4th March, 2014
Ranger’s Apprentice Book 1 : The Ruins of Gorlan
Ranger’s Apprentice Book 1 : The Ruins of Gorlan
| Name : | STELLA ANNE TEOH MING HUI |
| Class : | K3C |
| School Num. : | 12231 |
| Book Call Num. : | FFLA |
| Book Title : | Ranger’s Apprentice Book 1: The Ruins of Gorlan |
| Author : | John Flanagan |
| Publication Year/(Edition) : | 2009(2nd Edition) |
Setting: Year 643, Common Era in Araluen, Celtica and Picta. (Mainly in Araluen)
Characters:
Will – A skinny boy not yet full-grown, one of the 5 orphan wards at Castle Redmont run by Baron Arald. His application to enter Battleschool is rejected, reason being his size, but is taken on by the mysterious Ranger Halt. Skeptical towards the purpose and use of Rangers he is against becoming one, but soon saves the Kingdom of Araluen.
Halt – A well-known Ranger, although not heavily decorated, his history is the most glorious as he was the Ranger who prevented Morgorath’s attack from succeeding in taking over the entire Kingdom of Araluen. He originated from Clonmel.
Alyssa – A young girl ward, she is tall, slim and has a very diplomatic touch on matters. She is often the one who prevents fights from breaking out between Horace and Will and has a slight soft spot for Will, as he does her.
Horace – A boy quite well-grown for his age, has a natural flair and talent for sword fighting as his Battle Master soon finds out. Although he at first is not close to Will, certain events bring them together making them the best of friends.
George – Quite the nerd in those times, he gets into Scribeschool with no problem, and is the most studious of the 5.
Jenny – Is described as a chubby, bubbly girl with a heart for cooking. She attracts the Cook Master, Master Chubb when she plays her trump card saying “I have the right shape for it.” When asking to be apprenticed to Master Chubb, her detailed explanation of how to bake pies impresses the man too.
Baron Arald – Judge at the Fiefdom of Castle Redmont. (The Kingdom of Araluen is divided into 50 fiefdoms). A long-time friend of Halt and Sir Rodney he feels for the boy Will with no surname.
Sir Rodney – Battle Master of Castle Redmont, a fierce and loyal soldier.
Lady Pauline- the Head of Diplomatic Service in Redmont, a graceful lady with a little history concerning Halt.
Tug – Horse to Will, faithful companion, meets Will through Old Bob the horse breeder. His phrase is Do you mind?
Abelard – Halt’s Horse, originates from Gallica, his seating phrase is permettez moi.
Conflict:
Major conflict – Will and Halt have to prevent the assassination of The King by the Kalkara sent out by Morgarath.
Rising action – Will and Horace are lucky enough to be invited by each of their respective mentors (Halt and Sir Rodney) to a boar hunt. Here, as they watch a young knight impale the visible boar, the rest of the party overlooks its companion who comes rushing at Will and his pony Tug. Horace hesitates just a second before he too thrusts his spear, alas the thick ise underfoot causes him to slip and the spear falls short. Will kicks his feet free of the stirrups and starts firing arrows at the maddened animal. Seeing his master in danger, the brave pony, Tug rushes to Will’s aid, hooking his hind legs into the ribs of the boar sending it slightly into the air. Scared for his pony’s safety Will cries out because the boar is now maddened beyond return. As Will is left momentarily distracted and defenceless apart from his small knife, Halt steps in and kills the boar with one mighty shot straight into the heart. These events bring Horace and Will closer, and show a little of Will’s instinctive courage and bravery.
Climax – On the way to Castle Redmont, Will realises that the true target of the Kalkara was never the King but the person who caused Morgarath the most grief, Halt. And now at the Ruins of Gorlan, Halt is all alone facing off two Kalkara. These feared beasts need only look at their victims to stun them and thus effectively kill their prey. Halt manages to deeply wound one Kalkara as he fires many arrows at close distance. But as he prepares to finish the job the Kalkara’s brother joins him and chases Halt. Baron Arald and Sir Rodney, lead to The Ruins by Will, they finish off the wounded Kalkara by setting fire to it. Later on just as Halt is about to die, the two knights manage to distract the Kalkara ling enough for Will to aim one lit arrow at the Kalkara. He kills it immediately as the flame catches onto the matted fur of the monster.
