Hobbit Month!
Aug. 5th, 2007 06:51 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
dreamflowerAugust 5
Welcome to my journal, and to my Hobbit Month post! I had a difficult time deciding what to post, I had so many ideas! So, well, I didn’t decide. Here for your enjoyment, two fics, some art, an essay and a puzzle.
First up: two small fics--
Merry and Pippin:
FIC
I’ve a bit to say about this story. See, not long ago![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
danachan asked her flist for some bunnies. We were on the phone when she got to checking it, and there was shirebound asking for a story about Merry teaching Pippin to build sandcastles. It didn’t register much at the time, but late that night, this came to me, and I asked danachan could I steal her bunny; she beta’d it for me, so I could post it today. I’m not certain if it’s what shirebound was hoping for, but I hope that she will like it anyway.
SANDCASTLES
Merry is one-hundred and ten when Pippin finally persuades him to accept Lothíriel 's invitation to visit her in her retirement at Dol Amroth; she dwelt in a dower house on the grounds of the palace where her nephew Adrahil held sway.
He had always declined the invitations, though Pippin quite wanted to go. “You know, Pip, that I have no fondness for the Sea; it's a gloomy, cold, grey thing that I have no wish to look upon again,” he would say, and a rare hint of bitterness would be in his voice. And Pippin would not press him, but would wait until the next time the widow of Merry's King invited them again.
But this year had been hard. Éowyn had finally followed her brother to the halls of their fathers, and Faramir had left Ithilien to the governance of his son, and returned to the City. Now the elderly hobbits cannot slake their need for green grass and trees by visits to him there, and when Faramir overheard their conversation, and having noted that his small friends had begun to wilt in the City, said “You know, Meriadoc, that you have only seen the inhospitable Sea of the North. There is nothing cold and grey about the warm blue waters at Belfalas.” And so Merry, noting that Pippin really did seem to need to get away, finally agrees.
A pleasant sail down the Anduin, and they are met not only by Lothíriel, but by a gaggle of small children, her great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom are eager to meet the famous pheriannath.
And Merry is surprised to see that, yes, these Seas *are* warm and blue and teeming with life, and there are beaches of fine white sand that feel pleasant to hobbit feet. Even the harsh cries of the gulls sound pleasant in the warm breezes, with the hint of salt and fish. Lothíriel welcomes them warmly, and she and Merry spend time reminiscing about Éomer, while Pippin listens indulgently, only occasionally asking a question, to keep the conversation moving along.
The former Queen has a well-run household, and her cook is only too happy to indulge the appetites of these two jolly old creatures with as many meals as they seem to think are necessary.
One morning, Pippin has a bit of a lie-in. His knee has been twinging him a bit, and he'd not slept well the night before. Merry knows, and he slips quietly from their room, to have his first breakfast, and then to walk along the beach.
There he sees two children playing in the sand. They've a bucket of water, and a couple of small spades, and they seem to be constructing something.
They look up and grin at him in welcome. The children of the area quickly grew very fond of these small people, who are just their size, and yet have the smiles of tolerant grandfathers, and who can tell tales and sing songs and wipe tears.
Merry is fascinated, and soon the children are explaining to him the intricacies of building with sand. He quickly loses track of time, and at his age, his stomach is not quite so insistent at reminding him as it once was. He's very surprised to look up and see Pippin approaching, hobbling a bit, but carrying a laden basket, nonetheless.
“Whatever are you doing, Merry Brandybuck, to miss second breakfast and elevenses, and luncheon fast approaching!”
But Merry grins. “I don't suppose you thought to bring anything in that basket,” he laughs.
“Well, you'd suppose wrong. It's filled with cheese tarts and cherry pastries, and a bottle of lemonade,” says Pippin haughtily, but with a twinkle in his eye. “And I do imagine we've enough to share,” he added with a wink at the children.
It doesn't take long before the basket is empty, and Pippin joins Merry in the sand, as the marvelous edifice grows ever larger.
It's Prince Adrahil coming in search of his children, who finds the four of them, contemplating their work.
“Finished just in time, I see, for the tide to come wash it away,” the Prince remarks.
Pippin shrugs. “All things pass,” he says.
Merry laughs. “But we can build another one tomorrow.”
__________________________________________
And the following is a bunny I’ve had for a long time. It finally allowed itself to be written…
Pippin and Gandalf:
LOOKING FOR MAGIC
The music flowed and eddied, sometimes coming within the reach of his understanding, before drifting away again. Song after song, and his heart yearned for something…
Pippin sighed and stirred. He had been seated on the floor in the Hall of Fire, leaning against Merry, who was leaning against Frodo. Frodo had a gentle arm around Bilbo, and Sam was also on the floor, leaning against Bilbo’s knee. Frodo was still awake--Pippin could see the glitter of his eyes as he lost himself in the magic of the Elven song flowing about them. Merry and Sam were frankly asleep, though he was uncertain about Bilbo. Several times since their return to Rivendell from their long journey south, Bilbo had seemed to be asleep when he was not.
Pippin, too, had been lost in the song; but it had been a long time for him to sit still without moving. He got up very carefully, so as not to disturb Merry, and stretching a bit, he moved soundlessly to one of the wide doors that were always open to the vistas of the Valley of Imladris. He took a deep breath of fresh air, and noticed another figure, robed in white. Marvelous figures of smoke drifted from his pipe.
He took his own pipe out, and went to stand next to the Wizard, and they smoked in companionable silence for a few moments. Pippin studied him for a while; Gandalf the White, so much lighter of heart, so much more open than Gandalf the Grey. His grumpy manner had changed little--but now it was clearly only an amusement, for his dark eyes sparkled with a depth of mirth that Pippin could never before have expected to see there. And he no longer tried to hide the love and affection he felt for the hobbits who had become his companions. When they left Rivendell this time, it would be just the four of them and Gandalf. Pippin found comfort in that thought.
