Our first visit to Rivendell!

[@marybrewer2203]

May evil things never find their way into your home. Thank you for this visit.

[@littleithephi]

Stumbled upon this channel on snowy day in the midswest United States. There are few people and channels that are able to honestly express themselves and organically grow their following and I'm so glad this man, Malcolm was able to do it. I look forward to hearing a tale and some wisdom every so often. Good on you, my man, good on you.

[@anthonyhulse1248]

Sitting in the middle of a snowstorm here in Alberta. How I miss English rain, snowdrops and crocuses!

[@ursusthewhite9824]

By root and twig, you must be several hours just south of this old white bear wizard. Oh for springtime in the Alberta Rockies.

[@DorsetGirl]

I am in New Brunswick. I miss the English spring so much it’s almost painful. When I make enough money to buy property there I’ll be back in my shire quicker than one can say ‘Bilbo Baggins’.

[@evolassunglasses4673]

Best wishes to you from Essex England.

[@aletheuo475]

Ti's the tide of the bluebell at present my friend. They flourish in their thousands on the woodland floor. It's also very cold and windy, but the sun is waxing warm enough to thaw my numbness.

[@Glasshousebc]

Live on the ski hill, Kimberley, BC… had the blizzard not long after you matey… now onto more spring like weather.

[@MusicHealsHQ]

“I can mentally, imaginatively, emotionally go to Rivendell anytime I like, and build it up around myself and feel all the refreshment and all the kindness like somewhere in that most perfect of houses.” Your words affected me more than those in the passage from the book. I imagine Tolkien smiling with delight. ❤

[@JohnArthur77]

A friend of mine, whom I respect very deeply, once said that one of the finest qualities of "The Hobbit" was how Tolkien told the tale. It is told as if by a father weaving a story for their child. And just as that father would love their child, Tolkien loves his reader. It is truly one of the greatest works of all time.

[@curt2017]

Malcolm: You don’t have to rely on your mind to go to Rivendell. You can go by train if you wish! There’s a special valley in the Alps which impressed a young Tolkein so much that he used it as inspiration for that drawing you showed in the book. It’s a place that also made an instant impact on me the first time I visited. In fact, I like to imagine that if God were to choose a cathedral to suit him here on earth it would be the entire Lauterbrunen valley with the mighty Alps as the altar.

[@Ptitmalle]

Lauterbrunnen is a pretty magic place, very beautiful ! I live in Switzerland and its a very loved place.

[@reppepper]

*Tolkien

[@teajuanaltd]

​@@reppepper I had no clue who he was talking about until you corrected the spelling. Thank you so so much

[@CTSega]

Your videos convinced me to start re-reading Tolkien's works- they're just so timeless and fantastic. Thank you!

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

I'm so glad!

[@lysetsfyrste]

I think it would be awesome if you were to make an audiobook of the entire hobbit, but also add commentary between the reading. I have never seen anyone else do that sort of thing, and i think would be the abseloute perfect person for it :)

[@adflicto1]

Never would have thought that Arthas was a Tolkien fan

[@robertschroeder1978]

On such a cold winter's afternoon as it is today this Channel has once again brought warmth with an olden tale that separates time from current. Dear Mr. Guite thank you...

[@johnc6809]

Such an immense pleasure for me to hear you read one our favorite quotes from Tolkien. So beloved that my wife wants me to do a piece of Calligraphy for our own home, which I have dubbed “Woody End”, as it is all wood built, and I shan’t finish repairing and maintaining it in my lifetime!

[@joegarry8983]

''Unless ye become as little children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of God''.

[@UNIRockLIVE]

Exactly

[@deandomino6732]

I genuinely believe that one of the worse things that could happen to a person is that we grow up. Simple child like faith in the Lord Jesus, that anyone can have. The most precious thing. That's a life worth living.

[@geoffthecarpenter]

And so shines a good deed in a wiery word.....

[@ursusthewhite9824]

To Imladris, to seek the sword the sword that was broken!!! Wonderful reading of Tolkien. Thank you as always. Namarie!

[@ursusthewhite9824]

whoops, doubled the sword.....didnt have my tea yet...seeing double :@)

[@DorsetGirl]

Reluctantly living in Canada and so homesick for my England and home county of Dorsetshire and the magical village of Sutton Poyntz. I love hearing Malcolm’s voice.

