“It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life.” As my life starts to feel too complicated I try to remind myself of this quote and find ways to simplify. I don’t always succeed, but I’ve realized that sometimes less is more.
One of my favorite themes of the Lord of the Rings is that it's not merely about fighting evil for the sake of fighting evil; it's defending specific good things in society which is why the Scouring of the Shire is my favorite part of the book. I love Faramir's famous quote, that he doesn't love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the warrior for his glory, but only that which they defend. This section you read is also one of my favorite parts and I actually read (I think it may have been in Diana Glyer's "The Company They Keep", but not sure) that Tolkien had a much longer conversation on pipesmoking in that section and he jotted down a note "Put in Prologue", so whenever I read Gandalf's line that, "Some other time would be more fitting for the history of smoking," I chuckle at the point that Tolkien felt the history to be so important that he wasn't willing to cut it out from the story, but just move it. That really gets at what you said, to carry on our small pleasures when we're able to and when there's a reprieve from the ruin going on like Merry and Pippin.
This episode is such a therapeutic one. Sitting on the edge of ruin and smoking a pipe... Living in Romania, so close to the disaster in Ucraine, for so many times I felt guilty living my simple life, enjoying the peace, the many opportunities that come with it, the good food and a good smoke, and good friendships ... Now I realise it was the right thing to do, while worrying, praying, lending a helping hand, etc. Thank you so much for posting this video!
Tolkien would have been a far more deserving recipient of the Nobel Prize for literature than Heinrich Boll or Mikhail Sholokhov. I understand he was nominated by Lewis in 1961 but never even made the shortlist. His impact has been immense.
One of my favorite passages. 'You rascals, you woolly-footed and wool-pated truants!" Ruin, but so different to Tolkien's description of the ruin that confronts Frodo and Sam when the first see Mordor proper. "A land defiled, diseased beyond all healing - unless the Great Sea should enter in and wash it with oblivion. `I feel sick,' said Sam. Frodo did not speak."
That scene with Merry and Pippin was a great inspiration to me as a small boy. The peace after such a great effort felt so well earned. Every now and then I like to gather with my own best friend beneath the shade of my favorite tree and share a Churchwarden after a long day.
"Sitting on the edge of ruin." Seems a fitting description of our world of late. This poignant reminder to consider the simple pleasures of life, like smoke from a pipe, is auspicious and apropos. Hobbits always bring us back to the foundation of what is pertinent in our lives - love, simplicity, kindness and generosity.
I love when I come across something like this that has a lot of episodes stored up for me to binge watch. Almost better I just found your channel today watched for 10 seconds and subscribed
You are quickly becoming my go-to relax time video. I find these videos like an adult Reading Rainbow for the busy person who needs to just take 10 to 30 mins to relax.
9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1
Me too, one of my favorite scenes! "Little pleasures", even when sitting at the edge of ruin assure the soul somehow. In a way, it reminds me of my grandparents. They never took anything for granted, and even in tough times when who knows what will happen next, we'll take a moment, we'll sit at the table together and sip a cup of coffee or tea, we'll have a smoke... we'll talk and life will go on.
While it is true that I have always enjoyed these lovely stories, I find your enthusiastic reading to be a key to a greater comprehension previously unknown. Blessings to you and your bride.
Seating on field of victory, one victory against the evil celebrating with the shire best of life style. Thats why i moved from london to east Sussex Thank you for your beautiful episode
What a great thought to ponder. When on the edge of ruin, which we may all soon be, do not capitulate, but carry on with the simple pleasures and everyday doings. This may very well be the secret to a happy life. Thanks for another great video and some positive thoughts.
Just delightful. Thank you. I finished reading the rest of the chapter. To me, Théoden was saying even though the party must end for now it will resume….and all will be told to the hobbits hearts desire.
Such a lovely reading of this passage! Reminds me of Tolkien’s words about there being nothing wrong in celebrating a simple life. When ruin is all around, what else is there to do but to celebrate and aspire to a simple life with a few comforts? Glad I found this channel!
