LOTR Read-Along: The Fellowship of the Ring: A Conspiracy Unmasked

After the monotony of the last several chapters, we finally get a little excitement from Frodo's unconventional cousin Merry. After narrowly escaping another Black Rider, the four hobbits crash at Frodo's 'new home.' However, as the title would indicate, a conspiracy has certainly been unmasked and Frodo comes to the realization that he's not as sneaky and clever as he thinks. 

Merry Brandybuck is an immensely perceptive hobbit who can sense impending change a mile away. For a while he had some concerns regarding Bilbo and his odd ring. Through a series of other events, Merry, with the help of Sam as his personal informant, put the pieces together. Frodo isn't moving. He's leaving for good. And Frodo isn't leaving without Merry or Pippin, that much they both make clear to him. 

Frodo isn't really given much of a choice in the matter. His cousins are coming because Frodo is family, and he is also their friend. Merry and Pippin offer their services to Frodo without asking any questions or what's in it for them. Frodo heeds the wise of advice of Gildor the elf to take friends that are trusty and willing. Willing being the operative word. Not one of his friends were asked if they wanted to go. Although Sam was commissioned by Gandalf, he would have gone with Frodo either way. 

Merry and Pippin are completely unaware to the power and the danger of the Ring, the danger that lies ahead and the strangers they are bound to cross paths with. Yet they are aware that Frodo and Sam are going beyond the hobbit norm, breaking every rule in the book, risking their reputations in the Shire and quite possibly their lives with these fearsome Black Riders. Why shouldn't they be part of the fun too?

This was such a fin little chapter! This is really the beginning of the Fellowship and you see that very clearly. I love how Merry was able to piece everything together...and he used Sam to literally spy on Frodo!

Heidi's Question:

• What do you think of the friendship described above?

While the intelligence of Merry Brandybuck is severely downplayed in the movie, I was always struck at how he immediately helped Frodo by getting him across the river. In the next scene he and Pippin are travelling along Frodo and Sam as if this was the plan all along. 

Peter Jackson once described Frodo and Sam's friendship as a 'true friendship. A friendship with no strings attached. I'm here to help you and expect nothing in return.'

Well, to be honest that applies more to Merry and Pippin more so than Sam. Sam was told to go with Frodo, he's his servant and it's his job to obey. Merry and Pippin are rich, single and popular, and they don't have to do anything for their older cousin. Yet, they go anyway. Asking for nothing and expecting nothing, only that Frodo is able to get his assigned task done.