The wizard placed a friendly hand on his shoulder. “Why so quiet, Pippin? I do not think you have asked me a single question in days!” There was a mirthful challenge in the familiar deep voice.
Pippin chuckled. A sudden thought had come to him. “I do have one question, Gandalf--one I’ve been meaning to ask you for years! But what with the Ring and all, it rather put it out of my mind.”
Gandalf turned to look down at him, drawing together his bushy eyebrows. “And what pressing question is that, Peregrin?” he said with mock sternness.
“Well, you know, I’ve rather wondered about the Secret Word--you know, the Secret Word that worked the Old Took’s shirt studs…” He let his voice trail off, slightly abashed at his own impudence. There were far more important things on Gandalf’s mind than magic shirt studs. Pippin had come to realize that whatever Gandalf was--and what he suspected he scarcely dared put into words, though he was certain that Frodo for one *knew*--he was far above the comic figure that the Shire had been so familiar with for uncounted years.
Gandalf laughed outright, and his laughter was like the laughter of Elves, lifting the heart and filling the spirit with joy. “Ah, Gerontius’ shirt studs! That was quite a jest between us. They were my gift to him upon his accession to the Thainship. But you tell me the Secret Word was lost?”
Pippin nodded. “I’ve been told they worked for Isengrim III, but he died suddenly, and never had the chance to tell his brother. It’s clear enough they are still magic, for now that the Word is lost, they do not even work in the way that normal shirt studs do. They have a special place in the Thain’s mathom room. I’ve only ever seen them once myself.”
Gandalf sighed. “Dwarves made those for me, and I magicked them--the only time I have ever made anything like that. But Gerontius had such a sense of wonder, that I wished to indulge it. You remind me of him a good deal, Pippin, my lad. You have his eyes, and his smile.” He drew on his pipe, and then sent forth a bit of smoke in the shape of a large butterfly. Pippin’s eyes grew wide, as it spread its smoky wings and drifted away. “I shall tell you the Word. But you must swear to pass it on to no one save your father and in time, your son!”
Pippin nodded, awed. Gandalf bent down, and whispered into his ear. “Oh Gandalf!” he breathed.
“Now remember what I said.”
“I will. Father will be so pleased! But what makes you think I’ll have a son?”
The wizard smiled. “Of course you will.”
Pippin sighed. “I don’t know. Up till now, all the lasses I’ve liked have thought I was too young and silly. And all the ones who’ve liked me have only done so because I’m the Thain’s Heir.”
“Trust me, Pippin. You will in time find a jewel among wives, and you will have a son someday.”
“I’ll always trust you, Gandalf. How could I not trust the White Wizard?”
__________________________________________
The summer of 1420 was mild and fruitful, and Thain Paladin was expecting the Great Smials to fill for his birthday this year. But first breakfast was for family, and he sat at the head of the table in the private dining room of the Thain’s apartments, and one by one, opened the gifts of his wife and offspring.
He looked puzzled when he came to the end of them, and raised a questioning glance at his son. Pippin stood up, and taking out a small box, handed it to his father.
Paladin looked surprised when he opened it. It was not really done to give someone a gift out of his own mathom room. Pippin chuckled. “Those are not your gift, Father. This is.” He leaned over, and whispered in Paladin’s ear.
Paladin looked up at his tall son in amazed wonder, while Eglantine and his daughters looked on in confusion.
Paladin took up the shirt studs and whispered to them.
And Pippin was pleased. Magic had returned to the Tooks.
And next up, a bit of my own fanart--painted rocks!
ART
(Click on the thumbnails for a closer view.)
This first one is actually my most recent: the cottage at Crickhollow!
And here are a couple of smaller and more traditionals smials…
And now an essay on a topic that’s been on my mind a good deal:
ESSAY
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING BILBO
I sometimes feel that Bilbo Baggins is all too often overlooked and ignored in fics. We often see him in his role as Frodo’s guardian, but we seldom see him on his own, either before or during the Quest of Erebor (AKA the Adventure with the Dragon) or after he leaves the Shire. Yet without Bilbo, there would have been no Frodo, no Lord of the Rings at all.
We all take for granted the fact that The Hobbit came first, and is a prequel to The Lord of the Rings, but we seldom take into account exactly what that means.
It was in 1937 that we begin to see, in JRRT’s correspondence with his publisher, the fact that he is being rather pushed to come up with a sequel to The Hobbit. At first, he has no clue what to write. He writes “All the same, I am a little perturbed. I cannot think of anything more to say about hobbits. Mr. Baggins seems to have exhibited so fully both the Took and the Baggins side of their nature. But I have only too much to say, and much already written, about the world into which the hobbit intruded.” (1)
Fortunately for us all, he soon found he *did* have much to say about hobbits, and shortly afterwards began the first draft of “A Long-Expected Party”. This first glimpse at Bilbo after his Adventure looks nothing at all like the one we are familiar with--no cousin Frodo in evidence, but Bingo Baggins, Bilbo’s son, instead. It took many changes, over and over and over, to arrive at what we now have. (2)
What is not so clear, is the depth of influence that Bilbo and his Adventure had upon the sequel. I’d like to explore that in depth, both “story-external“, as regards the development of the plot and the characters, and “story-internal” as regards the motivations and relationships of the characters.
STORY-EXTERNAL
Of course, there are the obvious characters and devices which the two stories have in common: Bilbo himself, Gandalf, Elrond, Gollum, the Ring, Eagles, Elves, Dwarves, goblins/Orcs, and so forth. But there are even more similarities to be found.
