The Old Forest: The Places of Middle Earth

Today, we're going for a stroll through the old forest to talk about why it may be the most important part of the first book.
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[@Crash103179]

The Old Forest and the Barrow Downs are a school. They give the hobbits chances to fail, gain experience and wisdom, and to 'level up.' As such, they are important to the structure of the story.

[@sourisvoleur4854]

Yes yes yes! I like to point out that Frodo starts the episode running up and down the forest and shouting like a child, but ends by steeling his will to his fate, and trusting in the incantation he was given.

[@Rosedach]

Also, the hobbits are now armed and they realize it's not gentle stroll through the woodlands of the Shire.

[@losthor1zon]

Also @Rosedach: Yes, not only are the hobbits armed, but Merry now has that special blade made by the enemies of the Witch King, which will become so important later!

[@Eudaimonist]

Basically, the tutorial level.

[@Rosedach]

@@losthor1zon Well, really all four hobbits have the same type of blade.

[@timwy]

What a truly wonderful way to spend 17 minutes 10 seconds. A beautiful location, breath taking analysis, narration AND singing. Perfect for a summer's evening. 🙂

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

Thank you so much! Have a marvelous evening!

[@Anymal104]

Omg there is SINGING in this video?? I paused right at the start. Because gosh, didn't expect her to sit in a cozy forest next to a little creek! I need me some good tea to get comfier before watching the rest :3

[@a5cent]

​@@Anymal104Stopping video and getting tea. Good idea. Don't have any long bottom leaf but will get out the old pipe too 😂

[@andrewm.grossm.d.8002]

@@a5cent 😂 You weren’t eating 🥣 Second Breakfast or Elevensies, Were you? Hahaha Great line and great reference.

[@EriktheRed2023]

There is some really important character development going on. The hobbits enter with a sense that fear is their main enemy, and they ignore the very real dangers The Old Forest has in store for them. When Frodo next encounters real danger in the barrow, he finds his courage, fights back, and remembers to call Tom for aid. Imagine if he had not had this development by Weathertop - he would have failed to fight back against the Nazgûl, and he likely would not have called on Elbereth for aid.

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

Excellent point!

[@sourisvoleur4854]

Good eye! This is an excellent example of my long held belief: "Tolkien never does anything once."

[@rddj623]

Tom is one of the best side characters in the entire lore of Tolkien. I do love that Tolkien kept things like this in the books vs streamlining things for plots sake.

[@michaelogrady232]

Without the Old Forest and Bombadil, the hobbits would not have been in the barrow and Merry would not have gotten the Dunedein sword without which the Witch King would not have been slain. Very necessary.

[@Leitis_Fella]

When I was young, I remember listening to the audiobook edition of Fellowship on a family trip , and complaining that Bombadil was annoying and bogged down the story. The terrible singing of the narrator was the biggest problem. My mom shot back with "Too bad! I like Tom Bombadil!"

[@Mailed-Knight]

Based mother.

[@johnweigel9761]

I'm with your mother!

[@hlashflahflhsjfh]

mom told you to hop along

[@francescganau7679]

Chapters like the old forest evidence why those who compare Tolkien to GoT and similar stories only understand Tolkien’s work at surface level. Tolkien saw magic in small things, in every droplet, every tree’s memory. No big battles were more important than a second breakfast under the sub. No honour larger than peace. And a simpler world would always bring joy. Stay Tolkinian, folks. Love peace and laughter over anything else you won’tt regret it

[@sanjivjhangiani3243]

Agreed. It's sometimes necessary to take up arms to defend what you love. But if you can't enjoy peace and happiness, what are you fighting for?

[@mikethewreck]

Any video where Jess sings is a very good video. Thanks for standing up for the Old Forest and Tom as an essential part of the Hobbits arc from incompetent and fearful youths to powerful characters that saved the world. Until the Old Forest the hobbits had tried to be self-reliant, but afterwards (starting in Bree) they reached out for help. Also, no Bombadil, no barrow wight, no weapon to defeat the Nazgul lord on Pelennor Field in Merry's hand.

[@sjnm4944]

I love the chapters covering The Old Forest, Tom Bomadil's house and the Barrow Downs. They convey a unique sense of magic and wonder.

