council of elrond

LORD OF THE RINGS JCC
COUNCIL
OF
ELROND
Chair – Grace Mausser
Crisis Director – Rosa Kim
Vice Chair – Parth Taparia
wamunc.com | march 20 – 23, 2014
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Introduction
Dear Delegates,
Welcome to the sixteenth annual Washington Area Model United Nations
Conference (WAMUNC)! My name is Rosa Kim, and I will be serving as the Crisis
Director for the Lord of the Rings Joint Crisis Committee. I am currently a junior in
the Elliott School majoring in International Affairs with a Concentration in Security
Policy, and just came back from a semester abroad in London. I was born and raised
in Korea until I moved to Taiwan and lived there for the past fifteen years. I have
been doing Model UN since middle school, starting out with local conferences and
then gradually stretching out to international conferences such as The Hague
International MUN in Singapore. In college, I have also attended various conferences
such as SCSY at Yale, HNMUN in Boston, and McMUN in Montreal, Canada. Most
recently I had the honor of representing GW at World MUN 2013 held in Melbourne,
Australia last March. As for my chair experiences, I have chaired a number of times
in high school, and vice-chaired and staffed past GWCIA (our middle school
conference) and WAMUNC conferences.
I am extremely excited to be crisis directing our Lord of the Rings JCC. As an
avid Tolkien fan of both the books and the films, I hold Lord of the Rings very close
to the heart. With its vast pool of characters, geo-political struggles, and fantasy
elements, I believe that Lord of the Rings will be a great background to hold crisis
simulations in. Please keep in mind as you prepare for this committee that while this
joint crisis simulation will be taking the background components from Tolkien’s
original work, the directed crisis may become different from the original plot.
Apart from Model UN and the world of J.R.R. Tolkien, I also love watching
old and new films, musical theatre, Sour Patch Watermelons, Haribo, and “Parks &
Recreation.”
If you have any questions about this committee, please feel free to contact
your chair or myself.
Á na márië,
Rosa Kim
Crisis Director
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Helloooooooooooooooo delegates,
My name is Grace Mausser and I will be your chair for the Lord of the Rings,
Council of Elrond committee. I am very excited to be your chair for WAMUNC XVI
and cannot wait to solve (and cause) problems in Middle Earth with you.
A little bit of info about me: I hail from the distant land of Houston, Texas and
will use the word “y’all” in committee, so get ready. I am a sophomore studying
International Affairs and Economics with a minor in Arabic. Though I love studying
all cultures and states, my heart lies with the Middle East. I avidly follow events in
the Middle East, which, as of late, requires quite a bit of time. Outside of academics, I
am on the Executive Board for the GW International Affairs Society, which runs the
WAMUNC conference, and work at the Institute for Women’s Policy Research.
When I am not running around DC doing all of this stuff, I like cooking, reading,
watching movies, dying my hair various colors, listening to NPR, and sitting.
Clearly, a lot of my interests lend themselves nicely to Model UN. Though I
did not do MUN in high school (I did speech and debate), I fell in love with it in
college. I attended six conferences last year including WorldMUN, and I cannot wait
to compete more this year. For most of my Model UN experience, I have been a
delegate, so I intend to make this committee as delegate-friendly as possible. I want to
get to the substance of the debate without getting caught up in irrelevant nuances of
parliamentary procedure. So, if you have any questions or aren’t sure about some
aspect of parliamentary procedure, please ask the dais; we won’t judge.
Hello, everyone!
My name is Parth Taparia and I am the vice chair for this committee. I hail
from the city of Richmond, Virginia, just two hours south of Washington, DC. I hope
to be majoring in International Affairs with a Concentration in Economics from the
Elliott School of International Affairs at GW. I have been participating in Model
United Nations since middle school, varying from chairing and crisis managing to
being a delegate in committees. As per Lord of the Rings goes, Return of the King is
most definitely my favorite movie with Aragorn being my favorite character of all
time. Other than Model UN and LOTR, I’m a huge Harry Potter fan, I enjoy long
walks at the National Mall when the government does not shut it down and I’m a
huge Patriots fan. Just remember, “A day may come when the courage of men fails …
but it is not THIS day!” Get ready for a legen – wait for it – dary committee.