It is interesting to note that at least one Tolkien scholar found the plot structure of LotR and that of The Hobbit to be nearly identical. While some of Randel Helm’s observations in 1974 were invalidated by the subsequent publication of The Silmarillion, his notes on the plot structure similarities are striking. (3)
Both stories start with a party. Both times, the parties are followed by a scene of explanation for a proposed adventure. Both hobbits must leave the Shire on a dangerous quest.
Both of them gain swords after facing peril. (Bilbo with the Trolls, Frodo with the Barrow-wights.) Both of them are guests of Elrond of Rivendell, who advises them on what needs to be done. They both spend some time there, resting and recovering. Next, both of them brave the Misty Mountains, where they pass under and through caverns, and have encounters with goblins/orcs. (It’s notable that Bilbo first encounters Gollum in the goblin caves, and it’s in Moria that Frodo first observes that Gollum is following the Company.) Underground, both groups are separated from one another. (Bilbo from the Dwarves; the rest of the Fellowship from Gandalf.) Both of them then rest in the places of friendly beings, Beorn and Galadriel respectively. Then both hobbits travel down a river, and go through desolated lands to reach the Enemy’s place.
Once there, they each must find a way to exploit their Enemy’s vulnerability: Smaug’s unprotected side, Sauron’s need for his Ring. Also, there is are great battles in both, and leaders in each are lost (Thorin in The Hobbit; Théoden and Denethor in LotR). When the Quest is accomplished, both of the heroes awaken after unconsciousness. After a long journey home, both Bilbo and Frodo find they have to exert themselves once more, to regain their homes.
And of course, at the end of LotR, both of them leave together to go to the same fate in the West. (3)
Once set on track, I noticed a few other similarities: The Eagles, for example, in The Hobbit save Bilbo, Gandalf and the Dwarves after they leave the goblin caverns. And in LotR, they save Gandalf after his battle with the Balrog in Moria--and then, in both stories the Eagles play a key role at the end of the great battles. In both stories, it is someone other than the hero who ultimately disposes of the villain: Bard the Bowman dispatches Smaug, and it’s Gollum who actually destroys the Ring, and Sauron with it. Also, kingdoms are re-established after the victories: in The Hobbit, the Lonely Mountain and Dale; in LotR, Rohan and Gondor.
I’m quite sure a thorough examination will find even more.
Amazing, isn’t it? It’s as though The Hobbit is actually a blueprint for LotR!
STORY-INTERNAL
This is my favorite thing to investigate: the factors that are taking place *inside* the story itself, the motives, characterizations and events that bring these things to pass. So many times, fanfic writers like to explore these various factors--it is what leads me to write fic as well.
People sometimes like to write AU stories in which the Ring does not exist, or in which Bilbo did not find it. What they tend to forget, in focusing on their own particular scenario, are the repercussions.
Within the story, Bilbo *has* to exist and have his Adventure, or Frodo will never have *his*. If Bilbo had not found the Ring, he would not have survived his own Quest, nor would it have been likely that he would have lived long enough to take Frodo as his Ward. In this sense, story-internally, the Ring conspired in Its own destruction. For by prolonging Bilbo’s life, It meant that he was able to raise up Frodo as his heir. Furthermore, by extending Frodo’s own youth (for he did not age after receiving the Ring on coming of age) it also meant that those companions who would stand by him most stalwartly would be enabled to grow up and become Frodo’s close friends. It is also unlikely that without the Conspiracy of Sam, Merry, Pippin and Fatty, Frodo would have been able to escape the Black Riders as he did.
Bilbo returned to the Shire with a different reputation; he was now an Adventurer. Not something that was respectable to most hobbits, and it was blamed on Gandalf, and on his Tookishness. But he lived happily alone in the Shire for another 48 years, until he took Frodo in. What occurred during that time period? It’s a good long time. He would have known Frodo’s parents, and Merry’s and Pippin’s as children. He was, according to Letter #214, also Head of the Baggins family, which gave him a certain standing.
Also, we have a good many story-internal hints of the way Bilbo raised Frodo: taking him on rambles about the Shire, teaching him Elven tongues and history, and there are hints that Bilbo took Frodo to meet Elves. We see that Bilbo is no longer a shy or timid hobbit, but that he rather revels in his own eccentricity, and seems to enjoy tweaking the noses of more “hide-bound” hobbits. This too must have been a factor in Frodo’s own less than conventional behavior. We also see the impact Bilbo has on the Shire: while he may not be “respectable” he is popular. Everyone wants to be at his Party, and though there is much gossip, it’s clear that the hobbits of his area are fond of him for his generosity and kindness.
Why did Bilbo take Frodo in after all that time? Story-internal, we are led to believe that Bilbo saw in Frodo perhaps a spark of himself. There was clearly a deep love between Bilbo and his young ward.
What would lead Bilbo to leave Frodo, whom he loved? He tells Gandalf he’s feeling “old” and “stretched”. We later realize, of course, that it’s the hold of the Ring on him, as it begins to awaken to the call of Its Master.
We are told much about Bilbo between the lines, if we only have the will to dig it out. He is fully as worthy of his own stories as are Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin.
EXPLORATION
Or, actually, possible bunnies I would love to see written.
Before The Hobbit--why are there so few childhood stories for Bilbo? He was a tween during the Fell Winter, after all! And when was his last encounter with Gandalf, who by all accounts was a frequent visitor to Bilbo’s grandfather Gerontius? Why would Bilbo have *forgotten* the wizard?