[@lyndonmarquis414]

I love the Old Forest and Tom Bombadil. It’s weird, yes, but absolutely its own beautiful thing. And I love the way that Tom is outside time (and pretty much everything else).

[@lyndonmarquis414]

But I also get why people don’t like it. It is, like Bombadil himself, outside the rest of Middle Earth.

[@jimdale9143]

This was one of your most charming videos. Someone who has lived in or near a forest understands how the wind moving the leaves causes an ever changing dance of shadows. The passage of the sun across the sky and the occasional intervention of a cloud causes the mood of a forest to constantly shift. Then the sun goes down and in the darkness the forest transforms yet again. I feel you captured the living changeableness of nature delightfully.

[@knines4280]

Have had one "in the back yard!", for 20 years! I SO hope it stays! Last Saturday morn', the Dog chased a deer out of our yard! But we also have heard the Coyotes, and the poor bunnies in the night.......... I don't want to think about the 'burbs'! ever.......

[@ThoughtOnFire222]

The Old Forest enhanced the looming threat of the Ringwraiths into a primordial choking energy. As a rite of passage to the innate naivety of the Hobbits. Yet Tom Bombadil shines through as a beacon of light as Arwen to Frodo in the Athelas scene. Tom Bombadil reminds our playful spirit that the Ongoing Battle and Existential Threat against Sauron & Company is not the real reason to live in Middle Earth... The true meaning is Laughter, Song, Cheer, Drink and Breakfast Second Breakfast Elevenses Luncheon Afternoon Tea Dinner Supper...and of course... Moss Gathering 😎

[@davidlaughlin4281]

While it’s a HUGE venn diagram between the two, there are still book fans and movie fans. The old forest and Tom Bombadil are kind of special for book fans, for all the reasons you mentioned and more. Also, it’s pretty cool how Tom knows, and compliments, Farmer Maggot.

[@napoleonfeanor]

Treebeard talks about the wake trees, saying the Fangorn forest has places much darker and that it once was part of the same forest

[@jasonknight8581]

I love the chapter on The Old Forest! It's so creepy and spooky, the chapter would not be entirely out of place in a horror novel.

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

Right? It's surprising how eerie it is

[@sebastianevangelista4921]

Girl Next Gondor has an excellent video titled "Beyond the 'Nameless Things': Cosmic Horror in Middle-earth" that I highly recommend watching.

[@arthurweise2573]

Your missing the point entirely, it wasn't a spooky forest, it was an angry sad forest. And Tom was it's keeper and servant.

[@napoleonfeanor]

@@arthurweise2573 Tom literally said he's the master

[@sourisvoleur4854]

@@arthurweise2573 I think both can be true. Its anger and sadness made it feel creepy to the hobbits, who didn't know anything about it until Tom explained.

[@markolukic7824]

I have never understood why some people dislike the old forest section of the story. As a little kid reading LotR for the first time (in a foreign language) I remember strugling through the previous chapters. The story just didn't ensnare me until that point. But the old forest chapter had the air of myths and stories I grew up on. Today my choice to pursue fantasy writing and songwriting I in part own to the old forest because from that chapter onwards I never looked back.

[@DamonNomad82]

That's similar to my own experience. Those who first discover the story as children seem to enjoy the Old Forest and Tom Bombadil far more than those who wait until adulthood to read the books. I think that is due to children having a greater sense of wonder and being less jaded than adults are.

[@marjon1703]

What a pretty singing voice you have!

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

Thanks so much!

[@fizzlebug]

Why yes, I do love seeing a dark haired woman of elvish beauty sitting by a creek in the forest with a crown of flowers, gently singing the songs of old! Enjoyed every minute of this video, very Tolkien-esque!

[@Average_Brad]

Today I learned Jess has a rather pleasant signing voice. That was a nice surprise.

[@EriktheRed2023]

She made a cover of Gollum's Song you might well enjoy. It's one of the older videos here.

[@Average_Brad]

@@EriktheRed2023 Nice. I'll look it up. Thanks for the heads up :)

[@SMG043]

I love your very Brittish description of her voice, but I agree

[@toddjackson3136]

I always thought of this as part of the education of the hobbits. Tom speaks of Farmer Maggot and how smart he is. I think Tom is teaching them about respecting the land and being proper stewards of it. Keeping a proper balance between technological advances and the natural world.

