This Saturday, (July 15 at 6pm EDT (New York time)) the Hall of Fire crew invite you to join us as we discuss the downfall of Saruman, the wizard who would become the Lord of the Ring.

‘Welcome, my lords, to Isengard!’ he said. ‘We are the doorwardens. Meriadoc, son of Saradoc is my name; and my companion, who, alas! is overcome with weariness’ – here he gave the other a dig with his foot – ‘is Peregrin, son of Paladin, of the house of Took. Far in the North is our home. The Lord Saruman is within; but at the moment he is closeted with one Wormtongue, or doubtless he would be here to welcome such honourable guests.’

The Two Tower: Book III, Chapter VIII: The Road to Isengard

The battle of Helm’s Deep is over, and the forces of Saruman have been defeated, thanks in no small part to the assistance of the denizens of Fangorn Forest. With the followers of the White Hand defeated, Gandalf travels to Isengard to confront the wizard he once called friend.

However, the price of victory is high — many Men of the Mark lie dead.

The Road to Isengard, living in the shadow of the chapter before it, tenderly deals with the aftermath of Helm’s Deep and the strengthened bonds of the survivors. We continue to see the relationship of Gimli and Legolas flourish, along with the bond Aragorn and Éomer forged during battle.

It also serves to highlight how evil can corrupt good to the point where it is the device of its own destruction.

Join us this Saturday in Hall of Fire for what promises to be a great discussion as we return to our Lord of the Rings read-through.

Time zone conversions

Not sure what time the chat will be where you are? Check this little conversion table out for some help. Alternatively, check our handy Event Announcer for the correct time.

America:
6.00pm EDT (New York)
5.00pm CDT (Chicago)
4.00pm MDT (Denver)
3.00pm PDT (Los Angeles)

Europe:
11.00pm BST (London)
11.00pm CST (Paris)
1.00am EEST (Helsinki)

Asia-Pacific
8.00am AEST (Sunday) Brisbane
8.00am AEST (Sunday) Sydney, Melbourne
10.00am NZST (Sunday) Wellington

How long do your topic chats go for?

Our chats usually last an hour, and are very newbie friendly. Simply drop in and join the conversation! However, our main room, #theonering.net is open 24 hours a day. We don’t always talk Tolkien there, but if you have a burning question, you’ll usually find one or two of “the regulars” up for a chat!

Where — connection details

Chat happens on #thehalloffire on irc.theonering.net — the TORn IRC server. You can connect instantly via our embedded Mibbit client that works inside your web browser.

Alternatively, you can install a dedicated chat program such as mIRC on your computer and just plug in the following connection details.

Server: irc.theonering.net
Port: 6667
Channel: #thehalloffire

Suddenly the clouds were seared by a blinding flash. Branched lightning smote down upon the eastward hills. For a staring moment the watchers on the walls saw all the space between them and the Dike lit with white light: it was boiling and crawling with black shapes. The Two Towers Bk III, Ch VII.

The Two Towers, Book Three, Chapter VII: Helm’s Deep

News arrives that Saruman’s orcs have overrun the Fords of the Isen, scattering Erkenbrand’s forces. Gandalf tells Theoden riders to turn toward the ancient Gondorian fortress of Aglarond — known to the Rohirrim as the Hornburg.

The Rohirrim prove hard-pressed to defend the fortress against the reckless attacks of orcs. Aided as they are by the arts of Saruman, the orcs destroy a portion of the Deeping Wall and force the remaining defenders into mountain caves and the Hornburg’s tower keep.

But the Rohirrim must survive and repel Saurman’s forces if they are to even hope to aid Gondor against Sauron.

Would Theoden’s Eored have survived if they’d been caught on the plains? Does the king’s presence noticibly lift the morale of his warriors? What exactly is the nature of the “devilry” of Saruman? And how does the battle solidify Legolas and Gimli’s emerging friendship?

These are just a few of the questions we’ll be discussing, so join us later today (Sat June 1 at 6pm EST (New York time)) for what’s sure to be another engaging Hall of Fire debate!

Time zone conversions

Not sure what time the chat will be where you are? Check this little conversion table out for some help. Alternatively, check our Event Announcer for the correct time in your area over on Time and Date.

America:
6.00pm EDT (New York)
5.00pm CDT (Chicago)
4.00pm MDT (Denver)
3.00pm PDT (Los Angeles)

Europe:
11.00pm BST (London)
11.00pm CST (Paris)
1.00am EEST (Helsinki)

Asia-Pacific
8.00am AEST (Sunday) Brisbane
8.00am AEST (Sunday) Sydney, Melbourne
10.00am NZST (Sunday) Wellington

How long do your topic chats go for?