Gap-fillers for The Hobbit-- what did Bilbo do during his first two stays in the Last Homely House? We are told that there were many pleasant things that “are soon told”, but not what they were. Did Bilbo explore Elrond’s library? Did he have encounters with Elladan and Elrohir? How about young Estel? (I have seen a few charming stories about that, but another would always be welcome.) What about stories set during his time in Thranduil’s fortress? (all that “endlessly burgling the same house over and over”? Surely he had a few close calls to getting caught!) How about the time immediately after the Battle of Five Armies and before the journey home? I’m sure there is nearly as much scope there as in Cormallen! What about his journey home with Gandalf? We are told there were some adventures then, though not what they were! And when he got home--just how did he go about stopping the auction and ousting the Sackville-Bagginses? And why them? According to the Family Trees, they were not of age at the time! Who was helping them declare Bilbo dead, and why?
After The Hobbit--how did he settle in at home, and what did he do with his time? What was his life like before he adopted Frodo? He was 51 when he returned from his Adventure, and he was 99 when he took Frodo in. What happened to him in the intervening 48 years?
After the Party--what was his journey like, as he left the Ring behind? Did he have “withdrawal” from It, or once it left his possession, was he free of It until It came into his reach once more? What happened when he returned to the Lonely Mountain? How did the Dwarves receive him? What led to his decision to retire to Rivendell?
As you can see, this is a fertile field for stories. Bilbo does not always have to be an appendage of another hobbit in order to have his story told!
_____________________________________
(1) The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien Letter #17, 15 October 1937, to Mr. Stanley Unwin
(2) The Return of the Shadow: The History of the Lord of the Rings, Part One , J.R.R. Tolkien, ed. Christopher Tolkien
(3) Tolkien’s World Randel Helms 1974
SOME BILBO STORIES:
Here are some links to some of my favorite Bilbo stories:
Nothing of Note by Primsong (The year before he adopts Frodo, Bilbo takes a walking trip through the Shire, and has a few adventures on the way.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=3900
Stone of Erebor by Primsong (On his second journey to the Lonely Mountain, Bilbo must investigate a mysterious theft, to avoid being accused of the crime himself.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=3903
Tangled Web by daw the minstrel (Bilbo and the Dwarves on their way through Mirkwood--from Legolas’ POV)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=2055
A Short Rest by Jay of Lasgalen (Bilbo and the Dwarves, and young Estel in Imladris)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=2916&cid=11202
Aches bysurgicalsteel ( Bilbo experiences something new to him as he passes through Bree on his second journey.)
http://surgsteelfic.livejournal.com/24512.html
When Winter Fell by Lindelea (Young Bilbo meets an eccentric relative, and reads the journal of young Fortinbras I, as the winter of 1311 draws near…WIP)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=3806
Dorwinion Wine by Lindelea (Ever wondered about that song Bilbo first heard from the Elves? Tra-la-lalley, down in the valley…)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3065&cid=11875
The Un-Expected Guest by Lindelea (Things are a bit embarrassing for Primula, when she and Drogo make a visit to Bag End…)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3065&cid=12305
Lasselanta by Gryffinjack (A wonderful account of young Bilbo and the Fell Winter.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=4931&cid=19883
(If you should know of any other stories starring Bilbo that I haven’t mentioned, I’d love to know about them.)
And here are my own Bilbo stories:
A Little Hobbit’s Big Birthday (Bilbo turns five years old--such a shame he’s ailing…wee!Bilbo h/c)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=4556&cid=20252
The Knight Has Been Unruly (Gandalf tells Pippin a story about Bilbo’s disreputable youth.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3043&cid=15174
Learning Curve (Bungo must teach Bilbo a lesson about friendship and honesty.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3043&cid=16276
A Young Hobbit’s Fancy (Bilbo finds it difficult to keep young Drogo’s mind on lessons…)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3043&cid=13539
An Appeal to Family (Bilbo writes a letter to his Aunt Mirabella, on behalf of his favorite cousin Drogo.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3043&cid=12234
A Merry Old Inn (A night at the Prancing Pony for 13 Dwarves, a Wizard and one Hobbit.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=2846&cid=11013
Late Knight Snack (Ever wondered if Legolas encountered Bilbo during the Hobbit’s “stay” there on the way to the Mountain? So does Pippin. Legolas tells him a story…)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3043&cid=17659
Concussion (During the Battle of Five Armies, Bilbo got a knock on the noggin.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=4556&cid=22719
Yule Among the Beornings (On the way home from Erebor, we are told that Bilbo and Gandalf spent Yule with Beorn.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=4556&cid=19767
Home at Last (What kind of reception did Bilbo get from his family and neighbors on his return? Set a few weeks after he got home.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3043&cid=15198
Brandy Hall, Hearthside at Yule, S.R. 1349 (Bilbo spins tales for the youngsters at Yuletide)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3043&cid=11788
Bachelor Party (It’s the night before a big wedding, and Bilbo and Rory are helping the groom to celebrate--more or less…)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3043&cid=16064
Marching Orders (Bilbo gets a bit of good advice from an unexpected source.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=4556&cid=18332
Family Reunion (Little Folco Boffin always has his furry foot in his mouth--can Cousin Bilbo protect him from wrathful relatives?)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=4556&cid=19314
Warm Welcome Home (How did Bilbo come to make his home in Rivendell? One idea of how it might have come about.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3043&cid=17313
The Birthday, S.R. 1402 (Bilbo’s first birthday after leaving the Shire for good--an unexpected gift makes it a bit easier to bear.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3043&cid=15879
Appearances Can Be Deceiving (Bilbo sees an unsavory intruder in Rivendell.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=4556&cid=19016
Recycled (Bilbo brought a few mementoes away from the Shire with him. Pippin and Merry are quite surprised to see one of them.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=4556&cid=20348
Five Things that NEVER Happened to Bilbo Baggins (Some rather unthinkable possibilities that never took place, thank goodness!)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3043&cid=15912
What Might Have Happened… (A bit of expansion on the first AU scenario above…)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=4556&cid=19235
And now, for fun, a hobbity word search puzzle! Just print out, and attack it with your pencil to seek and find!
