Tolkien Gateway - User contributions [en]

Talk:Christopher Tolkien

2007-09-16T09:31:38Z

Narvi:

This probably sounds silly but it's only just dawned on me the Christopher is now actually older than his father was when he died. I guess you could say he's finally overtaken the "Old Took"!! --[[User:Narvi|Narvi]] 05:31, 16 September 2007 (EDT)

Category talk:Maps

2007-09-16T08:53:46Z

Narvi: Pete Fenlon's maps

I'm a big fan of the maps drawn by Pete Fenlon for ICE's MERP system and used to have most of them myself.

Apparently someone has painstakingly joined all the available maps into one huge compilation [http://www.merp.com/downloads/maps] although you will have to register with the site to access them and there seems to be a problem accessing it at the moment. --[[User:Narvi|Narvi]] 04:53, 16 September 2007 (EDT)

Forums:Editing someone elses text

2007-09-12T06:36:38Z

Narvi:

<div style="background: #eee; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 5px">'''[[Main Page|Tolkien Gateway]] > [[Forum:Council|Council]] > {{PAGENAME}}'''</div> [[Category:Council]]


I'm really new the the whole wiki-editing thing and while I have skimmed through some of the etiquette guidelines I haven't seen anything specifically related to whether you should attempt to preserve the original writer's style as much as possible when making corrections.

I'm sure we have all read entries that grate from a linguistic or aesthetic perpsective, but could not be faulted in terms of the underlying content.

I think it is important to show respect to the original contributor, they have made an honest effort at adding content - the lifeblood of all wikis. But sometimes an entry is just crying out to be substantially or even completely rewritten - so what do you do!!

--[[User:Narvi|Narvi]] 20:45, 11 September 2007 (EDT)

:Hello Narvi, we really appreciate your contributions, you're fitting right in :) By all means, feel free to edit any article as our goal is to write the best article we can. As most of us aren't English majors, our writing style...okay, mine...is far from perfect and I think I speak for everyone when I say that I'm glad someone is able to improve upon something I've written. Every article here I think will be entirely rewritten numerous times before it comes close to being near the quality we are looking for, so feel free to change anything you like. Thanks again for all your help! --[[User:Hyarion|Hyarion]] 21:58, 11 September 2007 (EDT)

Thanks Hyarion, Tolkien is very close to my heart and this wiki is a wonderful project.

It's easy for someone like me to pick up on a few things scattered here and there, but the most important contributors are those who have built up articles from scratch. As I said before, I think it is really important to respect an original article. One person's summary or description is never going to be exactly the same as someone else's and it will still be equally valid.

--[[User:Narvi|Narvi]] 02:36, 12 September 2007 (EDT)

Forums:Editing someone elses text

2007-09-12T00:45:08Z

Narvi: Editing etiquette question

The Shadow of the Past

2007-09-11T08:11:31Z

Narvi: Fixed various errors

{{fotrchapters}}
'''The Shadow of the Past''' is the second chapter of the first book in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]''.

===Summary===
The disappearance of [[Bilbo]] is the subject of many conversations in [[Hobbiton]]. The general opinion is that Bilbo has finally gone mad and run off. Some think that he is dead, and there is even a rumour that he has been murdered by [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and [[Gandalf]] for his legendary gold (earned in the course of events in [[The Hobbit]]). Despite this things eventually settle down and Frodo continues to throw [[Bilbo's Birthday Party]] year after year. Like Bilbo, Frodo shows what others call signs of "good preservation". He continues to live at [[Bag End]] and spends most of his time with his cousins [[Merry]] and [[Pippin]]. By the time he turns fifty, he has begun to grow restless, and even in the sleepiest backwater of the [[the Shire]] there are rumors of trouble in distant lands.

About this time the wizard Gandalf reappears. He tells Frodo that he is in danger because of Bilbo's ring. Gandalf explains that the ring was forged in the volcano of [[Mount Doom]] (or [[Orodruin]]) by the evil [[Sauron]] who wants to rule the world. After being lost for hundreds of years the ring was found by [[Gollum]], a Hobbit who kept it in his lair under the [[Misty Mountains]], until Bilbo stumbled across it while traveling with [[Thorin and Company]] on the quest to the [[Lonely Mountain]]. Now Sauron has found out from Gollum that the ring is in the hands of a Hobbit, and Sauron's minions may already by searching for the Shire.