I look forward to getting to know all of you and seeing what ideas you bring to
committee. I know our Crisis Director has some tricks up her sleeve, so come
prepared. We may not have the CGI technology of Peter Jackson, but, trust me, things
in Middle ‘bout to get crazy.
See you soon!
Grace Mausser (Chair) & Parth Taparia (Vice Chair)
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Description of the Committee
This committee will be acting as the Council of Elrond, a council of varying
leaders across the free lands of Middle Earth, gathered to discuss and design plans to
thwart the ever-growing threat of Sauron’s evil forces in the east. Led by Gandalf the
Grey and Elrond the Wise, the different representatives of the many free folk of
Middle Earth must balance their own interests as well as the interests of the free folk
of Middle Earth as a whole. The delegates have the abilities to prepare armies, hold
diplomatic negotiations, climb Mount Doom, fight behind the walls of Helm’s Deep,
and help destroy the One Ring, according to their characters. This committee will
have surprise twists and turns as the two committees within the JCC will interact and
counter each other’s movements.
While the committee will be heavily based off of J.R.R. Tolkien’s work
including as well as outside of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, such as from The
Simarillion, The Hobbit, and other background material provided by the numerous
appendices attached to the Return of the King book. Delegates may refer to these
books and the information they hold for reference and general knowledge of Middle
Earth and its various races of people, rich history, and the different geo-political
situations of each territory. Although the committee is described as a Lord of the
Rings Joint Crisis Committee, the crises may not always follow the storyline of the
trilogy and creative license will be taken and used by the staff members.
Introduction to the Topic
Middle Earth has had a rich history of the interactions among various races,
including the elves, men, dwarves, and orc kind. Since the creation of Middle Earth,
there was always a conflict between good and evil, embodied in the constant struggle
of the free people of Middle Earth versus Melkor (also known as Morgoth). By the
time the committee sessions take place, Melkor had already been defeated by previous
heroes of Middle Earth, but his successor, Sauron, still embodied the evils of Middle
Earth.
In Middle Earth, there were three original Rings of Power given to the wisest
and fairest elves. These rings were not created as weapons of war but to preserve the
beautiful and aid the living in order to preserve the elven realms of Middle Earth.
Sauron then oversaw the creation of sixteen rings, nine were given kings of Men and
seven were given to Dwarf lords. Then in secret, Sauron forged the One Ring
intending to subdue all wearers of the Rings of Power. The Nine and Seven were
easily subdued under Sauron’s control. While the three Elven rings were not directly
under control of the One Ring, they were still hidden to prevent any further influence
from Sauron. The nine kings of Men who were given rings became the Nazgul.
Sauron had poured so much of his malicious soul into the One Ring that he became
tied to the fate of the One Ring. With the One Ring, Sauron can gain his full power
and spread malice across Middle Earth.
In the year 3430 of the Second Age, the War of the Last Alliance of Men and
Elves took place as a combined effort among all free peoples of Middle Earth against
Sauron and his rising threat of conquest for the entirety of Middle Earth. While the
cost was great, Sauron was defeated and his supporters withdrew behind the gates of
Mordor. Sauron had the Ring of Power, into which he had poured his malice and all
his power. It was during the War of the Last Alliance when Sauron lost the One Ring,
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and it had disappeared from history. Because of the missing ring, Sauron could not
take a corporeal form and rebound in full power, and thus remained in the shadows of
Middle Earth, biding for his time to rise up again.
It is now year 3009 of the Third Age. The free peoples of Middle Earth have
enjoyed almost a thousand years of relative peace, despite the disruptions every now
and then in different areas of Middle Earth. However, Gandalf has realized that the
enemy is beginning to mobilize his forces, create weapons, and prepare a large-scale
army behind the closed gates of Mordor. Shadows have crept over lands such as
Mirkwood, and there are now stirrings in the East. Word has spread of diplomats
crossing paths in the southeast between Mordor and the men of Harad and the
Corsairs of Umbar. There have been no signs of where the One Ring can be found,
and yet Gandalf fears that a mobilized enemy force under Sauron may bring Middle
Earth to an end once and for all. He has now called forth a meeting of the Council of
Elrond so that all free people of Middle Earth may gather together to decide on future
courses of action.