JUST FOR FUN
A Link to the seek-and-find puzzle.
Welcome to my journal, and to my Hobbit Month post! I had a difficult time deciding what to post, I had so many ideas! So, well, I didn’t decide. Here for your enjoyment, two fics, some art, an essay and a puzzle.
First up: two small fics--
Merry and Pippin:
FIC
I’ve a bit to say about this story. See, not long ago
danachan asked her flist for some bunnies. We were on the phone when she got to checking it, and there was shirebound asking for a story about Merry teaching Pippin to build sandcastles. It didn’t register much at the time, but late that night, this came to me, and I asked danachan could I steal her bunny; she beta’d it for me, so I could post it today. I’m not certain if it’s what shirebound was hoping for, but I hope that she will like it anyway.SANDCASTLES
Merry is one-hundred and ten when Pippin finally persuades him to accept Lothíriel 's invitation to visit her in her retirement at Dol Amroth; she dwelt in a dower house on the grounds of the palace where her nephew Adrahil held sway.
He had always declined the invitations, though Pippin quite wanted to go. “You know, Pip, that I have no fondness for the Sea; it's a gloomy, cold, grey thing that I have no wish to look upon again,” he would say, and a rare hint of bitterness would be in his voice. And Pippin would not press him, but would wait until the next time the widow of Merry's King invited them again.
But this year had been hard. Éowyn had finally followed her brother to the halls of their fathers, and Faramir had left Ithilien to the governance of his son, and returned to the City. Now the elderly hobbits cannot slake their need for green grass and trees by visits to him there, and when Faramir overheard their conversation, and having noted that his small friends had begun to wilt in the City, said “You know, Meriadoc, that you have only seen the inhospitable Sea of the North. There is nothing cold and grey about the warm blue waters at Belfalas.” And so Merry, noting that Pippin really did seem to need to get away, finally agrees.
A pleasant sail down the Anduin, and they are met not only by Lothíriel, but by a gaggle of small children, her great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom are eager to meet the famous pheriannath.
And Merry is surprised to see that, yes, these Seas *are* warm and blue and teeming with life, and there are beaches of fine white sand that feel pleasant to hobbit feet. Even the harsh cries of the gulls sound pleasant in the warm breezes, with the hint of salt and fish. Lothíriel welcomes them warmly, and she and Merry spend time reminiscing about Éomer, while Pippin listens indulgently, only occasionally asking a question, to keep the conversation moving along.
The former Queen has a well-run household, and her cook is only too happy to indulge the appetites of these two jolly old creatures with as many meals as they seem to think are necessary.
One morning, Pippin has a bit of a lie-in. His knee has been twinging him a bit, and he'd not slept well the night before. Merry knows, and he slips quietly from their room, to have his first breakfast, and then to walk along the beach.
There he sees two children playing in the sand. They've a bucket of water, and a couple of small spades, and they seem to be constructing something.
They look up and grin at him in welcome. The children of the area quickly grew very fond of these small people, who are just their size, and yet have the smiles of tolerant grandfathers, and who can tell tales and sing songs and wipe tears.
Merry is fascinated, and soon the children are explaining to him the intricacies of building with sand. He quickly loses track of time, and at his age, his stomach is not quite so insistent at reminding him as it once was. He's very surprised to look up and see Pippin approaching, hobbling a bit, but carrying a laden basket, nonetheless.
“Whatever are you doing, Merry Brandybuck, to miss second breakfast and elevenses, and luncheon fast approaching!”
But Merry grins. “I don't suppose you thought to bring anything in that basket,” he laughs.
“Well, you'd suppose wrong. It's filled with cheese tarts and cherry pastries, and a bottle of lemonade,” says Pippin haughtily, but with a twinkle in his eye. “And I do imagine we've enough to share,” he added with a wink at the children.
It doesn't take long before the basket is empty, and Pippin joins Merry in the sand, as the marvelous edifice grows ever larger.
It's Prince Adrahil coming in search of his children, who finds the four of them, contemplating their work.
“Finished just in time, I see, for the tide to come wash it away,” the Prince remarks.
Pippin shrugs. “All things pass,” he says.
Merry laughs. “But we can build another one tomorrow.”
__________________________________________
And the following is a bunny I’ve had for a long time. It finally allowed itself to be written…
Pippin and Gandalf:
LOOKING FOR MAGIC
The music flowed and eddied, sometimes coming within the reach of his understanding, before drifting away again. Song after song, and his heart yearned for something…
Pippin sighed and stirred. He had been seated on the floor in the Hall of Fire, leaning against Merry, who was leaning against Frodo. Frodo had a gentle arm around Bilbo, and Sam was also on the floor, leaning against Bilbo’s knee. Frodo was still awake--Pippin could see the glitter of his eyes as he lost himself in the magic of the Elven song flowing about them. Merry and Sam were frankly asleep, though he was uncertain about Bilbo. Several times since their return to Rivendell from their long journey south, Bilbo had seemed to be asleep when he was not.
Pippin, too, had been lost in the song; but it had been a long time for him to sit still without moving. He got up very carefully, so as not to disturb Merry, and stretching a bit, he moved soundlessly to one of the wide doors that were always open to the vistas of the Valley of Imladris. He took a deep breath of fresh air, and noticed another figure, robed in white. Marvelous figures of smoke drifted from his pipe.
He took his own pipe out, and went to stand next to the Wizard, and they smoked in companionable silence for a few moments. Pippin studied him for a while; Gandalf the White, so much lighter of heart, so much more open than Gandalf the Grey. His grumpy manner had changed little--but now it was clearly only an amusement, for his dark eyes sparkled with a depth of mirth that Pippin could never before have expected to see there. And he no longer tried to hide the love and affection he felt for the hobbits who had become his companions. When they left Rivendell this time, it would be just the four of them and Gandalf. Pippin found comfort in that thought.