Beautiful…A church warden and Merry and Pippin after The fall of Isengard…And much wisdom to be taken in the “small” pleasures that sustain us and the “small” deeds that are good. It may be those small deeds, like those “small” hobbits, that change the course of history…Well done!
Thank you for teaching me through example and history what's really important in life to preserve. So far you are my favorite story-teller and I hear when wisdom is apparent.
all i could think about was that pipe would be super freaking hard to clean and youd have to have extra long pipe cleaners. and then i watched and listened. sitting on the edge of ruin doing the things that theyve always done and enjoying the simple things. a way to take a psychological break from the pain and anguish and conflicts endured. thats good stuff.
From Hobbit country myself just love the way you read out poems Malcolm...and simplicity in these crazy times we live in is a real joy...thanks a mill for you and your life lead...love and big hugs once again from afar NZ....and to your dear lovely wife and family...💗💜❤🙏🙏🙏
Welcome my friend to Middle Earth, Do yourself a favor ( trust me and I can say that without any doubt ) and grab yourself a drink of your usual, on me. Jackson did a fine job bringing Middle Earth to life, but he also did some foolish and unnecessary shit that makes zero sense. As well received as a man that has Tolkien`s work down to every detail or letter like I do from the written word. I was given "The Hobbit" as a gift from my mother and I was off to the races. We are talking 50 yrs. here. When you read The Sillmarilion it is almost as if you are studying real history and real languages. Actual they ARE languages! and they don`t accept this. We get angry when you meddle with anything he wrote, and yes we are snobbish and coo coo ! I promise you friend, your nose will be buried in Tolkien`s words !!
I just watched The Two Towers last night with my significant other, and at the scene of Merry and Pippin scavenging Isengard, I told her of this endearing chapter, "Flotsam and Jetsam". So, just for my own comfort, I grabbed The Two Towers and opened it to Flotsam and Jetsam to read just this, and it reminded me so much of Malcolm because I've just discovered his videos. So today, on my work break, I saw this video and thought back to last night because I could see Malcolm particularly enjoying this passage. Sure enough, to my slight astonishment, I guessed it rather closely. And now I feel like I was fated to see this video, just to reinforce my thoughts and feelings of sharing this moment with my loved one last night. Thank you for that, Malcolm.
I've just come from watching kenneth Branagh's adaptation of Henry V and your link came up somehow it seemed fitting to enter into the realm of The Two Towers , the battle of Agincourt seems like it could have happened in middle earth. it seems to me that you are one to admire the Saint Crispins day monologue. any way blessings to you
However, one of those characters should have realised that the barrel of pipe weed in the wreck of Isengard indicated a link of some sort between Saruman and the Shire.
I like hearing you read while I smoke my pipe. Would be happy to hear longer readings from Tolkein, if you may be inclined. I wonder if others may also enjoy that?
_“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”_ - JRR Tolkien With that, I’ll take my pipe and go for a bit of a lunting through the woods. Are you a purely static pipe smoker, or is it a companion all day?
How do we get a regular series of "a pipe and Tolkien" episodes where Malcolm reads through the whole of the LoTR? I would pay good money just to listen to him smoke and read the the lot of it!
Thanks for the reply, Malcolm. I’ll give one a try. I like the simplicity of a Zippo. BTW, I ordered a copy of your poems for Advent, Waiting on the Word. Have a meaningful Advent and a very Merry Christmas.
Malcolm, you are a treasure sir. A true gentleman and a scholar. I have a pipe smoking question. Does the zippo lighter you use impart a slight fuel taste to the smoke?
One of my favorite episodes as well!! That’s a beautiful church warden (the perfect pipe to smoke while reading Tolkien, I assume). What model is it? Also what collectors edition of the books are you reading from? They look to be the perfect size to read to my child as a bedtime story
It's been four months since you posted this and a war has started in the Middle East... It's been stressful for me and this video gives me a way to deal with it. In my own way, I think I'll just go have a pipe. Thanks: )
Dear Malcom, I sometimes struggle with a question; what if this is heaven? And, it’s not with a lack of appreciation that I tell you, your videos cause me to wonder all the more.
