Anu Recommends #13
Middle Earth March: epic moments and battles, an ode to hobbits, and the return of a much-awaited show
Hi and welcome to the Storyteller!
There are many new readers who have recently joined our community and I wanted to say, welcome and hope you enjoy your time here. For those who have been with me since the start or restart or anywhere in between, just know that I feel renewed gratitude about the support you show me and my words every Sunday. Please feel free to let me know if there’s anything you’d like me to write about or anything you’d like to see/see more regularly in this corner of the internet.
I received a piece of good news in the week from Press Pause Press, who published my flash fiction, ‘The Quality of Silence’ as part of their Vol. 7 last year. Now, the same volume is available in print, and here is where you can preorder to read some fantastic fiction, non-fiction, poetry, art, and even listen to some music!
Before we jump into this issue’s Middle Earth March prompt, here is a great post about the prompt for Day 4: Towers/Architecture of Middle Earth.
MEM Day 17: Epic moments and battles…and unlikely heroes
When the story in question is an epic adventure tale, brave moments are bound to be in double digits. What I love about Tolkien’s stories is that they are equally about the small moments that tend to slip by unnoticed, seemingly unimportant; equally about honouring the truth that courage often comes from unimagined places and people, in unexpected ways, in quiet, unknown, many times unseen, actions.
The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are about unlikely heroes as much as they are about battles, magic, born warriors, and kings. There's bravery of all manner and kind—no such thing as a "one-size-fits-all" courage—and every single character in the book plays their part in the larger scheme of things by overcoming their own doubts and fears.
“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.”
I've always found the stories inspiring for a number of reasons. And this is one of them.
This message that we can be and are all brave in our way.
That the smallest of us can change the course of history, through tiny moments of courage, aided by the steel that lurks within us unawares and comes to our aid in times of need.
But, the message equally, that asking for help isn't weakness. That there's no shame in needing support. It may not solve the problem, but the sharing of it lessens the burden and replenishes our store of what we need to face the situation. I love how the story celebrates the importance of friendship, teamwork, loyalty, honour, and kindness, especially if you want to be a force for good, in a purpose much bigger than yourself. How it shows us that a found family, even if a temporary one like the Fellowship, will leave bonds that outlive time and distance.
“Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? Perhaps because I am afraid, and he gives me courage.”
"Soft as butter they can be, and yet sometimes as tough as old tree-roots."
What better characters to dedicate today’s post to than the band of hobbits, who ideally, shouldn't even be there, and yet play crucial roles in the success of the mission in both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings?
"From the smallest beginnings, come the greatest legends."
“My dear Frodo!” exclaimed Gandalf. “Hobbits really are amazing creatures, as I have said before. You can learn all that there is to know about their ways in a month, and yet after a hundred years they can still surprise you at a pinch.”
Without Bilbo's and, especially, Frodo's successful mission, Middle Earth would be doomed to darkness. Not to mention the heroism of Samwise the Brave without whom Frodo would never have made it to Mount Doom or out of there, and of Merry and Pippin, who choose to follow their friend to whatever end—“We are horribly afraid…but we're coming with you.”
From Frodo volunteering to take the ring, and later, deciding that splitting from the Fellowship was his best chance even though it was a hard choice to make, to Sam with Shelob, but also when he later carries Frodo though he can't carry the ring. From Pippin standing up to Deneathor, to Merry accompanying Eowyn into battle and his part in that encounter with the Witch-King of Angmar. Also, Merry and Pippin with Treebeard, and the part they play in convincing the Ents to care about the battle for Middle-earth's survival.
There are multiple big and small instances of hobbit bravery and astounding resilience throughout.
Though reluctant heroes who love their homely comforts (and second breakfasts!) to begin with, they rise to the occasion and how! In fact, only they could have managed the responsibilities thrust upon them.
As Aragorn says, “My friends, you bow to no one ❤”
“But where shall I find courage?’ asked Frodo. “That is what I chiefly need.” “Courage is found in unlikely places,” said Gildor. “Be of good hope! Sleep.”
Hope smoothly transitions us to the last bit of today’s issue. Where are all my Ted Lasso fans at?
“I believe in hope.”
They. Are. Back.
Cue excited squealing and the fevered anticipation of shenanigans and emotions.
That’s all for today, folks. Join me in laughing, crying, sighing, and generally feeling all the feels with this final season (once all episodes go live, of course—it would be too much of a strain to watch one every week, who’s with me?), or you can catch up on the rest of Middle Earth March here and here (one more issue to go!). Maybe both?
As always, please feel free send in recommendations—books, movie, TV shows, authors to interview, ideas of what you’d like me to write on, rants/ramblings/excited monologues, GIFs and memes (especially them) and more. Just drop me a line and turn this into a conversation, even if just to say hi and let me know what you thought of the latest issue :) Or share this with someone you think might enjoy it.
Take care and see you next week!
Anu
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You can find me on Twitter at @AnuNande (follow for all the football chatter) and on Instagram at @booksinboston.
Loved reading this!
I know Frodo had the burden of being the ring-bearer and whatnot but Sam's loyalty, bravery and sheer force of will, have always made me root for him as the 2nd greatest hobbit. (Bilbo still leads for being the pioneer).
And Ted Lasso! So psyched for the new season. I know what you mean about waiting to watch the show at a run, but it runs the risk of encountering spoilers on social media. Besides, I am desperate to know what Nate has been upto.