Reader: The Silmarillion. Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age

Reader deep thought: The wrap-up! The end of the First Age saw the beginning of the Elven exodus, the Second marked the Downfall of Númenór. And here unveiled are the aftermath the Downfall, interwoven with the tale of how and why Sauron kept it up in Middle-earth after Morgoth’s done for, geology shakeup, and cliff-notes for the Third Age galore. Yes, including the entirety for Gollum’s being, Precious. Though, what is it with crafty Noldor and objects of great allure that must involve W.A.R. at some point?

Reader: The Hobbit. Chapter 19 “The Last Stage”

Summary Points

• The journey home, to the Shire, saw the wizard and the hobbit reaching Rivendell on the evening of May 1st, back to the same silly singing of the Elves from the house of Elrond.
• Gandalf regaled the denizens of the house with the quest, and his own adventure – which Bilbo had not been privy to. More tales were told, but of course despite being in a premium seat, Bilbo nodded his way through it.

Reader: The Hobbit. Chapter 18 “The Return Journey”

Summary Points

• Bilbo awoke, by himself, still on Ravenhill.
• He was found by a searcher, a Man, and apparently hadn’t been found earlier because he had his Ring on.
  • Gandalf certainly trusted in his ability to survive. He had been counted among the dead and the Man was on one last search for him.
  • The Man was clearly a strong healthy guy, he carried Bilbo, at speed, back down to the camp.

Reader: The Hobbit. Chapter 17 “The Clouds Burst”

Summary Points

• Early the next day, banner standards were brought up to the Front Gate of Erebor, with both chiefs in attendance.
• Thorin was smug in the surety of Dain’s arrival swinging things in his favour and was displeased to see the Elves still among the Men.

Reader: The Hobbit. Chapter 16 “A Thief In The Night”

Summary Points

• Thorin was getting OCD with Arkenstone possession.
  • The Arkenstone was worth A LOT.
• Bilbo was getting the quavers with his Arkenstone possession.
• Days passed, and finally ravens brought news that Dain was two days’ march away.

Reader: The Hobbit. Chapter 15 “The Gathering of the Clouds”

Summary Points

• The Company had company, in the form of birds, and especially the old thrush.
• Ravens were different from crows. and the Dwarves were acquainted with the ones who used to live in Erebor. Ravens are long-lived and could converse in the speech of men.

Reader: The Hobbit. Chapter 14 “Fire And Water”

Summary Points

• Back to the night that Smaug smashed through the Front Gate, he indeed launched an attack on Lake-town.
• The Lake-men were still in euphoria over the Dwarves’ visit. Thank goodness for the grim-voiced fellow and his natural skepticism with regards to happenings on the Mountain.

Reader: The Hobbit. Chapter 13 “Not At Home”

Summary Points

• The Company sat in darkness for days waiting for Smaug to return.
• Again, Bilbo’s spirits were strangely more uplifted just as the Dwarves’ sank low.
• They tried, Bilbo’s third and at his suggestion, for the treasure room where he was sure there was an exit.