Falling action – Gilan, another senior Ranger, joins them on their journey back, reclaims his horse (which he lent Will at first) before riding back to his own fiefdom. Baron Arald and Sir Rodney are relatively okay, just suffering wounds and disorientation.
Conclusion – Will saves Halt and they become closer. He refuses the offer to join Battleschool, saying he belongs as a Ranger.
Opinion:
A very interesting plot, it tells the well-liked story of an underdog rising to the top. His former bully becomes his close friend and he manages to save his mentor in a battle between life and death. I honestly enjoyed every chapter that brought to mind clear grassy plains and the wondrous feel of adrenaline pumping through your veins as you wait for your enemy to make the first move. Archery has always been a favourite activity of mine, and to find a book centred mostly on archery is like finding golden treasure. It’s also funny that each Ranger horse has a kind of passing phrase, something only their owners would know which would prevent potential horse thieves. A brilliantly written book! 5 stars!
Posted at 7:52 am | Comments (4)
4th March, 2014
The Lost Symbol
The Lost Symbol
| Name : | STELLA ANNE TEOH MING HUI |
| Class : | K3C |
| School Num. : | 12231 |
| Book Call Num. : | FBRO |
| Book Title : | The Lost Symbol |
| Author : | Dan Brown |
| Publication Year/(Edition) : | 2010(Corgi Edition) |
Setting: Modern Time
Characters:
Robert Langdon – Harvard symbologist, was orphaned during his youth, his mentor and main father-like figure was Peter Solomon, prominent mason and philanthropist. Well-versed in the ancient ways and mysteries of certain brotherhood groups, he is well-liked for his interesting lectures about mainly ‘dead’ things. Has a quick mind and sees things in a different light from others.
Peter Solomon – Prominent Mason and philanthropist, owns a large share of the money in banks. Is described by Robert as a man who gets what he wants. He owns private jets and is given top priority at certain functions, he also heads the Smithsonian Museum. Supports his sister, Katherine in her Noetic Science studies. Lost his son and wife quite early in his family life, his son was in prison before death and his wife left him after the death of their child.
Katherine Solomon – Sister to Peter Solomon, unlike her brother she never married, but rather remained closely tied to her science research. She has always felt a connection to the scientific proof of a higher beings presence.
Mal’akh – Came into the world as Zachary Solomon, son to Peter Solomon. After a miserable and troubled youth, he was jailed. His father refused to pay for his release, hoping to teach him a lesson, alas, Zachary broke out under the guise of Andros and Andros soon became Mal’akh, the horror of the story.
Conflict:
Major conflict – Robert is invited to The Capitol Building, Washington D.C. under the impression he is to a give a talk but is greeted with a totally unexpected sinister ‘invitation’ and is rushed into a whirlwind adventure to save his friend Peter and Katherine from an unknown enemy.
Rising action – As Robert is in the clutches of Director Sato, not so very faraway, an unsuspecting Trish is leading Mal’akh to Pod 5 where Katherine works and researches. As he pretends to listen to Trish’s explanations about the various experimentations in the other 4 pods, he is actually thinking about his ‘spiritual release’ when he finds The Word. He later drowns Trish brutally in ethanol, locks Katherine in Pod 5 with him and tries to kill her too. She manages to trick him, claws at him and triggers the Pod 5’s security mechanism which floods the chamber with light. Her attacker momentarily stunned she flees to her car, Mal’akh follows and grabs her by the neck, choking her. Katherine breaks free when she revs up the car engine and Mal’akh is left at the museum where she works. He destroys her lab to avoid any follow-ups on his ‘great’ quest.