Our chats usually last an hour, and are very newbie friendly. Simply drop in and join the conversation! However, our main room, #theonering.net is open 24 hours a day. We don’t always talk Tolkien there, but if you have a burning question, you’ll usually find one or two of “the regulars” up for a chat!

Where — connection details

Chat happens on #thehalloffire on irc.theonering.net — the TORn IRC server. You can connect instantly via our embedded Mibbit client that works inside your web browser.

Alternatively, you can install a dedicated chat program such as mIRC on your computer and just plug in the following connection details.

Server: irc.theonering.net
Port: 6667
Channel: #thehalloffire

He was capable of great deeds – at great cost to himself he saved the seed of the White Tree from under the nose of Sauron and bore it to Middle Earth.

Sauron hated him above all other men and elves, and even after Isildur was long dead, poured all his malice and hatred into the destruction and corruption of Minas Ithil – Isildur’s city.

Yet Isildur son of Elendil was also responsible for the Oathbreaker’s curse. And primarily because of him, the Ring survived when it ought to have been destroyed.

Through his actions (and inaction), Isildur left a lasting legacy on the history Middle Earth, setting the stage for of events the Third Age.

This weekend in Hall of Fire we’ll discuss Isildur’s important place in the history of Middle Earth and ponder what drove this unique character.

Join us Saturday May 25 at 6pm EST (New York time) when we’ll chat about the question of Isildur and his place as one of the key shapers of the Third Age.

Suggested Reading:

* Unfinished Tales – “The Disaster of the Gladden Fields”
* Silmarillion – “Akallabeth” and “Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age”
* Fellowship of the Ring – “Council of Elrond”
* Return of the King – “Passing of the Grey Company”

Would you like to suggest a topic for Hall of Fire? Drop me an e-mail at demosthenes@theonering.net — if there’s about an hour’s discussion in it, we may give it a run! And don’t forget that you can check out logs of our most recent chat topics over in the TORn Library.

Time zone conversions

Not sure what time the chat will be where you are? Check this little conversion table out for some help. Or visit our Event Announcer over on Time and Date for a comprehensive list.

America:
6.00pm EDT (New York)
5.00pm CDT (Chicago)
4.00pm MDT (Denver)
3.00pm PDT (Los Angeles)

Europe:
11.00pm BST (London)
11.00pm CST (Paris)
1.00am EEST (Helsinki)

Asia-Pacific
8.00am AEST (Sunday) Brisbane
8.00am AEST (Sunday) Sydney, Melbourne
10.00am NZST (Sunday) Wellington

How long do your topic chats go for?

Our chats usually last an hour to an hour and 30 minutes, and are very newbie friendly. Simply drop in and join the conversation! However, our main room, #theonering.net is open 24 hours a day. We don’t always talk Tolkien there, but if you have a burning question, you’ll usually find one or two of “the regulars” up for a chat!

Where — connection details

Chat happens on #thehalloffire on irc.theonering.net — the TORn IRC server. You can connect instantly via our embedded Mibbit client that works inside your web browser.

Alternatively, you can install a dedicated chat program such as mIRC on your computer and just plug in the following connection details.

Server: irc.theonering.net
Port: 6667
Channel: #thehalloffire

Where now the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing?
Where is the helm and the hauberk, and the bright hair flowing?

The Two Towers Book III, Chapter VI: The King of the Golden Hall

At the gate of Edoras, the guards receive the four with suspicion. Trust is a commodity in short supply in Rohan. At the doors of Meduseld, the Golden Hall, they are again stopped as the doorward, Hama, requests the four leave their weapons with him. Only after some tense moments is Gandalf is able to plead an exception for his “walking stick”.

Théoden, seemingly old and frail, is attended by his niece, Éowyn, and his closest and most-trusted advisor, Grima Wormtongue. Théoden’s animosity toward and distrust of Gandalf is obvious, and is echoed by Wormtongue who calls him a bearer of bad news and names him “Lathspell” and “Stormcrow”. Undeterred, Gandalf exposes Wormtongue’s duplicitous alliance with Saruman. He urges Théoden to send for the imprisoned Éomer, trust in his own strength and throw off his weariness.

Théoden gives his advisor an ultimatum: either fighting alongside him against Isengard or exile. Unable to maintain his duplicity without comitting himself to a battle he sees as folly, Wormtongue chooses exile.

Join us tomorrow, Saturday May 18, at 6pm EDT (New York time) as we discuss the Two Towers chapter The King of the Golden Hall.

Suggested reading:0
* The Two Towers Book III, Chapter VI: The King of the Golden Hall
* Unfinished Tales: Cirion and Eorl

Time zone conversions

Not sure what time the chat will be where you are? Check this little conversion table out for some help. Alternatively, check our Event Announcer for the correct time over on Time and Date.

