And then Sauron conquered the world. The end.

[rymenhild]

[Forgive crossposts; I posted something like this to FB.]

I am rereading The Lord of the Rings for the first time in eight years or so, now that the memory of the films has faded and I can enjoy the books as books again. Right now I am about halfway through Fellowship, and I am puzzled

Comments

[in_the_blue]

Bonus: then we wouldn't have had to deal with the Ents!

[rymenhild]

That is true! I actually rather like Ents, though, I have to admit...

[ashen_key]

why don't the Nazgul capture Frodo and the Ring before Frodo ever leaves the Shire?

Because the Plot Said So, as far as I can tell.

[rymenhild]

The Plot is a powerful and often underestimated Force!

[steepholm]

Perhaps the smell of the ring is disguised by Frodo's powerful hobbity musk?

[rymenhild]

Very possibly! Or by the various cleaning products the hobbits use when bathing! (That bath scene, complete with dramatic bathing song, is SO MUCH WEIRDER than I remember it being.)

[redxcrosse]

As I recall, isn't it because the hobbits get stuck in the old forest?

(Also, for suspense.)

[just_ruth]

because the encounter Tom Bombadil and the Nazgul do not challenge him.

[taylweaver]

Wait a minute. Are you trying to say that Tom Bombadil actually serves a purpose?

[steepholm]

Tom Bombadil is the true hero of the book!