Gandalf explains that the bearer of the ring ages increbibly slowly; for this reason Bilbo lived such a long life and Frodo himself has not shown signs of aging since he got the ring. Also, the ring exerts a mental hold over its wearer. It is because of this that neither Gollum nor Bilbo wanted to part with the ring, although Bilbo was able to eventually do so with Gandalf's help.

Gandalf tells Frodo that if Sauron gains the ring he will be all-powerful. When Frodo hears this, he is shocked and doesn't want anything to do with the ring. Gandalf tells Frodo that it is not a simple matter of wanting or not wanting the ring; the ring chose him (Frodo). Gandalf tells Frodo that the ring must be destroyed, and the only way this can be done is by throwing the ring back in the Crack of Doom in the depths of Orodruin.

Frodo decides to leave the Shire in order to protect the other inhabitants, Gandalf suggests that he makes for [[Rivendell]]. Just then Gandalf catches [[Samwise Gamgee]], the gardener, eavesdropping on their conversation. Much to Sam's delight his 'punishment' is to accompany Frodo on his quest.

[[Category:The Fellowship of the Ring chapters]]

Talk:The Fellowship of the Ring

2007-09-10T07:21:53Z

Narvi:

I've skimmed over a few of the chapter summaries and there are a lot of factual errors. These are high profile sections and should be of better quality than they are --[[User:Narvi|Narvi]] 03:21, 10 September 2007 (EDT)

Talk:The Fellowship of the Ring

2007-09-10T07:21:31Z

Narvi: Lots of problems with chapter summaries

I've skimmed over a few of the chapter summaries and there are a lot of factual errors. These are high profile sections and should be of better quality that they are --[[User:Narvi|Narvi]] 03:21, 10 September 2007 (EDT)

The Bridge of Khazad-dûm

2007-09-10T07:16:24Z

Narvi: Gandalf wasn't killed by the fall

[[Image:J.R.R. Tolkien - Moria Gate (The Steps to the East Gate).jpg|thumb|left|Crayon drawing by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] of the steps leading up to the [[East-gate|Great Gates]] of [[Moria]].]]
{{fotrchapters}}
'''The Bridge of Khazad-dûm''' is the fifth chapter of the second book in [[The Fellowship of the Ring]].

===Summary===
From a book of records found in the tomb, [[Gandalf]] learns that [[Balin]] and the [[Dwarves]] were attacked by [[Orcs]] and also by a strange beast with no form or body. Gandalf gives the [[Book of Mazarbul]] to [[Gimli]]; all pay their respects to Balin's tomb and leave.

Suddenly, the Orcs appear. After a fierce battle in which Frodo is wounded, Gandalf stops the Orcs with a spell. As if in warning of what is to come, however, a very strong presence nearly makes it impossible for Gandalf to use his power.

The further they go the hotter it gets and they realize that the lower levels are on fire. They come across a deep chasm that can only be crossed by a narrow bridge. Gimli leads the way and just as [[Legolas]] draws his bow, he sees a sight that fills him with terror. A great shadow, shaped like a man but having far greater power, is pursuing them. It is [[Balrogs|Balrog]], the beast that attacked Balin and the dwarves. Balrog has a blade like a stabbing tongue of fire in one hand and a throng of whips in the other. He leaps across the chasm and races toward them.

[[Boromir]] draws out his horn and blows it. Gandalf stands on the bridge and commands the Balrog to go back. But it comes at him with its sword. Gandalf counters it with his own sword and before it can attack a second time he cuts the bridge right out from under Balrog. With a cry the Balrog falls, but he entwines his whip around Gandalf's knees and drags him down as well.

