The Ents and the Entwives

After our encounter with Freeboard I thought it might be nice to have his song about the entwives.
If you would like some purely Christmas reading I've just posted the final instalment of a complete read-through of Dickens ' A Christmas Carol' for the channel Members. I created the channel membership for those who've requested I read through entire books chapter by chapter. You can join here: / @malcolmguitespell
In the new year we'll be reading The Wind in the Willows!

[@EdMcF1]

If you set the playback speed at 0.25 it might sound like Entspeech.

[@yanivpeleg8857]

Tried it, but ends up sounding more like Grendel from Beowolf :)

[@hughg.rection6991]

0.6% thats ent pace.

[@BRAMBIN_MCSHAMBIN]

LOL

[@cheryldowd6916]

I watched and listened to this before I went to bed on Christmas Eve. What a wonderful bedtime story. Thank you Malcolm.

[@dannysutherland4911]

❤

[@calebhall7052]

This is one of my favorite passages from all of Tolkien’s writings. To have it read by you makes it even better

[@watcherofthewest8597]

I love the ents and fangorn...it's always the weird stops along the way I like best in Tolkien...the trolls, Beorn, the old forest, Tom, bree, etc.

[@sonmi2246]

I completely agree. I love the pure adventure moments of The LotR most of all-- where the narrative just revels in the natural beauty, wonder and ancient history of ME. For this reason, book II and III (so the second half of The FotR and the first half of The TT) are my favorites to read. I've always particularly loved the Fog on the Barrow-Downs chapter: for the real-world history it evokes with these ancient burial mounds, the massive depth of lore and world-building it vaguely hints at, the mingled terror and wonder, and the powerful moment where Frodo makes the crucial choice to reject the urge to escape with the Ring and abandon his friends-- the moment where he shows exactly why he was the one chosen to bear the burden. I always tell people who are new to the book-- and become frustrated with what they see as it's slow and meandering start-- I always tell them to hold out until this chapter bc that is where everything really takes off, imo

[@TerryC69]

Hi Malcolm! While you were reading, it reminded me of what Gandalf says to comfort Frodo: “The grey rain curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass. And then you see it. White shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise.” Merry Christmas!

[@lmarie931]

Tolkien's imagery is very beautiful. I loved hearing Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf saying these lines.

[@charbelsarkis3567]

Ian McKellen played it perfectly, also merry Christmas

[@GreasyNeilTyson]

It is a wonderful moment, this quote helped me when my dear dog passed away, but isn’t it between Gandalf and Merry?

[@TerryC69]

@@GreasyNeilTyson You're absolutely correct. I went back and reviewed the clip.

[@ASMRcigarlounge1865]

Sitting in my reading chair, but not reading... listening to Malcolm reading of the Ents... and sipping my brandy... and enjoying my pipe... it doesn't get any better than this. Thank you!

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Enjoy!

[@ASMRcigarlounge1865]

@MalcolmGuitespell 🤗

[@TheVespap200e]

Thank you Malcolm! You are truly a blessing to us all. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@radicalcartoons2766]

The story of the loss of the Entwives is the saddest in the whole epic. I can beat you Malcolm, I was given the paperback LOTR for my 8th birthday, in 1968! I read it in 3 weeks, and like you, have read it regularly ever since. I always wondered if the walking tree Sam's cousin saw in the Shire, was actually a wandering Entwife. Treebeard did say they would be attracted to the Shire.

[@thestraightroad305]

You beat me! I was ten. 73 now and have also read Tolkien regularly through the years. I drew hundreds of illustrations. My daughter grew up with Tolkien and now, my three grandkids. Like you, I always thought it was an entwife glimpsed in the Shire by Sam’s cousin. What a beautiful reading we have here…

[@boughrorat]

this is my favorite chapter in the lord of the rings, it's such a joy hearing part of it on this channel, sad as this passage is.

[@neildaly2635]

Joyous Noel, good Sir! You consistently brighten up my days. It is morning in the Pacific Northwest. I love the book depiction of Treebeard. Despite his great age, “he was immensely interested in everything.” May we all be that way!

[@charlieandissyfish]

Thank you for getting me into Tolkien and pipe smoking again I love your videos and I listen to you while I work !! Thank you Malcom you’re amazing and please keep it up !!! Merry Christmas and happy new year !