[@guycalgary7800]

Saddle up and head home , Canada is a frontier that isnt for everyone.

[@BadgerOfTheSea]

Always a pleasure to escape into a book on a rainy day.

[@anamcaralaura]

Thank you for taking us to Rivendell today. Even thought I've been there a thousand times, it's still new. ❤

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bijkwakk120]

My dear Malcolm every time I get a notification of your videos of little slices of poetry and relaxation my day gets a little brighter, and as a young man you've also propelled my newfound pipe hobby, thank you so much Sir! keep in good health and spirits and I look forward for more of these little corners of peace.

[@graceygrumble]

That book was magical - we had the same edition. I devoured it after The Chronicles of Narnia and was utterly bereft that there was only one book about hobbits which I could read (The Lord of the Rings was too difficult for me, at the time). It was just around the time when I was an 'elf' in The Brownies. Enid Blyton, CS Lewis, Tolkien (The Hobbit), Alan Garner, interspersed with Children's Classics - Treasure Island, Black Beauty, Robinson Crusoe etc. and eventually, Tolkien revisited. I have read The Lord of the Rings every year, ever since - I even have it on audio-book and will listen to it on a long drive. The Silmarillion took a back seat until I was about 14 years old. I have only read that half a dozen times since. Perhaps, I will pick up a pipe and read it again... or, just read The Hobbit again, sans pipe. I'm more ent than elf these days; one mustn't be hasty!

[@PhilAlumb]

I want to Live in The Shire !! 🙏❤️‍🔥

[@michaelpayne8102]

Well done, one of the failings of the PJ adaptation is the portrayed animosity between the Dwarves and Elves while at Rivendell.

[@smoath]

Heart warming. Always glad I dropped in.

[@Nighttrainpiper]

Kindness like summer. Indeed such great prose.

[@drakanov573]

I just finished the Lord of the Rings, what a true fantastic work Tolkien's world is. Viewing your video is a relief to hear again about that world. Thanks from France.

[@Musicandcoffee247]

Excellent work! As a new subscriber I recently found out that you are a published author as well. I picked up Sounding The Seasons to start off with and absolutely loved it! I have you right beside Thoreau on my bookshelf sir. I’ll always refer to it.

[@justintierney2069]

A pipe cleaner bookmark. That is multi tasking.

[@andrewhill1965]

I love the hobbit. He had such a way with describing these wonderful places

[@CantaloupeJones]

I stayed up late watching your videos and was pleasantly surprised you had a new one the exact format that I was hoping for. A LOTR sit and talk.

[@kjmav10135]

I first read The Hobbit in the summer between 2nd and 3rd grade. I still have a very clear place in my memory for Bilbo Baggins home with the round door. I wrote several grammar school bits of fan fiction about Bilbo and his adventures (though it wasn’t called “fan fiction” then!) in the third grade. My teacher also loved The Hobbit and encouraged my every story. Because of Tolkien and my teacher, I carry Rivendell and Hobbiton and all the rest around in my heart, too-in the part of me that, thankfully, never bothered to grow up.

[@Drazen093]

GOD BLESS YOU, MALCOLM GUITE!!! THAT RIVENDELL IS A VERY BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN THE TOLKIEN WORLD!!.........I WILL SAY THAT I WOULD HAVE WANTED TO STAY THERE LIKE BILBO BAGINS TOO!!! KEEP MAKING MORE VIDEOS LIKE THIS ONE, MALCOLM,MY FRIEND. .....GOD BLESS YOU .

[@yusufsayed1583]

Good Evening 😊 Now that's a wonderful idea , using pipe cleaners as a book marker👌🏽Thanks for the read 📜 Have a wonderful day & Greetings from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@1nemann]

I'm re reading the hobbit for the first time in about 20 years and I just finished this chapter. Listening to you read it aloud is a treat. Thank you for all these great videos.

[@ChrisStewart_1980]

MG…you have definitely inspired me to take Tolkien off the shelf!

[@opheliaspenpoetry]

Such a bright spot in my day. Thank you.

[@diaboyos]

Thank you very much for your videos. You have no idea how relaxing they are and how much people really need them on a personal level.

