LOTR Read-Along: The Fellowship of the Ring: The Council of Elrond

So, the title is pretty self explanatory. An elite grouping of representatives of the primary races of Middle-Earth--men, elves, dwarves, Gandalf for the Istari and of course, Frodo--gather together to discuss the fate of the Ring. Throughout the chapter, the council goes through a 'pass the parcel' discussion of each races connection to the Ring in some form. 

• The dwarven legend, Gloin, tells the council of Sauron's dealing with King Dain of Moria, wanting his alliance. Dain refused him three times, but by doing so has endangered his life and lives of his people. Yet, he also fears for Bilbo and has sent Gloin to Rivendell to warn the hobbit and to also seek Elrond's advice for the evil that is growing around the Lonely Mountains. 

• Elrond gives a history of the Ring including Sauron's rise and his creation of the other Rings of power. 

• Lord Boromir of Gondor speaks of a dream that both he and his brother have had throughout their lives, a prophecy of sorts regarding Frodo and the Ring that may lead their war torn city to victory. 

• Aragorn is revealed to be rightful heir of Gondor's throne, giving the council his own family's history and now his time to reclaim the throne of Gondor has come. The Ring is also called Isildur's Bane. Isilidur was Aragorn's ancestor who killed Sauron, but refused to destroy the Ring. His foolish decision caused calamity throughout Middle-Earth and created a bloodline of weak kings. Aragorn is the last of his line.

• Prince Legolas of Mirkwood recounts how his people had held Gollum captive, but their kindness allowed him to get away (Thranduil has gotten soft in his old age). 

• Gandalf weaves in and out with his own accounts of the Ring that came from his years of study and research, as well as the betrayal of his friend and mentor, Sarumon the White (or Sarumon of Many Colors), his captivity and eventual rescue that got him to Rivendell. 

Of course all of this eventually leads up to 'what are we going to do with the Ring?' The only possible chance that Middle-Earth has of survival from Sauron's growing evil is to take the Ring to Mordor and destroy it. This tasks leave many unsure and afraid of the consequences of the Ring falling in the wrong hands. In spite of his injury, his inexperience and his desire to go home, Frodo once again volunteers to take the Ring. 

In spite of this chapter's length, it gave a great amount of background information on the culture of Middle-Earth. I loved Gloin's story of the dwarves and hearing about his old friends. The fact that, once again, a prisoner slipped through Mirkwood's prisons and Boromir's casual references of his brother, that he never bothers to name. 

Heidi's Questions:

• So much happened in this chapter: new characters and so much history -- with threads both dark and light; so much character development and different characters playing off each other with all the seeds of tension and foreshadowing -- I'd love to hear what stood out to you the most. And was any part of the recounted stories a surprise/new to you?

Gloin's account of Dain and his refusal to aid the enemy, in spite of what might happen to him. Also how he sent his emissary to warn Bilbo and have the humility to ask for Elrond's council. I never expected that in the story. You never realize how awesome and underappreciated the dwarves are. 

• What is one of your favorite quotes from this chapter?

'But now the world is changing once again. A new hour comes. Isildur's Bane is found. Battle is at hand. The sword shall be reforged. I will come to Minus Tirith. 

-Aragorn