America:
6.00pm EDT (New York)
5.00pm CDT (Chicago)
4.00pm MDT (Denver)
3.00pm PDT (Los Angeles)

Europe:
11.00pm BST (London)
11.00pm CST (Paris)
1.00am EEST (Helsinki)

Asia-Pacific
8.00am AEST (Sunday) Brisbane
8.00am AEST (Sunday) Sydney, Melbourne
10.00am NZST (Sunday) Wellington

How long do your topic chats go for?

Our chats usually last an hour, and are very newbie friendly. Simply drop in and join the conversation! However, our main room, #theonering.net is open 24 hours a day. We don’t always talk Tolkien there, but if you have a burning question, you’ll usually find one or two of “the regulars” up for a chat!

Where — connection details

Chat happens on #thehalloffire on irc.theonering.net — the TORn IRC server. You can connect instantly via our embedded Mibbit client that works inside your web browser.

Alternatively, you can install a dedicated chat program such as mIRC on your computer and just plug in the following connection details.

Server: irc.theonering.net
Port: 6667
Channel: #thehalloffire

It is, of course, The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen — the Hall of Fire topic for later today.

‘For a moment Aragorn gazed in silence, but fearing that she would pass away and never be seen again, he called to her crying, Tinúviel, Tinúviel! even as Beren had done in the Elder Days long ago.

Then the maiden turned to him and smiled, and she said: “Who are you? And why do you call the by that name?”

The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen

Aragorn is only two years old when his father, Arathorn II, is slain by orcs. His mother, Gilraen, takes the heir of Isildur into hiding in Rivendell where Elrond Half-elven fosters him. And it is there, years later, that he meets Arwen Undomiel and falls in love. It is a meeting that will shape his life, the fate of Middle-earth, and eventually doom Arwen to a bitter parting from her father and her kin.

To what extent does this estrange Aragorn and Elrond? We think of the price that Arwen pays. Does Aragorn make sacrifices too?

Aragorn and Arwen reign for many years in Gondor and Arnor, but at last Aragorn grows weary and lays down his life. For the first time Arwen understands fully mortality. Cold and grey she seems to her people when she sets out from Minas Tirith and finally lays herself to rest on Cerin Amroth.

Tolkien uses beautiful imagery in this text. We shall look at how he particularly uses the twilight and the stars. Why does he liken Arwen to a White Tree? What do you think is meant by Arwen being the ‘Evenstar’ of her people? What does this tale tell us about the ordeals of Aragorn? Do you think Arwen loses all hope in the end?

And what of her gift to the Ringbearer?

Join us in the Hall of Fire today at 6pm EST when we’ll chat about The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen.

Recommended reading

* Appendix A: the tale of Aragron and Arwen
* The Return of the King Book VI Ch VII Many Partings

Time zone conversions

Not sure what time the chat will be where you are? Check this little conversion table out for some help.

America:
6.00pm EDT (New York)
5.00pm CDT (Chicago)
4.00pm MDT (Denver)
3.00pm PDT (Los Angeles)

Europe:
11.00pm BST (London)
11.00pm CST (Paris)
1.00am EEST (Helsinki)

Asia-Pacific
8.00am AEST (Sunday) Brisbane
8.00am AEST (Sunday) Sydney, Melbourne
10.00am NZST (Sunday) Wellington

How long do your topic chats go for?

Our chats usually last an hour to an hour and 30 minutes, and are very newbie friendly. Simply drop in and join the conversation! However, our main room, #theonering.net is open 24 hours a day. We don’t always talk Tolkien there, but if you have a burning question, you’ll usually find one or two of “the regulars” up for a chat!

Where — connection details

Chat happens on #thehalloffire on irc.theonering.net — the TORn IRC server. You can connect instantly via our embedded Mibbit client that works inside your web browser.

Alternatively, you can install a dedicated chat program such as mIRC on your computer and just plug in the following connection details.

Server: irc.theonering.net
Port: 6667
Channel: #thehalloffire

“The Dark Lord has Nine. But we have One, mightier than they: the White Rider. He has passed through the fire and the abyss, and they shall fear him.” The White Rider.

The Two Towers: Book III, Chapter V — The White Rider

As Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli follow the trail of Merry and Pippin through Fangorn Forest, they chance upon a mysterious old man robed in white. Or, perhaps, the mysterious old man chances upon them.

His appearance and enigmatic words lead the trio to conclude they are facing the White Council turncoat, Saruman the White. Luckily for them, it’s an old friend bearing some crucial news.

Join us tomorrow, Saturday May 4 at 6pm EDT (New York time) in Hall of Fire as we discuss the Two Towers chapter The White Rider.

