Lord of the Rings Quiz Combo Questions

How do Elrond's comments at the end of Book Two, Chapter II, apply to the quest on which the Company is about to embark? "The road must be trod, but it will be very hard. And neither strength nor wisdom will carry us far upon it. This quest may be attempted by the weak with as much hope as the strong. Yet such is oft the course of deeds that move the wheels of the world: small hands do them because they must, while the eyes of the great are elsewhere."

"No matter what happens, never give up, for this task must be completed" would be a good translation. The tiniest of creatures will decide the fate of the world.

From what year and what event are all dates of the Shire-reckoning calculated?

1601, the crossing of Brandywine

Who was Sméagol, and who has he become?

A hobbit-like creature, eventually became Gollum

What is Argonath?

Argonath are the ancient stone pillars of the kings

What does Frodo see to the south and west from the great flet on Cerin Amroth?

Ayuden and Orein on the west and the City of Trees south

Whose tomb does the Company come upon in the large square chamber on the east side of Moria?

Balin, The lord of Moria, who went along with Bilbo on his quest to reclaim the dwarven treasure

Why does Gildor say to Frodo, "I name you Elf-friend"?

Because of his courage displayed by him taking on this quest

As you read, be aware of details of history and geography. How does Tolkien create a sense of a real world with real landmarks and a real history?

By giving the hobbit's their own rich history and landmarks that seem very realistic, almost as though they exist in our world under different names

What and where is the Mirror of Galadriel?

Calas Galadhon, large pot of water

When Frodo asks Tom Bombadil about the Old Willow Man, Tom replies, "Some things are ill to hear when the world's in shadow." What does he mean? Why are some things "ill to hear when the world's in shadow"?

Certain things seem more frightening in the dark

Who is Saruman the White?

Chief of the wizard order Gandalf serves

What feeling comes over Frodo when he crosses the Silverlode?

Depression for leaving Nimrodel

Why was the victory of the Last Alliance on the Slopes of Orodruin bittersweet?

Didn't fully destroy Sauron, Dark Tower merely broken not destroyed, many men, elves, and dwarves perished

Who is Glorfindel?

Elf Sent to help Frodo and his friends reach Rivendell

What is the importance of Elrond's farewell words to the Company? As you read ahead, what importance do these words take on?

Elrond's farewell words are important because they are inspiring and could help them keep courage when things get rough

Which of the Dark Lord's chief foes live in Rivendell, and why don't they fear the Ringwraiths?

Elven wise; because they have gone to the Blessed Realm

How does Hobbit talk fuel the anticipation around Bilbo's birthday party?

Everyone was expecting it to be amazing and the rumor mill created even more hype.

What does Gandalf contribute to the party?

Fireworks and helping Bilbo leave the ring

We are told that "there is a seed of courage hidden . . . in the heart of the fattest and most timid hobbit, waiting for some final and desperate danger to make it grow." In what ways does this become evident of Frodo, Sam, and the other hobbits?

Frodo's courage prevails over fear in the barrow. Sam shows courage in coming with Frodo besides the danger that lay ahead. Pippin and Merry also came with Frodo.

Who opens the West-door, and how does he do it?

Gandalf; by answering an elvish riddle

Why does Gandalf reject the middle and left-hand passages and choose the right-hand passage?

Left has a funny smell, middle has a bad feeling about it, right is the only other option

How does the spell cast on Frodo by Goldberry differ from the spell of "fair Elven-voices"?

Marvelous, not lofty or keen and nearer to the heart, Tom Bombadil and his wife use earth magic while elves use magic

What is Merry's full name?

Meriadoc Brandybuck

According to Strider, when and where are the Black Riders the strongest?

Mt. Mordor, at night/in darkness

Who are the Rangers and what sets them apart?

Mysterious roamers of the forest. They don't talk much and they are taller than most

Where was Frodo raised and how did he come to live with Bilbo Baggins?

On the other side of the Brandywine River, and Bilbo adopted him when his parents drowned

How did Gollum escape from the Elves of Northern Mirkwood?