Saw two of your readings, good sir. I love how you animate and emote such a simple passage! I have always enjoyed this portion for the reunion alone, but never so well have I felt it before! My passions for this story tend to bring me to more powerful prose and verse: "Southward beyond the road lay the main force of the Haradrim.... right through the press drove Þéoden, Þengel'son, and his spear was shivered as he threw down their chieftain." Your emphasis on the homey passages is quite appreciative, and thank you for the reminder. (I need to add such an element to my own writing!) How, may I ask, do you pronounce 'Southron'? (I hear so many pronunciations of his names, but they appear to be standardizing away from mine). I am curious as you pronounced Took the way that I do, with a British accent (I think). I say it like an American says, "southern", changing the vowel in the last syllable, of course. "Suþ-ron". Two videos and I subscribed. Happy Belated Birthday, El Profé!
Please tell me that there is an audiobook version of the Lord of the Rings narrated by you. And if not, please consider it for it would be a great work of art
@@StDavidpipeslol. I couldn't help but have your comment strike me as amusing. I read it and I just couldn't help but wonder: "what part of what we think of as 'history' is actually fantasy?"
I like you old Wise man had you pegged as a wizard the moment I sure the amp 😅oh bye the way Not that it’s anything important but I was the one the van meatier visit sure in 2003 oh and the 12 that Met him in 19o3 and of course you know The chariot angel Thous dam indimensionals aliens love the brown squares but nothing important just a fellow old wise Bear 🦉🦇🪘🟫
“It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life.” As my life starts to feel too complicated I try to remind myself of this quote and find ways to simplify. I don’t always succeed, but I’ve realized that sometimes less is more.
I couldn't agree more...well said sir
How true. It is the simple pleasures in life that make it worth living.
Especially in these times of technology and deceptive requirements of modernism. Simplicity is a blessing and virtue, my brother.
The thing is a simple life is getting harder and harder to lead.
Nothing wrong with recognizing the beauty of being.
It is my dream to have a sanctuary such as this sometime in my life on earth.
I love your commentary and readings on the Lord of the Rings. I would gladly listen to you read the entire trilogy!
One of my favorite themes of the Lord of the Rings is that it's not merely about fighting evil for the sake of fighting evil; it's defending specific good things in society which is why the Scouring of the Shire is my favorite part of the book. I love Faramir's famous quote, that he doesn't love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the warrior for his glory, but only that which they defend. This section you read is also one of my favorite parts and I actually read (I think it may have been in Diana Glyer's "The Company They Keep", but not sure) that Tolkien had a much longer conversation on pipesmoking in that section and he jotted down a note "Put in Prologue", so whenever I read Gandalf's line that, "Some other time would be more fitting for the history of smoking," I chuckle at the point that Tolkien felt the history to be so important that he wasn't willing to cut it out from the story, but just move it. That really gets at what you said, to carry on our small pleasures when we're able to and when there's a reprieve from the ruin going on like Merry and Pippin.
This episode is such a therapeutic one. Sitting on the edge of ruin and smoking a pipe... Living in Romania, so close to the disaster in Ucraine, for so many times I felt guilty living my simple life, enjoying the peace, the many opportunities that come with it, the good food and a good smoke, and good friendships ... Now I realise it was the right thing to do, while worrying, praying, lending a helping hand, etc. Thank you so much for posting this video!
Malcolm I can listen to you reading Tolkien all night. This is a real treasure!
As soon as I saw he had a selection from The Two Towers, I knew which it would be.
Tolkien would have been a far more deserving recipient of the Nobel Prize for literature than Heinrich Boll or Mikhail Sholokhov. I understand he was nominated by Lewis in 1961 but never even made the shortlist. His impact has been immense.
Never mind, LOTR was consistently at or near the top of Waterstone's "Britain's favourite book" poll, for years, even if it upset the snobs!
One of my favorite passages. 'You rascals, you woolly-footed and wool-pated truants!" Ruin, but so different to Tolkien's description of the ruin that confronts Frodo and Sam when the first see Mordor proper. "A land defiled, diseased beyond all healing - unless the Great Sea should enter in and wash it with oblivion. `I feel sick,' said Sam. Frodo did not speak."