Committee Objectives
With Sauron’s emerging militarization and intelligence from various sources
of evil things growing again from the east, it is up to the Council of Elrond to ensure
that these concerns are met.
First, it is important for the various races of Elves, Men, Dwarves, and perhaps
even Hobbits to discuss a form of collective security measure to address potential
threats that may approach from not just Mordor but also other parts of Middle Earth.
Second, alliances do not stop with just the familiar. It may be wise to reach out
to other races beyond the borders of Gondor and past Erebor to see if any will fight
against Sauron’s desire to control Middle Earth and enslave all Free Peoples of
Middle Earth. By sending emissaries, ambassadors, and other negotiators, more
alliances can be created to fight against the will of Sauron.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, every representative present at the
Council of Elrond must be aware of his or her kingdom or race’s troubles and debate
the price of fighting against Sauron. Each kingdom has its own weakness and
ultimately may still choose whether or not to participate in this fight against Sauron.
Delegates must weigh the various options to ensure that certain needs of the kingdoms
they are representing come before other priorities of Middle Earth.
Crisis Dynamic
While this Joint Crisis Committee will be run with fantastical elements, it is
necessary for the delegates to remember the important geopolitics of each kingdom,
tribe, and group. Some pertinent topics are isolationist versus involvement in the
geopolitics of Middle Earth, importance of alliances, creation of collective security
agreements, and various pre-war cautionary measures that can be found in our modern
history. It may help to understand historical factors of pre-World War I Europe as
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well as the causes that brought the many European imperialist powers into World War
I.
This Joint Crisis Committee will not be focused on warmongering and instead
more on geopolitical strategizing. While wars are not completely out of the question,
it is highly suggested that the delegates focus less so on direct warfare and wartime
strategies, but more on diplomatic solutions and negotiations to create optimal
diplomatic upper hand against the other committee.
As described previously, this committee will not be necessarily following the
timeline of Lord of the Rings Trilogy. While reading the books will most definitely
help with preparing for this conference, the crisis dynamic of this JCC will not be
based purely on the Trilogy. Therefore, the delegates should come to the conference
with a thorough knowledge of not just their character biography, but also of the
history of Middle Earth and its various races and kingdoms. By using creativity, the
delegates may be able to pave a different kind of future for Middle Earth by utilizing
the world of Tolkien to its full potential.
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Figure 1: Map of Middle Earth. This map has extensive detail in terms of lands to the south of Mordor.
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Important Terms
Geographical
Figure 2-1: Close-up of the northwestern parts of Middle Earth.
Angmar: This is the realm of the Nazgul leader, known as the Witchking of Angmar.
It is a cold realm, located in the north of the Misty Mountains. The last king of
Gondor, Prince Earnur, came to the aid of Arthedain, an enemy of Angmar. Although
Prince Earnur came too to save Arthedain, his forces defeated those of Angmar.
Subsequently, the Witchking of Angmar fled to Mordor.
Arnor: The Northern Kingdom, was a kingdom of Dunedain in the land of Eriador in
Middle-earth. Means the “Land of the King.” Formerly under a single kingship in
Gondor,
Carn Dum: The capital of Angmar, and the home base for the King of Angmar. It
was destroyed when Earnur and his allies defeated the Nazgul king. After its
destruction it was inhabited by orcs until they too, were destroyed.
Lothlorien (Lorien): A forest realm of the Elves located east of Moria between the
Misty Mountains and the river Anduin. It was settled during the First Age and is one
of the few remaining outposts of the Elves. The elf Galadriel’s magic enriched the
land and made it a magic forest into which evil could not enter without difficulty; the
only way that Lothlorien could be conquered is through the power of the One Ring.
