"Minor works" trivia

[Estelyn Telcontar]

This thread is inspired by the "minor works" quote thread on the Quotes forum. The list of works used there is:
Farmer Giles of Ham
The Adventures of Tom Bombadil
Leaf by Niggle
Smith of Wootton Major
On Fairy Stories
Mythopoeia
The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm's Son
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Father Christmas Letters
The Monsters and the Critics
Roverandom
The Lay of Aotrou and Itroun
A Secret Vice
For the beginning, it might be wise to stick to the first four of them; after we warm up, we can spread out and get more complicated!

Here's the first question: Whose daughters danced the Springle-ring?

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

What a thoroughly excellent idea for a thread (as one might expect, given its originator).

It was old Farmer Maggot's daughers who were dancing the hobbit favourite, during the scene at his house in Bombadil Goes Boating: Goodman Maggot there for all his belt was dancing;
Tom did a hornpipe when he was not quaffing,
daughters danced the Springle-ring, goodwife did the laughing.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Why thank you, good sir! I hope that we will be joined by others who enjoy these works! Your answer is correct, of course, given the quoter smilies/wink.gif - please pose the next question!

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

Well, anyone can strike gold if they dig in the right place. The following question is dedicated to those feeling the seasonal pinch.

Who extended his life with an unplanned diet?

[The Saucepan Man]

That'd be Old Nokes from Smith of Wooton Major, who attributed his encounter with the King of Faerie to a dream brought on by his pork dinner and hardly dared eat anything thereafter. The pounds dropped off him and "he lived many years longer that he would otherwise have done".

Now, how do I get on this "Faerie King" diet? smilies/biggrin.gif

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 7:23 PM January 11, 2004: Message edited by: The Saucepan Man ]

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

It certainly was 'Old Rag-and-Bones'. Your turn, Saucepan.

Scare Yourself Thin - The King of Faerie Diet is available from all disreputable bookshops, but requires some specialist equipment (Fays and King of Faerie costumes are available from Thomas Rymer of Saville Row). Due to the extremely rapid weight loss and attendant permanent health impairments that this diet induces, it is not recommended for those who might be in a position to take legal action.

[The Saucepan Man]

Thank you, Sir Squatter. smilies/smile.gif

And for the next question:

Who was provided with pikelets, and by whom?

And if you can tell me what pikelets are, you can have a much-coveted Barrow-Downs Quiz Room bonus point. smilies/tongue.gif

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I should think that pikelets are little pikes - am I right? However, I haven't found the reference yet - it sounds like it should be in Farmer Giles of Ham, with the king providing them for his knights, but I can't locate it so far.

[The Saucepan Man]

I should think that pikelets are little pikes

Indeed they should be, Esty, but alas they are not. smilies/tongue.gif smilies/wink.gif

It is, I think, a peculiarly English word. smilies/smile.gif

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

The Lonely Troll provides Perry the Winkle with as many pikelets as he can eat. A pikelet is a small, thin crumpet.

The reference is, of course, to Perry the Winkle in The Adventures of Tom Bombadil

[The Saucepan Man]

Spot on, untitled occupier. smilies/smile.gif And you get the bonus point too.

Now please honour us with the next question.

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

Why, thank you, Sir; although the honour of any of my questions is a dubious one to say the least.

Which three distinguished characters are involved in an ongoing dispute about Greek pronunciation?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

That would be Psamathos Psamathides, the Psamathist, who is mocked by a fellow sorceror, Artaxerxes, for insisting that the silent "P"s be pronounced, and the title hero of the story, Roverandom, who never got to know Psamathos well enough to leave out the P.

(aside: The Greek root of those words is Psammos, 'sand'. It occurred to me that, if the P was silent, it could be the real name of Master Gamgee - Psamwise! Now that would give a whole new meaning to the etymology of his name! smilies/wink.gif )

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 12:28 PM January 17, 2004: Message edited by: Estelyn Telcontar ]

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

Close, but no cigar. You've got two of them, but Rover isn't the sort to dispute something so esoteric.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Then the third one would be the Man-in-the-Moon. He says: ...my friend Samathos (I'm not going to put in any ridiculous P to please him)

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

You have correctly identified the Third Man. MI5 will be pleased.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

A part of an animal is prized as a great delicacy in two of Tolkien's minor works. What is it and in which stories is it mentioned?

