The Fellowship: Frodo and Black Riders

Frodo and the Black Riders

• Frodo, Sam, and Pippin continue their journey, leaving the woods and entering open grasslands.
• They are afraid of the Black Riders, fearing they may be spotted on the open land.
• The sun breaks through the clouds, and the land becomes more familiar, easing their fears.
• They reach the fields of Bamfurlong, belonging to Farmer Maggot, someone Frodo has been afraid of since childhood due to a past encounter involving stolen mushrooms and angry dogs.
• As they reach the gate, Farmer Maggot's dogs greet them with ferocious barking.
• Maggot recognizes Pippin and welcomes him warmly, but initially seems suspicious of Frodo.
• Maggot tells them about a strange black-cloaked rider he encountered who asked about the Bagginses and mentioned someone was coming.

Maggot's Encounter with the Black Rider

• The Black Rider rode a black horse, was shrouded in black clothing and hood, and spoke in a strange, low voice.
• He asked Maggot if he had seen "Baggins" and offered gold for information.
• Maggot refused, telling the rider to leave and threatened to release his dogs.
• The Black Rider hissed and then rode off towards the causeway.
• Maggot suspects the Black Rider's interest in the Bagginses and links this to Bilbo's "strange doings" and the gold he supposedly buried.

Farmer Maggot's Advice for Frodo

• Farmer Maggot advises Frodo to stay in Buckland and avoid getting involved with "outlandish folk."
• He offers to lie to anyone searching for Frodo, suggesting he is dead or has left the Shire.
• Maggot believes the Black Rider is seeking information about Bilbo and his buried treasure.

Farmer Maggot's Kindness

• Despite his gruff exterior, Maggot extends his hospitality, offering Frodo and his companions supper and a ride to the Ferry in his wagon.
• Maggot's wife expresses concern for his safety and advises him not to argue with "foreigners."

Journey to the Ferry

• As the group departs with Maggot, the night is still and cold with river-mist hanging in the air.
• Maggot keeps his lanterns off, anticipating any sounds or signs of danger.
• He recognizes the night will be thick with mist, but they will be able to hear any danger approaching.

Overall Themes

• The encounter with Farmer Maggot highlights the tension between different parts of the Shire and the lingering fear of the Black Riders.
• The chapter emphasizes the importance of staying away from dangerous situations and the potential consequences of being connected to Bilbo's past.
• The use of the mist creates a sense of creeping danger and the unknown.
• The chapter ends with an atmosphere of suspense, leaving the readers wondering what dangers await the hobbits on their journey.

### The Fellowship's Journey to Buckleberry Ferry

• Frodo, Sam, and Pippin encounter a haunting cry in the woods, suggesting a presence more sinister than birds or beasts.
• They emerge from the woods into open grasslands and feel exposed, but find comfort in the familiar landscape as they approach Buckleberry Ferry.
• While crossing Farmer Maggot's lands, Frodo reveals his past transgressions and fear of the farmer and his fierce dogs.
• Farmer Maggot, initially hostile towards unfamiliar travelers, recognizes Pippin and is intrigued by the mention of the Baggins name.
• A mysterious black rider, cloaked and hooded, seeks out Baggins, implying a connection to Bilbo's past and potentially his hidden wealth.
• Farmer Maggot shares his encounter with the Black Rider, expressing his suspicion towards anyone associated with the Bagginses and their "strange doings."
• Frodo, recognizing the danger posed by the Black Riders and fearing their pursuit, decides to continue their journey despite the late hour.
• Farmer Maggot offers his hospitality and proposes to transport them to the Ferry in his wagon to avoid potential danger.
• After enjoying supper at Farmer Maggot's home, Frodo, Sam, and Pippin set off in the dark after midnight, accompanied by Farmer Maggot.
• While traveling in Maggot's carriage, the air turns still and cold, and a dense mist begins to rise over the land, adding to the sense of foreboding.
• Farmer Maggot expresses his concern about the thickening mist, but assures them that they'll hear any approaching threat before they see it.