Podcast
Questions and Answers
From what year and what event are all dates of the Shire-reckoning calculated?
From what year and what event are all dates of the Shire-reckoning calculated?
The year of the crossing of the Brandywine.
How did the hobbits come to settle the Shire?
How did the hobbits come to settle the Shire?
They settled after crossing the Brandywine river.
Where was Frodo raised, and how did he come to live with Bilbo Baggins?
Where was Frodo raised, and how did he come to live with Bilbo Baggins?
He grew up in Buckland until his parents drowned; then Bilbo adopted him.
What do the hobbits mean by 'filling up the corners'?
What do the hobbits mean by 'filling up the corners'?
What are Bilbo's 'three purposes' for gathering his 144 guests at his birthday dinner?
What are Bilbo's 'three purposes' for gathering his 144 guests at his birthday dinner?
How does Frodo learn of the Enemy and the rebuilding of the Dark Tower in the Land of Mordor?
How does Frodo learn of the Enemy and the rebuilding of the Dark Tower in the Land of Mordor?
Who is Saruman the White?
Who is Saruman the White?
What has Gandalf been doing during the seventeen years following Bilbo's disappearance?
What has Gandalf been doing during the seventeen years following Bilbo's disappearance?
Who was Sméagol, and who has he become?
Who was Sméagol, and who has he become?
Why does Frodo so readily agree with Gandalf's advice that he go to Rivendell?
Why does Frodo so readily agree with Gandalf's advice that he go to Rivendell?
Why does Gildor say to Frodo, 'I name you Elf-friend'?
Why does Gildor say to Frodo, 'I name you Elf-friend'?
Of what material is Farmer Maggot's house built?
Of what material is Farmer Maggot's house built?
What is Pippin's full name?
What is Pippin's full name?
Who was the founder of the Brandybuck family and the original builder of Brandy Hall?
Who was the founder of the Brandybuck family and the original builder of Brandy Hall?
What are the chief differences between the Bucklanders and the other hobbits of the Four Farthings?
What are the chief differences between the Bucklanders and the other hobbits of the Four Farthings?
Why did Frodo choose the house at Crickhollow?
Why did Frodo choose the house at Crickhollow?
How do Merry, Pippin, and Sam know that Frodo has been planning to leave the Shire?
How do Merry, Pippin, and Sam know that Frodo has been planning to leave the Shire?
Why does Bilbo want to leave the Shire?
Why does Bilbo want to leave the Shire?
Who is the major character of the novel?
Who is the major character of the novel?
Who is known as the Dark Lord?
Who is known as the Dark Lord?
Who is depicted as a powerful wizard who ultimately succumbs to evil?
Who is depicted as a powerful wizard who ultimately succumbs to evil?
Who meets the hobbits in a pub and helps protect them?
Who meets the hobbits in a pub and helps protect them?
Who is Frodo's closest friend, accompanying him on his quest?
Who is Frodo's closest friend, accompanying him on his quest?
What do Tom Bombadil and Goldberry offer to the hobbits?
What do Tom Bombadil and Goldberry offer to the hobbits?
Who provides Frodo with the One Ring?
Who provides Frodo with the One Ring?
Who is the Master of Rivendell?
Who is the Master of Rivendell?
Who is a man from Minas Tirith who attempts to take the Ring from Frodo?
Who is a man from Minas Tirith who attempts to take the Ring from Frodo?
What creatures did Frodo kill in the Barrow Downs?
What creatures did Frodo kill in the Barrow Downs?
What Inn did the hobbits go to meet Gandalf?
What Inn did the hobbits go to meet Gandalf?
What does Strider want to do with Frodo?
What does Strider want to do with Frodo?
In whose house does Frodo awake?
In whose house does Frodo awake?
Why did the Council of Elrond gather?
Why did the Council of Elrond gather?
Why was Gandalf not at the Prancing Pony?
Why was Gandalf not at the Prancing Pony?
Why must the Ring be destroyed in Mordor?
Why must the Ring be destroyed in Mordor?
Who has escaped imprisonment with the elves?
Who has escaped imprisonment with the elves?
What follows the Fellowship through the Misty Mountains?
What follows the Fellowship through the Misty Mountains?
How do they get out of Caradhras?
How do they get out of Caradhras?
Where do they travel through below the mountains?
Where do they travel through below the mountains?
Who is the only one who knows the Caves?
Who is the only one who knows the Caves?
Who kills Gandalf in the Caves?
Who kills Gandalf in the Caves?
What does Frodo see in Galadriel's mirror?
What does Frodo see in Galadriel's mirror?
Where does the Fellowship seek refuge after escaping the caves?
Where does the Fellowship seek refuge after escaping the caves?
Who tries to take the Ring from Frodo?
Who tries to take the Ring from Frodo?
Who ends up continuing to Mordor?
Who ends up continuing to Mordor?
Study Notes
Shire Reckoning and Geography
- All dates in the Shire-reckoning are calculated from Year One, established by the crossing of the Brandywine River.
- The hobbits settled in the Shire after crossing the Brandywine, marking the beginning of their history in the region.
Key Characters and Relationships
- Frodo Baggins was raised in Buckland and adopted by Bilbo Baggins after his parents drowned.
- Bilbo Baggins is known for his fondness of hobbits, celebrating his 110th birthday, and announcing his departure from the Shire.
- Gollum, originally known as Sméagol, was once a hobbit-like creature but transformed due to the One Ring's influence.
Dark Forces and Challenges
- Gandalf informs Frodo about the re-emergence of Sauron and the rebuilding of Mordor’s Dark Tower.
- Saruman, head of the council and chief of Gandalf's order, turns against the forces of good.
- The Ring can only be destroyed in Mordor, its place of creation, preventing its further use.
Journey and Companions
- Frodo chooses Crickhollow for its isolation, allowing him to leave unnoticed.
- Merry, Pippin, and Sam discover Frodo's plans after Sam eavesdrops on him.
- Tom Bombadil and Goldberry provide early aid to the hobbits, showcasing the magical nature of their world.
The Fellowship
- The Council of Elrond gathers to decide the fate of the One Ring, weighing the strength and weaknesses of members, including Boromir, Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn.
- Boromir's attempt to take the Ring from Frodo leads to tension within the Fellowship and its eventual dissolution.
- Elrond, the Master of Rivendell, serves a key advisory role and heals Frodo after his shoulder wound.
Notable Locations
- The Prancing Pony, an inn in Bree, serves as a meeting place for the hobbits and Gandalf.
- The Caves of Moria, where Gandalf faces the Balrog, symbolize a major turning point as the Fellowship faces their first daunting adversities.
- Lothlorien, ruled by Galadriel, offers a sanctuary for the Fellowship and reveals the dark presence of Sauron through her mirror.
Themes and Concepts
- The struggle between good and evil is embodied in the characters' journeys and decisions, particularly Frodo’s burden of carrying the Ring.
- Friendship and loyalty are highlighted through Sam Gamgee's unwavering support for Frodo.
- The transformation of characters, notably Gollum’s loss of identity, serves as a warning of the Ring's corrupting power.
Final Thoughts
- The backstory and relationships between hobbits, their home, and the foreboding presence of dark powers create a rich narrative foundation.
- Understanding these elements enhances comprehension of the overarching themes of sacrifice, journey, and battle between light and darkness in "The Fellowship of the Ring."
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Description
Test your knowledge on the first five chapters of 'The Fellowship of the Ring'. This quiz covers important events and details, including the history and culture of the Shire. Perfect for fans and students of Tolkien's work!
