Talk Fantasy To Me

It's that time again here at Fact or Fantasy where today we highlight and compare key differences between Part 1 of the extended edition film The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King to its novel counterpart. We will be comparing the scenes of the film with the corresponding events in the novel in a way that may seem out of order as they do not line up evenly due to the changes in character perspectives.

Stay tuned while we detail the major differences found between the movie and books such as; the death of Saruman, Aragorn's interaction with the palantír, the reforging of the Sword That Was Broken, and the events that lead to taking the Paths of the Dead.

With outlining core differences that could negatively affect the plot, discussing additions that we were happy to see on screen, providing the film with a numeric grade, and providing passages from the novel as evidence for certain viewpoints, don't miss out.

"See my friends, when I had mastered the Stone, I learned many things. A grave peril I saw coming unlooked-for upon Gondor from the South that will draw off great strength from the defence of Minas Tirith. If it is not countered swiftly, I deem the the City will be lost ere ten days be gone."

The One Ring is destroyed, the power of Sauron is broken and Middle-earth is saved.  Frodo and Sam survived their journey and reunited with Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Merry & Pippin.  Aragorn is named King of Gondor and all is well.  Today, we jump into the final contents of the novel as it pertains to the story, but not including the appendixes or index, as we dive into Chapter 16 through Chapter 19 and conclude the epic tale of The Lord of the Rings.

Join us as we wrap everything up and tie a few loose ends together with the funeral of King Théoden, Legolas and Gimli fulfilling their promises to each other and leaving the group on the outskirts of Isengard, Aragorn returning to Gondor, Gandalf and the Hobbits running into an old foe on the road, celebrating Bilbo's birthday in Rivendell, taking back the Shire from ruffians and bandits, and each member of the Fellowship of the Ring making their final exits.

With Chase and Josh closing out the novel series, highlighting any major events remaining, debating interpretations of the Grey Havens and discussing what possible future events might have happened with the main characters following the end of the Second Great War, do not jump off the wagon just yet.

"And the ship went out into the High Sea and passed on into the West, until at last on a night of rain Frodo smelled a sweet fragrance on the air and heard the sound of singing that came over the water. And then it seemed to him that as in his dream in the house of Bombadil, the grey rain-curtain turned all to silver glass and was rolled back, and he beheld white shores and beyond them a far green country under a swift sunrise."

Gondor has won the initial battle at the Pelennor Fields with help from Rohan as well as Aragorn who seized the Corsairs of Umbar which were meant to aid the forces of Mordor.  The Captains of the West have marched to the Black Gate and had their final parley with the Mouth of Sauron where they plan to make their last stand as a diversion. Today we shift to Sam and Frodo and see if all the efforts of the Fellowship pay off or not as we jump into the events of Chapter 11 through Chapter 15 in The Return of the King novel.

Stick around as we pick back up with Sam attempting to free Frodo from the clutches of the Orcs, the journey into Mordor, the hiccups along the way, the return of a treacherous creature, and the culminating moment in the Crack of Mount Doom.

With Chase and Josh leading you to the very moment this series was created for, detailing the major incidents and occurrences found in these sections of the novel, discussing a few 'what-if' scenarios and debating fun topics, this big climax is one you don't want to miss.

"Yes, I must go on," he said. "Farewell, Sam! This is the end at last. On Mount Doom doom shall fall. Farewell!" He turned and went on, walking slowly but erect, up the climbing path.

Aragorn has revealed himself to Sauron in the palantír, the initial assault on Gondor has begun, Théoden leads Rohan into the fray hoping they are not too late, and Faramir has suffered a grievous injury. Today we move on into one of, if not, the most climactic sections of this novel and entire series with the events that occur from Chapter 6 through Chapter 10 in The Return of the King.

Join us as we jump into the full battle on the Pelennor Fields of Gondor, see the fall of King Théoden, watch The Lord of the Nagûl meet his match, observe unsuspecting reinforcements come to the aid of one side, the healing of important individuals, plans for a last stand, and a final march to the Black Gate.

With Chase & Josh taking you through one of the most action packed segments of the novel, highlighting key moments and dialogue, breaking down the logic behind certain decisions, and debating a couple topics that could have changed a few outcomes, you don't want to miss this.

"We must walk open-eyed into that trap, with courage, but small hope for ourselves. For, my lords, it may well prove that we ourselves shall perish utterly in a black battle far from the living lands; so that even if Barad-dûr be thrown down, we shall not live to see a new age. But this, I deem, is our duty. And better so than to perish nonetheless – as we surely shall, if we sit here – and know as we die that no new age shall be."

Rohan survived the Battle of Helms Deep, Isengard's power is broken and the palantír is now in it's rightful place, while Frodo has been stung by Shelob and presumed dead and Sam makes the choice to continue the journey with the Ring alone, until he learns Frodo is in fact, not dead. Today we move forward into the third and final novel in the acclaimed Lord of the Rings series where we are covering Chapter 1 through Chapter 5 (Minas Tirith-The Ride of the Rohirrim).

Stick around as we get a look at Gondor preparing for war, Denethor having a power struggle with Gandalf, the appearance of Aragorn's old friends from the North, a secret revealed to the Enemy, a path that none living should take, the beginning of the battle at Gondor, Théoden's fateful decision, and a face to face with the Black Captain and the White Wizard.

With Chase & Josh moving into the final installment of the book series, highlighting a few foreshadowed and full circle moments, providing major key takeaways of each chapter, producing evidence of certain opinions, and closing out with intricate debates, you don't want to miss this.