[@sebastiankyte7411]

Merry Christmas 🎄 Malcolm!

[@Fred-rv2tu]

Thank you sir for helping spread beauty in this vulgar world. This is my first video of yours I’ve seen. I hope there are a great many more.

[@docball138]

THank you for btinging me joy this evening. Cheers

[@joelharris4399]

Narrow is the road ... few go through it💐

[@markballard9300]

I got lost in the beauty of the Ent Song…….. Thank you Malcolm for the passion that you pour into your work and thank you for sharing that with us. Merry Christmas

[@jerrynoneed961]

Such a joyous day seeing your videos popping up. May God bless you, and I hope you have a Merry Christmas! 🎄 ☦️

[@GabrielMattixPoetry]

Wonderful. The Song of the Ent and Entwife is beautiful.

[@slashbash1347]

Watching this while enjoying a cigar.

[@DanielKellyFolkMusic]

A lovely way to close 2024, onwards and upwards!

[@grokopf142]

thanks for another video malcolm!

[@davechittenden1657]

Thank you so much for reading this ...such a sad tale and an allegory for the time written...maybe all times past and present..i certainly have a tear in my eye for the misunderstandings and separations between me and my loved ones...it will be a fine day when we walk together again eventually without barrier or hindrence

[@bardicacademic]

Many blessings to you, sirrah. May your pipe be lit and your tankard always be full. And may we all meet in the West.

[@phenomagator]

I've much enjoyed delving into these wondrous worlds with you Malcolm. You are solely responsible for rekindling my passion in reading once again. Thank you, and have a happy holiday season my friend.

[@SMccrate01]

I'm pretty certain you meant Treebeard in the description above, but as an old sailor, I like Freeboard as well! Thank you so much for your wonderful readings.

[@gregbrowning4142]

Merry Christmas to you and yours from Mocksville, North Carolina.

[@paulorocha6449]

Ever since I saw the chaos in your studyroom, I gave up tidying up my own. It was a true liberation. A revelation! Merry X-mas

[@radicalcartoons2766]

You call that chaos? 😂

[@paulorocha6449]

@radicalcartoons2766 It changed the way I look at my own desk and library!

[@josewales6556]

Love your content Merry x mas eve sir!

[@adriagutierrez5616]

Always a pleasure, thank you, Malcolm ✨and Merry Christmas 🎄 ✨♥️

[@rxgueplanet]

Nice to see you again sir

[@Zabrakjedi]

The early bird gets a wonderful story.

[@SwedishChef1977]

Thank you Malcolm! I love your storytelling and anecdotes; your channel is a brilliant bright light in times of worries and uncertainties! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours! Cheers from Sweden!

[@Ornamentmountain]

Can’t wait for this one. I remember explaining about this scenario and how powerful and sad it is to my own Entwife ❤

[@jayjaychadoy9226]

How sweet. Cheers.

[@JosephHeinecke-t5x]

Really is wonderfully written!! I marvel at his ability to put thought through pen.🖊️

[@hashnoodel2012]

I very much enjoyed that. Thank you

[@suedunnaway3176]

thank ypu Malcom. Happy Christmas.. many blessings

[@duffyswiatowy]

These videos bring me great joy and reflection on Tolkien’s work. I’m glad to know there are so many who still have deep appreciation these stories. Wonderful job

[@jfffjl]

The huffy pride of the Ents and the Entwives in their own land and lifestyle, excluding the other and leading ultimately to their separation, is a sort of hubris they feel they have to embrace, deluding themselves it will be fine in the end.

[@mark-f4e6k]

Yes, yes...that is what they called me...Malcolm the Grey...I am Malcolm the White!

[@wendy-moore]

Oh my gosh! That was beautiful. Thank you so much.

[@ClaymoreLinx]

I empathize with you. I did not get it it when I was 10 and read the books. I would love and even pay for an audiobook of your voice reading the great work by the Professor. "We few, we happy few" echoes throuth all Tolkien's works. How could I possibly show my adoration? For nothing but that is due to the great works he produced.

[@ursusthewhite9824]

Raising a tankard of Entwash and wishing again a Merry Yuletide!