[[Category:The Fellowship of the Ring chapters]]

Talk:Treebeard

2007-09-10T00:39:40Z

Narvi:

The outcome of the Entmoot in the movie was one of the worst changes PJ made, IMHO. On a [http://bbs.stardestroyer.net/ BBS] I frequent, board owner Mike Wong said that after seeing the Ents refuse to act, he concluded that they deserved to die. Hard to disagree with that sentiment. --[[User:Ted C|Ted C]] 17:30, 1 December 2006 (EST)

Amen, you took the words right out of my mouth. --[[User:Dwarf Lord|Dwarf Lord]] 20:47, 1 December 2006 (EST)

While I agree that was terrible, I have to say that the entire Scouring of the Shire, or lack of, I should say, was the worst change. I understand intelectually, but I guess I'm just a purist.--[[User:Quidon88|Quidon88]] 12:20, 2 December 2006 (EST)

The Ents are the sort of thing that you can get terribly wrong quite easily when adapting. PJ did something sort of strange. . . his adaption of the ents themselves are excellent. They're old, wise, earthy, etc. Unfortunately, all this drops when we get to the Entmoot. He did something very well at first (something that most directors, perhaps, would do badly at), and then lost it all for the sake of giving Merry and Pip a little more screen time. But I do not object to the removal of the Scouring of the Shire. In my opinion, while good book material, it would have well-nigh ruined the last movie. The quest is fulfilled. . . now get on to the sad parting at the Grey Havens. Tom Bombadil isn't so obvious a choice to remove (and would less affect the smoothness of the plot), but I think it was neccessary. After the quest is over, it seems drawn-out and boring, just a little something to add to the end. Anyway, Frodo had an idea of it in the Mirror of Galadriel. --[[User:Narfil Palùrfalas|Narfil Palùrfalas]] 14:18, 2 December 2006 (EST)

Well, met Narfil Palúrfalas. I momentarily let my desire for a pure by-the-book(pun intended)adaptation and forgot for a second about movie clarity. Thank you for setting me right. --[[User:Quidon88|Quidon88]] 14:48, 3 December 2006 (EST)

Is Treebeard really recognised as the oldest living thing in Middle-earth? Surely some of the elves must be older as Treebeard relates that they were the ones that woke up the trees and taught them to speak - unless those elves are back in the undying lands?--[[User:Narvi|Narvi]] 20:39, 9 September 2007 (EDT)

Old Man Willow

2007-09-10T00:34:40Z

Narvi: expanded on Sam's role in the rescue of the hobbits

[[Image:J.R.R. Tolkien - Old Man Willow.jpg|thumb|300px|''Old Man Willow'' by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]].]]
'''Old Man Willow''' is a character in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]. He was a willow in the [[Old Forest]] from which much of the Forest's hatred of walking things came. He might have been an [[Ents|Ent]] who had become tree-like, or possibly a [[Huorns|Huorn]], as the Old Forest was originally part of the same primordial forest as [[Fangorn Forest|Fangorn]].

[[Tom Bombadil]] had power over Old Man Willow, and checked the evil as much as he could, or was willing.

Although he did not appear in the 2001 [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring|movie adaptation]], a very similar episode with [[Hobbits]] being swallowed by a tree was included in the [[Peter Jackson's The Two Towers|second film]] where [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] are attacked by a [[Huorns|Huorn]] in [[Fangorn Forest]].

In [[The Fellowship of the Ring]] book, Old Man Willow cast a spell on the hobbits ([[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], [[Sam Gamgee|Sam]], Merry and Pippin ), causing them to feel sleepy. Merry and Pippin go and lean against the trunk and fall asleep, while Frodo sits on a root to dangle his feet in the water, before he also falls asleep. The tree traps Merry and Pippin in cracks in the trunk, and tips Frodo into the stream. Sam manages to fight off the spell and rescues Frodo from the stream. Together they attempt to save Merry and Pippin by lighting a fire at the tree's base, but this only serves to infuriate Old Man Willow who threatens to kill the trapped hobbits. Thankfully they are saved by the timely arrival of [[Tom Bombadil]].