[@synthnerd4539]

I studied at Leeds, where Tolkien was briefly, and joined the Old Norse reading group, which I learned had been instigated by Tolkien back in his day. We'd sit around for two hours on a midweek evening and translate the old sagas, very conversationally, and trying not to use reference materials... And of course after we'd decamp to a nearby pub. There's great pleasure in being able to discuss all things wordy in this manner, and your videos remind me very much of those days. I miss them a great deal. Thank you.

[@davidlee3311]

Another wonderful reading, thanks.

[@bigal2696]

Thank you, for inviting us into your cozy, comfortable study

[@robertgross1655]

🎩Hi hail and thunder storms here on our boat. What a nice way to relax.

[@mudlarkingmarionette]

What struck me here was the moon and her magic . What a beautiful image only being able to read certain things when the atmosphere in which they were written suddenly aligns again . Maps reveal sometimes where those that would rewrite history have embroidered . Elrond's house felt like a sanctuary .

[@Ghost_Boy36]

It’s been a rainy day here in PR. Have not had the best of day’s but your video certainly was a blessing. Thank you.

[@Unreconstructed_Georgian]

I just got to this chapter myself last night in the hobbit. I will be starting it tonight. The hobbit is one of my favorite Tolkien books, I ready it yearly!

[@Vocatus2222]

It is always a pleasant surprise to see another of your videos pop up. Many thanks for taking the time

[@rambling_rob7035]

Wonderful, Malcolm. I use pipe cleaners as place markers in books too!

[@mnelson1960]

I failed "Tolkien." Tried to read Hobbit twice when I was a young adult and couldn't get past second chapter, so finally listened to it (as an old adult) and did not really enjoy it. But I could listen to you read it all day. You bring it alive with your comments.

[@greyfeather7857]

I have just finished re-reading The Hobbit. My late stepfather gave me a copy as a child. So good to hear you speak so fondly of this book 📕 Thanks for sharing your thoughts and time 🕰️🙏🏻

[@danielbowen7621]

Lovely. I am so glad I found your channel. Thanks for letting us pop in. 😎

[@MariadeRonde]

I am going to follow your example and travel to Rivendel in my mind, thanx for the idea!

[@purasangrethrash]

It would be amazing to have an audiobook of the hobbit and the lord of the rings with your voice Malcolm!

[@graciehogue6166]

So thankful for these videos. There is something really healing about listening to a kindred spirit who is also a fatherly figure talk about things that are true and beautiful, fiction or no. May the Lord bless you and keep you, Professor Guite. May He fill your sails on the sea of words and fill your pipe with the breath of many beautiful tales. ❤️

[@zoobee]

every new video of yours is a first visit to Rivendell. And your videos are alike to the cosiness you express inside safe from the wind and grey and rain.

[@genem3785]

This truly warms the heart and soul. Thank you!

[@gregmcgrath4859]

I loved the writings of Tolkien from when I discovered them at university, when the Tolkien society would scrawl “Frodo lives” on sandstone walls. The Hobbit, to me, begins with a fairy tale simplicity and expands to an epic scale that foreshadows Lord of the Rings. Many thanks for your beautiful reading.

[@usfaaartillerist]

Started my yearly read through starting with the Silmarilion. Great timing!

[@jfk1000]

Love this! I am always comforted by your content, kind sir!

[@dennisvolpe7805]

Malcom, I 😘 be listening to you read book passages and smoking your pipe. It is one of the most relaxing things I get to enjoy. Currently laying here with the flu and enjoying your reading. Someday would also love to hear some of your favorite blends to smoke while reading during the rain.

[@ddiesel5095]

Malcom always dropping bangers!!!

[@lucasthedragon7680]

What I love most about your copy of The Hobbit is that it has the original hardback design that Tolkein himself had drawn and wanted as the standard version. The designwork alone is enough to marvel at with all of its iconography and various meanings, both in terms of the story of The Hobbit and in relation to the wider world that Tolkein had so lovingly constructed. The only thing that seems to be missing (and this might just be due to your copy's visual age) is the sun, moon, and wyrm all being colored red.

[@brianheffernan8982]

That was a lovely visit to Rivendale. Thank you, Malcolm.

[@BillDonaghy]

Dear Malcolm, thank you so much. This is one of my favorite of your reflections, as Rivendell and every reference to it has always spoken to my heart as well. It’s truly an oasis for thirsty and wandering hearts. God bless you!