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

In Farmer Giles of Ham and Roverandom, Dragon's Tail is a royal delicacy. It was still the custom for Dragon's Tail to be served up at the King's Christmas Feast; and each year a knight was chosen for the duty of hunting.

Farmer Giles of Ham A long time since, and not until the dragon had flown off to Gwynfa, some time after King Arthur's disappearance, at a time when dragons' tails were esteemed a great delicacy by the Saxon Kings.

Roverandom

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 9:07 AM January 18, 2004: Message edited by: The Squatter of Amon Rûdh ]

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Bingo*, Squatter! Please go on with a new one.

*an obscure reference to a possible but discarded (whew!) name for Frodo

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

What happened by the Sea of Windless Storm?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Smith of Wootton Major saw an Elven ship and mariners - but that passage is so wonderful, I'll just quote it: He stood beside the Sea of Windless Storm where the blue waves like snow-clad hills roll silently out of Unlight to the long strand, bearing the white ships that return from battles on the Dark Marches of which men know nothing. He saw a great ship cast high upon the land, and the waters fell back in foam without a sound. The elven mariners were tall and terrible; their swords shone and their spears glinted and a piercing light was in their eyes. Suddenly they lifted up their voices in a song of triumph, and his heart was shaken with fear, and he fell upon his face, and they passed over him and went away into the echoing hills.

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

That's well worth quoting: a fine piece of prose. You are, of course, correct.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Two "Men in Black" show up in one story - who are they?

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

The Inspector of Houses and the Driver in Leaf by Niggle

[Estelyn Telcontar]

That's them, Squatter - your turn!

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

Who live in the Merlock Mountains?

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 8:51 AM January 23, 2004: Message edited by: The Squatter of Amon Rûdh ]

[Mariska Greenleaf]

The Mewlips?

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

The very fellows.

[Mariska Greenleaf]

It may be that His shell is thick,
He seems to sleep, but He is quick.

Who?

[The Saucepan Man]

The Fastitocalon?

[Mariska Greenleaf]

Yep!

[The Saucepan Man]

Thank you, Mariska. smilies/smile.gif

Ok, an easy one. What was the name of Farmer Giles' dog?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

How nice - a question I can answer from memory without having to search my books! The dog is Garm - does anyone know if there's some etymological background to that name? Most of the names in Farmer Giles have some significance.

[The Saucepan Man]

Quite so, fair Princess Fiona. smilies/smile.gif

... does anyone know if there's some etymological background to that name?


Sorry, insects not my speciality. smilies/wink.gif

You're up.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Next question: Who was called "the greatest of all the dragon-slayers"?

(I did look up "garm" - at least Merriam-Webster's online dictionary does not recognize it as a word. Oh well, as they say, sometimes a name is just a name!)

[Mariska Greenleaf]

Bellomarius.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

That's the one, Mariska - go ahead with a new one!

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Mariska? Your turn!

[Mariska Greenleaf]

Thanks for reminding me...


Who came by night , according to the Hobbits, and loosed her, dragged her over weir, and up stream and pushed her?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Hobbits in a minor work? That has to be The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, I thought, and I found it there. Otter-folk, hobbits said, came by night and loosed her,
dragged her over weir, and up stream they pushed her. The "she" referred to is Tom Bombadil's boat.

[Mariska Greenleaf]

True.:smokin:

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Who sold whom potatoes?

[HerenIstarion]

Mr Parish did. The customer being Mr. Niggle. Potatoes being very cheap, too

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Absolutely right, HI - your turn!