Time zone conversions

Not sure what time the chat will be where you are? Check this little conversion table out for some help. Alternatively, check our Event Announcer for the correct time over on Time and Date.

America:
6.00pm EDT (New York)
5.00pm CDT (Chicago)
4.00pm MDT (Denver)
3.00pm PDT (Los Angeles)

Europe:
11.00pm BST (London)
11.00pm CST (Paris)
1.00am EEST (Helsinki)

Asia-Pacific
8.00am AEST (Sunday) Brisbane
8.00am AEST (Sunday) Sydney, Melbourne
10.00am NZST (Sunday) Wellington

How long do your topic chats go for?

Our chats usually last an hour, and are very newbie friendly. Simply drop in and join the conversation! However, our main room, #theonering.net is open 24 hours a day. We don’t always talk Tolkien there, but if you have a burning question, you’ll usually find one or two of “the regulars” up for a chat!

Where — connection details

Chat happens on #thehalloffire on irc.theonering.net — the TORn IRC server. You can connect instantly via our embedded Mibbit client that works inside your web browser.

Alternatively, you can install a dedicated chat program such as mIRC on your computer and just plug in the following connection details.

Server: irc.theonering.net
Port: 6667
Channel: #thehalloffire

‘Yes,’ said Pippin; ‘I’m afraid this is only a passing gleam, and it will all go grey again. What a pity! This shaggy old forest looked so different in the sunlight. I almost felt I liked the place.’

‘Almost felt you liked the Forest! That’s good! That’s uncommonly kind of you,’ said a strange voice. ‘Turn round and let me have a look at your faces. I almost feel that I dislike you both, but do not let us be hasty. Turn round!’

The Two Towers: Book III, Chapter IV — Treebeard

There’s something about this chapter that just sets Middle-earth apart from stock fantasy settings. But what?

Is it just the fact of the invention of the Ents? Is it the way Tolkien invests Treebeard and Quickbeam with a distinct humour and personality, injecting levity at a point where the quest is turning grim? Is it the unusual way Tolkien positions the Ents as a third separate, and often-neglected force?

As Merry and Pippin soon discover, the patience of the Ents is legendary, but not inexhaustible. Yet they also prove gracious and benevolent hosts, a distinct contrast to the handling the hobbits received at the hands of the orcs.

Join us tomorrow, Saturday April 20 at 6pm EDT (New York time) in Hall of Fire as we discuss the Two Towers chapter Treebeard!

Time zone conversions

Not sure what time the chat will be where you are? Check this little conversion table out for some help. Alternatively, check our Event Announcer for the correct time over on Time and Date.

America:
6.00pm EDT (New York)
5.00pm CDT (Chicago)
4.00pm MDT (Denver)
3.00pm PDT (Los Angeles)

Europe:
11.00pm BST (London)
11.00pm CST (Paris)
1.00am EEST (Helsinki)

Asia-Pacific
8.00am AEST (Sunday) Brisbane
8.00am AEST (Sunday) Sydney, Melbourne
10.00am NZST (Sunday) Wellington

How long do your topic chats go for?

Our chats usually last an hour, and are very newbie friendly. Simply drop in and join the conversation! However, our main room, #theonering.net is open 24 hours a day. We don’t always talk Tolkien there, but if you have a burning question, you’ll usually find one or two of “the regulars” up for a chat!

Where — connection details

Chat happens on #thehalloffire on irc.theonering.net — the TORn IRC server. You can connect instantly via our embedded Mibbit client that works inside your web browser.

Alternatively, you can install a dedicated chat program such as mIRC on your computer and just plug in the following connection details.

Server: irc.theonering.net
Port: 6667
Channel: #thehalloffire

In those days Tuor felt old age creep upon him, and ever a longing for the deeps of the Sea grew stronger in his heart. Therefore he built a great ship, and he named it Eärrámë, which is Sea-Wing; and with Idril Celebrindal he set sail into the sunset and the West, and came no more into any tale or song. But in after days it was sung that Tuor alone of mortal Men was numbered among the elder race, and was joined with the Noldor, whom he loved; and his fate is sundered from the fate of Men.

The enigma of Idril and Tuor

Set against Beren and Luthien, Idril and Tuor offer an interesting contrast. They don’t make the same vein of heroic strike against Morgoth. Tuor — due to the intransigence of Turgon — is in fact unable to save Gondolin from its doom.

Yet their renown must be more than “merely” their famous offspring? Is it that Ulmo chooses Tuor as his personal messenger? Is it Idril’s foresight in digging the secret escape? Is it their care of Gondolin’s ragtag of survivors on the long journey to the mouths of the Sirion?

