lotrmerry-pippin5 After a month-long World Cup break (congrats Germany!) Hall of Fire will return this weekend with a topic that explores two of the great hobbit families of the Shire — Tooks and the Brandybucks. Please note that, for this Saturday, we’ll be starting an hour earlier than normal, at 5pm ET.

“Dear me! We Tooks and Brandybucks, we can’t live long on the heights.”

Tooks and Brandybucks

The Tooks and the Brandybucks were the two most influential families in the Shire. Both families contained a strong Fallohide strain, something that might account for their more adventurous nature. Continue reading “Hall of Fire returns this weekend with Tooks and Brandybucks”

lotrmerry-pippin5 This weekend’s Hall of Fire will explore two of the great hobbit families of the Shire — Tooks and the Brandybucks.

“Dear me! We Tooks and Brandybucks, we can’t live long on the heights.”

Tooks and Brandybucks

The Tooks and the Brandybucks were the two most influential families in the Shire. Both families contained a strong Fallohide strain, something that might account for their more adventurous nature. Continue reading “Hall of Fire this weekend: Tooks and Brandybucks”

Barliman's Chat This Saturday at 6pm ET, Hall of Fire will explore the link between J.R.R. Tolkien and one of the things he most loved — trees.

There is no doubt that trees had a special place in Tolkien’s heart. In Middle-earth they whisper, they walk, and before Sun and Moon was made, two trees gave light to the world.

The forces of darkness, like Saruman and his orcs delight in cutting the woods down, but in Middle-earth the trees themselves can go to war, led by those most curious of Tolkiens creations: the shepherds of the trees. Continue reading “Hall of Fire chat topic this Saturday: Trees and Tolkien”

Barliman's Chat This Saturday at 6pm ET, Hall of Fire turns again to The Return of the King as we examine the final chapter of Book V — The Black Gate Opens.

Intent on drawing forth Sauron’s hidden strength, the Army of the West marches on Mordor. Seemingly bent on self-destruction, they provocatively cross the Anduin, set the fields of Morgul Vale aflame and proclaim the return of the Lords of Gondor.

Well, well, now at any rate I understand poor Denethor a little better. We might die together, Merry and I, and since die we must, why not? Well, as he is not here, I hope he’ll find an easier end. But now I must do my best.

Continue reading “Hall of Fire chat topic this Saturday: The Black Gate Opens”