The wizard placed a friendly hand on his shoulder. “Why so quiet, Pippin? I do not think you have asked me a single question in days!” There was a mirthful challenge in the familiar deep voice.
Pippin chuckled. A sudden thought had come to him. “I do have one question, Gandalf--one I’ve been meaning to ask you for years! But what with the Ring and all, it rather put it out of my mind.”
Gandalf turned to look down at him, drawing together his bushy eyebrows. “And what pressing question is that, Peregrin?” he said with mock sternness.
“Well, you know, I’ve rather wondered about the Secret Word--you know, the Secret Word that worked the Old Took’s shirt studs…” He let his voice trail off, slightly abashed at his own impudence. There were far more important things on Gandalf’s mind than magic shirt studs. Pippin had come to realize that whatever Gandalf was--and what he suspected he scarcely dared put into words, though he was certain that Frodo for one *knew*--he was far above the comic figure that the Shire had been so familiar with for uncounted years.
Gandalf laughed outright, and his laughter was like the laughter of Elves, lifting the heart and filling the spirit with joy. “Ah, Gerontius’ shirt studs! That was quite a jest between us. They were my gift to him upon his accession to the Thainship. But you tell me the Secret Word was lost?”
Pippin nodded. “I’ve been told they worked for Isengrim III, but he died suddenly, and never had the chance to tell his brother. It’s clear enough they are still magic, for now that the Word is lost, they do not even work in the way that normal shirt studs do. They have a special place in the Thain’s mathom room. I’ve only ever seen them once myself.”
Gandalf sighed. “Dwarves made those for me, and I magicked them--the only time I have ever made anything like that. But Gerontius had such a sense of wonder, that I wished to indulge it. You remind me of him a good deal, Pippin, my lad. You have his eyes, and his smile.” He drew on his pipe, and then sent forth a bit of smoke in the shape of a large butterfly. Pippin’s eyes grew wide, as it spread its smoky wings and drifted away. “I shall tell you the Word. But you must swear to pass it on to no one save your father and in time, your son!”
Pippin nodded, awed. Gandalf bent down, and whispered into his ear. “Oh Gandalf!” he breathed.
“Now remember what I said.”
“I will. Father will be so pleased! But what makes you think I’ll have a son?”
The wizard smiled. “Of course you will.”
Pippin sighed. “I don’t know. Up till now, all the lasses I’ve liked have thought I was too young and silly. And all the ones who’ve liked me have only done so because I’m the Thain’s Heir.”
“Trust me, Pippin. You will in time find a jewel among wives, and you will have a son someday.”
“I’ll always trust you, Gandalf. How could I not trust the White Wizard?”
__________________________________________
The summer of 1420 was mild and fruitful, and Thain Paladin was expecting the Great Smials to fill for his birthday this year. But first breakfast was for family, and he sat at the head of the table in the private dining room of the Thain’s apartments, and one by one, opened the gifts of his wife and offspring.
He looked puzzled when he came to the end of them, and raised a questioning glance at his son. Pippin stood up, and taking out a small box, handed it to his father.
Paladin looked surprised when he opened it. It was not really done to give someone a gift out of his own mathom room. Pippin chuckled. “Those are not your gift, Father. This is.” He leaned over, and whispered in Paladin’s ear.
Paladin looked up at his tall son in amazed wonder, while Eglantine and his daughters looked on in confusion.
Paladin took up the shirt studs and whispered to them.
And Pippin was pleased. Magic had returned to the Tooks.
And next up, a bit of my own fanart--painted rocks!
ART
(Click on the thumbnails for a closer view.)
This first one is actually my most recent: the cottage at Crickhollow!
And here are a couple of smaller and more traditionals smials…
And now an essay on a topic that’s been on my mind a good deal:
ESSAY
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING BILBO
I sometimes feel that Bilbo Baggins is all too often overlooked and ignored in fics. We often see him in his role as Frodo’s guardian, but we seldom see him on his own, either before or during the Quest of Erebor (AKA the Adventure with the Dragon) or after he leaves the Shire. Yet without Bilbo, there would have been no Frodo, no Lord of the Rings at all.
We all take for granted the fact that The Hobbit came first, and is a prequel to The Lord of the Rings, but we seldom take into account exactly what that means.
It was in 1937 that we begin to see, in JRRT’s correspondence with his publisher, the fact that he is being rather pushed to come up with a sequel to The Hobbit. At first, he has no clue what to write. He writes “All the same, I am a little perturbed. I cannot think of anything more to say about hobbits. Mr. Baggins seems to have exhibited so fully both the Took and the Baggins side of their nature. But I have only too much to say, and much already written, about the world into which the hobbit intruded.” (1)
Fortunately for us all, he soon found he *did* have much to say about hobbits, and shortly afterwards began the first draft of “A Long-Expected Party”. This first glimpse at Bilbo after his Adventure looks nothing at all like the one we are familiar with--no cousin Frodo in evidence, but Bingo Baggins, Bilbo’s son, instead. It took many changes, over and over and over, to arrive at what we now have. (2)
What is not so clear, is the depth of influence that Bilbo and his Adventure had upon the sequel. I’d like to explore that in depth, both “story-external“, as regards the development of the plot and the characters, and “story-internal” as regards the motivations and relationships of the characters.
STORY-EXTERNAL
Of course, there are the obvious characters and devices which the two stories have in common: Bilbo himself, Gandalf, Elrond, Gollum, the Ring, Eagles, Elves, Dwarves, goblins/Orcs, and so forth. But there are even more similarities to be found.