[@franb7262]

Goldberrys pretty sister explains Tom Bombadil. What a pleasure.

[@johnbayer9795]

I'll say this for Tom Bombadil: His life strikes me as something close to ideal, living in a sufficient house on a hill in/on the edge of the Forest with his perfect mate & few concerns. We all should have it so good.

[@sgtbigballs666]

Indubitably 🤔 why do people generally fail to see/strive for this?

[@williampalmer8052]

One of my favorite activities as a kid was sitting under the shade of an old tree with a book, and I spent just as much time exploring the deep woods. So imagining the scenes of all the forests of Middle-Earth has always evoked good memories and a sense of being close to nature. Even the most ancient and gnarliest woods suit me just fine. It looks like you picked the perfect spot to spend a summer day - I hope you had fun making the video!

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

That sounds like a marvelous way to spend a childhood! And yes, aside from logistical chaos, it was beautiful

[@sebastianevangelista4921]

@@Jess_of_the_Shire It really was quite soothing to watch!

[@GravesRWFiA]

the old forest is an unsolved mystery, or maybe a view of what Fangorn would be like without the ents.

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

That's an interesting point. It's all the rage of the forest without the personification of ents

[@SMG043]

Further to your point, the Old Forrest foreshadows that trees can be awake, preparing us for Fangorn later. When in Lothlorien we are warned against the Fangorn, we are more inclined to accept the advice, and we feel dread for what Merry & Ippin are heading into.

[@terenzo50]

Just read the books. And remember what the author said -- that the tale grew in the telling. It's not physics, it's fantasy.

[@CaptainPlainJaneway]

It was a peek at the old magical world (pre-WWI) with all their singing, dancing, naked meadow frolicking innocence before the horrors of Mordor took it all away and changed the world forever (post-WWI).

[@S.A.S.H.]

I have always found the Tom Bombadill sub-story to be the most important symbolic section of the entire LotR saga. I was so disappointed when he did not appear in the movies. Though, like you, I understand from an entertainment-standpoint why he was omitted. Tom as the symbol for nature being above and beyond the machinations of the other sentient species/races, is an almost Joseph Campbell-esque metaphor and to me possibly the most literary artful bit. Once again great literary analysis. Well done.

[@DelennIrving]

The Old Forest is truly one of my favourite locations in Middle Earth. I adore the singing and the storytelling, the history of Tom Bombadil and Goldberry, the River King's Daughter. Even Old Man Willow with his malicious (and yet dare I say, mischievous) attack upon the Hobbits with his roots, is truly a delight. After the fear and dread the Hobbits had experienced since Gandalf last came and set Frodo about his journey, this was an uneasy yet necessary detour for them, so they might rest and prepare for the remainder of their trek to Bree. To me, this part of the story is just as important as the Battle of Helm's Deep, the Sacking of Orthanc, or the Scouring of the Shire. All of which were drastically altered, limited, or left out of the films entirely. Though they may end up left out for many reasons, it does make me sad, because each is a piece of the rich tapestry of Tolkien's world view, which is itself as crucial to the History of Middle Earth as Frodo's Journey to Mordor.

[@johncosby5958]

I always liked the Old Forest. Right next door to the idyllic Shire is a place of unquiet and danger, which both contain the Hobbits and protect them from outside influence. They like to think of the outside world as far away, and the history of the world as nothing to do with them. The Old Forest reminds them that the outside world is just on the other side of the Hedge, and the Barrow Downs tell them that history is never truly past.

[@AlitaAvenger]

Thank you very much for your great video. I love the Hobbits' encounter with Tom Bombadil. The sentence "He knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless" is a wonderful thing to remember for me. Best regards 🙏 Beautiful singing, thank you.

[@DamonNomad82]

The Old Forest and Barrow Downs story arc was actually one of my favorite parts of the story in Book 1. Granted, I was all of 6 years old and fresh from my introduction to the world of Tolkien from having "The Hobbit" read to me, which I enjoyed so much I insisted on being read "Lord of the Rings" as soon as it was done, despite warnings that it would be much harder to understand. While I didn't grasp many of the subtleties of the story at that age, I enjoyed it enough that I kept reading it for myself, over and over again, at least once a year from age 7 to adulthood. I really enjoyed your rendition of Frodo's song in the Old Forest. I also got a good chuckle out of the "not in Kansas anymore" reference, as that was where I lived when first introduced to the story, and the state has been my equivalent of "the Shire" ever since my family moved away shortly before I turned 8.