===See also===
* [[:Category:Images of Old Man Willow|Images of Old Man Willow]]

[[Category:Trees]]

Bree

2007-09-09T09:49:11Z

Narvi: corrected text relating to the raid on the Prancing Pony (incorrectly aligned with the movie rather than the book)

[[Image:800px-Breewide.jpg|300px|thumb|Bree in [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]].]]

'''Bree''' was a fictional village in [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]'s [[Middle-earth]], east of [[The Shire]] and south of [[Fornost Erain]].

Bree was a very ancient settlement of men in Eriador by the time of the [[Third Age]] of Middle-earth, but after the collapse of the kingdom of Cardolan, which had claimed it, Bree continued to thrive without any central authority or government for many centuries.

Bree was the most westerly settlement of men in all Middle-earth by the time of the [[War of the Ring]], and became one of only three or four inhabited settlements in all of Eriador. During [[the War of the Ring]] a days ride east from the village along the road lay [[The Forsaken Inn]], according to [[Aragorn]], although nothing else is known of that place.

Directly west of Bree were the [[Barrow-downs]] and the [[Old Forest]]. Bree was the chief village of '''Breeland''', a small wooded region near the intersection of the main north-south and east-west routes through [[Eriador]]. Breeland was the only part of Middle-earth where [[Men]] and [[hobbits]] dwelt side by side.

The name ''Bree'' means ''hill'', according to Tolkien, referring to the fact that the village of Bree and the surrounding Breelands were centered around a large hill. There were three villages in Breeland in addition to Bree proper.

*'''[[Staddle]]''' was populated primarily by hobbits who made a living from light agriculture, of pipeweed, primarily. Staddle was on the south-eastern side of Breehill, sitting south of Combe and Archet. It was the only of the villages (other than Bree itself) visible from the [[Great East Road]].

*'''[[Combe]]''' was populated primarily by Men, with some hobbits, all of whom made a living from agriculture. Combe was situated on the borders of the '''[[Chetwood]]''' and on the edge of Breehill, between the villages of Archet and Staddle.

*'''[[Archet]]''' was the furthest north. Located in the [[Chetwood]], it was populated primarily by [[Men]].

In ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', [[Frodo Baggins]] met Strider ([[Aragorn]]) at the largest inn in Bree, [[The Prancing Pony]], owned by [[Barliman Butterbur]]. Later on in ''Fellowship'', some men in the service of the [[Ringwraiths]] (and possibly [[Saruman]]) broke into the room where the [[Hobbits]] intended to sleep, but Strider had anticipated trouble and stayed with them in the parlor through the night. The hobbits also returned to Bree [[The Return of the King|near the end of the story]], on their way home.

Bree is also the place where, earlier, seemingly by accident, [[Gandalf]] and [[Thorin Oakenshield]] met. They were both thinking about the same problem: the [[Dragons|Dragon]] [[Smaug]] at the [[Lonely Mountain]]. The meeting led to the undertaking of the [[Quest of Erebor]], which resulted in the death of Smaug and the finding of the [[One Ring]] by [[Bilbo Baggins]]. If Smaug had lived until the [[War of the Ring]], he would have posed a serious threat.

In [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]], Frodo and his companions arrive at Bree almost immediately after the scene in which they leave the Shire, giving the impression (perhaps unintentionally) that the two are much closer together than described by Tolkien.

[[Category:Eriador]]
[[Category:Bree]]
[[Category:Cities in Eriador]]

Carrock

2007-09-07T07:31:04Z

Narvi:

[[Image:Alan Lee - The Carrock.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Alan Lee]] illustrates [[Thorin and Company]] atop ''The Carrock'' while [[Eagles]] circle above.]]
'''Carrock''' is a stony eyot in the upper reaches of the River [[Anduin]], to the north of the [[Old Ford]].

In Chapter 7 of ''[[The Hobbit]]'', [[Gandalf]] states that the steps from the base of the rock to the flat top were made by [[Beorn]] and that "Carrock" is Beorn's name for it. This is somewhat of a linguistical joke on [[Tolkien]]'s part, since ''car'' in Anglo-Saxon means "rock".

[[Category:Locations]]
[[Category:Rhovanion]]