[HerenIstarion]

thx, yer ladyship :)

name the person whos eyes tended to water when opening old boxes (presumably containing spices)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

That was Smith of Wootton Major, and though his eyes began to water because of the spices, the tears flowed because of the pain of giving up the Faery star.

[HerenIstarion]

excellent :)

Go right ahead!

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Which island is "good to land upon", and what is it really?

[HerenIstarion]

that must be that turtle:

Look, there is Fastitocalon!
An island good to land upon

[Estelyn Telcontar]

You have both the answer and the floor for the next question, HI!

[HerenIstarion]

My apologies for the delay :)

next one:

Name the person who preserved and contibuted small item of art to the museum to be lost in the fire later on

[Estelyn Telcontar]

That was Atkins, the schoolmaster in 'Leaf by Niggle', who saved the bit of Niggle's painting which gives the story its title.

[HerenIstarion]

accused returned guilty, my lady.

proceed :)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

In which of Tolkien's non-Middle-earth works does he speak of barrow-wights?

[HerenIstarion]

Such a sinister item of imagery may have ocurred in
The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm's Son (alongside of bogies...)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

That's right, HI - go ahead with a new question!

[HerenIstarion]

What was the main reason of said Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm's Sons death (no corporeal explanations, such as stroke of a sword etc, accepted, there is a word I expect you to utter)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Tolkien says in the introduction: This act of pride and misplaced chivalry proved fatal. That refers to the fact that he allowed the enemies to cross the ford to give them a fair chance, which proved to be his downfall. Fairness in war is folly, is the moral of the story, I guess.

[HerenIstarion]

There you go, than :)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Who wears pearls, gold, silver and diamonds?

[Mariska Greenleaf]

Was it little princess Mee?

[HerenIstarion]

or Man in the Moon?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Mariska has it - Little Princess Mee it is! (These threads are moving fast these days - and almost under European monopoly... ;) )

[HerenIstarion]

Right, Man in the Moon does not wear gold ... :)

[Mariska Greenleaf]

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing...

New question:

What feast is there on January the fourteenth?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Is it the 'Feast of Good Children' in Smith of Wootton Major? I couldn't find an exact date, but it is in winter.

[Mariska Greenleaf]

I'm sorry, but that's not the feast I'm looking for...
It's from another "minor work"

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Ah, now I found it - it's the Feast of St Hilarius and St Felix ("ominous names"! ;) ) in Farmer Giles of Ham. Everyone, including the king and his court, was there, but the guest of honour didn't show up - the dragon!

[HerenIstarion]

jolly ominous, I'm more than happy to agree...

[Mariska Greenleaf]

Good job!

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Who was called 'Old Earthgrubber' by whom?

[HerenIstarion]

Niggle used to refer thus to Parish

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Both correct, HI, and your turn!

[HerenIstarion]

thanks :)

name a fortunate person who was at a time captured by certain riverside mammals

[Estelyn Telcontar]

That sounds like Tom Bombadil, but I'm not sure which animals you mean, HI. He was captured by the Badgers, but they are not exactly riverside creatures; the Otters are riverside dwellers, but he wasn't exactly captured by them...

[HerenIstarion]

are not the Badgers the ones to wash things in the water before they eat them? If no, than I unintentionally mislead you. yes, Tom Bombadil is a merry fellow I had in mind :)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Hmmm, raccoons wash their food before eating it, and beavers build their homes as dams in the river...

At any rate, since the answer was right, I'll pose the next question:

What does Tolkien call "a rash adventure"?

[Mariska Greenleaf]

I propose to speak about fairy stories, though I am aware that this is a rash adventure. from On Fairy-Stories.

[HerenIstarion]

Hmmm, raccoons wash their food before eating it, and beavers build their homes as dams in the river...

That's the chap (i.e. me) brought up in a big city for you...

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Mariska has it!

[Mariska Greenleaf]

At what time looked Firiel out?

