What scene made the biggest impression on you FROM THE BOOK? [Archive]

The Silver-shod Muse

05-01-2002, 11:31 PM

In all honesty, RotK was one of only two books that I have ever cried over. It was funny, because nobody died in the end or anything, but it all seemed so unbearably sad. The scene where Sam goes on alone with the ring is SO good, in a terrible way. You think that Frodo is done for, and all the while Sam is having disheartening misgivings about leaving his master. Personally I can't wait to see that in the movies.

I think you're right about the tragedies, Daisy. While I mentioned that the scene didn't have to be tragic, many of the really good ones are, so that's what I expect a lot of. There are, however, plenty of beautiful victories, like when Aragorn comes sailing up the river in his corsair boat. Those stick well, too.

Kalimac

05-01-2002, 11:38 PM

What stuck with me most vividly were the scenes where Frodo, Sam and Gollum were going over the Dead Marshes, to the Crossroads and then to Cirith Ungol. They made such a vivid impression that I felt like I was there and that it was happening in real time; when they sat down to eat, time slowed down, and when they were trying to escape Shelob I was as breathless while reading it as if I had been running as hard as they. It was startling later on to find out that some readers had found those scenes to be slow and dull; for me they were some of the best and most intense writing I've ever read.

Bramblerose Gamgee-Took

05-02-2002, 01:16 AM

The scene that stuck in my mind that most was when Sam found Frodo after the Orcs took him. That part was so emotional and sad, how he found him lying in a heap in the corner. *sniff* smilies/frown.gif

piosenniel

05-02-2002, 02:10 AM

The vivid scenes for me are the battle scenes - I find JRRT's description of them absolutely fascinating.

My other favorite scene is the interaction between Frodo and Sam and Faramir. He is a very interesting character - a man of great depth and perception!

Midgardsormen

05-02-2002, 03:18 AM

I so agree with you Kalimac!!
I love the parts with Sam, Gollum and Frodo, all the little things, what they are thinking etc.
However, there are two places that I either cried or was heartbroken. The first one was when Sam thinks Frodo is dead....and he contemplates going on a revenge spree, then he thinks of killing himself (that almost broke my heart!!), then he cries....and finally he does what he feels is what Frodo would want him to do....it is not what he wants to do...remember he says if he manages to do the job then he will come back and never leave Frodo again....whether he kills himself deliberately or just gets himself killed is unclear, but it IS clear that he has no plans of returning to the Shire without Frodo. It is SOOO beautifully written!! I can feel his anguish at Frodo being dead, and at leaving him!! He really does not want to live any longer, but he does feel a responsibility for the ring not falling into Sauron's hands if he can help it.
The other scene is the Havens!! I cry buckets every time!! If these scenes are done well in the RotK I will be a total wreck afterwards!! (and will have used up a box of tissues too smilies/frown.gif )
Given that PJ has said he is intensifying the Gollum, Sam, Frodo relationship and expanding Faramir's role, I think TTT will be a great movie....but it is RotK that will blow us away if it is done well.

Halfir

05-02-2002, 06:34 AM

For me the most gripping moment is The Battle of The Pelennor Fields, when Theoden faces the Lord of the Nazgul, and Eowyn and Merry come to his aid. The images that come to mind in that section of the story I find wonderfully heroic and incredibly moving. I only hope the movie lives up to the book.

Xenoia

05-02-2002, 07:00 AM

I liked the Battle of the Pelennor fields too, the images were very vivid, it was just so good, and i can't wait for the film to come out! But the bit i remember most is the very end of RotK because it was sad.

Oh, and Gollum...poor Gollum...

Cimmerian

05-02-2002, 08:21 AM

The entire chapter on the Orcs “ The Uruk Hai” in TTT, on how they went about doing their stuff and roughing up their captive hobbits and how they fought among themselves and allowed the hobbits to flee their captors. I keep visualising Grisnankh and how I would like to cut him down…heh! smilies/evil.gif

[ May 02, 2002: Message edited by: Cimmerian ]

Child of the 7th Age

05-02-2002, 09:55 AM

The entire "Grey Havens" scenario. (I guess that's more than a single scene, but I can cheat, can't I?)

What struck me most were all the references to Frodo's suffering, his dropping out of Shire affairs and the reference to how little honor he had in his own country, plus the actual parting between Frodo and Sam.

It's as if the characters are bidding farewell to us as well. Bilbo and Frodo sail to the West for healing and growth, the Hobbits return to the Shire so they may help in its restoration, and we, once again, are shut out of Middle Earth to stand on a distant shore. So much joy and sorrow! sharon, the 7th age hobbit

Nevtalathiel

05-02-2002, 10:32 AM

I guess one of the scenes which sticks with me is the battle of Helm's Deep and the competition between Legolas and Gimli. I just find it so amusing that they're counting how many orcs they've killed as they do it. I thought of another one too, but I can't think what it was now!

Lomelinde

05-02-2002, 03:19 PM

The scene with Frodo and Sam dragging themselves up Mt. Doom. So close, and yet so far. Sam would not allow Frodo to give up, encouraging him all the way, and finally actually carrying the worn-out Frodo for part of the way. That part always gets me, for Sam is so achingly loyal, and Frodo's spirit is so ravaged, yet they stay with each other and end up saving the world. Wow.

Siiw

05-02-2002, 05:25 PM

One of the scenes which made the strongest impression on me, was Gollum finding Frodo and Sam asleep on their way to Mordor. The sight of the sleeping hobbits made his good side take over for a short while, but Sam totally misunderstood his actions. (Excuse my English. I'm Norwegian)

Gimli Son Of Gloin

05-02-2002, 05:33 PM

The scene with the biggest impression on me is Arwen willing to lose her immortality to marry Aragorn.