Climax –Robert, Katherine and the CIA operatives fall into Mal’akh’s trap. With Robert in the ‘Meditation Machine’ he was given the illusion that he was drowning so he divulged the secret to deciphering the bottom cipher of the pyramid. He didn’t drown because the Meditation Machine actually contains oxygenated perfluorocarbons which still provide oxygen to the body. Katherine is forced to watch as her friend ‘dies’ before undergoing a horrifying experience. Fully bound, Mal’akh inserted a medical needle into her vein, the only thing was there was no tube connected to the needle and Katherine’s blood was freely flowing out of her body onto the floor of her containment room. Peter is shocked as he watches all of this but cannot do anything as he too like Katherine is gagged and bound.
Falling action – Director Sato and the rest of the CIA manage to rescue Robert and Katherine but they find out about the footage of all the Masonic rituals. Shocked, they know that they cannot allow this to reach the world and so they decide to capture Mal’akh and stop the video upload. At this moment, Peter is trying hard not to succumb to his injuries, he misleads Mal’akh into believing that The Word is not a word but just the symbol of the circumpunct. As the pilot who is carrying the weapon needed to fry the uploading device’s system hits the window above Mal’akh, a shower of glass rains down. Peter not wishing to kill his son, dashes the sacred knife across the alter but Mal’akh is severely hurt by the glass shower.
Conclusion – Mal’akh dies, Katherine, Peter and Robert are saved and recuperate. Before Robert goes, Peter invites him once more to the center of Washington D.C., this time to reveal The Word. He is shown the inscription Laus Deo atop the Washington Monument and is awed by its beauty.
Opinion:
A very interesting plot, it has twists and turns that throws you off your seat and leaves you screaming for more. It’s refreshing that all of the locations are present in real-life and the questions brought up are very relatable especially to those who have questions about different cultures in different places. Lots of outside information was gained such as the meanings of certain Latin and Hebrew words like Elohim describing God as many rather than as One and Laus Deo meaning ‘praise God’. Lovely book a thriller through and through! A must-read for all!
Posted at 7:49 am | Comments (3)
4th March, 2014
The Disadvantages of Exposure to The Internet at a Young Age
|
Name : |
STELLA ANNE TEOH MING HUI |
|
Class : |
K3C |
|
School Num. : |
12231 |
|
Title : |
THE DISADVANTAGES OF EXPOSURE TO THE INTERNET AT A YOUNG AGE |
|
Type of Writing : |
Critical Writing |
|
Mentor Teacher : |
Ms Mabel Lim |
THE DISADVANTAGES OF EXPOSURE TO THE INTERNET AT A YOUNG AGE
Firstly, according to the conviction given by some, that is that exposure to the internet at a young age can benefit them, in terms of the fact that children can develop skills that will be used later on in life and possibly overcome their limitations via exposure to the Internet at a young age, I would like to point out some flaws in this belief.
I would like to pose a question, which is do any of you readers know the danger of exposure to the Internet at a young age?
So maybe yes, the internet has programs or learning centres online where children with special needs can learn to overcome their limitations, but do you know the risks to exposure at such a young age. What if they see pictures online of people stuck with the same limitations until they are old?
Although those certain individuals might have achieved great things in learning to accept themselves for who they are, but as a mere child from the tender age of 3-12, they might lose hope, before they have even tried to overcome their limitations.
Also, they are told to have confidence in themselves because most people with special needs are introverts and it takes a lot of guidance and support to help them break out of their shell.
As the some people have said, the internet is beneficial as it helps with development of speech, audio and literacy skills.
So maybe yes the internet can help these children improve a bit, but I ask again even if a child themselves does not tire while searching or learning online, what will tire? Their bodies, of course!
Hours, spent in front of the, bright computer screen sometimes, staring at tiny ant-like words, wriggling up and down the page. And what happens to those once bright, shining and vibrant eyes? They become dull, unfocused and usually need corrective eye surgery or eye wear. Do you want your children or children you know to become like this?
Apart from eye strain, occasional headaches and migraines, many other health issues are experienced by frequent internet users at a young age. The posture of children is usually that of a hunchback, as they tend to hunch over the keyboard and peer down their nose at the screen like they’re looking for treasure.