It is interesting to note that at least one Tolkien scholar found the plot structure of LotR and that of The Hobbit to be nearly identical. While some of Randel Helm’s observations in 1974 were invalidated by the subsequent publication of The Silmarillion, his notes on the plot structure similarities are striking. (3)
Both stories start with a party. Both times, the parties are followed by a scene of explanation for a proposed adventure. Both hobbits must leave the Shire on a dangerous quest.
Both of them gain swords after facing peril. (Bilbo with the Trolls, Frodo with the Barrow-wights.) Both of them are guests of Elrond of Rivendell, who advises them on what needs to be done. They both spend some time there, resting and recovering. Next, both of them brave the Misty Mountains, where they pass under and through caverns, and have encounters with goblins/orcs. (It’s notable that Bilbo first encounters Gollum in the goblin caves, and it’s in Moria that Frodo first observes that Gollum is following the Company.) Underground, both groups are separated from one another. (Bilbo from the Dwarves; the rest of the Fellowship from Gandalf.) Both of them then rest in the places of friendly beings, Beorn and Galadriel respectively. Then both hobbits travel down a river, and go through desolated lands to reach the Enemy’s place.
Once there, they each must find a way to exploit their Enemy’s vulnerability: Smaug’s unprotected side, Sauron’s need for his Ring. Also, there is are great battles in both, and leaders in each are lost (Thorin in The Hobbit; Théoden and Denethor in LotR). When the Quest is accomplished, both of the heroes awaken after unconsciousness. After a long journey home, both Bilbo and Frodo find they have to exert themselves once more, to regain their homes.
And of course, at the end of LotR, both of them leave together to go to the same fate in the West. (3)
Once set on track, I noticed a few other similarities: The Eagles, for example, in The Hobbit save Bilbo, Gandalf and the Dwarves after they leave the goblin caverns. And in LotR, they save Gandalf after his battle with the Balrog in Moria--and then, in both stories the Eagles play a key role at the end of the great battles. In both stories, it is someone other than the hero who ultimately disposes of the villain: Bard the Bowman dispatches Smaug, and it’s Gollum who actually destroys the Ring, and Sauron with it. Also, kingdoms are re-established after the victories: in The Hobbit, the Lonely Mountain and Dale; in LotR, Rohan and Gondor.
I’m quite sure a thorough examination will find even more.
Amazing, isn’t it? It’s as though The Hobbit is actually a blueprint for LotR!
STORY-INTERNAL
This is my favorite thing to investigate: the factors that are taking place *inside* the story itself, the motives, characterizations and events that bring these things to pass. So many times, fanfic writers like to explore these various factors--it is what leads me to write fic as well.
People sometimes like to write AU stories in which the Ring does not exist, or in which Bilbo did not find it. What they tend to forget, in focusing on their own particular scenario, are the repercussions.
Within the story, Bilbo *has* to exist and have his Adventure, or Frodo will never have *his*. If Bilbo had not found the Ring, he would not have survived his own Quest, nor would it have been likely that he would have lived long enough to take Frodo as his Ward. In this sense, story-internally, the Ring conspired in Its own destruction. For by prolonging Bilbo’s life, It meant that he was able to raise up Frodo as his heir. Furthermore, by extending Frodo’s own youth (for he did not age after receiving the Ring on coming of age) it also meant that those companions who would stand by him most stalwartly would be enabled to grow up and become Frodo’s close friends. It is also unlikely that without the Conspiracy of Sam, Merry, Pippin and Fatty, Frodo would have been able to escape the Black Riders as he did.
Bilbo returned to the Shire with a different reputation; he was now an Adventurer. Not something that was respectable to most hobbits, and it was blamed on Gandalf, and on his Tookishness. But he lived happily alone in the Shire for another 48 years, until he took Frodo in. What occurred during that time period? It’s a good long time. He would have known Frodo’s parents, and Merry’s and Pippin’s as children. He was, according to Letter #214, also Head of the Baggins family, which gave him a certain standing.
Also, we have a good many story-internal hints of the way Bilbo raised Frodo: taking him on rambles about the Shire, teaching him Elven tongues and history, and there are hints that Bilbo took Frodo to meet Elves. We see that Bilbo is no longer a shy or timid hobbit, but that he rather revels in his own eccentricity, and seems to enjoy tweaking the noses of more “hide-bound” hobbits. This too must have been a factor in Frodo’s own less than conventional behavior. We also see the impact Bilbo has on the Shire: while he may not be “respectable” he is popular. Everyone wants to be at his Party, and though there is much gossip, it’s clear that the hobbits of his area are fond of him for his generosity and kindness.
Why did Bilbo take Frodo in after all that time? Story-internal, we are led to believe that Bilbo saw in Frodo perhaps a spark of himself. There was clearly a deep love between Bilbo and his young ward.
What would lead Bilbo to leave Frodo, whom he loved? He tells Gandalf he’s feeling “old” and “stretched”. We later realize, of course, that it’s the hold of the Ring on him, as it begins to awaken to the call of Its Master.
We are told much about Bilbo between the lines, if we only have the will to dig it out. He is fully as worthy of his own stories as are Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin.
EXPLORATION
Or, actually, possible bunnies I would love to see written.
Before The Hobbit--why are there so few childhood stories for Bilbo? He was a tween during the Fell Winter, after all! And when was his last encounter with Gandalf, who by all accounts was a frequent visitor to Bilbo’s grandfather Gerontius? Why would Bilbo have *forgotten* the wizard?
Gap-fillers for The Hobbit-- what did Bilbo do during his first two stays in the Last Homely House? We are told that there were many pleasant things that “are soon told”, but not what they were. Did Bilbo explore Elrond’s library? Did he have encounters with Elladan and Elrohir? How about young Estel? (I have seen a few charming stories about that, but another would always be welcome.) What about stories set during his time in Thranduil’s fortress? (all that “endlessly burgling the same house over and over”? Surely he had a few close calls to getting caught!) How about the time immediately after the Battle of Five Armies and before the journey home? I’m sure there is nearly as much scope there as in Cormallen! What about his journey home with Gandalf? We are told there were some adventures then, though not what they were! And when he got home--just how did he go about stopping the auction and ousting the Sackville-Bagginses? And why them? According to the Family Trees, they were not of age at the time! Who was helping them declare Bilbo dead, and why?
