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In Defence of Trotter

To my surprise, Tolkein had invented a character called 'Trotter'. He was later replaced by Aragorn. As Aragorn was a favourite of mine, I could not imagine anyone else in his place.

However, I can try to defend Trotter as a character. First, he is a Hobbit. Hobbits can travel without making a sound. They are small, and find it easy to hide. Both are good characteristics for a Hobbit leading others in dangerous terrritory.

A tall man would struggle to conceal himself , and would need larger hiding places. Whereas a Hobbit can hide in many places, as they are so small.

Second, it would be easier for the other Hobbits to trust him. We know that Frodo struggled to trust Aragorn. The Hobbits had never left the Shire before. They had rarely spoken to one of the big People. Another Hobbit would not seem so threatening.

Third, Trotter is described as a wild Hobbit. He can survive outside, travel, and has a good knowledge of the land. This fits with Tolkein's description of Hobbits. Most preferred to live a safe, predictable life. But sometimes, a Hobbit would learn to swim, have a boat, or have an adventure. They were looked down on by others, but they did break the mould.

The Fourth reason to appreciate Trotter may seem to be a little cruel. But the fact remains that Merry and Pippin were not really ready for the challenges of the journey. They both lacked maturity and experience. Pippin in particular made foolish choices.

I understand that Frodo nededed his friends to help him to carry the burden. But these two Hobbits struggled with the journey until they reached Rohan and Gondor. They did mature at the end of the journey, but would a Hobbit like Trotter be of more use on such a quest?

In an ideal World, I would be able to have everyone on the quest. Merry and Pippin could stay in the company; Aragorn could be introduced at Rivendell, and Trotter could be part of the fellowship too.

***

The Lord of the Rings

There is so much about friendship in this story. Gandalf tells Elrond to allow Merry and Pippin to go on the quest as Frodo will need to have support on the journey.

Sam begins as a member of staff, but becomes the best and most loyal of friends to Frodo. Strider is a figure of suspicion, but proves himself as a protector of the Hobbits.

Legolas and Gimli overcome prejudice to become so close that they continue together even when the quest ends. They travel across the sea together after the death of Aragorn. They are never parted again. Gimli agrees to leave Middle earth to stay with Legolas.

I feel that the friendship in the story enriches the novel. This is not just about fantasy or adventure, it is about real bonds forged in the midst of danger.

'The Disappearance', French TV Series

Spoilers included.

I have recently discovered this, a full ten years after it was made. I usually avoid a lot of french films as they are so sad. This is a really sad story too, but it is worth the journey.

We can see two Cousins in the picture, who are really close, and live as sisters. They spend most of their time together. They are the same age. Christine especially benefits from the friendship as she has lost her Mother at a young age. She has no siblings. She goes to dine with her cousins, and benefits from being with her Aunt who can provide maternal input.

The difficulty is envy. Christine envies Lea. She covets the life of Lea. She wants to have a mother, siblings as Lea does. She wants to be popular. She especially covets Romain, the boyfriend of Lea.

All of these feelings overspill, and lead to tragedy. The difficulty is, Christine has no real reason to feel such envy. Her father is devoted to her. Her Aunt and Uncle offer support. Everyone around goes out of their way to make her feel involved.

She has a job at the family Restaurant. The family all benefit from the Restaurant, and enjoy a middle-class lifestyle. They can afford to live in two beautiful apartments.

Christine may not be as popular as Lea, but she does not realise the whole story. Lea has missed School, almost been expelled. She has had an affair with a married man, and is pregnant. She is likely to saboatge her relationship with Romain over this.

Christine does know that Lea takes and sells drugs. But she is unaware of most things. This makes me think that Christine should not have given in to envy. She could have lived her own life, counted her blessings.

#french films

Over Sea, Under Stone

I recently purchased this book on Kindle. I first read it when I was twelve. Over the years, I searched for the book, but I could only find the Box Set. I had never liked the other books, and I did not want to haul the entire set around. The set is called The Dark is Rising.

Finally, I decided to buy the Kindle version. This is when I had a surprise: I knew the entire book by heart. I only know one other book by heart: Pride and Prejudice.

This is because I had read Austen so many times, I had an audio version of the book, and I had watched the televised versions.

I can recall the excitement of Bingley coming to the neighbourhood, the proposal by Darcy, and the rudeness of Lady Catherine.

However, I had not read Over Sea, Under Stone for years, decades. Yet, I knew all the dialogue, the episodes in the book, and the characters.

I had recalled it in my mind many times over the years. i had relived the most exciting episodes. I suppose it was a touchstone for me as I navigated adult life.

Still, it is a surprise to find it so embedded in my mind. It must have meant more to me than I ever realised.