[HerenIstarion]

3 A.M.

Ah, I was asking about short messages in your lst post to "minor works quotes" threads, now I see what you meant (the whole second paragraph typed in defiance of 'your message is too short' warning)

[Mariska Greenleaf]

Yeah, correct answer in three minutes! :)

[HerenIstarion]

We try harder :)

next to try one's teeth on, than:

Name the only child to be sorry at Cook's (King's) departure

[Estelyn Telcontar]

That was Tim, Nokes' great-grandson and the recipient of the faery star.

[HerenIstarion]

exactly :)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Tom Bombadil isn't the only character of Tolkien's who has a blue feather in his hat - who is the other one?

[HerenIstarion]

Artaxerxes that'd be, the one to turn Rover into a toy

[Estelyn Telcontar]

That's the one, HI - your turn!

[HerenIstarion]

The person I have in mind was very conscientious and prudent, and was meeting his engagements in a good timely manner. Said qualities were used by a lot of other persons as an excuse to avoid discharging their own obligations.

Name all of them

[HerenIstarion]

As a hint:

The duties of the first person should have been (and have been, too, usually) fulfilled by Christmas

[Estelyn Telcontar]

That sounds like it could be Father Christmas, but I haven't gotten a copy of the Father Christmas Letters yet, so I don't know. I can't think of anyone in the other minor works who fits that description...

[HerenIstarion]

No, it is not Father Christmas. Additional hint:

Persons (they all were males, btw) of the second category were using first person's alleged (male too) touchiness to avoid going on a quest (as it is)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Thanks for the clues - I finally figured out where to find the person you are looking for: It's the Royal Cook in Farmer Giles of Ham, who made "a Mock Dragon's Tail of cake and almond-paste, with cunning scales of hard icing-sugar." The knights who were chosen for the duty of hunting the dragon and bringing home its tail took the easy way out and merely carried the Mock Dragon's Tail into the hall on Christmas Eve.

[HerenIstarion]

right you are, your ladyship :) pray proceed

[Estelyn Telcontar]

In which of Tolkien's non-Middle-earth "minor works" is the earth flat?

[HerenIstarion]

er, Mr. Bliss?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Not that I know of, HI - I haven't gotten 'Mr. Bliss' yet. I'm thinking of a different story.

[HerenIstarion]

it was [un]lucky guess, I don't remember if earth and its shape is mentioned in Mr. Bliss at all :rolleyes:

Well, I have to admitt I do not have an idea (now at least). Gotta make a bit of searching instead of uttering guesses, I suppose

later

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

Roverandom.

The moon dog claims to have fallen from the edge, and the White Dragon has flown from the edge as well.

[HerenIstarion]

um. what a shame (I mean, for me)

Good work there, dear Squatter :D

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Absolutely right, Squatter, and nice to see you here again!

Wouldn't it be fascinating to see what Roverandom did? ...waterfalls fell over the world's edge and dropped straight into space.

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

Our planet was definitely designed with practicality in mind rather than more aesthetic considerations. It's nice to be (more or less) back.

In which year is The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth set?

[NightKnight]

Wow, a question I can answer. :D

It takes place in the year 991.

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

It certainly does, being set just after the battle of Maldon in August of that year.

[NightKnight]

I can't come up with a question right now, and I'm going away for a week tomorrow, so anyone can have it.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

OK, then I'll pose a question to keep the thread going: Who rode a bicycle?

[Evisse the Blue]

Niggle?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Yes, Evisse - as far as I know, the only mention of a bicycle is in Leaf by Niggle. Carry on!

[Evisse the Blue]

What was the name of Farmer Giles' wife?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Her name was Agatha, and I love the description of her! His wife made a queen of great size and majesty, and she kept a tight hand on the household accounts. There was no getting around Queen Agatha - at least it was a long walk.

[Evisse the Blue]

Correct!

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Who encounters someone called 'Dumbledor'? (No, I'm not asking about Harry Potter! :p )

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

More than one dumbledore (bumblebee):
He battled with the Dumbledores,
the Hummelhorns and Honeybees

That would be the unnamed hero of Errantry, from The Adventures of Tom Bombadil.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

That's the one, Squatter - a "passenger, a messenger, a mariner"... Go ahead with the next!