Midgardsormen

05-03-2002, 03:27 AM

Lomelinde, I agree with you that that scene is incredible...it is so sad, but beautiful,because they are helping eachother even though they are in pain and do not think they will be able to do it!!
And Ii, there is nothing wrong with your English!! I also love that scene...I just hope Peter Jackson puts the scene in! (not just Gollum finding them asleep, but Frodo sleeping in Sam's lap...it is such a great scene...it is as if even in sleep Sam wants to protect Frodo.

lathspell

05-03-2002, 04:26 AM

Another scene that made impression on me is in the Mirror of Galadriel, when Sam sees the Gaffer walking down Bagshot Row and knows that something is wrong in the Shire. Then Galadriel let's him make the choice Frodo or the Gaffer, but she counsels him towards Frodo.

Eärendil

05-03-2002, 11:36 AM

I have to agree with you all...all those scenes mentioned make very big impression on me. I don´t have one fave scene, but many...
They make me breath faster, make me cry, make me feel pained, etc etc...
There are probably many forgotten that I absolutely love, but oh well, let´s say the whole books make big impression on me!? smilies/smile.gif

Nar

05-03-2002, 07:10 PM

ii, that's my favorite scene, too. Suddenly I felt so sorry for Gollum, and it opened up such possibilities-- Gollum could have been recovered from the ring and turned back into a real hobbit, instead of the dried-up monster he'd become. Then Sam --my favorite character! --accidently crushes all Gollum's better feelings. AAAA!

NyteSky

05-03-2002, 10:34 PM

What has stuck with me most is Gandalf's struggle. Both with the Balrog when it happened and when everyone was grieving for him and then we he returned as Gandalf the White. Tragic yet overcoming in the end, classic combination. Second would have to be the hunt after Merry and Pippin. Very moving how the remnant of the Company worked so relentlessly to get them back.
Of course next time I read through the books another scene might jump out at me. They're full of great scenes.

greyhavener

05-03-2002, 10:41 PM

This may be an odd favorite, but it's the scene in which Treebeard explains to Merry and Pippin about his name. He tells them that as ents get older and older their names get longer and longer because everything they are is contained in their name. I think that's just wonderful and have never forgotten it.

Baran

05-04-2002, 05:50 AM

The only scene that made me cry was the end of the book, when Bilbo and Frodo went east.
It was a sad and happy ending at the same time.

Eomer of the Rohirrim

05-04-2002, 10:50 AM

The most heart-wrenching scene for me was when the Captains of the West were surrounded by the army from Mordor. Pippin fells a troll and then closes his eyes and waits for death. That ended Book 5 and I had tears in my eyes thinking that Pippin (and likely everyone else) was dead.

The most amazing scene for me was on Pellenor fields. Eomer finds Theoden dead and Eowyn on the verge of death and then has to carry on, stunned and grim.
He recites some poetry and waits for the Black ships to come. He then discovers that Aragorn is in the ships and the Rohirrim and Minas Tirith explode in delight.

Beautiful writing.

QuickSlash

05-04-2002, 05:02 PM

My biggest impression was the death of Aragorn in the Apendex. It was so sad, yet satisfying. He didn't have to suffer or wither away. He lived a full life and passed on with grace. It still makes me sad, knowing that he died, but he died after doing so much good.

Araen

05-04-2002, 05:55 PM

When Pippin is crushed, and almost killed, by the cave troll. I often find myself thinking about that at odd moments durning the day. Still cry when I read it, it's not like the ending can cahnge adn he'll die is it?

Arwen Imladris

05-04-2002, 07:03 PM

For me, it would have to be either Merry stumbling around and meeting Pippin in Minas Tirith after stabbing the Wraith or at the end of the book when Frodo leaves and everyone is crying, I start to cry too! smilies/frown.gif

The Silver-shod Muse

05-04-2002, 09:07 PM

JRR Tolkien possesses a writing style that is so simple and sensitive. His characters are easy to love because they have such dignity and perseverance and discipline. When Eomer could've just let his sword fall and given in to utter despair when the corsair ships came in, he didn't. He fought on. It's quiet little moments like that when you can feel the character breathing and can sense his/her humanity and hope, or lack thereof that make Tolkien's works so eternal and universal.

Kalla

05-05-2002, 12:10 AM

There's so many great moments that I hold close to my heart, but I guess one of the most poignant ones is in my signature when Gandalf and Frodo are in Moria. smilies/smile.gif

finhobit

05-05-2002, 10:49 AM

In Moria, when the Balrog have battle with Gandalf was so exciting part in the first book...

Amarinth

05-08-2002, 08:31 AM

it was the grey havens for me too. all of lotr was distilled for me in that one single paragraph of frodo telling sam "that it is so; when the land is in danger, one has to give it up, lose it, so that others may keep it." frodo's simple words describe what is arguably the greatest sacrifice in the entire trilogy. the rest of the fellowship (even boromir, in a sense) had come home to even greater glory--not so the one hurt the most!

it is the essence of pure sacrifice --THAT killed me!

Guinevere

05-19-2002, 01:05 PM

Mae govannen!
I`m new here und I`ve just read all the contributions to this theme. Well, it leaves me speechless !!So many people all over the world are feeling just the same as I do!The scenes that moved me most deeply are the ones in "the choices of master Samwise" and "the tower of Cirith Ungol". Midgardsormen has already written exactly what I wanted to say about this scenes. Anyway, Sam`s faithful and devoted love for Frodo is for me one of the most touching things. No other character reveals his feelings , thoughts and inner debates so much to the reader as Sam does, therefore I can really share his emotions.
Isn`t it a strange phenomenon that this book, written more than half a century ago still rouses so much emotion and keeps on fascinating millions of people all over the world? Tolkien was a superb storyteller, when you enter his secondary world, everything he relates is true, it has "the inner consistency of reality" as Tolkien himself stated in his essay "on Fairy-stories". There I also found another interesting statement. "It is the mark of the good fairy-story, of the higher or more complete kind, that, however wild it`s events, however fantastic or terrible the adventures, it can give to child or man that hears it, when the "turn" comes, a catch of the breath, a beat and lifting of the heart, near to (or indeed accompanied by) tears, as keen as that given by any form of literary art, and having a peculiar quality."
Well, then I don`t have to be ashamed of the tears that rise in my eyes at the above stated scenes and at the departure at the Grey Havens !!