Orcs attacked and Gollum escaped during the chaos

What is Pippin's full name?

Peregrin Took

What has Gandalf been doing during the seventeen years following Bilbo's disappearance?

Researching the Ring, it's powers, origins, and its effects

Frequently in myths and legends, waking from sleep or donning new clothes (as following the barrow episode) indicates that the hero has reached a new level of knowledge, strength, skill, or courage. When does this kind of incident occur in The Lord of the Rings?

Rivendell- Frodo- puts on new clothes Barrow- hobbits- puts on new clothes and awake

How do Merry, Pippin, and Sam know that Frodo has been planning to leave the Shire?

Sam has been spying and eavesdropping on Frodo for a while and has heard his plans with Gandalf and tells the other. Muttering, talking with Gandalf

What are the chief differences between the Bucklanders and the other hobbits of the Four Farthings?

They are more easy-going on the water fond of boats

We are told that Gandalf's "real business was far more difficult and dangerous" than working with fire. As you read, what do you discover Gandalf's real business to be, and why is it dangerous?

To make sure Bilbo leaves the ring behind to Frodo, and it's dangerous because the power of the ring has a strong hold on Bilbo and it can cause people to do crazy things

What are Bilbo's "three purposes" for gathering his 144 guests at his birthday dinner?

To tell everyone he loved them, to celebrate his birthday, and to announce that he was leaving

Who is Arwen, what other name does she bear, and what is her importance to her people?

Undomil, Daughter of Elrond, Evenstar of her people

What do the hobbits mean by "filling up the corners"?

When people are done with their food but are still eating so they feel full rather than feeling not hungry

What color is commonly associated with good but is not always?

White

What does Boromir mean when he says, "The wolf that one hears is worse than the orc that one fears"? In what ways do both present dangers and imagined dangers imperil the Company? Which seems most fearful to you, and why?

Wolf is scarier than an orc, but both are to be feared since they could jeopardize their success. I would fear a wolf more because you can easily outwit an orc, but you can't trick a wolf as easily and a wolf could outrun me.

Based on Tom Bombadil's response to Frodo's question, "Who are you, Master?" on Goldberry's earlier description of him as "the Master of wood, water, and hill," and on his appearance and behavior, who—or what—would you say he is? Why is he important to the hobbits' success?

An ancient being almost preceding time. Possibly the oldest and most powerful forest nymph, Father Nature. He gives them horses, daggers and saves them twice: old man willow and barrows

Why has Strider been looking for Frodo Baggins?

Because Gandalf told him to and he knows the secret of the Ring

Why is Gandalf so concerned about the Ring and its effects on the person who possesses it? Why doesn't he tell Bilbo straight out what the Ring can do to him?

Because it makes them go crazy, and he doesn't tell Bilbo because Bilbo won't want to pass on that trouble to Frodo

How do the ways in which the Black Riders "see" and otherwise sense their surroundings link them with evil and the dark and make them particularly terrifying? In what ways are these "talents" and powers important for possible future events?

Because it's rooted in darkness, and these could come into play as they try to hunt Frodo and the Ring

What is the significance of Gollum's having been a hobbit before acquiring the Ring? How can greed, envy, and other vices—especially when associated with an object of great beauty or value—so transform someone?

Because now he has been twisted into some nasty demon thing, and the void and need for an object can warp a person's appearance (like an addiction)

Why is it important that Bilbo give up the Ring to Frodo? Why does he have so much difficulty doing so?

Because the Ring has power over Bilbo, and Bilbo has become almost reliant on it and won't give it up. It's like Bilbo was addicted to its power

Why is it important that Sauron not be allowed to gain possession of the One Ring? How can he be prevented from acquiring it?

Because then he can control everyone and can take over the world; by destroying it in Mt. Mordor

Why can't the Company cross the Misty Mountains through the Gap of Rohan?

Because they are trying to avoid the snow and their enemies.

What do you think Strider means when, speaking of the Dark Riders, he tells the hobbits, "You fear them, but you do not fear them enough, yet." How is it possible to not fear something or someone enough?