That scene with Merry and Pippin was a great inspiration to me as a small boy. The peace after such a great effort felt so well earned. Every now and then I like to gather with my own best friend beneath the shade of my favorite tree and share a Churchwarden after a long day.
That last sentence lets me know that I could very well get along with Hobbits. Such a wonderful pass time they have.
"Sitting on the edge of ruin." Seems a fitting description of our world of late. This poignant reminder to consider the simple pleasures of life, like smoke from a pipe, is auspicious and apropos. Hobbits always bring us back to the foundation of what is pertinent in our lives - love, simplicity, kindness and generosity.
I love when I come across something like this that has a lot of episodes stored up for me to binge watch. Almost better I just found your channel today watched for 10 seconds and subscribed
Wonderful to hear you read this passage, Malcolm! Thanks for having us drop in!
i could sit and watch you puff pipe and read fantasy novels for hours
You are quickly becoming my go-to relax time video. I find these videos like an adult Reading Rainbow for the busy person who needs to just take 10 to 30 mins to relax.
Me too, one of my favorite scenes! "Little pleasures", even when sitting at the edge of ruin assure the soul somehow. In a way, it reminds me of my grandparents. They never took anything for granted, and even in tough times when who knows what will happen next, we'll take a moment, we'll sit at the table together and sip a cup of coffee or tea, we'll have a smoke... we'll talk and life will go on.
While it is true that I have always enjoyed these lovely stories, I find your enthusiastic reading to be a key to a greater comprehension previously unknown. Blessings to you and your bride.
Seating on field of victory, one victory against the evil celebrating with the shire best of life style. Thats why i moved from london to east Sussex
Thank you for your beautiful episode
What a great thought to ponder. When on the edge of ruin, which we may all soon be, do not capitulate, but carry on with the simple pleasures and everyday doings. This may very well be the secret to a happy life. Thanks for another great video and some positive thoughts.
I just KNEW it would be that scene! One of my favorite chapters
I guess I need to read these books again! Enjoyed this immensely!!
This is like the audiobook I always wanted
I hang on every word that Tolkien writes in this passage. They bring a smile and a giggle at every read! A blessing in my day.
The scene at Isengard is one of my favorites. Thank you for reading the passage and sharing a pipe with me!
TH-cam was kind to suggest this channel. I am loving your content.
I do believe that final point you make is completely aligned with Tolkein.
Just delightful. Thank you.
I finished reading the rest of the chapter. To me, Théoden was saying even though the party must end for now it will resume….and all will be told to the hobbits hearts desire.
I particularly love your Gimli voice Malcolm, thankyou!
thanks!
Such a lovely reading of this passage! Reminds me of Tolkien’s words about there being nothing wrong in celebrating a simple life. When ruin is all around, what else is there to do but to celebrate and aspire to a simple life with a few comforts? Glad I found this channel!
I feel like if there is a way to a fantastical land this man would be the one to know how to get there. Thank you real Gandalf.
One of my favorite passages from TT as well.
What a fun passage! and with your own pipe as the perfect accessory!
Wonderful!
what an excellent reading of one of the best passages, thank you.
Beautiful…A church warden and Merry and Pippin after The fall of Isengard…And much wisdom to be taken in the “small” pleasures that sustain us and the “small” deeds that are good. It may be those small deeds, like those “small” hobbits, that change the course of history…Well done!
Thank you for teaching me through example and history what's really important in life to preserve. So far you are my favorite story-teller and I hear when wisdom is apparent.
all i could think about was that pipe would be super freaking hard to clean and youd have to have extra long pipe cleaners. and then i watched and listened. sitting on the edge of ruin doing the things that theyve always done and enjoying the simple things. a way to take a psychological break from the pain and anguish and conflicts endured. thats good stuff.
From Hobbit country myself just love the way you read out poems Malcolm...and simplicity in these crazy times we live in is a real joy...thanks a mill for you and your life lead...love and big hugs once again from afar NZ....and to your dear lovely wife and family...💗💜❤🙏🙏🙏
Wonderful just wonderful 😊
Excellent video. Thanks for sharing, what a great scene portraying rest after a long journey blowing blue smoke rings. An important life lesson.
