LOTR Read-Along: The Two Towers: The Palantir

Book Three of The Lord of the Rings has probably been one of the most enjoyable books I've read so far. It's quick and rapid fire, with absolutely no time to rest at all. From frequent battles, to meeting new characters in every chapter, there has not been a dull moment at any point in the story. So it's only fitting, that Book Three would end on quite an intense cliffhanger. All thanks to Pippin.

After the audience with Saruman at the Orthanc, the great--or once great White Wizard--has conveniently disappeared. All that he left behind was a beautiful black orb, known only as the Palantir. Gandalf says this artifact holds deep, powerful, and dangerous magic. The Palantir in its most basic explanation, is used to communicate with Sauron. Gandalf warns them all to stay away, most especially Pippin. However, we've established that once Pippin sets his sights on something, it's hard to turn away. 

Whether by innocent curiosity or pull of something darker, Pippin gets a hold of the Palantir. When he looks inside, he has an instant interaction with Sauron. As if possessed, Pippin is immediately under Sauron's control. Believing the Hobbit to be the Ring-bearer, Sauron demands information from him. Yet, Pippin is still somewhat aware of himself and his surroundings and manages to evade Sauron's questions. Even though he isn't hurt, a great deal of damage has been done. Sauron has manged to pinpoint Pippin's position, putting everyone around him in danger. Pippin must leave and Gandalf knows exactly where he must go.

For someone who knows how to survive an Orc pack kidnapping as well as escape unscathed, Pippin's lack of common sense leaves much to be desired. He's young though. In Hobbit years Pippin is only about 14 or 15, so he's still in many ways a child who has been thrust into an unforeseen journey. Pippin's curiosity is simply that, curiosity. He certainly isn't be led by malicious intentions. He's a Hobbit discovering the world of the Big People, which leads to big questions and answers that can have heavy consequences.