Into the Wardrobe

I found Master Meriadoc's explanation of the etymology of the word "holbytla" to be most interesting. I had wondered how the word came to be used in Rohan, but unknown in Gondor, when refering to hobbits. Holbytla meaning hole-dweller.

It is another reminder that the hobbits must have come from across the mountains before settling in the Shire. Perhaps hobbits once dwelt near the region of Eorl's people between the Carrock and the Grey Mountains, and so there might be legends of small people among the Rohirrim.

I also enjoyed Merry's little sketch in the margin of what I can only assume must be his shield from Rohan with the horse and rider on it.

unlike his first rare peeks at the redbook, meriadoc was allowed to peruse the redbook at his leisure by the early years of the fourth age. much of the marginal notes on the observations made by the fine mr. frodo baggins on the war of the ring were by this uncredited author. there is a sly reference to yet another book, a small tattered green one, which one assumes was mr. brandybuck's personal diary of events during his traverse with the fellowship; quite interesting yet not fully disclosed details of his journey to the pelennor.

Sam's poem is perfectly 'Samwise'. As Tolkien says of him: he's a heroic character whose origins are rustic. This is like rustic heroic poetry.

I think the Redbook would have dragon lore. Lots of dragon lore.

Rosie smiles from beyond Middle Earth

I loved Sam's poem! Very nice!

Surprising as it may sound, Gimli also penned a verse that was included. Of course, if he knew that Frodo had secured a copy, he would be appalled.

I'll Call None Other Fair
Gimli to Galadriel

Galadriel, great elven queen,
Fairest one that I have seen,
This dwarf to thee his awkward praise
And songs of wonderment must raise.

Proud and bright Galadriel,
My kin once thought thee dread and fell,
And yet one look upon thy face,
I see thy beauty and thy grace.

What Aulë chiseled from the stone,
Deep in mountain halls, alone,
Is hard of heart, stubborn, strong,
For we to stone and earth belong.

And yet as I look on the fair
Galadriel of golden hair,
My hardened heart grows soft and light,
Heavenward it then takes flight.

Such joy, such light, they break my heart,
For, seeing thee, I must depart.
One gift alone I begged of thee,
A strand of hair, and thou? Thou gavest three.

Good poetry. I love it!
I always thought Gimli's fascination with Galadriel just a little freaky though. I mean, she's a married woman and about a thousand years older than Gimli!
I suppose it's that idea of courtly love.