[@malcolmhart1795]

Thank you very much for another delightful visit. We read the chapter in preparation, from our film tie-in edition 2012, and it has this map in the end-papers. It was fun working out the translation of the runes while reading it together. Many thanks to you both once again. 💙 💞

[@CircusPotato]

Malcolm I want to express myself and to let you know that truly I am your biggest fan! Your videos have done absolute wonders for my mental health and wellbeing so I thank you from the very bottom of my heart. I hope to travel next year, and it would be an honor to sit down with you and have a proper smoke while listening to your beautiful poems. You bring so much joy to my life Malcolm so I thank you again so so very much! ❤️

[@dust9307]

Tolkien was brilliant at depicting the warmth of homely hospitality. The home of Tom Bombadil for instance is one of my favourite ‘places’ and scenes ever; it inspires in me just those same feelings you expressed here!

[@eva3867]

I just wanted to pop on here and say that your videos are the only thing that motivate me to do my chores as a very busy university student! Currently making my way through a big pile of dishes feeling so joyful, popped my earbuds in and I am so happy to engross myself in this literary world I love so much! I'm 21 and Tolkien makes me feel like a small child again. Much love from rainy Bellingham, Washington ♥♥

[@RiGHTcoast_REGULAR]

thank you very much for your time good sir

[@dudemonkfish4471]

Had a nice ride on my motorcycle this afternoon, a bit cold but invigorating.

[@richardsnow7299]

Thank you very much Reverend

[@mistac5050]

So glad that I discovered your channel last week and I will be happy to drop in and spend a few minutes with you every time that you invite me. Cheers.

[@mattrich680]

Such a perfect sentence! As well as I know this book, I read it too fast and I am grateful to you for focusing on this particular gem in the mound of treasure.

[@TheMisterNebo]

You got a nice plug from AquaFPS for your channel, didn't even know this existed but loving the story telling! Subscribed, keep the stories coming :)

[@takecarey]

So awesome.

[@stephenwinter5958]

I couldn't imagine better company on a rainy afternoon.

[@rosalieworld8386]

I so appreciate this. And I go to Rivendell too. Thank you.

[@paulwalker5822]

Another lovely visit to your study Malcolm. Thank you for bring the richness of Tolkien's writings to life. Imladris is a wonderful place to find ourselves in, even if for a short while.

[@midnightgamer6519]

I just like to thank you for what you do on here everyday when I watch your content I sort of find my own safe Haven in watching your videos I really appreciate it thank you so much sir

[@kenthpedersen3220]

Thank you again sir. I wonder, if one might impose upon you to dabble a bit into our shared Viking heritage, to ask if you might consider reading a bit of Beowulf? Haven't yet done a deep dive, but it's a fascinating period of our history, and I plan to. Listening to you read, and watching you enjoy a pipe, and a pint, well, it's quite cathartic and it starts to make sense of a chaotic world. Thank you for that. Also, about to buy my first Peterson. I blame you, and thank you. Used to smoke a pipe when I was a kid living in Denmark and working at the Scandinavian Tobacco Company. Could you please recommend some tobaccos, and pipes? In honor of young rascals...feasting and smoking.... I'm leaning towards the Churchwarden Natural Silver Mounted Prince Fishtail.

[@BrentFischer-cc8ge]

It's amazing - a pipe cleaner as a bookmark!

[@stefanomagaddino6868]

I wanna live THERE!

[@KingDennisJensen]

I love hopping into bed and putting on the new video just before sleeping. Thank you for making my dreams ever so bright!

[@joelharris4399]

I believe spring greetings are in order Sir! Thanks for sharing tidbits on Tolkien's mastery of the English language. Rivendell could have only come from the mind of an Oxford Don for sure! 🍻

[@strfxfilm1942]

remember reading this for the first time when i was 8, one of my favourite books to this day.

[@husraw]

I've been going through challenging times over the past few months, leaving me profoundly disappointed and disheartened. In my part of the world (Iran), issues seem endless for young people like me, offering little hope for improvement. Your videos are a bright beacon of hope amidst my otherwise gloomy days. Your demeanor, tone of voice, and calm presence evoke the tranquil and peaceful essence of Rivendell in an extraordinary way. I've watched all your videos, and they provide a refuge from my troubles much like rereading Tolkien does for me, with the added benefit of seeing Tolkien's spirituality reflected in your person.