Rivendell: Established by Elrond in the Second Age of Middle-earth, Rivendell is an
eleven outpost. It is well hidden in the foothills of the Misty Mountains and has
avoided battles in the various conflict of Middle-earth. Elrond lives here with his
family; the Council of Elrond will be held here.
The Shire: Settled in 1601 of the Third Age, the Shire is a region of Middle-earth that
is exclusively inhabited by Hobbits and is largely removed from the events of the rest
of Middle-earth. It is located in the northwest of the continent in the region of Eriador
in the Kingdom of Arnor. The Shire is described as a beautiful, fruitful land that is not
industrialized but has an extensive agriculture industry. The Shire is dearly beloved
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by the Hobbits and, due to its relative unimportance, it has been largely ignored in
military conquests.
Figure 2-2: Close-up of northeastern parts of Middle Earth. Note the overlap with Figure 2-1 by the
Misty Mountains mountain range on the left, including Rivendell.
Dale: Dale is the city state of Men in the northeastern Rhovanion to the south of the
Erebor.
Dol Goldur: Also known as the Hill of Dark Sorcery, was Sauron's stronghold and
base of operations when he worked his sorcery in the wood under the name of The
Necromancer.
Lonely Mountain (Erebor): Erebor is the mountain northeast of Rhovanion and is
the source of the River Running (Celduin). It is inhabited by the Dwarves of Durin’s
Folk during the end of the Third Age and the beginning of the Fourth Age
Mirkwood: Mirkwood is a large forest in Middle-earth in the eastern region of
Rhovian. It lies between the Grey Mountains and Gondor. It is densely forested and
has a large and a small river running through it (the small river is enchanted).
Originally inhabited by wood-elves, until the year 1050 when the darkness of Sauron
fell upon the land. Bilbo Baggins passed through Mirkwood during his quest to regain
the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug.
Rhun: This region is also known as the East and the Easterlings. The Easterlings, or
Men of Darkness, are allies of Sauron and it is from this area that many attacks on
Gondor are launched.
River Anduin: Also known as the Great River of Wilderland. It flowed from its
source in the Grey and Misty Mountains to the Mouths of Anduin in the Great Sea.
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Figure 3-1: Close-up of southwestern parts of Middle Earth. Note the overlap with Lorien and Dol
Goldur from Figures 2-1 and Figure 2-2.
Gondor: The greatest western realm of Men in Middle-earth, Gondor served as the
last stronghold of the Men of the West. Gondor is an important location due to
proximity to Mordor and its relative wealth. It has strong armies and is the strongest
and largest country opposed to Sauron and his allies.
Dol Amroth: It is a princedom that formed part of the kingdom of Gondor.
Prince of Dol Amroth is the ruler of Dol Amroth.
Fangorn: Also known as “Entwood,” this forest is located beneath the
southeastern flank of the Misty Mountains. It is the home of the last of the
Ents, a sentient, tree-like race. The Ents are a very powerful, but slow people.
They are potentially valuable allies for elves, men and dwarves in the fight
against Sauron.
Isengard: Isengard (Angrenost) in Sindarin was one of the three Fortresses of Gondor
and is in the realm’s Palantiri. During the end of the Third Age, Isengard was under
Saruman’s control.
Rohan: A kingdom of Men, located in the land once called Calenardhon, in between
the great vale of the Misty Mounts and the White Mountains to the south. Rohan’s
people are the Rohirrim but they call themselves the Eorlingas, sons of Eorl the
Young, first King of Rohan. The land was known as Rohan to the Men of Gondor.
Rohan is the greatest ally to the Lords of Gondor from the Third Age and onwards.
The Rohirrim are well known for their strong cavalries and the cultural importance of
horses.
Edoras: Capital city of Rohan.
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Helm's Deep: Helm’s Deep is the largest fortress of Rohan. It is the large
valley in the northwestern White Mountains, and the Rohirrim have won many
battles by fortifying themselves at Helm’s Deep.
Figure 3-2: Close-up of southeastern parts of Middle Earth. Note the overlap of western Gondor on the
left side of this map from Figure 3-1.
Gondor
Fields of Pelennor: The Pelennor Fields were the townlands and fields of
Minas Tirith. The fields are surrounded by a great wall to prevent invasion.
