The Nicks discuss Frodo's departure from Bag End, dealing with the Sackville-Bagginses, Gaffer Gamgee (a ninja?), Black Riders, High Elves, and walking through the Shire - which should have been the safest part of the journey.
Maps
LoTRproject.com interactive map - Caution: spoilers for new readers!
How far is 20 miles around you? If you were Sam, how far would your geographic knowledge take you?
Last time in The Lord of The Rings
Last episode we spoke about Gandalf, and how he chased all over Middle-earth to learn everything he could about the ring Bilbo found in Gollum's cave nearly 80 years ago. With Bilbo gone, and Frodo the new owner of the Ring (and Bag End), danger is growing and coming ever closer to the Shire. Frodo, under the guidance of Gandalf, and with the companionship of his gardener, Sam Gamgee, must get the Ring OUT of the Shire to save his home from danger!
Where are we in the narrative?
Bilbo Baggins, who found a “Magic” Ring nearly 80 years ago, wills the Ring to his heir Frodo. Gandalf the wizard has discovered the true identity of Frodo’s ring. The Ring is the One Ring that the Dark Lord Sauron made, to dominate the whole world. Frodo learns that the only way to defeat the Dark Lord is to destroy the Ring, but that can only be done in the fires of Mt. Doom where it was made. Frodo then decides that he must take the Ring away from the Shire to protect his homeland, and also help the free people of Middle-earth to defeat the Dark Lord.
Notes for this episode
Cheese fest is a thing in Wisconsin - there are several held around the state
Gaffer Gamgee - The Ninja - Nick Andrew promises a prize for a fanfic about the Gaffer being or becoming a ninja.
Notable Difference(s) from Films:
Frodo and Sam leave together -- IMMEDIATELY, with no “alternate residence” misdirect.
Accidentally meet up with Merry and Pippin who are running away with some carrots.
The Black Rider is not in Hobbiton in the movie, instead is somewhere further away.
Locations/Distance Traveled/Distance apart:
The Shire (we don’t get very far this episode)
New Characters:
Links