1) The Shadow of the Past
This chapter was hard to get past as a kid but now it's my favorite. Gandalf tells Frodo that the ring is in fact the One Ring that was lost to the Dark Lord Sauron thousands of years ago. Frodo finds this hard to believe and Gandalf tells the whole story. And what story! It's so intricate, multilayered and mindblowing.
2) A Long-expected Party
I love how Tolkien "grounds" his fantasy story in the Shire, a place I, as a reader, instantly feel at home in. It reminds me of the romantic image I've got of the time and place my parents, or rather grandparents, grew up in, based on the stories they've told me. This image is of a less complicated world more in harmony with nature, where competition is less fierce, and the people more colourful and interesting as a result. I know this image is not true and that the nostalgic stories I've heard usually leave out all the dull and downright nasty details, but still.
It's also great that dragons, ents and such are dismissed as fairy tales here, which makes is easier to symphatize with the Hobbits: what happens later is just as mindblowing to them as it is to us.
3) The Council of Elrond
Another chapter I found a bit slow as a kid but absolutely adore now. There are so many backstories and so much history you could swear is was real.
4) A Journey in the Dark
I just love the episode outside the West Gate and the clear images it brings to me. Already inside, we also get some fascinating glimpses into the great history of the dwarves.
5) At the Sign of the Prancing Pony
The Hobbit come face to face with the big people for the first time, and that's pretty scary, especially for Sam. Here, at the wonderfully atmospheric Inn, we also meet Strider, and I always prefered him to the pompous Aragorn.
6) A Short Cut to Mushrooms
Farmer Maggot is great, isn't he? I always get a craving for buttered bread and fried mushrooms when reading this chapter.
7) Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit
This chapter is great because of the unlooked for respite it brings for the Hobbits, and this feeling of relief carries through to the reader. They think they are heading straight into the pits of hell, but then suddenly find themselves in a lush spring garden where they even get to enyoy a well cooked meal.
8) The Old Forest
A wonderfully written chapter. You can really feel the antipaty and enchantment of the trees. I'm not a great fan of Tom Bombadill though.
9) The Uruk-hai
Here get a glimpse of various Orc cultures and their grisly habits. I for one would like to learn more about the Orcs. Are they really beyond redemtion, or did they just have bad childhood experiences?
10) A Conspiracy Unmasked
Another short respite for the Hobbits. Anyone up for a hot bath and a few draughts to cool down with?
Wow, that's 9 chapters from FotR, one from TT and none from RotK. Guess FotR has a special place in my heart.