The east gate and accompanying watch-towers of Rammas Echor were known
as the Causeway Forts and were the strongest section of the entire wall. In
total the wall consisted of three main gates; north, east and south. (In Figure 32, the Field of Pelennor is the area between Osgiliath and Minas Tirith. The
figure does not indicate the location of the Field.)
Osgiliath: Osgiliath is the ancient capital of Gondor, but it gradually fell into
ruin and was replaced by Minas Tirith. It was originally defended by two
smaller fortress cities.
Mordor: A foreboding volcanic plane upon which Sauron built his fortress.
Surrounded on three sides by mountains, Mordor is very defensible. To the north, it is
bordered by Ash Mountains (Ered Lithui), and to the west and the south, it is bordered
by the Mountains of Shadow (Ephel Duath). To the south is the barren plains of
Gorgoroth and Nurn. In front of the Black Gate, in the northwest corner of Mordor, is
Sauron’s main fortress of Barad-dûr. To the Southwest of Barad-dûr is arid plateau of
Gorgoroth and Mount Doom, the place where the Ring was forged. The terrain of this
area makes it difficult to reach, and aids in securing Mordor. To the East, Mordor is
heavily guarded by border forts and there is heavy traffic between Mordor and
Sauron’s ally Rhun, making it difficult to mount an attack or pass unnoticed. Sauron
first settled in Mordor 1,000 years after the end of the First Age. Sauron’s rule of
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Mordor was interrupted twice. After the Last Alliance of Elves and Men fought and
defeated Sauron, Mordor was guarded by Gondor for a thousand years to prevent it
from being reclaimed by evil. However, the Nazgul reclaimed Mordor and Sauron
returned soon after he was thought to be destroyed under the identity of the
Necromancer (this occurred around the time of the quest to retake the Lonely
Mountain).
Minas Morgul: A city-fortress, originally built by Isildur of Gondor under the
name Minas Ithil. It was built to keep watch on Mordor to ensure that evil did
not return after Sauron’s defeat. However, the city was weakened by plague
and Gondor was under attack from Mordor’s allies in the years leading up to
Sauron’s return to Mordor. Minas Ithil was captured by the Nazgul as they
prepared for Sauron’s return, and become known as Minas Morgul, which
means “The Tower of Sorcery.”
Minas Tirith: Minas Tirith is the well-fortified capital city of Gondor. The
city is divided into seven 100-foot levels, each higher than the other, and
culminating in the Citadel. The city is well fortified and easily defended, but,
due to the dark influence of Sauron, it has recently fallen into disrepair and its
population has dwindled.
Mount Doom: Also known by the name Orodruin and Amon Amarth, it is the
volcanic where Sauron forged the One Ring. Sauron chose to build his
fortresses and settle in Mordor because he could use the fire from deep within
the Earth for his sorcery and his forging. Mount Doom is tied to Sauron’s
power, probably because it was there that he forged the ring. Sauron is able to
control the mountain’s fires.
Tower of Barad-Dur: This is the Sauron’s base of operations from within
Mordor. At 1400 meters high, it is the largest fortress in Middle Earth, and is
built and maintained by Dark Magic. It is located near Mount Doom, and
Sauron put much of his personal power into its creation. It was destroyed after
Sauron’s defeat by the Last Alliance of Elves and Men, but the foundations
could not be thoroughly destroyed while the Ring still existed. Upon Sauron’s
return, it was rebuilt. At its top is the Window of the Eye, through which the
Eye of Sauron gazes out over Middle Earth.
Umbar: Umbar was a realm to the far south of Gondor in Middle-earth where Men
lived, and in during the Great Years was known for the seafaring Corsairs (men of
middle earth known for their piracy along the coasts of Gondor) who reigned there in
the havens that were built during the reign of the Kings in Gondor. Umbar's fleet was
largely destroyed but has since been regaining its lost capabilities.