[@sit-insforsithis1568]

I have so much respect for you young Iranians… keep hope and faith! Regards from the Netherlands ❤

[@husraw]

@@sit-insforsithis1568 Thank you!

[@dave-wk4t]

Love it. Story time with Dr. Zaius.

[@robertallenpittman3195]

Tolkien ever full of The Art of Living...thank you!

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Couldn't agree more!

[@Burnnskii_Gaming]

Just picked up the box set of the hobbit and the trilogy and also just happened to read this chapter last night! Loving the book.

[@Murph275]

YES I love me some Tolkien. Please keep up the videos. New subscriber loving these!

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Welcome aboard!

[@michaelCrusader90]

I enjoy your videos sir, keep them up if you can. Thanks from south Texas USA.

[@thelightswitchflickers3161]

Classic Guite ❤

[@tomfool43]

As to the physical form of home, for me, Yeats has a nigh on perfect definition - 'old mill boards and sea-green slates, and smithy work from the Gort forge...' - what domestic architecture should be, and is for.

[@gypsyjunklady]

Who else noticed how he fished about in his pocket for a moment? Reminds me of someone else. Someone who had something in their pocket that was very.......precious. 🤔

[@GardnerGoldsmith]

Fantastic! I just discovered your channel! Thank you for the appreciation for so many dimensions of fine storytelling, and for creating that kind of atmosphere as you sat to shoot the video! All the best!

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Welcome Aboard!

[@fgcbird]

I wish you narrated audiobook novels! I checked out your prayer books just because your voice is so soothing. Maybe you could do some stories where the copyright has expired someday (: just a thought!

[@badlaamaurukehu]

Excellent reader's companionship expressed here.

[@manfrombritain6816]

when i read Tolkien i find myself one moment marvelling at his brilliance and in the next feeling a bit like... "he could have worded that much better". i suspect he was a very talented writer (and of course master World builder) but did not spend much time editing/rewriting/looking back. I imagine him drawing on his pipe, pondering what he wants to say next, and then gushing out a few pages before leaving it be as a spontaneous creation. in one of the documentaries about him, one of the biographers said Tolkien was basically winging it a lot of the time and i can believe it. in lotr you get such strange inconsistent pacing - more ink is seemingly given to farmer maggot than boromir's death and helms deep combined. the shire and old forest take up like 100 pages even after the quest has been established yet they don't really add anything to the story except flavour

[@Nifter71]

Actually, Tolkien endlessly re-worked and edited LOTR, and was painstaking in his attention to detail. I'm not sure he subjected The Hobbit to quite the same treatment, as it was perceived as a more whimsical work, although he did later change the Gollum meeting to fit LOTR as he had re-developed the concept of the Ring. What you are referring to is more likely his approach to writing the first part of Fellowship, which has that meandering dreamlike quality - especially while the Hobbits are exiting the Shire. I see much of that - especially the Bombadil part - as Tolkien expressing his love of nature, while also giving us an opportunity to get to know the characters of the hobbits before they're plunged into a more driving narrative. Certainly, commenters and analysts such as Tom Shippey have noted that Tolkien was indeed finding his feet in the earlier chapters of LOTR, and that he continued to do things that a 'professional' author would not throughout... failing to translate other languages for the reader, for example. And there are examples of this in The Hobbit too... Bilbo getting knocked out at the Battle of Five Armies and only learning about the specifics after the fact is one. Yet it always seems to work... and keeping the story Bilbo-centric, and not spending pages glorying in martial heroism was very much in keeping with the idea that Bilbo was just a small fellow in a big world after all!

[@Solitary_Scribe55]

@@Nifter71 Brilliant response. I find that the slow, meandering nature of the opening chapters, and indeed of the hobbits themselves, provides a great contrast to the gradual build-up of tension/threat beneath the surface, especially once the Nazgul come into the picture.

[@tomaria100]

God bless you, Poet!

[@johnsmith6132]

I love how you became, Mr. Bilbo

[@willburgessdontcare]

Your respect for the works of Tolkien in quite inspiring. Thank you for always making my day sir.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Thanks for listening

[@korbandallas8931]

Good times.

[@Banquet...]

What a wonderful channel. If you did a Patreon where you read whole books I would be signing up to that!

[@tomblack2064]

Beautiful

[@TohTomajohs]

Can u do a hour video? Or 3 if possible. Id love a whole video dedicated to a book review or even a recording of a book reading