After The Hobbit--how did he settle in at home, and what did he do with his time? What was his life like before he adopted Frodo? He was 51 when he returned from his Adventure, and he was 99 when he took Frodo in. What happened to him in the intervening 48 years?
After the Party--what was his journey like, as he left the Ring behind? Did he have “withdrawal” from It, or once it left his possession, was he free of It until It came into his reach once more? What happened when he returned to the Lonely Mountain? How did the Dwarves receive him? What led to his decision to retire to Rivendell?
As you can see, this is a fertile field for stories. Bilbo does not always have to be an appendage of another hobbit in order to have his story told!
_____________________________________
(1) The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien Letter #17, 15 October 1937, to Mr. Stanley Unwin
(2) The Return of the Shadow: The History of the Lord of the Rings, Part One , J.R.R. Tolkien, ed. Christopher Tolkien
(3) Tolkien’s World Randel Helms 1974
SOME BILBO STORIES:
Here are some links to some of my favorite Bilbo stories:
Nothing of Note by Primsong (The year before he adopts Frodo, Bilbo takes a walking trip through the Shire, and has a few adventures on the way.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=3900
Stone of Erebor by Primsong (On his second journey to the Lonely Mountain, Bilbo must investigate a mysterious theft, to avoid being accused of the crime himself.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=3903
Tangled Web by daw the minstrel (Bilbo and the Dwarves on their way through Mirkwood--from Legolas’ POV)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=2055
A Short Rest by Jay of Lasgalen (Bilbo and the Dwarves, and young Estel in Imladris)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=2916&cid=11202
Aches by
surgicalsteel ( Bilbo experiences something new to him as he passes through Bree on his second journey.)http://surgsteelfic.livejournal.com/24512.html
When Winter Fell by Lindelea (Young Bilbo meets an eccentric relative, and reads the journal of young Fortinbras I, as the winter of 1311 draws near…WIP)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=3806
Dorwinion Wine by Lindelea (Ever wondered about that song Bilbo first heard from the Elves? Tra-la-lalley, down in the valley…)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3065&cid=11875
The Un-Expected Guest by Lindelea (Things are a bit embarrassing for Primula, when she and Drogo make a visit to Bag End…)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3065&cid=12305
Lasselanta by Gryffinjack (A wonderful account of young Bilbo and the Fell Winter.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=4931&cid=19883
(If you should know of any other stories starring Bilbo that I haven’t mentioned, I’d love to know about them.)
And here are my own Bilbo stories:
A Little Hobbit’s Big Birthday (Bilbo turns five years old--such a shame he’s ailing…wee!Bilbo h/c)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=4556&cid=20252
The Knight Has Been Unruly (Gandalf tells Pippin a story about Bilbo’s disreputable youth.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3043&cid=15174
Learning Curve (Bungo must teach Bilbo a lesson about friendship and honesty.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3043&cid=16276
A Young Hobbit’s Fancy (Bilbo finds it difficult to keep young Drogo’s mind on lessons…)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3043&cid=13539
An Appeal to Family (Bilbo writes a letter to his Aunt Mirabella, on behalf of his favorite cousin Drogo.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3043&cid=12234
A Merry Old Inn (A night at the Prancing Pony for 13 Dwarves, a Wizard and one Hobbit.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=2846&cid=11013
Late Knight Snack (Ever wondered if Legolas encountered Bilbo during the Hobbit’s “stay” there on the way to the Mountain? So does Pippin. Legolas tells him a story…)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3043&cid=17659
Concussion (During the Battle of Five Armies, Bilbo got a knock on the noggin.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=4556&cid=22719
Yule Among the Beornings (On the way home from Erebor, we are told that Bilbo and Gandalf spent Yule with Beorn.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=4556&cid=19767
Home at Last (What kind of reception did Bilbo get from his family and neighbors on his return? Set a few weeks after he got home.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3043&cid=15198
Brandy Hall, Hearthside at Yule, S.R. 1349 (Bilbo spins tales for the youngsters at Yuletide)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3043&cid=11788
Bachelor Party (It’s the night before a big wedding, and Bilbo and Rory are helping the groom to celebrate--more or less…)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3043&cid=16064
Marching Orders (Bilbo gets a bit of good advice from an unexpected source.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=4556&cid=18332
Family Reunion (Little Folco Boffin always has his furry foot in his mouth--can Cousin Bilbo protect him from wrathful relatives?)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=4556&cid=19314
Warm Welcome Home (How did Bilbo come to make his home in Rivendell? One idea of how it might have come about.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3043&cid=17313
The Birthday, S.R. 1402 (Bilbo’s first birthday after leaving the Shire for good--an unexpected gift makes it a bit easier to bear.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3043&cid=15879
Appearances Can Be Deceiving (Bilbo sees an unsavory intruder in Rivendell.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=4556&cid=19016
Recycled (Bilbo brought a few mementoes away from the Shire with him. Pippin and Merry are quite surprised to see one of them.)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=4556&cid=20348
Five Things that NEVER Happened to Bilbo Baggins (Some rather unthinkable possibilities that never took place, thank goodness!)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3043&cid=15912
What Might Have Happened… (A bit of expansion on the first AU scenario above…)
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=4556&cid=19235
And now, for fun, a hobbity word search puzzle! Just print out, and attack it with your pencil to seek and find!
JUST FOR FUN
A Link to the seek-and-find puzzle.