Miscellaneous
Harad (Harad, or Haradwaith): The name of the immense realm south of Gondor
and Mordor. Harad lies between the sea of Umbar to its west and Khand northeast and
was divided into two main provinces. Near Harad, which was the closest to both
Mordor and Gondor, and Far Harad, which was nearest to the land of Umbar. Harad's
tribes were divided--at least in the minds of the men of northwestern Middle-earth.
Nazgul (ringwraiths): Once nine great Kings of Men, they were all given Rings of
Power. After centuries the effect of the rings left the kings spectral, invisible to all but
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Sauron and whoever wore the One Ring. It was from Minas Morgul that the Nine
directed the rebuilding of Sauron's armies and the preparation of Mordor for their
master's return. Because the ruling Ring was not destroyed, the Nazgûl re-emerged
around 1300 of the Third Age. It was around this time that the Witch-king of Angmar
launched attacks against the nearby kingdom of Arnor. Though the Ringwraiths were
among the greatest of Sauron's servants, they also had certain weaknesses that could
be used against them. One of these was daylight itself. With the exception of the
Witch-King of Angmar, none of them (especially Khamûl) could operate as well
under the Sun and generally feared it. Their greatest weakness was apparently fire.
One Ring: Sauron forged the One Ring with the purpose of controlling the thoughts
and deeds of those who wore the lesser Rings, hoping to gain dominion over the
remaining Noldor in Middle-earth. However, its secondary function ended up being
far more useful to Sauron in the long run; so long as he wore it, it enhanced his power
in the same manner that one of the Seven or Nine would do so to its wielder. A
person with sufficient willpower and native strength — such as a Maia, Elf-lord, or
some lords of Númenórean heritage — could use this power to their advantage. This
can be seen by the fact that the power the ring gave was proportional to the power of
the wearer; a simple creature becomes merely invisible, whereas other, more powerful
ones will become nearly invincible.
Palantir: also known as Seeing-stones, The Palantíri were meant to be used by the
Dúnedain to communicate throughout the Realms in Exile.
Characters
Aragorn: Aragorn II, son of Arathorn, a captain of the Numenorean Dunedain, and the
last heir to the line of Isildur, the kings of Gondor. Although Aragorn is supposed to
be the king of Gondor, Gondor’s throne has been maintained by the Steward of
Gondor, and Aragorn has not done much to claim his kingship just yet. He is
extremely resourceful as a ranger in the wilds of Middle Earth, and is also wellrespected by many people he has met in his travels.
Legolas: Legolas Greenleaf, son of Thranduli. He is a prince of Mirkwood, an elven
settlement in the northeastern areas of Middle Earth. Shadow has crept over the
forests, hence the name “Mirkwood.” Legolas is a close friend of Aragorn, and has
come to the Council to speak for his people.
Gimli: Gimli, son of Gloin. He is a dwarf of a royal family line of dwarves, and have
come to the Council to represent the free dwarves. There are dwarves that are living
in Erebor of the Lonely Mountain, and Gimli is also related to Lord Balin, the Lord of
Moria.
Gloin: Gloin is the father of Gimli, and was once a part of Thorin and Company
during the dwarves’ quest to reclaim Erebor from Smaug the dragon.
Boromir: First son of the current steward of Gondor, Denethor II. Boromir is
headstrong, has plenty of military experience, and yet is a man. Mankind is easily
corrupted by the power of the One Ring, and he has had difficulty rejecting such
seduction.
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Faramir: Second son of the current steward of Gondor, Denethor II. Farmamir is more
of a pacifist than his warrior-like brother, but he still remains a captain of the royal
army forces of Gondor. Denethor II shows heavy preference towards Boromir as his
favorite son, thus Faramir has an estranged relationship with his father.
Theoden: King of Rohan. Rohan is the second largest kingdom of men in Middle
Earth, and is a kingdom known for its horse-lords and cavalries. King Theoden is
currently unwell, due to an unknown sickness that has left him immobile and unfit to
rule. His chief advisor, Grima Wormtongue, is his right-hand man.
Eomer: Nephew of King Theoden of Rohan, Eomer and his sister, Eowyn, are both
under King Theoden’s protection, having lost their parents long time ago. He is the
third Marshal of the Mark, leaving him responsible for one-third of all the Muster of
Rohan and commanded a fully equipped eored, a cavalry company of Rohirrim riders.