[@crichtonbruce4329]

Yet another fine post Jess. I recall the first time I read the Old Forest chapter so many decades ago and being enthralled by it: it opened whole new unexpected realms of depth, and imaginative possibility. If we had not been opened to those possibilities by this chapter we would not have been as prepared for Lothlorien, or (more importantly) Fanghorn Forest and the Ents. Regarding Tom Bombadil, I've often thought Tolkien very much wanted him to be unexpected and mysterious. Who and what he truly is is as great a conundrum to the other characters in the book (see the Council of Elrond) as is is to us the readers.

[@gerbenhoutman9348]

If that were a willow in the Old Forrest, I would warn you about sitting on the roots. :) It's a delightful picture, I can almost imagine you as a young hobbit lass out for a forbidden adventure

[@user-jw7cq6gu6o]

Outstanding analysis. Tom Bombadil is both a representation of the spirit of Nature and Humanity. He has a human form, reminding us that though they might forget to their great detriment, humans are also part of nature.

[@stephenbenner4353]

One of the worst parts about various adaptations cutting out Tom Bombadil is that that necessitates cutting out the Barrow Weights which would be a really cool scene in a movie. When Peter Jackson’s first LOTR film came out in theaters I was most excited to see how he portrayed the Barrow Weights, and I was left very disappointed when he didn’t show them at all.

[@gabrielblanchard3921]

Weirdly, I _think_ my favorite forest (in the Third Age, at least) is Mirkwood. The fact that the Elves there clung to it, refusing to leave, makes me think it must have been something special.

[@Strash1892]

When I was reading the books, I found the passage about the Old Forest especially interesting as it reminded me of my home area where I was still living at the time. I grew up in an area of ​​western Germany known as the Westerwald. The name literally means 'western forest' or 'forest of the west' if you like that better. As the name suggests, it used to be one big forest but nowadays civilisation and industry have obviously taken their toll but there is still a lot of forest land there. The village I grew up in is surrounded by forest in all directions and I loved wandering through it away from the official paths and trails. Because the area is so densely populated and the forest is interspersed with fields, roads and pastures, it is almost impossible to get lost in it. You just need to keep walking in the same direction and eventually you will inevitably come across a road leading to a village. I did manage to get lost once though. I was out on one of my usual walks, but had come to a part of the forest that I had rarely been to. Eventually I came across an old beech tree, so famous that it has its own name, the “Habalsebuch”. It is said to be about five hundred years old and its trunk is so large that it would take about five adults holding hands to measure its circumference. It also had a mushroom growing on its bark with a hat the size of a car tire. However, you could only see this tree if you stood right in front of it, because at some distance it was hidden by all the other younger trees around it. I admired the tree for a while and then continued my walk. After a while, to my surprise, I spotted another huge tree. Only when I got closer did I realize that it was exactly the same tree and I had just approached it from a different direction. So I had been walking in circles. It was fun, but it was also getting late and I was getting tired and wanted to go home. So I took a different path that would hopefully lead me to the edge of the forest. After half an hour, a huge tree appeared in front of me again and it was exactly the same tree as the last two times, which I had approached from yet a different direction. Now I was strating to get frustrated. I decided to follow the already setting sun and this time I came out of the forest and found a road, though in a spot I hadn't anticipated. But still it was a familiar road and I followed it back to my house. I have visited the Habalsebuch several times after this and never got lost again. Sadly some years ago the Habalsebuch was broken down by a storm and last time I visited this place there was nothing left of it but a ragged stump and some branches bigger than some trees.

[@dlseller]

I can barely express how much I love the setting and the music. Thanks Jess!

[@KidIndigo1]

Thank you, Jess of the Shire, for yet another delightful, insightful commentary. I've always really liked the "detour" into the Old Forest.

[@milt8697]

As a child i spent much of my time in the woods , I would follow the streams down thru the fields in my grandfathers farm until i ended up meandering down the forest paths . I would be gone until the sunset much of the time i spent alone listening to the wind in the trees and the bubbling of the stream as i lay beside it . Much of the area i spent time in is gone today stripped of the trees i climbed and paths i walked i can identify with Tolkien in that way. Thank you Jess for another wonderful video

[@OgreKendrick]

Loved that you filmed this in the forest. Feels very right. Also, Fangorn is my favorite forest. I',m a bit of an Ent stan.