I finally a few weeks ago watched the 3 Lord of the rings films they were excellent!! Congratulations on your award 👏👏god bless 🙏thanks
Welcome my friend to Middle Earth, Do yourself a favor ( trust me and I can say that without any doubt ) and grab yourself a drink of your usual, on me. Jackson did a fine job bringing Middle Earth to life, but he also did some foolish and unnecessary shit that makes zero sense. As well received as a man that has Tolkien`s work down to every detail or letter like I do from the written word. I was given "The Hobbit" as a gift from my mother and I was off to the races. We are talking 50 yrs. here. When you read The Sillmarilion it is almost as if you are studying real history and real languages. Actual they ARE languages! and they don`t accept this. We get angry when you meddle with anything he wrote, and yes we are snobbish and coo coo ! I promise you friend, your nose will be buried in Tolkien`s words !!
I always like Hobbit wisdom! Thank you for another great video.
Wonderful.
Thank you Malcolm.
Thank you for this, very much enjoyed this, it was a tonic. 🌞
A very enjoyable interlude!
I just watched The Two Towers last night with my significant other, and at the scene of Merry and Pippin scavenging Isengard, I told her of this endearing chapter, "Flotsam and Jetsam". So, just for my own comfort, I grabbed The Two Towers and opened it to Flotsam and Jetsam to read just this, and it reminded me so much of Malcolm because I've just discovered his videos. So today, on my work break, I saw this video and thought back to last night because I could see Malcolm particularly enjoying this passage. Sure enough, to my slight astonishment, I guessed it rather closely. And now I feel like I was fated to see this video, just to reinforce my thoughts and feelings of sharing this moment with my loved one last night. Thank you for that, Malcolm.
Thanks, that's a nice story!
Just Magical !
Many thanks for posting
An excellent bit of wisdom! Thank you for this reminder!
A very splendid lesson indeed! And a very enjoyable 11 minutes. Thank you
The small good things - a pint and a pipe.
Enjoyed that! Thank you.
Enjoyment and merriment In its finest ❤
Id pay top dollar to hear you read the full trilogy ❤
Good evening 😊 Awesome Lord of the Rings 😊Thanks for a great video & sharing 👏🏼 Greetings From South Africa 🇿🇦
Thank you.
I've just come from watching kenneth Branagh's adaptation of Henry V and your link came up somehow it seemed fitting to enter into the realm of The Two Towers , the battle of Agincourt seems like it could have happened in middle earth. it seems to me that you are one to admire the Saint Crispins day monologue. any way blessings to you
I thoroughly enjoyed this,
Thank you 🙂
My favorite was when they led the charge at the Black Gate. It was epic!
I have that same boxed set. Very nice.
Dude I dunno how I found this dude but these are amazingly relaxing videos to watch
Also a favourite passage of mine. Wonderful to hear you read it.
Brilliant insight. Thank you.
However, one of those characters should have realised that the barrel of pipe weed in the wreck of Isengard indicated a link of some sort between Saruman and the Shire.
Such a great little reading rounded of with such a beautiful summary 🙂
I like hearing you read while I smoke my pipe. Would be happy to hear longer readings from Tolkein, if you may be inclined. I wonder if others may also enjoy that?
I feel wonderful watching and in particular listening to your sessions, dear Friend. Bless you!
Thanks for listening
Such a wonderful read, Malcom. Just love your enthusiasm it's contagious! Thank you, for lifting my spirits today. Merry Christmas. ~ Debbie
_“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”_ - JRR Tolkien
With that, I’ll take my pipe and go for a bit of a lunting through the woods. Are you a purely static pipe smoker, or is it a companion all day?
I sometimes sit for a while in our local woods and have a pipe there
And low the Kings of the Gong People did ring out their bless-ed silver bells and summoned the sleeping Magoo from his cold mountain bed.
How do we get a regular series of "a pipe and Tolkien" episodes where Malcolm reads through the whole of the LoTR? I would pay good money just to listen to him smoke and read the the lot of it!
