LOTR Read-Along: The Fellowship of the Ring: At the Sign of the Prancing Pony

Now that we've survived the Barrow-Downs, a little fun may be in order. The Hobbits have arrived at Bree. A town populated by Big Folk, as well as other outlander hobbits, dwarves and the mysterious northern rangers. Bree is a crossroads town that sees the comings and going of different people groups and therefore stories, gossip and information filters through houses and pubs at a constant rate.

Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin have never ventured so far into the world of the Big Folk and of course are naturally nervous and shy. However, it doesn't take long for them to feel comfortable around the residents of The Prancing Pony Inn, which was suggested to them by Tom Bombadil. Run by the kindly, but oftentimes forgetful, Mr. Butterbur, The Prancing Pony Inn is alive with drinking and merriment from its wide cultural array of residents. Merry decides to cop out and enjoy some rest, but Frodo, Sam and Pippin decided to join the fun down in the parlor. 

While having a good time, Frodo comes to the attention of a solitary man in the corner. The only information he can get the from the innkeeper is that the stranger is a ranger from the north and he's known as Strider. Shortly after Frodo and Strider meet, Pippin Took begins to cause trouble and Frodo must put an end before his cousin blows their cover. Yet, it ends it being Frodo himself that could end up exposing their true intention for being in Bree.

So, we finally get out of the Shire and into the world of the Big Folk. This was a great transitional chapter. The Hobbits have faced the Dark Riders, experienced the goodness of Tom Bombadil and Goldberry, and the madness of the Barrow-Downs. How bad could Bree be? Well, actually it's not bad at all. While the town is the polar opposite of what the hobbits are used to, there is a congenial kindness and acceptance of the Shire hobbits, especially among the Bree hobbits. 

I loved how Merry decided to sit out the festivities, for what reason is made unclear, but I just found that humorous. Then meeting Strider in his typical nonchalance way was rather typical for such an enigma of a character. 

Heidi's Questions:

• Do you think the vanishing incident was orchestrated by the Ring itself? Or that some other devious commanding power was at work? Or maybe it was just an accident?

I saw it as a complete accident. Frodo tripped and lost control. However, I could understand why some may see it as being orchestrated by the Ring. It would have been a good way to expose Frodo and signal the Black Riders, which of course is what happened. So, there's several different theories.

• Make sure to listen to this link for Frodo's song. Let me know what you think!

What a bouncy tune!