[@charliemaguire976]

I had a friend who lived near Mosley Bog in Birmingham, near where Tolkien grew up, and we'd always go there whenever I visited. Even after all that time there was always something magical about that place that I could never put my finger on but I still remember every single route and trail we visited.

[@drudo224]

The Tom Bombadil section was an instant favorite with me from the first time I ever read LOTR, and it remains a favorite. I do think it's a wise choice to leave it out of most adaptations, but it absolutely deserves to be in the book. Great video, nice setting, nice singing!

[@papabearlives9995]

Wow how much of Tom did the movies give to treebeard. It's why I enjoy the books so much it has more to give to the story .

[@peircedan]

Nice setting. Like the flowing water. Don't think I have a favourite forest from the LOTR. My favourite forests in real life are on the west coast of BC and Vancouver island with high canopies and lots of space between the tree trunks. The ground is covered in moss and ferns. Walking in these places fills me with wonder and awe. Like walking into a fantasy. Quite a contrast to where I grew up where the trees grew in thickets one could not walk through unless someone cut a path. Also really like the big ceder trees just outside my living room window. I enjoyed the character of Tom B. I also enjoyed reading LOTR. The pacing of the book is not like the pacing of a movie.

[@Indra-Ant]

Dear Jess in a forest tree. I'm loving the crown of flowers! In this video we were not only lucky enough to see you out in nature again, we also got to hear your lovely singing voice. Such a delight! I would have loved to hear you give Tom's silly song a sing. "Hey dol! merry dol! ring a dong dillo!" I know he's shoehorned into the story, but there's also an important message there. We always live in times when the world seems like it's ending. And yet it's also always possible to sing and make jokes. That's the real defeat of evil. Merriment, silliness, and ease.

[@lukecox6317]

The part you read, beginning at 11:38 and especially the line at 12:00 are among my favourite parts of the Lord of the Rings. The sense of age and perspective Tom has and reveals ... Its beautiful and haunting. You read it well 🙂 "He knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside."

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

It's a wonderful line!

[@peteg475]

@@Jess_of_the_Shire You seem to think The "Dark Lord from Outside" is Sauron, but in context I think he means Morgoth. If Tom is THAT old (whoever he is), older than the rain and the acorns, he's old enough to remember when Melkor himself entered Arda.

[@jassinfrederik7269]

One of my favourite Chapters of the best book of the trilogy. You have put so much effort in this video its a real piece of art! love the singing as well :)

[@michaelpells1440]

Love this video! Once again, you nail it, Jess. One of my favorite sections of LOTR starts with the chapter “Three’s Company” and runs through “At the Sign of the Prancing Pony.” I’ve grown to truly love the Old Forest/Tom Bombadil/Barrow Downs part as a sort of story within a story.

[@CTXSLPR]

Honestly I found the Old Forest to be a key part of the story and how alive Nature was to be later in the story. In some ways he's the kinder, gentler Beorn from the Hobbit. More of a worldtender than Beorn was a herdsman and fierce enemy of the Goblins.

[@Owlr4ider]

I think that the chapter: The Old Forest serves 2 main purposes: 1. Transition the 4 hobbits from their previous life in the shire to the journey they found themselves on with all the perils that come with it. Rather than jumping head first to fighting against the enemy they instead found themselves in an alien, clearly hostile, place but not one that was immediately trying to kill them. Or to put it more precisely, the trees in the forest absolutely did try, and almost succeeded, in killing them but that's why Tom Bombadil was introduced, to balance it out and create this sort of starting area so to speak. 2. Remind us that there are forces far greater than living beings. I mean the trees are technically alive and all, but the old forest symbolizes the power of nature. Just as today we're still incapable of fighting against earthquakes, volcanoes or hurricanes, there are some forces that are simply beyond our grasp. The old forest is the perfect manifestation of this.

[@krgrvnr1]

Tom Bombadil and Goldberry are my daughter's favourite characters. This part of the book makes so much sense and serves as an contrasting image to the darkness ahead.