Daniel Telcontar

05-19-2002, 01:29 PM

I liked the part where Aragorn talks to the hobbits at the Prancing Pony. He tries to convince them without mentioning Gandalf. This puzzled me at first, until a book explained it to me. Aragorn's travels had made him a lonely man, and to get his true love he needed to be King of two countries. Not excactly an easy task. He wanted friends, like any other, and not because he knew Gandalf, but because he was himself. And the story of Aragorn and Arwen is very moving. I felt so sorry for him, whenever he had to make a hard decision, like wether to follow Frodo and Sam to Mordor or to go rescue Merry and Pippin. And I felt happy, whenever something good happened to him, or just if someone thought or said something nice of him. Aragorn is misunderstood by the people in Bree, and I am happy that they in the end reckonized his effort to keep Bree safe from evil creatures.

Laiedheliel

05-19-2002, 08:21 PM

This may seem stupid, but my fave scene is when the Riders of Rohan plus Gandalf the White and the remaining members of the company ride up to the gates of Isenguard and Merry and Pippin are there, sitting and smoking and eating! It made me cry, just because it was so emotional that after the hunt and thinking that the Hobbits were dead they all got to meet up again. The only ones missing were Frodo and Sam...

piosenniel

05-20-2002, 01:02 AM

Just thought of another favorite part of the book - when Aragorn rides the Paths of the Dead and calls them to service.

amyrlis

05-20-2002, 01:01 PM

"...he was young, and he was King, the Lord of a fell people." Regarding Eomor on the Pelennor Fields after discovering the death of Theoden. I love that part - the Rohirrim take up arms to avenge their King, desperately fighting beyond hope, the black ships of the enemy approaching..., but alas it is Aragorn and the Rohirrim burst into song, "and they slew as they sang" (or maybe that was the other way around). Also, I love the scene at the Grey Havens - so sad.

Ms. Took

05-20-2002, 09:47 PM

I have a bunch of favorites, but one of them that stuck with me was the end of the two towers. I mean Frodo was captured and Sam felt all guilty. I couldn't think of anything else for weeks.

Luineglin

05-27-2002, 01:01 PM

i must say that my favorite is when gandalf stands alone on the bridge. It gives me a picture of a lone figure standing up against evil and falling yet taking evil with him that strikes me in some odd fashion. Dont know why just does

Melkor

05-27-2002, 01:05 PM

I like the part with shellub. and tom bombadill. I like the parts that hint at the first ages of midle earth.

I didnt cry at the ROTK but I came close.

GreatWarg

05-27-2002, 01:12 PM

My fav scene was in Lorien, when Frodo and Haldir were looking out to the land of Lorien from Cerin AMroth. The scenery, as I imagined it, was so breathtaking and the colors so vivid, it almost made me think I was there.

Another favortie is at the feast in Rivendell when Tolkien was describing Elrond and Arwen. It portrayed to my mind the splendour of Elves.

Tolkien's writing style makes one imagine the scenes for themselves, making it almost impossible to put into film. There's a hill near my house with a very large tree on it, and that's how I imagine Cerin Amroth now. Jackson can never really trully achieve the beauty and masterpiece which Tolkien had put into words.

Kidd2323

05-27-2002, 06:35 PM

While this is a little off topic, I think one of the most unexpected-yet truly most remarkable-scenes was when when the Witch King of Angmar cried out in pain because Merry, "a worm in the mud," pierced the dead flesh of the fell servant of Sauron, enabling Eowyn to defeat her foe. I almost jumped for joy when I read that one of the meddlesome, good-for-naught hobbits stepped into the role of hero. Gandalf's foresight was definitley well rewarded as well as our delight in seeing Merry's loyalty rewarded.

And wasn't it heartwrenching to hear Merry cry out, "A king's man! A king's man!" Were I present at the Pelennor Fields I would have paid to be one of the men that carried Merry and Eowyn in honor from the battlefield.

Brimstone Goldenwing

05-27-2002, 07:17 PM

Well my scene isn't my favorite, is just made me jump.

In The Hobbit, when Bard killed Smaug I was so sad! I know the part when he died wasn't sad at all, in fact people they happy because he died but-I couldn't bear to imagine my poor ol Smaugy go smilies/frown.gif *sniff* I will miss my Smaugy and no matter how much he is forgotten, I will always remember him! smilies/frown.gif *sniff*

Yeah you guys don't understand, but if you loved dragons and were obbsessed with them thismuch I'm sure you'd do the same.. smilies/frown.gif

Astaldotathrawen

05-27-2002, 07:54 PM

This may sound kinda stupid, but the part that just kept me thinking for a while, is this. It's when Pippin is laying beside Merry when they are captured by Orcs. I don't know. I have just always remembered that part really good. Cause Pippin is my fav. character, and picturing him being kicked around by orcs has just kinda gotten to my nerves. {If you know what I mean}.

I also like the part where Frodo and Sam leave the rest of the company. That part is just so sad seeing how good of a friendship they have that they would stick by each other when the hard times came. I always cry at that part.

"I will take the ring, though I do not know the way"
---Frodo Baggins

"We hobbits ought to stick together, and we will. I shall go, unless they chain me up. There must be someone with intelligence in the Party."
---Peregrin "Pippen" Took

"I do not wish to stay- I would not be included in all the songs and tales only to have them say I was always left behind."
---Meriadoc "Merry" Brandybuck

"I wonder what sort of tale weve landed in"
---Samwise "Sam" Gamgee

Joy

05-28-2002, 12:08 AM

The scenes that touched me the most would be
Weathertop - Frodo's Stand, yet weakness then being stabed
Ford of Brunien - "By Elbereth and Lùthien the Fair, ye shall have neither the Ring nor Me!"
Gandalf's fall
Galadriel's gift giving scene and Namrië
Boromir's Death

The Two Towers
Merry and Pipin with the Orcs and their escape
Gandalf's Return
Helm's Deep
Gimli's glitering Cave speech
Ents in Isenguard
Gandalf defeats Suarman
Pipin with the Palantir - "The burned hand teaches best"
Hobbits meeting with Faramir
Sam spilling about the Ring to Faramir and seeing Faramir's reaction.
The Journey to the Crossroads - esp the part where the sun is peaking through in the West, the the line - "They cannot conquer forever."
When Sam sees Gollum "pawing at Master" - yet it is really Smeagol wishing to repent.
Choices of Master Samwise - I cry every time I read this.

