LOTR Read-Along: The Two Towers: The Uruk-Hai

 

We pick up with Merry and Pippin who have been taken hostage by a grouping of Orcs, goblins and the Uruk-Hai. Told primarily from Pippin's POV, both Hobbits face unimaginable abuse at the hands of Sarumon's monsters. However, in typical practical Hobbit fashion, both of them are calm and collected, scared yes, but oddly enough, not panicking. With Merry fading in and out of consciousness, Pippin must rely on his wits to get both of them out. Something he does remarkably well.

The Orcs, goblins and Uruk-Hai seem to have nothing better to do than squabble among themselves. Some are from Isengard, while others are from farther North. When the assembly is set upon by a multitude of riders, Merry and Pippin make their escape into Fangorn forest, while their captors are slain and desecrated by their unexpected saviors. 

Seeing Merry and Pippin suffering at the hands of their enemies is disturbing to say the least. However, the Hobbits prove that is spite of their outward stature, they posses intelligence, ingenuity and absolute courage. Knowing that they're are inches from death, Pippin really comes into his own in this chapter. He manages to cut the ropes from his hands, deceive the Uruk-Hai and hopes that leaving his brooch behind will be found by someone, hopefully one of the Company. 

Heidi's Questions:

• Do you tend to identify more with Merry or Pippin? Or both equally?

I've always identified more with Pippin at least in personality. I tend to be a little lost from time to time, but in an emergency, I've learned to act calmly and rationally.