And what of their ultimate fate? Tolkien himself wrote in Letter #153:

Túor weds Idril the daughter of Turgon King of Gondolin; and ‘it is supposed’ (not stated) that he as an unique exception receives the Elvish limited ‘immortality’: an exception either way.

Immortality and Mortality being the special gifts of God to the Eruhini (in whose conception and creation the Valar had no part at all) it must be assumed that no alteration of their fundamental kind could be effected by the Valar even in one case: the cases of Lúthien (and Túor) and the position of their descendants was a direct act of God.

What are we to make of this exception — the reverse of Luthien’s divestment of her immortality? Perhaps it is, after all, just a story?

Join us in the Hall of Fire on Saturday April 13 at 6pm EDT (New York time) as we discuss the enigma of Idril and Tuor!

Time zone conversions

Not sure what time the chat will be where you are? Check this little conversion table out for some help. Alternatively, check our Event Announcer over on Time and Date for the correct time for your timezone.

America:
6.00pm EDT (New York)
5.00pm CDT (Chicago)
4.00pm MDT (Denver)
3.00pm PDT (Los Angeles)

Europe:
11.00pm BST (London)
11.00pm CST (Paris)
1.00am EEST (Helsinki)

Asia-Pacific
8.00am AEST (Sunday) Brisbane
8.00am AEST (Sunday) Sydney, Melbourne
10.00am NZST (Sunday) Wellington

How long do your topic chats go for?

Our chats usually last an hour, and are very newbie friendly. Simply drop in and join the conversation! However, our main room, #theonering.net, is open 24 hours a day. We don’t always talk Tolkien there, but if you have a burning question, you’ll usually find one or two of “the regulars” up for a chat!

Where — connection details

Chat happens on #thehalloffire on irc.theonering.net — the TORn IRC server. You can connect instantly via our embedded Mibbit client that works inside your web browser.

Alternatively, you can install a dedicated chat program such as mIRC on your computer and just plug in the following connection details.

Server: irc.theonering.net
Port: 6667
Channel: #thehalloffire

Pippin lay in a dark and troubled dream: it seemed that he could hear his own small voice echoing in black tunnels, calling Frodo, Frodo! But instead of Frodo hundreds of hideous orc-faces grinned at him out of the shadows, hundreds of hideous arms grasped at him from every side. Where was Merry? He woke.

The Two Towers: Book III, Chapter III — The Uruk-hai

For Pippin and Merry, the situation is grim, more akin to nightmare than reality. They awake to discover themselves captives of the Uruk-hai who attacked the Fellowship and slew Boromir.

The pair begin to understand what these orcs are: Uruk-hai, creations of Saruman bred specifically to be a more perfect warrior. However, it also becomes clear that all is not well between the Orcs of Barad-dur and those loyal to Orthanc — something that the two Hobbits soon find themselves able to exploit to their advantage.

Join us tomorrow, Saturday April 6 at 6pm EDT (New York time) in Hall of Fire as we discuss The Uruk-hai!

NB: Note the time change for folks in Europe, New Zealand and southern Australia due to the start (or cessation) of daylight savings.

Time zone conversions

Not sure what time the chat will be where you are? Check this little conversion table out for some help. Alternatively, check our Event Announcer for the correct time over on Time and Date.

America:
6.00pm EDT (New York)
5.00pm CDT (Chicago)
4.00pm MDT (Denver)
3.00pm PDT (Los Angeles)

Europe:
11.00pm BST (London)
11.00pm CST (Paris)
1.00am EEST (Helsinki)

Asia-Pacific
8.00am AEST (Sunday) Brisbane
8.00am AEST (Sunday) Sydney, Melbourne
10.00am NZST (Sunday) Wellington

How long do your topic chats go for?

Our chats usually last an hour, and are very newbie friendly. Simply drop in and join the conversation! However, our main room, #theonering.net is open 24 hours a day. We don’t always talk Tolkien there, but if you have a burning question, you’ll usually find one or two of “the regulars” up for a chat!

Where — connection details

Chat happens on #thehalloffire on irc.theonering.net — the TORn IRC server. You can connect instantly via our embedded Mibbit client that works inside your web browser.

Alternatively, you can install a dedicated chat program such as mIRC on your computer and just plug in the following connection details.

Server: irc.theonering.net
Port: 6667
Channel: #thehalloffire

People from around the world are online with one common goal: to virtually gather with other fans to watch all three films straight through. Geeky? Yes. Fun? Absolutely.

Please browse through our FAQ below, you’ll find the answers to many of your questions.

JOIN THE MARATHON

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

1: CHATROOM BASICS

1a: I’ve never chatted before. How does it work?

1b: How do I join the chatroom?

1c: That person with an @ or & in front of their name keeps telling me to read the guidelines. What are the guidelines?

1d: There is a lot of lingo. What is a “channel” or an “op?”