Most people like, often believe that via exposure to the internet at a young age, children will get enough physical exercise as they are constantly testing the boundaries between hand-eye coordination but the fact is what happens to the rest of your body?
A child’s body needs exercise to help with the development of bones and muscles, and if exposure to the internet at a young age causes addiction among children you will have on your hands children with weak immune systems from not enough exercise.
Most children experience neck, shoulder and back pains when sitting at the computer for too long. This will cause many problems as they only use their fingers and their eyes to go online.
E-learning is convenient there is no doubt about that, but can the computers, robots; audio players really replace the teachers of today? No! They can’t, without teachers children won’t be able to discuss their feelings, their hurt, guilt, shame, anger, or happiness.
The modern day technology can define all this but can it incorporate human-like qualities into a piece of metal? We have all grown up with the luxury of having a teacher help us through our troubles, over the steep mountains and up the deep valleys of despair. Do you want to deprive the children of today of those important lessons in life?
Yes, the internet may help connect countries to other countries; it may help strengthen the bond between over-seas family members but what about the fact that children may be exposed to political propaganda online?
Many extremists dive into the virtual world as it is a safe place for them to corrupt the minds of the innocent and wreak havoc in the once peaceful virtual world.
Now, there are violent comments, pictures posted anywhere on blogs, easily accessible by children and this could be life-altering for the child and their friends and family.
Many people believe that the Internet is a platform for creative writing, anyone and I mean anyone can write a story and post it online and make it accessible for the whole world.
Certain online sites are beneficial in the sense that they help promote writing amongst adolescents but the content that is rated R is still accessible by the mere click of a button.
The children of today are the heroes of tomorrow, the future heirs; the leaders that help our country evolve into a more prosperous country. If they become corrupt who will lead the children of tomorrow? And who will ensure that the legacy of yesterday is passed on tomorrow? The Children!!
That is why I strongly believe that the Internet has disadvantages as well as advantages and one should be careful when utilising it.
Posted at 7:46 am | Comments (3)
4th March, 2014
The World of D
|
Name : |
STELLA ANNE TEOH MING HUI |
|
Class : |
K3C |
|
School Num. : |
12231 |
|
Title : |
THE WORLD OF D |
|
Type of Writing : |
Creative Writing |
|
Mentor Teacher : |
Ms Mabel Lim |
The World of D
Each and every year, the entire Planestos aligns, allowing for inter-planestos transportation. Planestos, are collection of galactic Enterprises, which are usually run by the Tribsats, high-ranking officials of any origin. This is my world of Dasoro, where space is the final frontier that has finally overcome.
I never thought my make-believe worlds would come to meet me in reality, even less the thought that I would meet my creations in school. It was a most windy morning, the unusual chilly winds blowing right through me like they would and old woman.
And yet, funnily enough the cold did not serve to numb my senses in fact it warmed me. It warmed me to think that Dasoro’s climate was nothing like the wonders of Earth. And that’s when I saw her, Superior General Sashuk of the 8th regiment of InterPlanestos Police or I.P.P. She had a long lean figure, and was striding towards my class, baffled I rubbed my eyes expecting to see my heroine from Dasoro disappear. She did not. Rather, behind her came the steady march of the infantry of her regiment. As she reached my class, a sharp rap resounded through my class.
“I wish to acquaint myself with Estelle Monre, if it is permissible by you.” Her voice was all I had described her as, crystal clear, with a sort of tinkle after each word; listening to her I felt this was no dream. And even if it was, I would not want to wake up too soon, after all when does anyone get to meet the very heroine they created in their bedroom?
Walking in step with her my 5 foot 8 figure felt comparatively tiny against Sashuk’s 6 foot 5 figure. As the rows of infantry parted, I saw something that made me squeal in delight. It was my latest addition to the world of Dasoro, the Delta 3 ATO or the All Terrain Omnisphere that could be shrunk for easy transportation. With its gleaming silver blue body, the 10 foot wide sphere glowed bright as she placed her hand on it. Signalling for me to do the same I hesitantly yet firmly pressed my palm onto the sphere.