Pay attention to the small things. Thank you ❤
Thank you Malcom..
Thanks for the reply, Malcolm. I’ll give one a try. I like the simplicity of a Zippo.
BTW, I ordered a copy of your poems for Advent, Waiting on the Word.
Have a meaningful Advent and a very Merry Christmas.
thanks, hope you enjoy them
They ran for two weeks straight? It was amazing
Malcolm, you are a treasure sir. A true gentleman and a scholar.
I have a pipe smoking question. Does the zippo lighter you use impart a slight fuel taste to the smoke?
I dont find that it does but I know that some people do
Bernard hill (king Theodan) died today
R.i.P
❤❤❤
I always look forward too these videos
One of my favorite episodes as well!! That’s a beautiful church warden (the perfect pipe to smoke while reading Tolkien, I assume). What model is it? Also what collectors edition of the books are you reading from? They look to be the perfect size to read to my child as a bedtime story
thanks its a Peterson ChurchWarden and the edition of tolkien is the one with the alan howe illustrations
Living the life 😊
You make some very good connections my friend
Amazing rendition of this wonderful scene. What tobaccos are you enjoying in your pipe these days?
Kendal Black Cherry
It's been four months since you posted this and a war has started in the Middle East...
It's been stressful for me and this video gives me a way to deal with it.
In my own way, I think I'll just go have a pipe.
Thanks: )
glad its helpful
Dear Malcom, I sometimes struggle with a question; what if this is heaven? And, it’s not with a lack of appreciation that I tell you, your videos cause me to wonder all the more.
Saw two of your readings, good sir. I love how you animate and emote such a simple passage! I have always enjoyed this portion for the reunion alone, but never so well have I felt it before!
My passions for this story tend to bring me to more powerful prose and verse:
"Southward beyond the road lay the main force of the Haradrim.... right through the press drove Þéoden, Þengel'son, and his spear was shivered as he threw down their chieftain."
Your emphasis on the homey passages is quite appreciative, and thank you for the reminder. (I need to add such an element to my own writing!)
How, may I ask, do you pronounce 'Southron'? (I hear so many pronunciations of his names, but they appear to be standardizing away from mine).
I am curious as you pronounced Took the way that I do, with a British accent (I think). I say it like an American says, "southern", changing the vowel in the last syllable, of course. "Suþ-ron".
Two videos and I subscribed. Happy Belated Birthday, El Profé!
thanks. I pronounce it suthron
@@MalcolmGuitespell I am not alone!
You are welcome.
Nice pipe sir!
I am insanely curious! What are your thoughts on the Lord of the Rings extended movies?
❤😂
Please tell me that there is an audiobook version of the Lord of the Rings narrated by you. And if not, please consider it for it would be a great work of art
I'd love to do it!
@@MalcolmGuitespell It would become a regular listen for me for sure. I have greatly enjoyed listening to you and your work.
Pretty good Gimli
what tobacco do you prefer sir ?
Peterson Deluxe Navy Rolls and Kendal Black Cherry
I politely request more pipe smoking tails. Thank you.
Please I must know what kind of pipe this is
Peterson
@@MalcolmGuitespell Thank you very much my good man!
What happened to your voice professor?
You need to narrate the Lord of the Rings!! I would love to listen to that!! While I smoke my pipe😁
I can take or leave fantasy stories. You however made it enjoyable.
A up David, have you not read it, absolute English classic 😊
@@TruckinPiperBob , I’ve looked through it. Not into fantasy reads or movies. History is my passion.
@@StDavidpipeslol. I couldn't help but have your comment strike me as amusing. I read it and I just couldn't help but wonder: "what part of what we think of as 'history' is actually fantasy?"
old tobey tobacco #pippin
I like you old Wise man had you pegged as a wizard the moment I sure the amp 😅oh bye the way Not that it’s anything important but I was the one the van meatier visit sure in 2003 oh and the 12 that Met him in 19o3 and of course you know The chariot angel Thous dam indimensionals aliens love the brown squares but nothing important just a fellow old wise Bear 🦉🦇🪘🟫