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

The sea-dog in Roverandom is based on an historical canine companion. What was its name and who was its master?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

That was Vige, King Olaf of Norway's dog, taken from the 13th-century saga Heimskringla. When defeated in a sea battle, he leapt from his ship, but according to legend, did not drown, swimming to safety. His ship was called the Long Serpent or Long Worm - the mer-dog's master had a ship called the Red Worm. (Thanks to the notes written by Christina Scull and Wayne G. Hammond in my edition of the book!)

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

So soon? We must have the same edition. That is, of course, the correct answer.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

In one minor work, monks are mentioned. Where are they located?

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

The abbey church on the island of Ely, now in Cambridgeshire.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Right you are, Squatter, and the cathedral there is a sight well worth seeing today!

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

It certainly is.

With what rare gift does Smith remember Tomling?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

He brought his grandson a flower from Faery, a tiny silver lily with three bells, suitable for playing despite its delicacy. He can do it no harm, and he'll take none from it.

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

Quite right. Your turn again.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Who is responsible for a total eclipse of the moon?

[Turambar]

The unnamed ostler who gives him ale?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Nope - try looking elsewhere...

[Lindir]

The White Dragon?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Correct, Lindir! To be found in Roverandom... Your turn!

[Lindir]

What does the old man on the moon say whenever Roverandom and Rover leave the tall white tower?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

He said: Now fly off and amuse yourself. Don't worry the moonbeams, and don't kill my white rabbits, and come home when you are hungry!

[Lindir]

Yup.You are absolutely correct. I luv that saying!!!! :p

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Yes, that is cute. Here's a new question:

Which weapon, though rather primitive, stopped a giant?

[The Saucepan Man]

Are you thinking of Farmer Giles' blunderbuss?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Indeed I am, Saucepan - you hit the target and are entitled to the next shot!

[The Saucepan Man]

Why thank you, Lady Estelyn. :)

Taking aim ...

Well, actually, I find that I have unfortunately mislaid my copy of Tales from the Perilous Realm , so this will be a fairly easy one:

What was the name of Niggle's neighbour?

[Mariska Greenleaf]

That would be Mr. Parish.

[The Saucepan Man]

Spot on, Mariska! :)

[Mariska Greenleaf]

why thank you, but I'll give it to anyone who wants to continue,
I'll be away for some time.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

OK, I'll pose a question to keep the thread going:

Tolkien's poem Mythopoeia is dedicated "To one who said that myths were lies" - who is the person addressed here?

[HerenIstarion]

C.S.Lewis'd be the fellow :)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

That's right, HI - your turn!

[HerenIstarion]

well thank you :)

Name children whom Nokes and Alf were discussing with regard to star-swallowing possibilities just before Alf's departure

[Estelyn Telcontar]

These are the names that Nokes guessed:

Miller's Molly
Cooper's Harry
Draper's Lily

However, it was, of course, Smith's son who swallowed the star, as Prentice said.

[HerenIstarion]

o'course :) pray proceed. And welcome back too, as I haven't seen you for a while :D

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Here's a new question: In which work is a postman mentioned and who is it?

(Yes, I was away on vacation for two weeks, and had very little time and opportunity for internet access.)

[HerenIstarion]

Roverandom is the work, and postman (by the name of Mew, if I am not mistaken) is sand-sorcerer

[Estelyn Telcontar]

The work and the name are correct, HI, so you get to post the next question. However, Mew is not a sand-sorcerer, but a gull! He flies Rover to the Moon and is called the sand-sorcerer's postman there.

[HerenIstarion]

Horrible mess up, sorry :(

For the shame of it, I hand back the right to pose the next quote back to you :)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

What was Farmer Giles called when he became King? (Both Latin and vulgar, please.)

[HerenIstarion]

He was prouldy named Aegidius Draconarius, or, in vulgar, Old Giles Worming :)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Correct, HI - next one's yours!