1e: I have a LOT of questions about how the chat room works. Where can I find answers?

2: THE MARATHON

2a: How do I watch the movies?

2b: I don’t have the extended editions, can I still take part?

2c: I just joined the marathon chat — how can I tell what part of the movie you’re watching?

2d: How long does the marathon last?

2e: What time will you be watching [insert movie name]?

2f: I don’t live in Eastern Time Zone. What time is the marathon in my time zone?

2g: Do you take breaks during the movies? Do you have a schedule for when you’ll be stopping?

2h: There are a lot of people in the room, how can I tell when an announcement is made?

2i: Have you done this before?

3: PROBLEMS

3a: I try to connect to the chat, but my connection is refused or I get an error message.

3b: Everyone seems to be at a different place than I am. What am I doing wrong?

3c: I joined the chat room, but nothing I type is posted to the room. Is it broken?

3d: How can I get a nickname? I want to call myself Frodo, but the chat won’t let me.

3e: Why can’t I swear/shout/be rude?

3f: Someone keeps messaging me and saying rude things. What should I do?

3g: I wasn’t doing anything wrong, but I got kicked out. Can I come back, please?

3h: I have a LOT of questions about how the chat room works. Where can I find answers?

3i: HELP, I’m hopelessly confused.

4: FUN STUFF

4a: People keep ordering drinks and barbecued Orc wings. How do I do that?

ANSWERS

1: CHATROOM BASICS

1a: I’ve never chatted before. How does it work?

Think of Facebook chat on a much larger scale. If you’ve never chatted before, think of the chat as a giant group instant message. Anyone is able to join the discussion and use the text entry box to post their comments to the “channel.” You read them and respond, if you choose. Or just post your own thoughts.

To take part in the chat, you need to sign on to an IRC client. You have your choice between our Web Chat or you can download an IRC client, such as mIRC. See the answer to question 1b.

Your best option is to test joining the chat room before the marathon starts, so you are sure you can connect and understand how the whole thing works. For the answers to any IRC question you can think of, visit our IRC FAQ.

1b: How do I join the chatroom?

To take part in the chat, you need to sign on to an IRC program. You have your choice between our Web Chat or you can download an IRC client, such as mIRC. Here are your options:

TORn WEB CHAT (Recommended for newcomers):
So simple your mom could do it
- Click on https://client01.chat.mibbit.com/#moviechat@irc.theonering.net
- Give yourself a name! Enter it in the box labeled “Nick”  (Info about nicknames)
- Click connect
- You are now in the chat room
- (it’s so simple your GRANDMOTHER could do it)

mIRC (Advanced):
If you’re looking for the optimum chatting experience, an IRC client is the way to go
- Dowload and install the mIRC program. (Windows only. For Mac, try installing X-Chat Aqua or Snak. But it might be easier to just use our Web Chat)
- Launch mIRC.
- Close the greeting screen, if one appears
- Go to the Tools menu, open it and select the Options menu.
- You should now see a page called “mIRC Options” with a menu list on the left side.
- Open the Connect menu, and you will see a page to input your name and nickname. It’s recommended that you do not use your real last name. Although we set a high standard at Barliman’s, it’s best to not share that info.
- Open the Servers menu and click on the Add button and you will get a window called “Add Server.”
- Fill in the description as you wish, then type in irc.TheOneRing.net as the server and 6667 as the port. Leave the other fields blank. Then click Add again. This will close the small window.
- Return to the Connect menu and click Connect.
- You should now be connected to the chat room and in a window titled “Status: [your nickname]” In that window you type the command to join the chatroom. To join the marathon, type /join #moviechat and Enter. You will now be in the channel.

If mIRC seems too complicated, you should stick to our Web Chat option. Your might want to test joining the chatroom before the marathon starts, so you are sure you can connect and understand how the whole thing works. Stop in and say hello! The regulars are quite friendly.

1c: That person with an @ or & in front of their name keeps telling me to read the guidelines. What are the guidelines?

The guidelines are pretty simple:

Be courteous. Boorish behavior will not be tolerated!

Use appropriate language. No swearing, cursing, harassment or other such foolishness.

To repeat: NO CURSING or sexual innuendo. If you can’t say it on Sesame Street (or Blue Peter, or the Wiggles), you can’t say it here. This is a family-friendly event and we find that civil discourse keeps everyone happy.

Think before you “speak”. Use common sense – this is a world-wide chat, with many cultures and age levels.

Respect others and their ideas. Be friendly and patient with each other. After all, we are just having fun!

No image banners or advertisements for other sites are permitted.

No bots… No spamming… No flooding!

The op is always right! If your behavior or language is deemed inappropriate by an op, you will be removed from the room. Frequent violations can result in banning.