A blinding flash of white, and then seats like swirling water, and yet they firm to touch. Sitting on it I spun round and round and skipped gaily towards the dashboard. Running my fingers along it I felt delighted when the machine whirred to life and responded exactly as I wished it to.
A dry cough filled the room. “I regret to bring you out of your delight, Miss but Dasoro is in great need of your help. You see, when you created us, you also created our enemies the Dansus but you failed to describe them or talk about their progress or regression in all of the stories. And now, they are a wiped out race, and yet at the same time they flourish. One day they are close to complete extinction and the next they are taking over towns and burning cities. We need your help to restore them to the world of D they must not be allowed to have this immunity.
Looking sheepishly at Sashuk, I noticed behind her the holograms of all the other regiment leaders all the way up to the 12th Regiment led by General Carnus. Sitting down, I said in the clearest voice I could muster, “Of course, I would love to help, but how can I restrain them to World of D and the ways of it?”
“You must retrieve the Larse. The peal gem you created that gives anyone ultimate control over the World of D. It is the only thing that can restrain and correct their nature, if not, I regret to say we will all be forced to World Jump, and millions of Ditizens will be flooding Earth. Do you want to see the World you painstakingly created crumble because of a slight omission in the creation of the Dansus. Do you agree to help us?”
I was shocked. Me, omit their creation restraints? But this was the ultimate opportunity, for me to see the World of D in my own eyes and not through my mind’s eye. Standing up and dusting the imaginary dust off my pinafore I said “I hereby agree to help General Sashuk correct the imbalance of one of my creations.”
What happened after that, was a whirlwind of events. Fitting for ATR’s All Terrain Robes, the half-hour practice with the Lendre, Dasoro’s trademark weapon, and a crash course on the needs of this undertaking, I was deemed ready for it.
Stepping out of the ATO I was greeted by bowed heads and shouts of “Dasoro! Dasoro! Dasoro Dominusus!” This I knew to be Dasoro, Dasoro, Dasoro for the People!
It was days before we reached the capital, Dasmo. It was nothing like I had written it, instead of a glass building filled with busy workers keeping the mother hive system updated, there were troops everywhere and only a few Ditizens were seen along roads, mostly elderly folks.
Two days at the capital made me fidgety, itching to get out and do something, I gave my ‘supervisors’ the slip and rushed out of the gates. Outside was the wondrous, famed view of Dasmo. It was breathtaking, your average countryside was nothing compared to this. With lagoons, lakes, and snow-topped mountains, this view showed the World of D at its closest with nature. And just beside it was the bustling capital Dasmo, and yet no pollution after-effects were clearly visible.
As I raked my eyes over the grassy plains, I saw a movement that caught my eye. Turning back to it, I saw figures scurrying between knolls. They were not moving back and forth but rather moving in one direction, towards the Eastern Gates of Dasmo. I saw the gleaming banner of the White Daresy, a dragon-like creature with fur instead of scales. It was the insignia of the Dansus.
Leaping into a stationary ATO, I manoeuvred it towards the two knolls. Upon reaching a grove of trees, I left my ATO and shrunk it before silently walking towards the clearing. I came across tents of fully equipped soldiers, and ATO’s lined up neatly in rows and rows upon shelves.
That’s when I realised; I had placed the Larse here! Right here, in this grove near the clearing between the knolls! In my excitement at finding this I tripped and landed face front on the ground. Instead of the damp ground I expected, my nose touched upon a cool surface. Clearing away the leaves, I saw it, the peal gem; I needed so badly to rectify my omission. Turning it in my hand I turned around towards the other edge of the woods.