Galadriel: Co-ruler and Lady of Lothlorien, Lady Galadriel is one of the most
important and powerful beings of Middle Earth. She bears Nenya, one of the three
Elven rings of power, which has the power of protection, preservation and
concealment from evil. Galadriel has always been one of the leaders of an opposition
force against Sauron, forming the White Council, which consisted of important
figures such as Gandalf and Saruman. Lorien, her seat of power, is also in charge of
keeping vigilance over the fortress of Dol Goldur, Sauron’s secondary seat of power.
Prince Imrahil: Imrahil, Prince of Dol Amroth, is the governor of the principality of
Dol Amroth under the Kingdom of Gondor. The city of Dol Amroth is near the Bay of
Belfalas and has access to the seas.
Saruman: Saruman the White is a wizard (Istari), and he is the chief of the wizards
and the White Council that opposes Sauron. He is acknowledged as the chief of the
Istari and dwells in the fortress of Orthanc in Isengard.
Merry: Meriadoc Brandybuck, called Merry for short, is a hobbit of the Shire and is
one of Frodo’s cousins and closest friends. He is very perceptive and intelligent of the
hobbits, and is the son of the Master of Buckland.
Pippin: Peregrin Took, nicknamed Pippin, is a hobbit of the Shire and is also one of
Frodo’s cousins and closest friends. He is from the powerful Took family that holds
the title of the Thain of the Shire, which is the military leader of the Shire.
Sam: Samwise Gamgee, called Sam for short, is a hobbit of the Shire. He is also
Frodo Baggins’ gardener and best friend, and becomes his most trusted and loyal
companion. He takes the role of protecting Frodo as his highest priority.
Wormtongue: Grima Wormtongue is the chief advisor to King Theoden of Rohan,
and has had an acquaintance with Saruman the White.
Captain Carthaen: Captain Carthaen is a captain of the Dunedain rangers. He is a
close friend of Aragorn’s and leads men throughout the lands of Arnor in the north of
Middle Earth to repel forces of evil.
Thranduil: King Thranduil is an elven king who rules over Mirkwood of elves in the
northeast parts of Middle Earth. Geographically, Mirkwood is close to the dwarves of
Erebor and the Men of Dale.
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Arwen: Arwen Undomiel is the daughter of Lord Elrond of Rivendell. Her
grandmother is also Lady Galadriel. Arwen and Aragorn have been in love for many
years but Lord Elrond has been adverse to their marriage unless Aragorn takes his
rightful place as the King of Gondor.
King Brand: Brand is the King of Dale, a kingdom of men in the northwest Middle
Earth, geographically close to the Lonely Mountain, Mirkwood, and has had
experience with being attacked by the Easterlings.
Dain II Ironfoot: Dain II Ironfoot is a dwarven King of Durin’s Folk, the fifth King
under the Mountain (Erebor), and Lord of the Iron Hills. After reclaiming their
homeland from the dragon Smaug previously, King Dain reigned under the Lonely
Mountain. He has maintained a strong relationship with the Kingdom of Dale, which
is geographically close to the Lonely Mountain.
Questions to Consider
1. How can each realm repel encroaching regional evil forces while also creating
alliances with other kingdoms to create a larger force against Sauron and
Mordor?
2. Sauron is attempting to create alliances with Easterlings, pirates of the south,
and the Haradrim. How can each kingdom become responsible to disrupt such
alliance-making?
3. There are also spies of Sauron among the free kingdoms of Middle Earth.
How can these spies be exposed and eradicated?
Useful Links (especially if you don’t want to spend time poring over all of the books)
1. LOTRProject: Interactive timelines and maps of Middle Earth.
http://lotrproject.com/map/#zoom=2&lat=-1455&lon=1573.5&layers=BT
2. LOTR Wiki: All-around useful wiki page with extensive background.
http://lotr.wikia.com
3. LOTR Wiki – Maps: Useful close-up maps of Middle Earth including .gif
files. http://lotr.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Images_of_maps