1d: There is a lot of lingo. What’s a “channel” or an “op?”

Channel is another word for a chat room or a “room.” The words are interchangeable. An “op” is someone who runs the chat room.

TORn’s IRC server has a number of channels for users to congregate in. Movie Marathons take place in #moviechat. The main channel/room is #TheOneRing.net, affectionately know as Barliman’s. This is where general day-to-day conversation takes place and is usually the busiest.

Other available rooms are:
#Rivendell — test your Tolkien trivia knowledge with Elrond!
#Green_Dragon — general knowledge quizzes with The Gaffer!
#TheHallofFire, Home of moderated Tolkien and LoTR chats. There is a chat every Saturday afternoon at 5pm Eastern. Right now we’re holding a chapter-by-chapter discussion of The Two Towers — Come on by! Keep an eye on TORn’s Facebook page for announcements.

“Ops” are the moderators. You can tell them apart from regular chatters by the @ or & sign in front of their nickname. They help run the various registered channels (those listed above) – making sure people abide by TORn’s chatting guidelines. They will also help you with any problems you have running your IRC client and try and answer questions that aren’t answered here.

You can find the answer to anything else you want to know about Barliman’s at our IRC FAQ.

1e: I have a LOT of questions about how the chatroom works. Where can I find answers?

We’re glad you’re curious! You can find the answer to anything you want to know about Barliman’s at our IRC FAQ. Or, just ask! The regulars are friendly and happy to help.

2: THE MARATHON

2a: How do I watch the movies?

First of all, you need to HAVE the movies. We will not be watching a television or cable broadcast of the films.

Have your first disc in the player before 9 a.m.. The channel will be silenced around 9 a.m. so the ops can announce the start of the movie. No one will be able to speak while this happens, so no one misses the announcement! The ops will count down the time and when they write START! everyone presses Play. It’s pretty simple.

If you think you’re lagging or not in the same spot as the others, do not fear. We pause periodically to allow everyone to get back on track. Sometimes the confusion is part of the fun. Check the movie schedule for a general idea of when pauses and breaks will take place (to be posted by start of marathon).

Do you feel as if you just can’t keep up with the others or as if your DVD is running too fast? If you live outside of the U.S., see the answer to question 3b.

2b: I don’t have the extended editions, can I still take part?

We will be watching the extended editions of the films, but it will be possible to use the regular editions if you use the “pauses” to adjust to which chapter we’re on. If you don’t have the films at all, you can still participate in the chat — after all, we’re sure you’ve seen them before!

2c: I just joined — how can I tell what part of the movie you’re watching?

This question pops up a lot. A LOT. The ops will periodically announce what scene we’re at or what chapter we’re on. The clocked time is often announced, but the run speed on DVDs varies from region to region. The best and easiest way to catch up is to watch what others are commenting on and try to fast-forward to the right scene. There will be pauses throughout the film for people to meet up at the same chapter. If you have the booklet that came with your DVD, that will be very handy.

Of course, if you’re really confused, just ask. Someone will be happy to answer

2d: How long does the marathon last?

In years past the marathon has lasted a total of 12-13 hours, sometimes a bit more. We allow four hours for each movie, not including breaks. You’re welcome to come and go at any time, of course, as often as you like. For more information, see answer 2e.

2e: What time will you be watching [insert movie name]?

All times are approximate. We hope to stay on schedule, but “things” often happen!

Below are the run-times for each film, our projected starting time, and links to determine the time in your own time zone. We will pause periodically during the film so everyone can catch up. Pauses last little more than 30 seconds, and serve as pick-up points for people experiencing DVD burps. We take 15 minute breaks between discs and 30 minute break between movies so people can … do whatever takes a little more time. Cooking? Stretching? Napping? Your choice.

ALL TIMES APPROXIMATE

The Fellowship of the Ring
Total run time: 208 minutes
Start time 9 a.m. Eastern [When is that in my time zone?]

The Two Towers
Total run time: 223 minutes
Start time 1:30 p.m. Eastern [When is that in my time zone?]

The Return of the King
Total run time: 251 minutes
APPROXIMATE Start time 6:30 p.m. Eastern [When is that in my time zone?]

2f: I don’t live in Eastern Time Zone. What time is the marathon in my time zone?

The marathon begins at 9 a.m. Eastern. Visit http://timeanddate.com to check the time for your location or click here.

2g: Do you take breaks during the movies?

Yes. Lots. Keeping everyone at the same place in the movie is an impossible task. So we pause the movie periodically to let everyone catch up. We also take 15 minute breaks between discs, a 1/2 hour break between movies. 12 hours is a long time to not eat/drink/whatever.

2h: There are a lot of people in the room, how can I tell when an announcement is made?

