The Scouring of the Shire - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: May 21, 2005

The Scouring of the Shire

Date: May 21, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Friend of Frodo
"Here is one striking quotation, in which the surrounded and defeated Saruman speaks to the victorious, formerly oppressed, hobbits: "It would have been a sharper lesson, if only you had given me a little more time and more Men. Still I have already done much that you will find it hard to mend or undo in your lives. And it will be pleasant to think of that and set it against my injuries."

Date: May 21, 2005

Dear friends and fellow readers,

What an interesting evening we had a the de Guerre home this evening. Mlle de Guerre owns a very nice set of the Tolkien books. Hardback, boxed, with the wonderful fold-out maps in the back, and even paper jackets somewhat intact in spite of many readings over many years.

We explored The Return of the King and found many more passages appropriate to our present situation. I particularly enjoy The Ride of Rohirrim, which I once heard Professor Tolkien read aloud (in a recording of course.) Most, most inspiring, although King Theoden rides to his death. One of the great lessons of this work, in fact, is that even the greatest victory costs something, sometimes quite a lot.

By the way, I am reminded that J.R.R. Tolkien was a professor and scholar, and only wrote these glorious books as an extra activity. He drew upon his many years of study and research in Norse and Old English mythology and languages to create Middle-Earth. I wonder how many of those who enjoyed the films would wish that Professor Tolkien had abandoned such "useless" fields of study and instead got himself a "Real Job."

Good evening to you all.

Hermione Angleterre, Social Secretary to Monique de Guerre

Date: May 22, 2005

As a follow-up to HA's post, let me add that I reread The Lord of the Rings a few months back and even The Scouring of the Shire was far more bracing than I remembered. Gandalf knows what awaits the four hobbits as they return but tells them there is nothing there that they can't handle. They've already been through far worse encounters, and survived, and when they arrive at the Shire they are able to rally the others to resist. Many of us that have been resisting all this time had come to the struggle with strength gained in past struggles, and we can go on to fight other battles based on the strengths we've gained from this one.

In Tolkien's book, even Saruman's threat of long-term damage rings hollow, as there is a period of astounding fruitfulness and growth following the death of Saruman. To crown it all, they've brought back a mallorn seed that grows into a glorious tree. Any of us could plant that mallorn seed at USM. Let us rebuild, let us replant, let us stand strong.

Jameela

Date: May 22, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Jameela Lares
"Gandalf knows what awaits the four hobbits as they return but tells them there is nothing there that they can't handle. They've already been through far worse encounters, and survived, and when they arrive at the Shire they are able to rally the others to resist. Many of us that have been resisting all this time had come to the struggle with strength gained in past struggles, and we can go on to fight other battles based on the strengths we've gained from this one."

Question #1: Who are the four hobbits who will return & rally our troops?

Question #2: What was that bar in Oxford where Tolkein hung with C.S. Lewis?

Date: May 22, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Theodore G. Bilbo Baggins
"

Question #2: What was that bar in Oxford where Tolkein hung with C.S. Lewis?

"

Is the answer to #2 the Eagle and Child (or Bird and Baby) on St. Giles?

Date: May 22, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Blue Guide
" Is the answer to #2 the Eagle and Child (or Bird and Baby) on St. Giles?"

Yep.

And the answer to #1 can be found to the lists of names on other threads. The scouring of our own shire has been going on for some time now.

Jameela

Date: May 22, 2005

It is indeed the Bird & Baby. His hangout along with fellow Inklings C.S. Lewis (my guy) and Owen Barfield.