Because they have no idea what they are capable of, so they only fear their spooky outside and not the evil within

What does Bilbo give to Frodo on the day before the Company sets out? Why might it be important that Frodo possess these gifts? In what ways do these gifts turn out to be important?

Bilbo gives Frodo a coat of mithril, which he got from the dwarves. It is very strong and very light. He also gave Frodo Sting, Bilbo's dagger from his adventure to the Lonely Mountain. It is important that Frodo have these gifts because they will help to save his life and he will always have a piece of Bilbo with him

What is the nature of Boromir's and Aragorn's disagreement concerning which course to follow?

Borimir wants to use the ring to defeat Sauron, but Aragorn wants to destroy it.

What does Boromir announce he will do when they reach the Isle of Tindrock?

Boromir announces that he will go home.

Of what material is Farmer Maggot's house built?

Brick with thatched roof, wall around it

How does Bilbo show his strength over the Ring?

By leaving it behind with Frodo

What does Strider find in the middle of the Last Bridge, and how does he interpret it?

Coin from Glorfindel, as a sign that they were welcome

Gandalf tells Frodo, "There is such a thing as malice and revenge." As you read, ask yourself how malice and revenge enter the story, who their agents are (whether heroes or villains), and what their effects are?

Golllum is a good example of Malice and revenge, because he was evil, cruel, and murderous (malice) and he wants to make Bilbo pay for stealing his precious (revenge)

"There are many powers in the world, for good or for evil," Gandalf tells Frodo. What powers, for good and evil, do Frodo, Gandalf, and their companions confront? What are the sources and the effects of each?

Good-Elves, Source-Nature Bad-Sauron, Source- The One Ring

Who was the founder of the Brandybuck family and the original builder of Brandy Hall?

Gorhendad Oldbuck who changed his name to Brandybuck

What does Tom Bombadil choose from the barrow treasure for each hobbit, and what makes his choices special?

He chooses swords (daggers) for them. He knows the history of each and they used to belong to the westernesse men

What is the significance in the way Bilbo leaves the Shire?

He disappears using the ring, and nobody will ever see him again

When did Tom Bombadil first meet Goldberry?

He found her when he went to the pool in the forest and found the river-daughter sitting in the rushes

How is Sam chosen to be Frodo's companion on his quest to Rivendell?

He is caught eavesdropping on Frodo and Gandalf's conversation

Why does Bilbo want to go away?

He is tired of everyone and didn't feel well (stretched, old, tired)

What mistake does Frodo make at the Prancing Pony that puts the group in jeopardy?

He slips on the Ring "by accident"

What does Boromir want to do with the Ring?

He wants to use the Ring

Why does Gandalf say he will accompany Frodo?

He will go with Frodo because he says that they will need him because they need someone intelligent on the quest.

What is Cerin Amroth, and what is located there?

Heart of the Elven world, located on the Mound of Amroth

How would you describe the hobbits' way of life and the main characteristics of their appearance and behavior? How are they different from humans, and how are they similar?

Hobbits were hairier and smaller than humans, and were very shy of humans. They fear adventure and anything strange/different

What is Lothlorein, and why is it important to Legolas?

Home of the elves, his home land

Where was Gandalf imprisoned, and how did he escape?

In a tower, he was saved by a mighty eagle sent by Radagast

Why, as Gandalf says, would it "be well to trust rather in friendship than to great wisdom" in deciding who should accompany Frodo? In what ways might true friendship be more powerful than great wisdom?

It is better to trust in friendship than great wisdom because friends would give their lives for each other and wise people would bail if things got too rough

Why did Frodo choose the house at Crickhollow?

It was surrounded by uninhabited land so he could slip away into the forest without being noticed.

What kinds of light and what kinds of darkness appear in The Lord of the Rings? What circumstances and characters are associated with each? How does the contrast of light and dark help us to understand the conflict between good and evil?