[HerenIstarion]

Name Giles' sword, the same as belonged once to Augustus Bonifacius Ambrosius
Aurelianus Antontus Pius et Magnificus, dux, rex, tyrannus, et basileus Mediterranearum Parfium's family :)

[NightKnight]

Wasn't it called Starbite?

[Lindir]

was it called Tailbiter?

[HerenIstarion]

I would have appreciated the Latin name too, but yes, Lindir, you've got it :) Go on

[Lindir]

Sorry, but I don't know the Latin name, and I don't own a copy of Farmer Giles. I've only read it once. What is it in Latin?

Here's my question. What 2 colors were the wizards patch (on his robe) in Roverandom?

[HerenIstarion]

wonderful patch of orange with black spots...

PS Caudimordax it was in Latin:

Caudimordax, the famous sword that in popular romances is more vulgarly called Tailbiter

[Lindir]

Yup.You're right!
and thanx.

[HerenIstarion]

thanks

next up:

What was it that Niggle found yellow-labeled with his name?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

His bicycle (at least it looked just like his used to) upon leaving the train on his way to what was later called 'Niggle's Parish'.

[HerenIstarion]

yes, indeed :)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Smith of Wootton Major had a grandson. What was his name?

[NightKnight]

Tomling?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Right, NightKnight! Go ahead with the next question!

[NightKnight]

Who was farmer Giles's wife?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Her name was Agatha; when Giles became king, she was described as: ...a queen of great size and majesty, and she kept a tight hand on the household accounts. There was no getting round Queen Agatha - at least it was a long walk. :D

[NightKnight]

Absolutely. :)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

How were Nokes of Townsend and Smith of Wootton Major related?

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

Smith was Nokes' father-in-law.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

nope - try again!

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

That's the problem with thinking too much and not reading carefully enough. Nokes and Smith were brothers in law. Their wives were sisters.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

That's closer, but still not quite right.

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

This is truly humiliating. Three times reading the same two passages and only the last furnishes the right answer. Smith is Nokes of Townsend's uncle by marriage.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

That's the right answer! Almost complicated enough for a Hobbit, isn't it?!

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

Just too complicated for an unlearned lore-student in these dark times.

What was the subject of the unfinished sequel to Farmer Giles of Ham?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

It was: a fragmentary legend of Georgius son of Giles and his page Suovetaurilius

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

Indeed it is. Your turn

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Who does not believe the tale of Rover's adventures?

[Lindir]

The second Rover that Roverandom met, under the sea?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

No - The mer-dog enjoyed Rover's tale immensely, and believed at least half of it. It was someone else who didn't believe it.

[HerenIstarion]

That'd be Tinker the Cat (and she was being jealous!)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Yes indeed, HI! Go ahead with a new one!

[HerenIstarion]

Thanks :)

What does PAM stand for?

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

Pacific and Atlantic Magician.

According to my annotated copy of Roverandom, this could be an oblique reference to the British Prime Minister Henry John Temple, Viscount Palmerstone (1784-1865), who was often referred to as 'Pam'.

[HerenIstarion]

exactly :) take it over

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

Of which creature's skin does Tom Bombadil threaten to make a gift to our illustrious founder and his kin?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

That's an otter. I'll give your otter-fell to Barrow-wights. They'll taw you! Brrrr, what a fate!

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

I don't know: I think that BW would look quite good in an otter-skin hat. That's the answer, though.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Which method of transportation did Mrs Artaxerxes use on land?

[HerenIstarion]

That'd be aquarium on the wheelchair, if I'm not mistaken :)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Nice try, but it's not what Tolkien tells us!

[HerenIstarion]

hum, to be more precise (having scanned the book, not trusting my memory any more), that definitely was:

bath-chair drawn by white ponies

:D

[Estelyn Telcontar]

A bath-chair it was indeed! Your turn...