Return of the King
When Pippin pleadges fealty to Denethor
Merry pleadges himself to Theoden
Eowyn begs Aragorn to allow her to follow him to battle
Eowyn/Dernhelm takes Merry to battle
Eowyn and Merry slay the Witch-King
Houses of Healing - after Aragorn has come. Esp the scene with Eowyn and Eomer.
Gandalf and the Mouth of Sauron
Pippin in battle - thinks he's dead
Sam's song in the Tower
Sam rescuing Frodo
Aragorn crowned King/mercy toward Beregrond
Aragorn and Arwen's Marriage.
Frodo's pity for Wormtounge and Saurman (Sharkey).
Frodo and Biblo leaving the Grey Havens.

Did I cover the whole book???? I think I did! smilies/biggrin.gif

[ May 28, 2002: Message edited by: Joy ]

Shadow of Udûn

06-29-2002, 06:27 AM

The bit where Gandalf and the Balrog are pursuing each other under Moria, and then finally burst out on to the peak of the mountain...
How tolkein describes it is simply terrifying
"a thing of slime"
"dark thing...older than sauron"
it seems almost surreal, too large to be true. It's a little bit like Odyseuses journey into the land of the dead or Dante's passage through Hell - this dark, terrifying place, filled with enormous, shapeless, nameless creatures
Terrifying.

Lush

06-29-2002, 11:11 AM

When the Hobbits were gathered around Tom Bombadil as he told them stories. When Aragorn was reminiscing about Arwen in Lórien. When "Rohan had come at last" (I was reading this late at night, by myself in a dark house, and my heart did leaps and cartwheels). I could go on and on and on, and waste a whole lot of bandwidth.

*Varda*

06-29-2002, 04:33 PM

Well, there are only two books that have really properly made me cry. The first was His Dark Materials Trilogy, and obviously the second was LotR. I cried the most at the Grey Havens, I also cried when Gandalf fell in Moria, and at the end of the chapter The Black Gate Opens in RotK. *sniff* i just reread it, and i feel like i'm going to cry...

On a happier note, I also liked the bits with the Ents, Tom Bombadil, and Rivendell, and Lothlorien, because it all seemed so pretty and i could completely imagine it in my mind.

NazgulNumber10

06-29-2002, 04:58 PM

HELM'S DEEP BABY!!! that was awsome. just plain awsome.
smilies/evil.gif

Brinniel

06-29-2002, 07:50 PM

The scene that stuck with me was when Sam attacked Shelob to save Frodo and then thinking he is dead and taking the ring to destroy himself. That scene really showed Sam's bravery and I cannot forget that. That scene remains why Sam is my fav character.

maleliel

07-01-2002, 11:56 AM

The bit I liked the best was when Frodo and Sam met up with Merry and Pippin again at the end! I was so happy for them all to be reunited once again! It just seemed like a really happy time!!! smilies/biggrin.gif Then again, that's just me, and I can be a bit stupid sometimes!!! smilies/rolleyes.gif

Aule

07-01-2002, 06:40 PM

My favourite part of the book is when Frodo puts on the ring in Oradruin, this is when Sauron finally percieves what his enemies are planning and then when he realises his doom is near he send his Nazgul flying as swiftly as poosible towards Mt.Doom. I love this bit because throughout the books i kept getting this feeling that no matter what Sauron was unassailable and had no fear knowing that no one could defeat him. And then at this part tolkien made me feel the fear that had come upon Sauron.
Just Brilliant!!!!

Evisse the Blue

02-07-2004, 02:38 PM

All of the scenes you mentioned are my favourites too, I won't name them again.

Another of my favourite scenes, the one that I read over and over is the Saruman-Gandalf confrontation in The Voice of Saruman. It is like a battle of wits between two wise men, and it's interesting to see Saruman change tactics but still remain aloof and not give in.

Another all-time favourite is the House of Healing scenes. Have you noticed how each of the three healings have a different atmosphere? This scene makes me love Aragorn, something that was hardly acomplished by other scenes.

And I love all the scenes that present some irrelevant but beautiful details, in terms of storytelling-- for instance Frodo watching the stars before falling asleep in a tree at the borders of Lothlorien, Tom Bombadil telling about Fatty Lumpkin, the bit about the Pukel men ...

Hot, crispy nice hobbit

02-08-2004, 04:08 AM

Gee, I like to discuss, especially about what I feels about everything JRRT. So here is the scene that made the biggest impression on me: The High Seat over the world. After Frodo escaped from Boromir, still putting on the ring, he sat on the stone throne and looked all about. It gave a complete big picture about all the events that are going on at that point of time, and not just focus us on the nine walkers. Corny perhaps, but I enjoyed the struggle of will power between Sauron and Gandalf resurrected(?) with neither coming out winner, but Frodo being free to choose.

NightKnight

02-08-2004, 04:28 AM

I've got two scenes:

The first one is when the rohirrim are on the Pelennor Fields, after Theoden died, and they all ride around shouting "Death!" and just battle.
The second one is from Silmarillion, during Nirnaeth Arnoediad, when Fingon's troops draw their swords at the same time and charge.
They both give me shivers. smilies/biggrin.gif

The Squatter of Amon Rûdh

02-08-2004, 05:43 AM

The entire chapter Mount Doom has it for me. Frodo and Sam, without any hope left of success or return, throw away everything that won't get them to Mount Doom, even Sam's pans. We have Frodo at the depths of his despair claiming not to remember anything. There is the climax of the quest, and there are so many great conversations.

