[Estelyn Telcontar]

I have now finished reading The Return of the Shadow and am embarking on The Treason of Isengard (HoME VI and VII, respectively). Since the first book goes back to recap the various versions of FotR, it doesn't get farther than Balin's tomb in Moria, which Tolkien mentions as a point where he tarried long before continuing. Though it is interesting to follow the progression the story makes, there hasn't been a whole lot on which to comment. Here are some of the random impressions I have so far:

Bingo has become Frodo by now - thankfully!! Could I, or any of you, for that matter, have taken LotR so seriously had the hero been named Bingo?

Sam has joined the hobbits, though his characterization is not yet clearly cut. (Ditto for the other hobbits - their comments and actions are often interchangeable, as their number, names and characterizations are not yet finalized.)

Trotter is still there, though there are indications that he is to be exchanged for a Man. Some dialogues and actions are interchangeable with Aragorn, but he is a different character. I have grown more accustomed to than fond of him, but in his background story as originally planned by Tolkien, he is a Boffin, which makes him a logical character to show up in my Folco Boffin fan fiction. The biggest eye opener about Trotter was the reason why he wears wooden shoes. I won't spoil that for anyone who hasn't read it yet, but I must say, I was shocked!

Since Aragorn is not yet there, there is also no Arwen...

And am I the only one who thinks that the early portrayal of Gandalf was considerably more irascible and short-tempered than that which made it into the final version?!