The Road goes ever on and on
For this photo I decided to borrow the first line of a series of three poems by J.R.R. Tolkien from The Lord of the Rings.
The first appears in chapter one of book one in The Fellowship of the Ring, titled A Long-Expected Party, said by Bilbo as he sets off from the Shire after his grand birthday party. It mentions pursuing the Road ahead with eager feet.
The second appears in chapter three of book one in The Fellowship of the Ring, titled Three is Company, said by Frodo while pausing on the road with Sam and Pippin for lunch on their way out of the Shire. This version is almost exactly the same as the first except instead of pursuing the Road with eager feet, it mentions weary feet.
And finally, the third appears in chapter six of book six in The Return of the King, titled Many Partings, when Sam and Frodo are reunited with Bilbo after the climax of the story, and Bilbo shares a much changed version of the poem that talks of letting others follow the Road, beginning their new journey, but he with weary feet would turn towards the inn and welcome sleep.
Three short and simple poems that perfectly capture the changing tone and direction of the story, and perhaps of our lives.
Do you enjoy these posts?
Sign up to receive periodic emails with updates and thoughts. Don’t worry, I won’t spam you. And please consider purchasing artwork or products from my online store, and using my affiliate links in the sidebar to the right when shopping online.
I appreciate your support!