Frodo says: "At least I know that such things happened, but I cannot see them. No taste of food, no feel of water, no sound of wind, no memory of tree or grass or flower, no image of moon or star are left to me. I am naked in the dark, Sam, and there is no veil between me and the wheel of fire. I begin to see it even with my waking eyes, and all else fades."

Then there's Gollum pleading with Sam for his life: "Don't hurt us with nassty cruel steel! Let us live, yes, live a little longer. Lost lost! We're lost. And when Precious goes we'll die, yes, die into the dust."

But the part that probably struck me closest was this one: 'I am glad that you are here with me,' said Frodo. 'Here at the end of all things, Sam.'
'Yes, I am with you, Master,' said Sam, laying Frodo's wounded hand gently to his breast. 'And you're with me. And the journey's finished. But after after coming all that way I don't want to give up yet. It's not like me, somehow, if you understand.'
'Maybe not, Sam,' said Frodo; 'but it's like things are in the world. Hopes fail. And end comes. We have only a little time to wait now. We are lost in ruin and downfall, and there is no escape.'
'Well, Master, we could at least go further from this dangerous place here, from this Crack of Doom, if that's its name. Now couldn't we? Come, Mr. Frodo, let's go down the path at any rate!'
'Very well, Sam. If you wish to go, I'll come,' said Frodo; and they rose and went slowly down the winding road; and even as they passed towards the mountain's quaking feet, a great smoke and steam belched from the Sammath Naur, and the side of the cone was riven open, and a huge fiery vomit rolled in slow thunderous cascade down the eastern mountain-side.
Frodo and Sam could go no further. Their last strength of mind and body was swiftly ebbing. They had reached a low ashen hill piled at the Mountain's foot; but from it there was no more escape. It was an island now, not long to endure amid the torment of Orodruin. All about it the earth gaped, and from deep rifts and pits smoke and fumes leaped up. Behind them the Mountain was convulsed. Great rents opened in its side. Slow rivers of fire came down the long slopes towards them. Soon they would be engulfed. A rain of hot ash was falling.
They stood now; and Sam still holding his master's hand caressed it. He sighed. 'What a tale we have been in, Mr. Frodo, haven't we?' he said. 'I wish I could hear it told! Do you think they'll say : Now comes the story of Nine-fingered Frodo and the Ring of Doom? And then everyone will hush, like we did, when in Rivendell they told us the tale of Beren One-hand and the Great Jewel. I wish I could hear it! And I wonder how it will go on after our part.'

Firefoot

02-08-2004, 07:49 AM

Well, if I was to list all of them I would fill up several pages, but the one that comes to mind is the chapters about Sam and Frodo from "The Choices of Master Samwise" to "Mount Doom". I remember sitting there just numb with shock the first time I read the book that Frodo was dead. I couldn't believe it. And the trek through Mordor was amazing, especially right at Mt. Doom. I love the sentence "I'm glad that you are with me, Sam, here at the end of all things."

Finwe

02-08-2004, 01:26 PM

I agree with you there, Squatter. By the time I got to the chapter of Mount Doom, I was so wound up in the Quest and in the lives of the Fellowship that I wept bitterly while reading the passage that you so eloquently quoted. It somehow seems like an unlikely denouement to such a climactic scene. But in that unlikely denouement lies one of the most beautiful depictions of true, honest, heart-felt love that I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

Evisse the Blue

02-08-2004, 03:01 PM

Speaking of sad moments, the first time I read the book I fell for all the plot twists when a character appeared to be dead: I thought Gandalf was dead, then I was sure that Frodo was dead, by the middle of ROTK I should have known better than to fall for these ambiguities, but I still took Pippin's farewell as a final one, because I remembered Elrond being against his going, and it seemed to me he had to be proven right one way or the other. But I also my mum, who read LOTR after I did, told me she cried her eyes out when she thought Pippin had died, while keeping dry eyes all through the Grey Havens scene.
But as for me, although I got glassy eyes at a few scenes (the one Squatter quoted above being one of them) I did not weep until I read the following:
1541: In this year, on March 1st came at last the Passing of King Elessar. It is said that the beds of Meriadoc and Peregrin were set beside the bed of the great king. Then Legolas built a grey ship in Ithilien and sailed down Anduin and so over Sea; and with him, it is said, went Gimli the Dwarf. And when that ship passed an end was come in Middle-earth of the Fellowship of the Ring.
It was then that the bitter realization dawned on me: The book is over! I was like someone dreaming a beautiful dream and knowing that any moment now the alarm clock will ring. I swear, one of the most painful feelings I have ever experienced s coming to the end of a wonderful book. I know that you cannot really appreciate it for all that it is until you've finished it, and at a second/ third reading you discover new things and cherish the already known ones, but it cannot be compared with the feeling of amazed almost unconscious novelty when one is absorbed for the first time in a book. That 'being caught up in the heat of the events' feeling is rarely experienced a second time. It's sort of like the distinction Sartre made between living an event and recounting (re-telling) an event.
If this is slightly off topic, sorry. If not, I'd be interested how many of you share this view.

Gorwingel

02-08-2004, 03:39 PM

The most memorable and amazing scene in LOTR for me was The Cross-Roads. I just remember reading it for the first time, and it giving me chills. Because in the first part you have kind of an either go West or go East, dark or light. This is where I felt that Sam and Frodo had reached the last point where they had a choice, and after they left there was no going back. And then of course there is the last part of the chapter, and the image that is most memorable in my mind...