[@jpwaitforit5801]

What a beautiful singing and wonderful place to talk about The Old Forest. It feels like we are listening to an elf telling a legend. Such a charming vídeo and the sound of water adds great detail and helps the listener imagine themselves in the scene

[@mehill00]

Very lovely setting to see and hear you in, including the beautiful singing (and I admit I usually skimmed the songs as a reader). Thanks!

[@pendragon2012]

People forget that Tolkien was writing an epic and the old epics often had those wandering moments with little adventures. It wasn't all nonstop action. Very unmovielike.

[@mr.bill.8236]

Lady, you are a beautiful soul. Thank you so much for your time and tale.

[@matthiashurst]

The Old Forest is one of my favorite parts. Also, I must say that I am glad Tom Bombadil wasn't covered in the movies: I think this is bigger than life and can't be visualized to bring the right vibes

[@morninstar1498]

Lovely, lovely, lovely.

[@michaelbaughman8524]

Jess, your singing voice is enchanting.

[@Anonymityfan]

I think that the old forest oart is great for listening to because it's wholesome and charming and easy to listen to

[@carlpeters8690]

I love the setting you have chosen - It does emphasize the jump cuts after practically every sentence - but it sure does work beautifully for your chosen topic. I love it.

[@colinharbinson8284]

Just the gentle and almost unnoticed poetry in Tom's speeches makes the 'Old Forest' and the 'Barrow downs' worth tarrying for.

[@will2Collett]

The Old Forest, Chapter 7, is my most favorite part of book 1 of the Lord of the rings. It's not an easy read, knowing what is to come. The anticipation of the Fellowship. It certainly is something for them to remember come the ADVENTURE they will soon be taken. Thanks Ms Jess. 💓💓🙏👍🌼

[@markyoung950]

I know of a bridge deep within the Green Mountain National Forest, built by the hands of depression era laborers, covered in thick, vibrant, dense moss. The Bridge is covered; the banks of the stream are covered; the tops of the rocks are covered. I have never seen such lush, vibrant green growth in my life. And nothing in nature lovelier than Jess herself.

[@FaoladhTV]

One thing I rarely see discussed about Tom is his unusual pattern of speech. In fact, every line of dialogue he has uses the same rhythms and versification as the songs he sings, as if he never stops singing. Here's some pure singing, the first words we hear from Tom Bombadil in the book: "Hey dol! merry dol! ring a dong dillo! Ring a dong! hop along! fal lal the willow! Tom Bom, jolly Tom, Tom Bombadillo!" And here's some lines of dialogue shortly after, broken into lines to highlight the poesy: "Whoa! Whoa! steady there! Now, my little fellows, where be you a-going to, puffing like a bellows? What's the matter here then? Do you know who I am? I'm Tom Bombadil. Tell me what's your trouble! Tom's in a hurry now. Don't you crush my lilies!"

[@Hero_Of_Old]

Tolkien was flexxing

[@Flabbyfinn64ecrazylazy]

Tom bombadil was one of my favorite parts of the books and I was actually a little sad he wasn't in the movie! But I get why he wasnt

[@dhaucoin]

I'm one of 'those' people. Took me three tries to plow thru the Old Forest & meeting Bombadil, and finally get back to the road ahead. Love the scenery, Miss Jess! A wonderful, lovely location for this tale. Thank you

[@AdDewaard-hu3xk]

There's probably a highway a field away.

[@michaellong5714]

When I was 5 we vacationed for a few days in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, staying at a fishing lodge with out-cabins. To get to the main lodge for meals was to cross a bridge over a rushing stream, then make your way through a dark dank forest of huge trees and who knows what else might lurk there, toadstools and strange sounds. it was maybe only 35-50 feet in length but to a 5 year old and by myself once or twice, it was of a tremendous length and scary. I walked it again many years later and laughed to myself remembering those moments. Reading the Old Forest scene recalled all that and was so easy to feel for their fears, and their relief when rescued.

[@thomasbortscheller8156]

I was walking in the woods today thinking about the Hobbit and LOTR. Thank you for the perfect Hobbity ending to the day.

[@PrometheanRising]

It would be difficult to express how perfectly suited the tree roots in this video are suited for their task.

[@stinky-2319]

I just have to say whenever someone puts tolkiens songs from writing to music its interesting to see how each person does it.