Alas, I was not to leave so easily. The Larse had my undivided attention, and that proved fatal as I failed to see the sentries surround me. As I momentarily realised my situation of no protection I drew out my ATO ready to zoom back to Dasmo. But the soldiers beat me to it, tackling me to the ground, one sentry slammed me into the tree I was standing towards. Hitting the tree at an awkward angle, I felt my leg go “POP” as though it had been yanked out. The Larse was still in my hand, pressing my lips to it, I whispered “Flee to Dasmo, and save this world.” And then I felt nothing as all around me dissolved, only to be replaced with black.
Sometime Later
Something was disturbing my eyes, I could feel it, and someone was wiping my face! My eyes shot open and my hand was at my waist ready to draw out my Lendre. But my hand felt nothing but velvet smoothness. Looking down at myself, I saw I was dressed in a violet garb, with a velvet feel. I swung my legs to the side of the bed I was laid on and winced at the pain the movement caused me.
Before my feet could touch the ground, General Sashuk was there in front of me. “You are hurt. You must let us heal you before you rectify the imbalance. Please take this stone and press it to the left side of your hip.”
It was a stormy-grey colour, and taking the stone I pressed it firmly onto my hip. I knew of it, it was the Rose, the strawberry-shaped stone with healing powers. As I lifted it away from my person, a swirl of red dust shot out of it and rested lightly upon my body.
Taking the Larse from General Sashuk, I said the words “I bind the Dansus to the same laws of creation as the Dasoro, may they find peace in one another, and live fortuitously.” At that a loud bang and I blacked out.
My eyes opening for the second time, I was greeted by the worried faces of my friends, their voices seemed faraway but were getting closer. “Are you alright?” “Do you need a break? Or something to eat?”
I shook my head and looked around for any signs of my imaginary world. There were none. After questioning my friends, I learnt, I had slept through a whole 2 periods without anyone able to awaken me! I was absolutely mortified and apologised to the teacher immediately.
I was really sceptical of the reality of that adventure and yet, there were 2 things that made me believe in its having taken place. For when I went home, I saw on my left hip, the reddish imprint of a strawberry and I had the Larse on my bedside table. And I soon found out that only I could see the Larse.
I wonder when I will ever have the chance to visit The World of D again. You can choose to believe me, or deny it, but a day will come when I will return to that world, and no one but me need believe that.
Copyright © 2014 Stella Anne Teoh Ming Hui
All rights reserved.
Posted at 7:40 am | Comments (3)
4th March, 2014
The Lord of The Rings : The Fellowship of The Ring (Part 1)
THE LORD OF THE RINGS : THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING (PART 1)
| Name : | STELLA ANNE TEOH MING HUI |
| Class : | K3C |
| School Num. : | 12231 |
| Book Call Num. : | FTOL |
| Book Title : | Lord of The Rings Part 1 : The Fellowship of The Ring |
| Author : | J.R.R. Tolkien |
| Publication Year/(Edition) : | 2007(Based on the 50th Anniversary Edition) |
Setting: Middle-earth
Characters:
Bilbo Baggins
– A hobbit at the respectable age of 111. He and his favourite nephew, Frodo Baggins (33 at the start of the story) are preparing for their annual birthday bash. (Their birthdays are on the same day.) First hobbit-owner of The Ring, passes The Ring onto Frodo on their birthday.
Frodo Baggins
– Bilbo’s favourite nephew and heir. He inherits The Ring and is taken on a whirlwind adventure to destroy the ring before it can get back to Sauron, The Evil Eye. He is accompanied by Sam Gamgee, on his journey for the destruction of The Ring. A strong hobbit, he is different from the others as he doesn’t feel the entire world revolves around The Shire (where the hobbits stay). Although he is often tempted by The Ring, he has the strength to fight most of it, staying defiant towards any offer to take The Ring to give Frodo respite.
Elrond
– Lord of Rivendell, father to Arwen. He is a mighty lord amongst men and elves alike and all respect and fear him.
Arwen
– Daughter to Elrond. Known as Undomiel, the Evenstar of her people.
Aragorn
– First known as Strider to the Fellowship, he is known as Dunadan to the Elves, Man of the West, Numenorean. He is in part the leader of the Fellowship, he usually decides what or where to go next but takes into consideration Frodo’s importance as the Bearer of The Ring.