[HerenIstarion]

Thanks :)

Next serve:

Nokes accused Alf of being 'nimble' and something else (which, as far as I may judge, is representation of what Tolkien himself may have been accused of :) (there are at least two senses to the word, that is). Name that another accusation

[Son of Númenor]

"You were always a tricky fellow: nimble one might say. And thrifty: wouldn't waste a bee's knee of butter."

[HerenIstarion]

Not quite. Tolkien may have been tight-fisted, but that was not main characteristic of him, I daresay. Besides, second word I'm after in its second sense, a sense not applicable to Tolkien, means something close to 'cunning'

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

Kindly old Nokes warns Alf not to let his apprentice play him any tricks:

The artful don't know all the arts, they say

In other words, he accuses Alf of being artful. Like Tolkien, he was certainly full of art, but hardly that.

[HerenIstarion]

Spot on, Squatter :)

take it away

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

According to J.R.R. Tolkien, how did the littering of Britain's beauty spots begin, and who was responsible?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Well, it all started when the Great White Dragon lived on the top of Snowdon. He caught the only man who dared to climb up during that time drinking from a bottle. That man finished in such a hurry that he left the bottle on the top, and his example has been followed by many people since. (Roverandom)

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

Indeed so. Such an iniquitous practice could only have begun with a dragon.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

That's what one gets from "Dragons and Elves" - he should have planted cabbages and potatoes instead! Better for the environment, at any rate...

Well, here's a new question: What did Parish see and not see in Niggle's home and garden?

[HerenIstarion]

He did see weeds, but did not the picture (that is, he saw dots and lines, but not the picture as a whole)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Precisely, HI! Carry on...

[HerenIstarion]

Well thank you :)

In my turn, I'd like to learn Middle Kingdom's and Little Kingdom's respective headmen's appellations of dignity, honor, distinction and preeminence attached to their persons and families by virtue of rank, office, precedent, privilege, attainment and lands (and birthright, in the former case, of course)

thank you :p

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

The Middle Kingdom at the time of Farmer Giles of Ham is ruled by Augustus Bonifacius Ambrosius Aurelianus Antoninus, called 'Pius et Magnificus' ('The Pious and Magnificent'), Dux ('military leader'), Rex ('King'), Tyrannus ('Tyrant'), and 'Basileus' ('lord') Mediterranearum Partium (of part of the middle lands).

Ægidius Ahenobarbus Julius Agricola de Hammo, first King of the Little Kingdom, is called 'Draconarius' ('of the Dragon') and Old Giles Worming. Prior to this he calls himself 'Dominus de Domito Serpente' ('Lord of the Tame Worm'), then Earl of Tame.

[HerenIstarion]

Excellent, merciful sir! You are now entitled to conduct the further proceedings of this thread

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

In which heroic deed does Beorhtnoth's sword take part after his death?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Torhthelm used it to kill one of the corpse-robbers who was slinking around the battlefield - very heroic indeed!

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

That he did, and that it wasn't

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Twenty-four candles - which color, and where were they placed?

[HerenIstarion]

Twenty four red candles adorned Twenty-Four Feast Cake :)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

And you found the star, HI! Pass it on...

[HerenIstarion]

According to Roverandom, the merdog Rover looked like a cross between these two non-mammals. Name both :)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

...a cross between a duck and a tadpole pretending to be a dog! Very amusing description!

[HerenIstarion]

correct :)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Where was Chrysophylax housed in Ham?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Anyone want to try this one? It's not hard to find the answer!

[Estelyn Telcontar]

The ten days are up - last chance to try to answer this one. Clue - it's found in Farmer Giles of Ham! ;) If no one answers by Monday, I'll ask a new question.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

...dredging this up one last time, since I'm too lazy/busy to look for a new one... Anyone?

[HerenIstarion]

'He was housed in the tithebarn, with the leave of the parson, and there he was guarded by the twelve likely lads.'

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Yes!! Finally! Now it's your turn to post another, HI.

[HerenIstarion]

Ok, than

Pray tell me, who is Goldlover the Divine? (or so I believe the name runs in English)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Was that part of the Latin name of the King in Farmer Giles of Ham?