Suddenly, caught by the level beams, Frodo saw the old king's head: it was lying rolled away by the roadside. "Look, Sam!" he cried, startled in to speech. "Look! The king has got a crown again!"
The eyes were hollow and the carven beard was broken, but about the high stern forehead there was a coronal of silver and gold. A trailing plant with flowers like small white stars had bound itself across the brows as if in reverence for the fallen king, and in the crevices of his stony hial yellow stonecrop gleamed.
"They cannot conquer for ever!" said Frodo. And then suddenly the brief glimpse was gone. The Sun dipped and vanished, and as if at the shuddering of a lamp, black night fell.

The way that Tolkien has wrote this is so amazing. The way that he mixed dark and light, sun, hope and sadness. It is just such a cool scene.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 4:40 PM February 08, 2004: Message edited by: Gorwingel ]

Keeper of Dol Guldur

02-10-2004, 10:14 PM

Personally, besides breakthroughs with Hobbits realizing just what they've been caught up in, there are plenty of moving parts.

When Gandalf shoots down Denethor's arrogance and pride, and proclaims that 'I too, am a steward . . . did you not know?' I thought it was pretty good of Gandalf to let Denethor know exactly where Gondor's place was in all of Middle Earth.

Eorl of Rohan

02-11-2004, 04:01 AM

The scene that made a most deep impression on me was Denethor's death. Especially the palantir part, about how no one who had not a great will to turn it to other purposes would only see a pair of hands withering in flame. It is so vivd that it makes you shudder. *shudder* :confused:

Lobelia

02-11-2004, 05:57 AM

I think my problem, if such it is, is that I can't choose a favourite scene. The joy, for me, of a re-read, is that with each chapter I think, "Oh, good, I'm going to read the scene where..."

Perhaps the scene at Bree, where the hobbits first meet Aragorn. No special reason, except that I feel the adventure is about to begin!

Cinderella

02-11-2004, 10:11 PM

For me it's the whole scene where Sam thinks Frodo has died, especially the line "Don't go where I can't follow" which still to this day is my favorite quote from the book. I love Sam and that scene is so incredibly touching, it makes you wonder when you read it, "What would I do?" ;)

Estel'sAngel

02-12-2004, 01:18 AM

The scenes that made the biggest impression? Oh gosh!! There isn't even room on this board to even start!! LOL

The contest between Gimli and Legolas in Helm's Deep. That was the humor and hope in a seemingly hopeless situation.

The choices of Master Samwise. Enough said!! LOL...that was just...OMG!! It broke my heart to read that.

The Gray Havens. I cried when I read this part. I was just sobbing!! I ran to my Mom and cried on her lap asking why! Then I listened to the radio broadcast (my mom has the tapes) and I cried at that part again!! And again in the movie! That part was just so beautifully written and yet ...bittersweet best describes it.

The part that got me in the Fellowship was Boromir. So tragic and misunderstood. So horribly flawed and yet he represented humanity to a T. So strong and yet so weak. I love Aragorn and Sam is my favorite. But Boromir...he represents humanity, strengths and weaknesses.

Sam is my favorite character. He represents the good in the world. THe love and the hope and the simplicity of everything.

I'm more of the whole character person. Although I do agree with Cinderella on the quote: "Don't go where I can't follow." Even now that makes me want to cry.

I'm going to get my tissue now! There are just too many beautiful parts. It's all beautiful. Too many made such an impression. The depths of the passion with which Tolkien wrote. How could anyone escape without an impression of at least one thing?

Liriodendron

02-12-2004, 06:49 AM

I can't remember what scene stuck out the most the first time I read LoTR, because it was too long ago. :( But always now, when rereading the story, the scene where Tom Bombadil puts the ring on and DOESN"T disappear, then actually makes the RING disappear always freaks me out. :eek:
After the first reading, and knowing what a "big deal" the ring is, Tom's nonchalance gives me goosebumps. The "rules" are being broken! :eek:

Ellwyn

02-19-2004, 02:32 PM

Do you mean the first time I read it? If so, it was when Faramir was 'proposing' (I put it in inverted commas because it wasn't really a proposal, was it? Meh) to Eowyn.

She thought she was in love with Aragorn and then realised that it's really with Faramir that she should be. It left kind of an impression in me. I don't call it 'settling for second best' (for one thing, I love Faramir :P) I just think they belonged together.

EDIT: I've used a hell of a lot of tenses here. Hope it isn't confusing :D

Aiwendil

02-19-2004, 03:22 PM

Liriodendron wrote:
I can't remember what scene stuck out the most the first time I read LoTR, because it was too long ago.

It's pretty much the same for me . . . I first read it (actually, had it read to me) when I was about six years old. The only scenes that I distinctly remember hearing for the first time (which probably means they made some kind of a subconscious impression on me) are:

Gandalf arriving in Hobbiton before the party
Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin, and Fredegar discussing the Old Forest
Gandalf talking with Denethor
Eowyn killing the Witch-king

Why I remember these scenes in particular and not other more important ones I have no idea.

The scenes that make the biggest impression on me these days are:

The appearance of the Balrog (and the whole build-up to it)
Gandalf facing the Witch-king, interrupted by the coming of the Rohirrim
Eowyn killing the Witch-king
Frodo, Sam, and Gollum at Mount Doom

Dininzilielen

02-19-2004, 10:44 PM

Elvisse the Blue: It was then that the bitter realization dawned on me: The book is over! . . . I swear, one of the most painful feelings I have ever experienced was coming to the end of a wonderful book. . . and at a second/ third reading you discover new things and cherish the already known ones, but it cannot be compared with the feeling . . . when one is absorbed for the first time in a book. That 'being caught up in the heat of the events' feeling is rarely experienced a second time. You know, this sounds like rites of passage where we arrive at a place in which we very much want to be, then leave having been changed forever. An awareness of something lost and something gained--loss of a particular innocence, gain of a certain wisdom.

I cherish the experience of my first reading of The Hobbit and LotR--on the edge of my seat, laughing, wondering, crying, and long moments of wondering about things I didn't know the name of yet. I still recall the passages that gifted me with such experiences each time I read the books. They've all been mentioned here. But there is one passage that moves me the same now as it did the first time--it gathers the emotion and energy of my self-world awareness and quietly brings them to a small, still point that pierces me each time I read it. It's been mentioned, too, but I would like to quote the passage here in full.