[@garyarnett1220]

Fascinating, insightful and wonderful analysis. From my first reading of this as a teen in the late 60s, I'd always regarded the Old Forest as a garden of the lost Ent Wives, but it's actually much more.

[@djparn007]

Thank you, Jess. Glad you can get out into the forest from time to time. ❤❤

[@bethwebber1170]

I love how you 'get' the sojourn of the Hobbits through the Old Forest. It also gives the Hobbits their first opportunity to grow beyond the insular simple folk they are. The Old Forest, as you say, reprresents one of the aspects of the 'magic' of Middle Earth. And anyone who has ever been lost in a forest, will find the experience of the Hobbits very relevant. It does indeed feel as if the trees are hemming you in, the air is still and stifling, and there is a fear hard to define. As if, why, it is as if the forests is 'alive.' Which of course, it is.

[@PhinAI]

Absolutely beautiful. I've never encountered a forest that failed to inspire a sense of mystery and awe. I do not believe I ever will. This aspect of Tolkien's sentiment reflected in his writings is near to my heart, and I respect him for it.

[@_Booksphere_]

Man, I loved this part of Fellowship! I’m planning on getting a Tom Bombadil tattoo and he’s who I aspire to be when I’m old. Just an old dude picking mushrooms in the forest

[@mattk9338]

I love your singing voice. You really ought to strike out and do some folk singing with a band. If you haven't already. Loved the old forest and Tom was amazing. In the story he made me laugh and gave me hope. I think he is critical. You forest looks awesome!! And I really love your outfits. It keeps it all together like a warm fuzzy quilt.

[@MarkStorey-dc4tm]

On a recent re-read I was surprised how much I enjoyed the old forest sections.

[@corey57255]

The old forest and Tom Bombadil is without a doubt my favorite part of the whole story. I’ve read that chapter before bed so many times. It’s a fantastic experience to read about the hobbits settling in for the night just before you fall asleep…

[@EuTrabalhoParaSagres510]

You definitely look at home in the woods. Beautiful singing and insightful stories as usual. I give 5 mushrooms out of 5 🍄

[@nfdisco3484]

Wonderful, thank you.

[@jcdfluffy]

I walk to the forest every sunny day. During these past two weeks I watched a deer being born, a rabbit hop on by, a turtle rambling in a muddy stream and a groundhog running towards his home below the gazebo. Delightful, simply delightful. It is a wonderful place to sit with my God and contemplate his creation. I believe that Tolkien also understood this.

[@Mark-Bretlach]

Thank you Jess of the Shire, just lovely presentations)

[@Narelon]

Fantastic video! Great analysis in a lovely setting, your singing is great and I love how you do the different, cool looks for different videos!

[@Visitant01]

I’m just glad I’ve subscribed to this channel! Excellent video as always!

[@honeyedfaerie8477]

I absolutely love this video. it’s perfect, thank you for always posting such amazing content!!!

[@markcomerford4659]

I always loved this part of Lord of the Rings, especially In the House of Tom Bombadil. I also love your choice of location, even if it isn't a willow tree.

[@stevestolarczyk8972]

Fantastic perspective on this forest. Thank you. And well done.

[@Ren_Brands]

Great Video, always loved that part in the Book.

[@sniperfity2327]

New jess video! What a good day

[@user-um4tp5vc3l]

A true representation of beauty on every level.

[@anthonyviardo1446]

You are so wonderful Jess, thank you for being such a delight!

[@refje1]

This was a lovely video. Really well done.

[@anoble1]

Excellent video, as usual. Plus, you have a lovely voice! Thank you for all your hard work. 💛

[@StoriesThatSuck-pw1vi]

I always enjoy your well-thought-out and researched videos like this. Lovely video!

[@rossmills2]

perfect description of one of my favorite parts of the story. Thanks Jess

[@bobsteele9581]

Fascinating analysis of the old forest section Jess 👍

[@MiddleEarthMatt]

Jess, your videos always make me feel like I'm sitting down having a relaxing chat about my favorite secondary world with a good friend. Love the format of these videos, taking us with you out in nature. Great video and great storytelling!

[@mikehallaron]

An excellent listen, Jess. Thank you. Subbed. 👍🏼

[@andredeloucine7857]

Jess, thank you so much for this lovely, peaceful, perceptive, and understanding creation.