Well, the floor’s open. We still haven’t talked about:
The invocation of the Valar by Mablung.
The curious role of the Winds in Ithilien’s climate.
Sam’s belief that there may yet be a chance of return from Mordor.
The role of Water in Ithilien, especially the relationship to Ulmo of the
stone-edged pool and the stone bridges.
Where Gollum disappeared to.
The geology of Ithilien.
How the New Line films adapted this chapter – scriptwriting, location, special
effects, costuming, acting. (OK, maybe this is a Movie Board topic, but it
would be nice to apply all we’ve talked about from a book-perspective this
week, to the film.)
Bored of the Rings version – Two four six eight / Tiptoe, sneak, and
infiltrate!
How Gollum caught those rabbits.
Whatever happened to the fourth Ranger.
Whatever happened to the Mumak mahout.
The illustrations.
Those Shire clocks.
How the map and the nature of Ithilien changed in Tolkien’s mind, based on HoME
draft maps.
Lack of animal life in Ithilien, except rabbits of course. I’m thinking goats –
where are the goats?
And much, much more that I just can’t think of!
Summary of this week’s discussion will follow as soon as possible -- OK, let's
face it, in a few weeks. Thanks everyone for a great discussion of a great
chapter, probably my favorite chapter in all of Lord of the Rings,
redolent of tamarisk and pungent terebinth!
Text of this
chapter
Everyone is laughing for heart's ease, now that they're in Ithilien! Join me in the Reading Room this week for a squireific topic-oriented discussion of Chapter 4, Book IV of The Two Towers: "Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit".
squire online:
Footerama: "Tolkien would have LOVED it!" (improved!)
The Valaquenta discussion
A Shortcut to Mushrooms discussion
