains so important to leave evil things and names unspoken; at the same time, Legolas knows to call upon the name "Elbereth Gilthoniel" and we can only conclude that this is what supplied him with the courage and power necessary for felling the wicked creature. Finally, the themes of sight and surveillance are demonstrated first, in the continued necessity for the company to hide from Sauron's forces and more dramatically, in Gollum's submarine-style espionage.

Book II, Chapter Ten: The Breaking of the Fellowship

The conclusion of the first book of the trilogy is not very pleasant, by any standard. Frodo must decide whether he will divert his course to Minas Tirith or continue towards Mordor. Frodo takes some time alone, to make his decision, but Boromir follows Frodo into the forest. Explaining his point-of-view, Boromir ultimately decides that Frodo ought to give up the Ring; of course, Frodo has grown more perceptive over time and he has long held Boromir in suspicion. When the man lunges at Frodo, to get the ring, Frodo slips the ring on - and disappears.

In this, Frodo leaves one adversary and finds several more. With his spiritual eyes, Frodo sees all of the forces of evil gathering in immense flocks; he sees Minas Tirith under siege and Mordor, in all of its evil splendor. But then, Frodo feels the probing eye of Sauron; Frodo has worn the ring too long and the evil eye has felt itself being spied upon. The eye is furiously searching and a voice, resembling Gandalf's, tells Frodo: "Take it off! Fool, take it off! Take off the Ring!" Frodo takes off the ring and he is only barely spared. Looking up at the sky, Frodo sees a menacing dark arm that was headed towards him; now, it has veered towards the west, having missed its mark.

Frodo intends to go to Mordor alone; he does not want his friends to suffer and he also knows that they will talk him out of his journey - this is something he knows he must do. After Frodo has been gone for well over an hour and Boromir re-appears at the scene, the rest of the company begins searching for Frodo. Sam eventually finds his friend and, unswerving to the end, he refuses to leave his side. And so the two hobbits continue without the others: "shouldering their burdens, they set off, seeking a path that would bring them over the grey hills of the Emyn Muil, and down into the Land of Shadow."

Analysis:

The tone of the final lines of the book are considerably lighter than what immediately precedes; the friendship and reunion of Sam and Frodo is unmarked by any catastrophes. The second book, The Two Towers, promises a new series of challenges, however. Already, the ring has corrupted Boromir, and for all of the "fatalism" and working of destiny in the book, Tolkien's final emphasis is on individual responsibility, the burdens of our own choosing and the ultimately determining power of free will. In regards to the destructive temptations of Frodo's ring, we find Frodo's struggle to be an allegory for the struggle of man between good and evil, duty and betrayal: "The two powers strove in him [Frodo]. For a moment, perfectly balanced between their piercing points, he writhed, tormented. Suddenly he was aware of himself again. Frodo, neither the Voice nor the Eye: free to choose, and with one remaining instant in which to do so. He took the Ring off his finger." Frodo's understated heroism comes without fanfare and valor in battle. He masters his will, and so long as he can continue to do this, he can outlast his overpowering enemy. In allegorical terms, Boromir's betrayal of Frodo in the forest is intended to parallel Judas' betrayal of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. Here, the emphasis is not on Frodo's sacrificial potential, but on the loneliness of his path. Fortunately, Sam will accompany him at least a little while longer, for, as Merry said, "it would be mad and cruel to let Frodo go to Mordor." Here, Frodo must fulfill the duty that has been assigned to him, regardless of the associated peril.

• Biography of J.R.R. Tolkien
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• Summary and Analysis of Book II, Chapters 4-6
• Summary and Analysis of Book II, Chapters 7-10
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