And so Gollum found them hours later, when he returned, crawling and creeping down the path out of the gloom ahead. Sam sat propped against the stone, his head dropping sideways and his breathing heavy. In his lap lay Frodo's head, drowned deep in sleep; upon his white forehead lay one of Sam's brown hands,and the other lay softly upon his master's breast. Peace was in both their faces.

Gollum looked at them. A strange expression passed over his lean hungry face. The gleam faded from his eyes, and they went dim and grey, old and tired. A spasm of pain seemed to twist him, and he turned away, peering back up towards the pass, shaking his head, as if engaged in some interior debate. Then he came back, and slowly putting out a trembling hand, very cautiously he touched Frodo's knee--but almost the touch was a caress. For a fleeting moment, could one of the sleepers have seen him, they would have thought that they beheld an old weary hobbit, shrunken by the years that had carried him far beyond his time, beyond friends and kin, and the fields and streams of youth, an old starved pitiable thing.

But at that touch Frodo stirred and cried out softly in his sleep, and immediately Sam was wide awake. The first thing he saw was Gollum-- 'pawing at maser,' as he thought.

'Hey you!' he said roughly. 'What are you up to?'

'Nothing, nothing,' said Gollum softly. 'Nice Master!'

'I daresay,' said Sam. 'But where have you been to--sneaking off and sneaking back, you old villain?'

Gollum withdrew himself, and a green glint flickered under his heavy lids. Almost spider-like he looked now, crouched back on his bent limbs, with his protruding eyes. The fleeting moment had passed, beyond recall.
When you put anyone of any age in that scene who still harbors a spark of energy to struggle for light amidst relentless assaults of the dark . . .

This is just one of many instances where Tolkien mastered the elements of fantasy to exemplify the realities of life. It just doesn't get more real than in that passage.

Elfstone

02-21-2004, 05:46 PM

My favorite scene is the Three Hunters chasing the Uruk-Hai across Rohan. This is where the friendship and respect they have for each other is galvanized for all time, on this most noble and hopeless mission.

Macphisto

02-22-2004, 05:50 PM

When I was about seven years old, my dad read me The Lord of the Rings. It wasn't until nearly a decade later, when I heard that there were going to be movies made out of my dad's absolute favorite books, that I decided to read them myself.

I didn't remember any of the characters except for Frodo and Gollum. Aragorn? Hah. Sam? No chance. When I picked up The Fellowship of the Ring in the summer of 2001 so I could finish the trilogy before December 19, all I could remember was the very end, when Frodo can't destroy the Ring and Gollum bites off his middle-finger, and then fell off, leaving Frodo of the Nine Fingers.

If that doesn't count as a scene that made a big impression on a little seven year old, I don't know what would.

I also agree with Eorl on The Pyre of Denethor. "And ever after, if any man looked into that stone, unless he had a great strength of will to turn it to other purpose, all he would see were two aged hands, withering in flame."

Okay, I don't have my book, I'm know that's not entirely correct. But I absolutely love the two aged hands withering in flame image. Gives me chills every time.

And I love Of Herbs and Steward Rabbit and The Steward and the King. Two different sides of Faramir. I can't decide which I like better: Perceptive, interrogating Faramir whose cold demeanor breaks down at the news of his brother's fate, or sensitive, romantic Faramir, being unbelieveably sweet in the Tower of the Sun. *sigh*

There's more that I like, but those are the top ones.

Cibbwin

02-23-2004, 02:32 AM

One of the scenes that really stuck was me was Boromir, in the books and the movies, realizing what he just did to Frodo. That scene really got to me.

Also, a really beautiful scene, after the Ring is destroyed, Eowyn and Faramir are standing together, and their hair blows out behind them, golden and raven.

And Arwen's end was bittersweet, dying on the place she met her love.

Leyrana Silumiel

02-23-2004, 01:38 PM

I'd have to say this is my favorite part, from the chapter "The Steward and the King":

'What do you look for, Eowyn?' said Faramir.

'Does not the Black Gate lie yonder?' said she. 'And must he not now be come thither? It is seven days since he rode away.'

'Seven days,' said Faramir. 'But think not ill of me, if I say to you: they have brought me both a joy and a pain that I never thought to know. Joy to see you; but pain, because now the fear and doubt of this evil time are grown dark indeed. Eowyn, I would not have this world end now, or lose so soon what I have found.'

'Lose what you have found, lord?' she answered; but she looked at him gravely and her eyes were kind. 'I know not what in these days you have found that you could lose. But come, my friend, let us not speak of it! Let us not speak at all! I stand upon some dreadful brink, and it is utterly dark in the abyss before my feet, but whether there is any light behind me I cannot tell. For I cannot turn yet. I wait for some stroke of doom.'

'Yes, we wait for the stroke of doom,' said Faramir.

And then, on the next page...

And so they stood on the walls of the City of Gondor, and a great wind rose and blew, and their hair, raven and golden, streamed out mingling in the air. And the Shadow departed, and the Sun was unveiled, and light leaped forth; and the waters of Anduin shone like silver, and in all the houses of the City men sang for the joy that welled up in their hearts from what source they could not tell.

And before the Sun had fallen far from the noon out of the East there came a great Eagle flying, and he bore tidings beyond hope from the Lords of the West, crying:

Sing now, ye people of the Tower of Anor,
for the Realm of Sauron is ended for ever,
and the Dark Tower is thrown down.

Sing and rejoice, ye people of the Tower of Guard,
for your watch hath not been in vain,
and the Black Gate is broken,
and your King hath passed through,
and he is victorious.

Sing and be glad, all ye children of the West,
for your King shall come again,
and he shall dwell among you
all the days of your life.

And the Tree that was withered shall be renewed,
and he shall plant it in the high places,
and the City shall be blessed.

Sing all ye people!

And the people sang in all the ways of the City.