When an important announcement is made — the start of a movie, a break, or some other problem — the ops will silence the room. When this happens no one other than ops will be able to “speak” or post a comment to the room. This is so what they have to say won’t get lost in the torrent of chatter. Be patient, the silence will be lifted as soon as they’re done.   Less important announcements will be made in bold face.

2i: Have you done this before?

Yes! We’ve been holding movie marathons since the “Fellowship of the Ring” DVD was first released. Following the ROTK DVD we began our traditional Trilogy marathon. Our marathons are often attended by well over 100 people. A great time is always had! You can read about our 2006 marathon here.

3: PROBLEMS

3a: I try to connect to the chat, but my connection is refused or I get an error message.

It’s possible, though unlikely, that the server will reach full capacity. If that happens, you will not be able to sign on. Keep trying and you will eventually connect. There shouldn’t be any problems.

If you continue to have a problem, it’s possible that you are behind a firewall that will not allow IRC port connections. If you are at work, school or a public hot spot, this is most likely the problem.

If you continue to have problems, you can e-mail barlimans@theonering.net, but please be patient, as ops will be busy running the marathon. Your best option is to test joining the chat  room before the marathon starts, so you are sure you can connect and understand how the whole thing works.

3b: Everyone seems to be at a different place than I am. What am I doing wrong?

DVDs often vary in speed from region to region. If you’re joining us from outside of North America it is possible that your DVD is running slightly ahead or behind. This is one of the reasons we “pause” the movie periodically, to allow everyone to catch up. You can read more about pauses in a number of other answers on this FAQ.

But, to allay your fears, you’re most likely not doing anything wrong. If the pauses don’t seem to help you, ask an op for help. They’re the persons with the @ or & in front of their name. If you double-click on their nickname, you can message them with your problem.

3c: I joined the chat room, but nothing I type is posted to the room. Is it broken?

Nope! See the answer to question 2h.

3d: How can I get a nickname? I want to call myself Frodo, but the chat won’t let me.

When you sign onto the Web Chat, you have the opportunity to enter a nick of your choosing in the “Nick” box, replacing the “mib” generic name. To prevent confusion, only one person on the entire server can have a particular nickname. So, if another Frodo beat you out to the chat, you will have to find a different nickname. Some nicknames are registered by regular chatters. If you try to use one of these the server will change your nick to Guest+random numbers. But, you’re free to try! Just have a backup nick in mind. For more information visit our IRC FAQ.

3e: Why can’t I swear?

Because it’s rude. We’ve worked very hard to keep TORn’s chatrooms pleasant for people of all ages and nationalities. We also like to think it’s a place Professor Tolkien might like to hang out, if he were alive and well today. And interested in modern technology. And not as cranky as he’s rumoured to have been.

If you persist in swearing, shouting or breaking the guidelines, an op will warn you. If you persist, you will get kicked. If you continue to persist, you will be banned. But we’re sure that won’t happen. We’re all here for the same thing: to enjoy the movies and talking to other fans.

Several words will result in an automatic ban by the bot. There is no contesting this. So it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Read more about our philosophy at the “Why Can’t I?” section of our IRC FAQ.

3f: Someone keeps messaging me and saying rude things. What should I do?

Tell an op immediately. Either say something in the main chatroom, or double click on one of the names with the @ or & in front of it, and tell them what’s been going on. If you’re able to copy/paste what they’ve been saying, even better. We are ADAMANTLY against such behavior and we will deal with it swiftly.

3g: I wasn’t doing anything wrong, but I got kicked out. Can I come back, please?

Our number one guideline is “The Op is always right.” If you’ve been kicked out, you are permitted to return but should consider it a warning. During an event as busy as a movie marathon, it’s possible that something you did was misconstrued or was done by someone else. Keep your sense of humor, come back to the room and all should be well.

Barliman will warn you two times for swearing. The third time you get kicked out. The next time you will be automatically banned. At that point, you won’t be allowed back. Sorry.

3h: I have a LOT of questions about how the chatroom works. Where can I find answers?

We’re glad you’re curious! You can find the answer to anything you want to know about Barliman’s at our IRC FAQ.

31: HELP, I’m hopelessly confused.

Ouch. That’s not fun. If you can’t find the answer to your question here, you can ask an op for help. If you are already in the chat room, double-click on any nickname preceded by an @ or & and write out your question. They’ll get back to you as soon as possible. If you are unable to sign in to the chat room, send an e-mail to barlimans@theonering.net. Please be patient, as ops will be busy running the marathon.

4. FUN STUFF

4a: People keep ordering drinks and barbecued Orc wings. How do I do that?

Barliman has many offerings and tasty items on his menu. Type !menu for the full list.