Light shines from the good places like Tom Bombadil's house and Galadriel's forest, and in the shire while darkness and despair hold the forest, the barrows, and Moria. Darkness symbolize evil such as the Ringwraiths. Light is a symbol of what is good. All that is gold does not glitter

After being wounded in his fight with the Black Rider, Frodo realizes "that in putting on the Ring he obeyed not his own desire but the commanding wish of his enemies." How can the Ring make someone act against his own interests and in the interests of his enemies? What other instances are there of characters acting against their own best interests?

Like in the incident at the inn, when Frodo puts on the Ring without meaning to and turns invisible. That acted in the interest of his enemies because the story spread to them. It wasn't in his own interest, and it helped the enemy.

What special (unsuspected) qualities and talents does Sam Gamgee reveal as the journey continues? As the story progresses, in what ways does Sam become essential to Frodo's success and to a successful outcome to the quest?

Loyalty, Poetic, Courage, Bravery. Sam helps save Frodo's life several times throughout the story, and also provides hope to Frodo and the Fellowship

Saruman advises Gandalf that their best choice would be to join with the "new Power" that is rising so "to direct its course, to control it." To what extent is the main theme of The Lord of the Rings power, its uses and abuses, and its consequences?

Power is the theme of the entire trilogy, and we see how it affects many characters. Bilbo is the first we see who has been corrupted by the Ring. Then we learn of Gollum's horrid fate because of the Ring, next we see how Isildur decided against permanently destroying evil in his lust for power. We see how the Ring corrupts those who do not even wear it, such as Boromir. The craving for power is in all beings, whether they be Hobbits, Elves, Dwarves, or Men.

How would you explain Sam's determination to stay with Frodo no matter what? How would you explain the change in him as a result of meeting and talking with the Elves?

Sam is a good friend and will not leave his friend and master to go into danger by himself. He is not so excited for adventure and understands that this mission is more serious than having fun

What qualities do Sam, Pippin, and Merry possess that make them suitable companions for Frodo on his journey? As the story progresses, how do the four change and grow?

Sam, Merry, and Pippin have been into the forest before and they are good friends of Frodo. They are brave and ready to cheer Frodo up. They also know of his burden. They all mature and realize the power of the ring. They see the elves leaving and experience many lands and less food and peace then what they had in the shire.

Gandalf says that "the power of Saruman is still less than fear makes it." How can this be so? How does fear magnify an adversary or a problem?

Saruman is not all powerful or all knowing, but since people fear him they think he is stronger than what he is, thus making him seem like a bigger threat

When were the Rings of Power forged and by whom?

Sauron forged them in the Second Age

What are the implications of Aragorn's statement to his companions after the loss of Gandalf: "We must do without hope"? To what extent will hope only hinder the Company on its mission?

The Company has to proceed without Gandalf, who represented hope to the party. Hope will only slow them down if they dwell on it

How does Frodo learn of the Enemy and the rebuilding of the Dark Tower in the Land of Mordor?

The Elves and Dwarves

Who reforges the Sword of Elendil, and what new name does it receive?

The Elves reforge the sword and Aragorn named it Anduril

What does Gandalf mean when he says of Sméagol, "The Ring had given him power according to his stature." Is the Ring itself evil and destructive, or may its powers be used for good or evil, depending on the moral character of its bearer?

The Ring itself is evil, because even the most pure hearted (Bilbo) can get corrupted and crave its power

What ring does Lady Galdriel wear, and why is it important?

The Ring of the Adamant, and it allows her to see Sauron's thoughts

Who or what is "the Enemy"? How are the Enemy's powers and limitations revealed? What counter-powers do Frodo and his companions wield against the Enemy? Where do these counter-powers come from?

The enemy is Sauron. e has power over the Ringwraiths, Orcs, and Saruman, but is limited by his lack of a physical body. Frodo and his company have the power of fellowship and friendship, and these powers come from their hearts

What evidence supports Haldir's statement, "Indeed in nothing is the power of the Dark Lord more clearly shown than in the estrangement that divides all those who still oppose him"? What are the causes and consequences of these estrangements?