Those are just a couple of my favorites of all the scenes that made the biggest impressions. Several of my others have already been mentioned (like when Eomer found Eowyn on the battlefield and became furious, so he attacked the enemy with all he was worth).

Nirvana II

02-28-2004, 08:51 PM

probably the destruction of the Ring.....i dunno...just seemed cool.....and Gollum perished..........and frodo lost a finger........and Sam got back his master.......

Nirvana II:smokin:

Lhundulinwen

02-29-2004, 01:08 PM

I have several scenes that I think about a lot, and always remind me of the whole meaning of the books, life, and why friendship is the best thing anyone can have.

#1- when Sam thinks Frodo is dead. I cried while I was reading it, and felt that the movie did a good job of protraying the emotions of Sam. This scene had the most emotional response for me.

#2 & #3 tied- When Sam attacks Shelob. That was another powerful example of Frodo and Sam's powerful friendship. When Aragorn leaves Arwen ties with that scene too. Everyone hopes for that kind of intense love (well at least I do), and I think its probably the most beautiful scene in the movie version.

#4 Is definitely the treck through Moria and the climatic ending. I love where Sam is fighting with his pots! And I love how the whole fellowship kicks into high gear when they think Frodo's been mortaly injured. Gandalf's fall is really, really powerful too.

#5 & #6 tied too- I really enjoyed Tom Bombadillo. The part that had me scratchng my head is how the ring had no effect on him. It was a really cool clue as to how and why the ring worked. Also, my probable two favorite foils in ANY book I've read so far, is Gimli and Legolas's first meeting at the Counci of Elrond. Classic scene I think.

Honorable mention- When Aragorn throws Gimli across the chasm to fight for Gondor. Very cool attention to detail there. Average authors would have overlooked the dwarf's inability to jump that far!

And special award for scene just in the movie *drumroll please* is the scene just before the fight for Gondor where Gimli can't see over the wall!! Hilarious. Would quote the movie if I was sure I could convey the feeling. :p

Gurthang

03-04-2004, 12:03 PM

I think the best scene I remember is the Battle of Pelennor Fields. The fact that the fighting seems hopeless twice, and out of nowhere comes a saving force(first the Rohirrim, then Aragorn in the Corsairs). That battle justs seems to stick with me and gives an excellant example of Tolkiens talent.:smokin:

Lalwendë

03-04-2004, 02:40 PM

I always find it moving when Bilbo leaves Bag End for Rivendell. Knowing that Hobbits are homely creatures and that few would even contemplate such a thing makes this very sad to me. Throughout the book when any of the Hobbits yearns for The Shire I feel that sense of sadness and loss. To top this they return and they find The Shire almost in ruins, with trees cut down.

Theoden's death is memorable for it's nobility, and Boromir's for the sense of waste.

I also love the parts where an unearthly ancient history cuts in, such as the Barrow Wights, the Old Forest, Fangorn and the Paths of the Dead.

Anarion

03-04-2004, 02:58 PM

Beautiful part at the end where the Hobbits, on their way to the ship, meet the Elves coming through the woods at night under the Moon with the Elves singing. That's worth reading the entire Trilogy for, all by itself, to me.

Gothbogg the Ripper

09-14-2004, 06:40 AM

When the Black Gate opens and the Mouth of Sauron appears, he's only in a few pages but I felt that he had such a huge impact and made the choice to fight in spite of certain death so much more meaningful.

Keeper of Dol Guldur

09-15-2004, 12:18 AM

It was when Boromir had his mad spell and scared Frodo into leaving the Fellowship.

From a reader's standpoint, I could tell it was only going to be a momentary thing. Tolkien described the look on his face as a 'spasm'. Those usually don't last long.

Men of Gondor were true to their word. It was like watching two friends go at it, I knew it was some weird madness coming over him, and that it would pass. But Frodo certainly didn't.

Then, I opened Book 3 and the first page had "The Departure of Boromir" written on it. Unsure as to whether he was just heading to Gondor or not, I read on, and WHAM! My favorite character got arrowed to death by a band of Orcs.

It took a lot of re-reading of those scenes to fully take in exactly what happened during that frantic mess on Amon Hen.

gorthaur_cruel

09-17-2004, 02:07 AM

In rode the Lord of the Nazgul. A great black shape against the fires beyond he loomed up, grown to a vast menace of despair. In rode the Lord of the Nazgul, under the archway that no enemy ever yet had passed, and all fled before his face.
All save one. There waiting, silent and still in the space before the Gate, sat Gandalf upon Shadowfax: Shadowfax who alone among the free horses of the earth endured the terror, unmoving, steadfast as a graven image in Rath Dinen.
"You cannot enter here," said Gandalf, and the huge shadow halted. "Go back to the abyss prepared for you! Go back! Fall into the nothingness that awaits you and your Master. Go!"
The Black Rider flung back his hood, and behold! he had a kingly crown; and yet upon no head visible was it set. The red fires shone between it and the mantled shoulders vast and dark. From a mouth unseen there came a deadly laughter.
"Old fool!" he said. "Old fool! This is my hour. Do you not know Death when you see it? Die now and curse in vain!" And with that he lifted high his sword and flames ran down the blade.

Gandalf did not move. And in that very moment, away behind in some courtyard of the City, a cock crowed. Shrill and clear he crowed, recking nothing of wizardry and war, welcoming only the morning that in the sky far above the shadows of death was coming with the dawn.
And as if in answer there came from far away another note. Horns, horns, horns. In dark Mindolluin's sides they dimly echoed. Great horns of the North wildly blowing. Rohan had come at last.

I'm surprised only one person said this scene. It's really great how Tolkien ends with the last two paragraphs. It somehow seems to darken and intensify the mood. I was really disappointed that PJ cut this scene. Apparently, it's going to be in the EE, but changed so that Gandalf and the Witch King actually fight and Gandalf loses, until the Rohirrim come and distract the Witch King allowing G. to escape. Why does PJ have to cut all these good scenes?