Worksheet from chapter

Comprehension Questions:
1. How does the spell cast on Frodo by Goldberry differ from the spell of
“fair Elven-voices”?
In that it is wondrous, it is not as lofty or as sharp, and it is closer to
the heart. Tom Bombadil and his wife use earth magic, while the
elves use only magic.

2. When did Tom Bombadil first meet Goldberry?

He first met her at Tom Bombadil's house. She was sitting in a chair in
front of the door, wearing a beautiful green dress. She welcomed the
hobbits and introduced herself as Goldberry, daughter of River.

3. How are Sam, Merry, and Pippin dressed when Frodo sees them laid
out in the barrow?
They are dressed in white like princes, and they were richly adorned
with jewels and gold.

4. What does Tom Bombadil choose from the barrow treasure for each
hobbit, and what makes his choices special?
Choose swords (daggers) for them. He knows the history of each one,
these daggers were made by the Men of Westernesse in their first
battle against the Dark Lord.
 5. 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, because he is leaving them.

6. Who are the Rangers and what sets them apart?

The "Rangers" as the people of Bree call them, are other men from
the west, they have strange stories and stranger manners, and come
through the land of Bree from time to time. They are pitiful looking,
mysterious, don't talk much, and are taller than most.

Vocabulary:
1. Pinnacles: a slender upright spire at the top of a buttress of tower.
Peak, highest point.
2. Barrow: an ancient grave formed of a mound of earth and stones.
Small hill crowned with burial stones.
3. Wight: a supernatural creature, usually applied here to the ghost
haunting a barrow.
4. Russet: a reddish-brown color.
5. Standing stone: It is a white stone near a ruined building. A tall stone
put in a vertical position by people in prehistoric times. Stones
pointing upward.
6. Marrow: soft tissue containing a lot of fat in the center of a bone. Soft
substance in bones.
7. Incantation: a chanting of words for magical purposes. Words that are
believed to have a magical effect when spoken or sung.
8. Bumpkin: a simple rustic (hillbilly). A person from the countryside
who is considered to be awkward and stupid.
9. Brooch: clasp or ornament worn on clothes. Small piece of jewelry
with a pin on the back that is attached to a woman's clothing.
10. Damasked: steel and iron specially welded to make a serpentine
pattern.
 11. Botanical: involving or relating to plants or the study of plants.
12. Shanks: leg; especially that part between the knee and ankle.

Discussion and Essay Questions:

1. 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"?
I think he meant you don't want to hear about more bad things when
your situation is already bad. And those scary things seem even
scarier in the dark.

2. 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?
He is like father nature; a very wise teacher; the magic of the earth;
he is like a divine figure; he saves them from dying and protects them
from evil.

3. 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. Their courage is just waiting to come
out and when it does it will make them blossom into stronger
individuals.
4. 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 poems or ballads. The songs tell the story, or important
events of characters. These songs help to keep their spirits up, as it
allows them to express themselves and keep going, motivates them
to keep fighting despite the evil that exists, and gives more feeling to
the story. Besides, storytelling reminds them of the hobbits in the
shire.

5. 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?
When Tom Bombadil rescues them after they leave his home and
they are clean in their new clothes.