[@BirdAndBrush]

Merry Christmas and thank you for this lovely video! There was a song composed by Clamavi de Profundis about this, called the Ent and The Ent Wife. It is one of my favorites!

[@JorgeHernandez-ri3or]

Malcom you’re a joy :)

[@AutumnTea01]

Thank you, I had a wonderful time enjoying this moment with you.

[@Bombadill_piper]

Merry Christmas dear friend

[@knutsackmugoo7168]

Merry Christmas Malcom 🎄 Hailing from Himbleton, I feel as though I might bump into an entwife out in these woodlands 😂

[@KirbyUltra777]

Merry Christmas Malcolm! Always a pleasure listening to you read

[@malcolmhart1795]

We returned to your previous video (on St Andrew's Day - Meeting Treebeard) to hear them again in sequence and enjoyed this little feast very much. One phrase especially (where Treebeard talks about the lack of young growth because they'd lost their complementary beings) made us wonder if Tolkien was a prophet? Perhaps you've already addressed this, so we'll forage among your older material. Thank you for sharing your precious time, delightful enthusiasm and loving insight. 💕 💙

[@ancientmusketeer6564]

The pleasure is all ours.

[@aixzi_official]

Genious this concept, motivated to learn languages and discover story every time

[@caroledrury1411]

Fantastic reading! So soothing on a cold winter’s night here in Vermont

[@marybrewer2203]

“Sing us one of your songs.” Yes. I believe that you are on to something there…God grant us to share our songs…blessed Christmas to you.

[@aletheuo475]

If only we English still remembered our songs.

[@stanlindert6332]

I’ve listened to these stories over and again on the Audio app. Something about a good reader and a hobby. 😊

[@CrazyCreatureCaricatures-nc3fs]

Merry Christmas! To the Only Tolkien reader to compete with Rob Inglis! I will toast you this Christmas and on Tolkien's Birthday! God bless!

[@amy8458]

Beautiful Malcolm. That is an allagorey. I'm new to Tolken prefering low fantasy but it's interesting to see his influence on the genre.

[@DisciplesHyper]

Thank you for this!

[@TheSamswam]

Merry Christmas! Love your sharing in your knowledge best wishes.

[@Nighttrainpiper]

Beautiful language

[@smoochieoutlaw4539]

Love these little pipe and Tolkien sessions, Mr. Malcolm. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours! Much love from a cousin across the pond.

[@A.L.Gardner]

The Ents were always favourite characters of mine ❤🌳

[@drdkenobi6531]

Very nice!

[@AccessibleHunterPodcast]

Thanks for sharing this today. Merry Christmas

[@yusufsayed1583]

Good Evening 😊 Thanks For All The Content During This Year 👏🏼 Have a Wonderful Day and Merry Christmas To You and Your Family 🌲 Greetings From South Africa 🇿🇦

[@janicefitzpatricksimmons4514]

A very Happy Christmas to you Ready for it here.

[@carlosmercante1989]

I knew the story but this was my first contact with the original text. Loved it. Would love a short video with your thoughts about the book. And God bless us all!

[@siegistic]

Merry Christmas! Thanks for uploading!

[@lisag.6599]

Lovely.

[@AJ_Nightfall]

There is a forest of beech northwest of the Sea of Rhun. "There may be entwives". Supposedly JRRT scribbled this in pencil on a map in 1971.

[@TAGX17]

Merry Christmas!

[@shaungissing8953]

Lovely

[@call_in_sick]

Merry Christmas

[@paddypup1836]

Peace and Merry Christmas

[@DeanUSAman]

🌳

[@jeffcokenour3459]

One can never have enough Treebeard

[@ptonpc]

Merry Xmas to you all!

[@neverjabr8588]

Awesome… why can’t they just make a movie/ miniseries of the Book! Ya got the script already. 🧙‍♀️🧝‍♂️ thank you Sir, love the passion

[@neverjabr8588]

Is the book set you have available out there? It’s a three book set ?

[@Hinch55]

At about 7:10 I my Tolkein started coming back. I swear I didn't get a slight sniffle then, because I'm a grown adult, and I read those books a long time ago.