"Farewell, Peregrin son of Paladin! Your service has been short, and now it is drawing to an end. I release you from the little that remains. Go now, and die in what way seems best to you."

Today we close out The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers in its entirety as we compare the second half of the Extended Edition film, to its corresponding sections of the novel. Keep in mind the sequences do not line up as the perspectives shift focus so there are moments that happen early in the novel, that do not occur until later in the film and vice-versa!

Tag along as we discuss some of the notable differences found between the movie and the book such as; the Isengard wolves ambush of Rohan, the budding love triangle of Arwen, Éowyn and Aragorn, the portrayal of Faramir's character, who Gandalf brings on the first light of the 5th day to save Rohan at Helms Deep, and Frodo coming face to face with the Nazgûl.

With the Riddikulus Crew discussing the main notable differences that stood out to each individually, providing a numeric grade in regards to Part 2 of the film as well as a numeric grade for matching moments of the novel, giving an overall score for the Two Towers as a whole and comparing an epic battle scene with another franchise, this is one you don't want to miss.

"But fear no more! I would not take this thing, if it lay by the highway. Not were Minas Tirith falling in ruin and I alone could save her, so, using the weapon of the Dark Lord for her good and my glory. No, I do not wish for such triumphs, Frodo son of Drogo." - Faramir

The Riddikulus Crew is back again today to compare some of the major differences between Part 1 of the extended edition film The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers to its novel counterpart.  This one is going to be a little different as the film shifts perspective early and often in an order that does not coincide with the book, so we had some fun putting this together.

Stick around as we highlight some of the key differences between the movie and book such as; Éomer's banishment from Rohan, Frodo's mishap in the Marshes, Gandalf freeing Théoden's mind, Sam and Frodo's arguments, and Sméagol gaining a level of freedom.

With Chase & Josh giving the film a numeric grade, detailing moments and key changes that stood out to each, discussing potential alterings to a few plot points that could arise due to a couple differences, and talking about certain things each enjoyed more from a film perspective, don't miss out!

"Now Théoden son of Thengel, will you hearken to me?" said Gandalf. "Do you ask for help?" He lifted his staff and pointed to a high window. There the darkness seemed to clear, and through the opening could be seen, high and far, a patch of shining sky. "Not all is dark. Take courage, Lord of the Mark; for better help you will not find. No counsel have I to give to those that despair. Yet counsel I could give, and words I could speak to you. Will you hear them? They are not for all ears. I bid you come out before your doors and look abroad. Too long have you sat in shadows and trusted to twisted tales and crooked promptings."

Slowly Théoden left his chair.

Frodo and Sam have passed the Dead Marshes with the help of Sméagol, went to the Black Gate of Mordor and found it impassable, decided on an alternate route, and coincidentally ran into men of Gondor, the captain being Boromir's brother Faramir who succeeded in what Boromir failed. Thanks for sticking with us as today we tackle the final five chapters and finish The Two Towers in it's entirety by covering The Forbidden Pool through The Choices of Master Samwise.

Keep up as we stay with Frodo & Sam as they receive the blessing of Faramir to leave the temporary safety of Ithilien with Sméagol and continue their journey, view the evil city of Minas Morgul where the King of the Wraiths resides with an army set for war, climb along the secret pass to a tunnel, fall into a trap, fight for their lives against an ancient evil, and Sam having to make seemingly impossible choices.

With Chase & Josh providing the major takeaways from each chapter, notating key full circles and foreshadows, pointing out a potential plot hole, coming up with our own draft of who each of us would take in a Fellowship re-do of who goes on the journey from Rivendell, and debating some fun scenarios, don't miss out!

"He spun round, and rushed wildly up the path, calling and calling his master's name. He was too late. So far Gollum's plot had succeeded."

The Battle of Helms Deep is over, the power of Saruman is broken, and now we move to the perspective of the other main characters, Frodo & Sam. We're excited to have you join us today as we jump into the next five chapters of The Two Towers which include The Taming of Sméagol through The Window on the West.

Tag along as we follow Frodo & Sam after they depart the Company and make their way towards Mordor alone, find unsuspecting help along the way, attempt to pass through some eerie marshlands, approach the Black Gate from a distance, make the decision to put their trust in a sneaky creature, and meet a few men from Gondor that are reminiscent of some old friends.

With Chase & Josh detailing the major key details of each chapter, providing analysis of foreshadows and thought processes of certain characters, and debating scenarios in which different paths may have been taken... don't go anywhere.

"We wants it! But'--- and here there was a long pause, as if a new thought had wakened. "Not yet, eh? Perhaps not. She might help. She might, yes."

Gandalf has rejoined the fray at the turning of the tide and with the help of Aragorn, Legolas & Gimli, King Théoden and his men leave Edoras ready for battle. And today, a battle they will get.  Thanks for stopping by today as we jump into the next five chapters of The Two Towers which include Helms Deep through The Palantír.

Stick around while we cover the siege which encompasses all of Saruman's might against a much smaller force, the Ents taking advantage of a defenseless Isengard, a grand reunion amongst friends, a dispute amongst Wizard's, and an glass ball orb that almost ruins everything.

With Chase and Josh describing one of the most climactic battles in the series, discussing what stuck out most in each chapter, touching on easy to miss detail, pointing out major foreshadows, and debating some interesting questions... Don't miss out!

"Behold, I am not Gandalf the Grey, whom you betrayed. I am Gandalf the White, who has returned from death. You have no colour now, and I cast you from the order and from the Council."