–
Gandalf the Grey
– Second most powerful wizard of 5, he is the one who starts Frodo on his journey to Mordor. Often a lamp when the Fellowship falls into darkness, he has many places to be at one time, but trusts the fellowship can follow his guidance. Known to the Elves as Mithrandir.
Sam Gamgee
– Faithful companion to Frodo, was caught eavesdropping when Gandalf met Frodo after the ‘disappearance’ of Bilbo. He becomes Frodo’s most trusted confidant and shares a closer bond to him than any other Fellowship member.
Meriadoc
– One of the 4 hobbits in the Fellowship. A brave little soul loyal to the end.
Pippin
– Much like Merry (Meriadoc) he is the more cheerful of the lot. Also loyal an willing to sacrifice his life in The Shire for the better good.
Legolas Greenleaf
– The only Elf in the Fellowship, is a good friend of Aragorn having fought battles with him. Finds a friend and fellow competitor in Gimli, the dwarf of the Fellowship.
Gimli
– Son of Gloin, one of the original Company of Bilbo Baggins he is a steadfast dwarf who at first has an aversion towards Elves but becomes fast friends with Legolas in the end.
Conflict:
Major conflict – Frodo and the Fellowship try to reach the Land of Shadows but are stopped by Orcs, Black Riders and Boromir’s reaction to Frodo as the Ring-bearer.
Rising action – As they make their way further from The Shire, the 4 hobbits, Frodo, Sam, Meriadoc and Pippin encounter strange Riders in Black in the woods and when they stay at The Pony (an inn), they are sabotaged. After meeting Strider, as they know him, they retire to their respective rooms. In the middle of the night their horses are scared off, and flee to the nearby grasslands. The Company nearly lose their lives in the night.
Climax – As they are in the Chamber of Mazarbul, they are upset by Orcs, and the worst is yet to come. Confirmation of Balin’s Death is plain as they pass an inscription atop a sealed tomb. After defeating the solitary two orcs, they pass through the First and Second hall of Moria. Here Legolas cries out when he sees A Balrog amongst the ranks of the orcs and trolls. The battle between Gandalf and the Balrog was to be horrifying. As Glamdring (Gandalf’s sword), rang woth each parried blow, Gandalf ended the battle, he smote the bridge and the Balrog fell deep into the abyss. Alas, to the despair of all, as the beast fell, its whip curled around the wizard’s foot and dragged him into the abyss after it.
Falling action – As they make their way away from Moria, they come across the Nothern Kindred of Elves, allowing them safe passage into Lothlorien, they are allowed to stay the night perched like birds atop trees called Mellyrn. Later they cross the river Celebrant walking like spiders with the assistance of 2 ropes. They come into the audience of the Great Lady Galadriel, Lady of Lorien and bearer of Nenya, the Ring of Adamant.
Conlucion – As they find themselves closer to the Land of Shadows, Boromir makes Frodo uneasy and Frodo leaves the Fellowship. Sam catches up with him, and taking it to be fated the duo set of alone for Mordor. Here the Fellowship is broken as Boromir confronts Frodo (scaring him away) after succumbing to the temptation of The One Ring, and Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Merry and Pippin are separated from Frodo and Sam.
Opinion:
A most interesting book, keeping me on my toes at all times. Although there are a lot of characters and different places of interest, one feels immersed in a world of magic, righteousness and evil all at the same time, a world of fantasy with balance. One immediately gravitates towards the hobbits, as they are often described as the weakest of the 5 main groups, Man, Elves, Dwarves, Ents and Halflings (Hobbits). Their exceptional loyalty and bravery is seen throughout the story and it makes one want to continue reading. The way there is plausible conflict between the characters make it much more relatable to people reading it. A wonderful adventure, it is often said that The English-speaking world is divided into those who have read The Hobbit and The Lord of The Rings and those who are about to. I strongly suggest this book be added into one’s library as a journey into Middle-earth has no greater appeal than a journey written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Posted at 7:35 am | Comments (4)