[@tinastone2458]

You’ve read it regularly since you were 16 or 17 years old….. I was unaware of LOTR until after I married. My husband introduced me to it and therefore Tolkien has been a common denominator in our family now for 35 years. Sometimes I feel guilty that I’ve spent more time reading LOTR than the Bible. Thank you so much for sharing with us. Your reading and knowledge are so comforting to me! And I would not have known of you if it hadn’t been for Sally Clarkson. Merry Christmas Mr. Guite! Thank you!

[@radicalcartoons2766]

Don't feel guilty. Tolkien said he was making a fantasy English mythology, and he succeeded. The individual morality stories - the Entwives, Theoden, Saramun, the Elves - are just like Parables.

[@bobp7964]

Thank you for another video! Having never been interested in poetry I’ve really enjoyed reading Waiting On the Word this advent and for such wonderful insights into the incarnation. P.S I’d love to hear your opinion on the Hogshead pipe tobacco as I’ve never come across that blend before. Christmas greetings from Suffolk!

[@luciuscohen]

Profanely knock on the temple door.

[@KevinOReilly12684]

Commenting on 'A Christmas Carol' and 'The Hobbit': "Some people laughed to see the alteration in him". - Charles Dickens. A familiar experience for many, Including Ebenezer and Bilbo. When Ebenezer learned his lesson it was not unlike the day Bilbo returned to the Shire from his quest. Receptions can be rougher than what we would like them to be. To the people: I'm very much aware that the Ents were not part of 'The Hobbit' so put away your cudgels. (if they were mentioned in the Hobbit please let me know what page) Merry Christmas!

[@lukem1583]

Curious what you think of the theory that Hobbits are, or descendant of, the Entwives. I had never put much stock in it, but the passage you read about the Entwives tilling the lands and desiring peace and order (things being where you left them) -- does strike me as Hobbit behavior. At least in the films, Merry and Pippin had heard legends of "trees moving in the forests", which also fits Treebeard's notion that the Ents have passed into legend among the Entwives.

[@mnelson1960]

Thank you! I am completely unfamiliar with this.

[@DeanMD77]

I do not yet own the LOTR books. Would like a nicely illustrated hardcover edition. Would anyone please give me a specific recommendation? Or even the edition that Malcolm is reading from?

[@JulesFaraday22]

Great video! I enjoyed the comfy vibes Mr. Guite had while reading the passages. Oh btw, what edition of LOTR is Mr. Guite reading from?

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Three volume hardback published by harper collins

[@giovannicalia2221]

You're a great man and I like know your videos. A question for you, when you open a tin do you put the tobacco inside a bowl? Merry Christmas and Happy new Year. Excuse me for my bed English

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Sometimes I do

[@benabele3552]

I always 1.5x or 2x my videos. But never for Malcolm!

[@janicefitzpatricksimmons4514]

Do you remember Sam and Sandyman talking at The Green Dragon. Sam says his cousin Hal saw walking in trees in North Farthing. I always hope.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Yes, that right there is the hint of a happy ending. The Entwives would love the shire!

[@radicalcartoons2766]

​@@MalcolmGuitespellEspecially after it was revived by Sam, using Galdrial's gifts.

[@andynordin]

What’s that massive volume with William Morris on the side table?

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

It’s a biography I keep meaning to read

[@BladeRonnie]

Great channel! Just started with pipe smoking! Do you use a filter im your pipes?

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

No

[@madaboutmoosic1]

Hi Malcolm are those the Folio Society editions of LOTR - if so can you tell me which ones / which year please as I would like to obtain a set. Regards Andy

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

This is the Harper Collins edition of 2002. Hope that helps - much less expensive than Folio Society!

[@madaboutmoosic1]

@ thank you Malcolm! Merry Christmas to you and a healthy and prosperous 2025.

[@fredzy08]

which book is he reading from what copy of LOTR, looking to buy

[@malcolmhart1795]

FWIW, we found the passage read in The Lord of The Rings, The Two Towers, Book 3, Chapter IV Treebeard (which starts on page 461.) This is in the second volume of a boxed set of 3 paperbacks ISBN 978-0-00-748836-0, and happily follows the same page numbering as Malcolm's book, but sadly has not the illustrations that his edition has. HTH and happy hunting! 📖 😊

[@dime628]

Merry Christmas