The feud between elves and dwarves. the cause is power, and if the two groups can't work out their issues then they will never be able to defeat Sauron

Who are the nine assigned by Elrond to the Company of the Ring, and why? Why is it important that the Company represent the "Free Peoples of the World"? Make sure to mark down what group each person represents.

The nine in the company are Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin (all Hobbits), Strider/Aragorn, Boromir (both Men), Gandalf (Wizard), Legolas (Elf), Gimli (Dwarf). Every race is involved and it shows that they must work together or Sauron will enslave them all if they fail.

What is Lord Celebrorn's and Lady Galadriel's importance, in terms of age, wisdom, and powers? Why might've Gandalf wanted to lead the Company to them?

They are ancient, as wise (if not wiser) than Gandalf, and just as powerful as him. Gandalf wanted to lead the party to them because if he fell they could give the company guidance as he would.

How are Sam, Merry, and Pippin dressed when Frodo sees them laid out in the barrow?

They are dressed in white like princes.

What kinds of songs are sung in The Lord of the Rings? Do the circumstances in which each is sung have particular importance? How do their own songs and songs taught to them help Frodo and his friends?

They are epic poetry or ballads. The songs tell the tale of a person in their discussions or help keep their spirits up. Tell stories, reminds hobbits of shire

Why, when they reach the East Road, do the four hobbits feel "a deep loneliness and sense of loss"?

They are sorry to take leave of Tom

How did the hobbits come to settle the Shire?

They followed Marcho and Blanco after their kingdom began to fall, became their own people after kingdom fully fell

"We are horribly afraid," Merry tells Frodo, "but we are coming with you." How do Merry, Sam, and Pippin overcome their fears? Are there any instances in your, your family's, or your friends' lives when someone acted in spite of fear?

They use the strength of their friendship to overcome the strength of fear. No one that I know of has ever had to escape from deadly peril or risk the enslavement of the world, but on a smaller scale we do things like go to a haunted house

We are told that before Lady Galdriel's gaze each member of the Company "had felt that he was offered a choice between a shadow full of fear that lay ahead, and something he greatly desired." Why might this choice be important?

They would all have to choose the dangerous quest in front of them, or else they would be weaker and more susceptible to the Ring's draw. If they chosse the desire, then that is similar to picking the Ring over the Fellowship

Gandalf tells Frodo, "But you have been chosen, and you must therefore use such strength and heart and wits as you have." As the book progresses, in what ways is Frodo called upon to use "such strength and heart and wits" as he possesses? In what ways are we all called upon to deal with the demands of life in a similar way?

To destroy the ring, defeat Sauron, overcome all odds and opponents; just dealing with everyday tasks we are called upon to do all these things

Why does Frodo so readily agree with Gandalf's advice that he go to Rivendell?

To hide the ring from Sauron

What pledge does Aragorn make to Frodo and his friends?

To keep the secret and help them continue their quest

Read the New York Times Article on blackboard, titled Tolkien and Beowulf. How did Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon stories influence Tolkien? What is Tolkien's connection to Beowulf?

Tolkien was a professor who could translate old Norse. He made The Hobbit in an attempt to create a modern epic, similar to Beowulf without the tragic ending. His connection to Beowulf was the English translation he created.

How important is trust to the Fellowship and to the maintenance of friendship? How would you define trust? How does the importance of trust become clear in subsequent episodes?

Trust is faith in a person to keep your secrets and not abandon you. Trust is the key to the fellowship because they are all of different races and without trust they are no longer a fellowship but people alone and ununified. They have to be unified and work together to defeat Sauron.

What was Amun Sûl, and what remains of it?

Watchtower, only ruins

Why is Aragorn known by so many names; where does he come from; what are his strengths and weaknesses; and what is his importance? What is the significance of his being "descended through many fathers from Isildur"? Why doesn't he claim the Ring?

to conceal his identity, because he is the descendant of the royal family. He is the heir to the throne. He does not claim the ring because he will be corrupted just as Isildur was before him. Man is weak and easily corruptible in LOTR