[HerenIstarion]

Nearly there, but not quite :). The 'person' whose name I'm after was also of kingly descent

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I'm sorry, HI, but I haven't been able to find anything. Another clue, please? I have no idea where to look further.

[HerenIstarion]

I have no idea where to look further

;)

In the cave at one time, under the bridge at another, tithebarn at some occassion for a period, back to cave finally...

[Estelyn Telcontar]

That must be Chrysophylax, then, though I'm only guessing, since I "cannot read the fiery (= Latin) letters".

[HerenIstarion]

that's him (it?). Take it over :)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Who studied "sigaldry"? (Bonus points for anyone who can tell me what on earth that is!)

[HerenIstarion]

That was 'a merry passenger, a messenger, a mariner', the acting hero of the poem Errantry.

He also studied wizardry and smithying. I supposed at a time 'sigaldry' should have meant something in between the two, i.e., practical magic, the way to enchant things made by hands. With dark connotations to the word too, not the thing Gandalf would do, per instance, but more like to Necromancer's activities, to control and possess.

My Merriam does not contain such a word, neither Lingvo 9.0 has anything of the kind in its recesses.

Michael Martinez has made a reasearch on the word. Here are (http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/4786/91315) the results. Highly interesting article. The quote:

A number of people who have access to books I don't have determined that Tolkien's word "sigaldry" comes from the 13th century poem "King Alisaunder", which is a fanciful retelling of the life of Alexander the Great.

Sigaldry is mentioned in the Lay of Leithian too, and there is definitely associated with Sauron:

Master of Wolves, whose shivering howl (2070)
for ever echoed in the hills, and foul
enchantments and dark sigaldry
did weave and wield. In glamoury
that necromancer held his hosts
of phantoms and of wandering ghosts,
of misbegotten or spell-wronged
monsters that about him thronged,
working his bidding dark and vile:
the werewolves of the Wizard's Isle

That's all I could come up with. People in possession of OED may find some more, I suppose :)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Right answer, HI, and lots of extra points for the extra information (and link) - thanks! Your turn.

[HerenIstarion]

this notable persone did not allow himself to be peeped at :)

[HerenIstarion]

he lived by the see, on the very beach

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Are you thinking of Psamathos Psamathides, the sand-sorcerer in Roverandom?

[HerenIstarion]

The very him :) It is all yours now

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Which two parties contracted a mutual pact of non-aggression?

[HerenIstarion]

I suppose that should have been Giles the King of Little Kingdom and mentioned Goldlover the Divine = Chrysophilax :)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Yes, you've got it again, HI! Next one...

[HerenIstarion]

These two persons were very much alike and all dressed in black clothes. Their occupations were alike, but one of them, who was taller, had tint of 'finality' to his. Name both.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

That would be the Inspector and the Driver, in Leaf by Niggle. The latter was responsible for the transportation to Niggle's final destination, ending his mortal life.

[HerenIstarion]

yes, your answer is correct :)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Who was Alf's "prentice"?

[HerenIstarion]

Master Harper was

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Correct, HI, and nice to see you breathing life into this and other dormant threads! By the way, congratulations on joining the ranks of those who are welcome in Aragorn's court!

[HerenIstarion]

Ah, thank you :) Indeed, it tickles my vanity to have that additional bright square. Good for me to have it, bad to be vain about it.

Back to the matter at hand, though:

Who she was to wake up at three AM to be, in the long run, dissapointed about it not only because of lack of sleep but due to lost of wonderful opportunity?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Is it Fíriel? I'm not sure I quite understand the question, but that is the only "she" who is mentioned in connection with three o'clock, as far as I could find it.

[HerenIstarion]

She was. Word 'wonderful' applied as the journey with elves as it would bring her wonder for sure, not to imply she in any way may have stopped the earth from catching her feet. The ground is yours, m'lady :)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Tolkien very amusingly describes the smell of a spell in one of his stories - what is it like?