The Lord of the Rings Discussion Project: Book III Ch. III - The Uruk-Hai

[Last Child of Ungoliant]

Book III Chapter III ‘The Uruk-Hai’



Here we have another chapter that starts with a dream, in this instance, Pippin has been dreaming of himself in dark tunnels, calling Frodo’s name, but finding only Orc faces staring, and grinning, back at him.
This chapter tells the story of Merry & Pippin’s encapture at the hands of the Uruks, we are introduced to the nature of the orcs, and their in-squabbling between the various ‘tribes’; those of the Northerners, Isengarders and those from Mordor. Ultimately, it is the Isengarders who win through, and prove the strongest of the three groups. The chapter tells of the hobbits’ escape, at the hands of an unwitting Grishnákh, and ends with the Riders of Rohan riding over the orcs, and destroying them.
It is quite a fast-paced chapter, taking a lot of time in a relatively short amount of pages.

Speakers in this chapter:
- Uglúk
- Merry
- Pippin
- Grishnákh
- Various other orcs, including a scout

Discussion Points:
1. What is the significance, if any, of Pippin’s dream?
2. Did Grishnákh really have any idea that the ring was borne by a hobbit?
3. And did he really think he would find it on Merry or Pippin?
4. What is the significance of the varying ‘tribes’ of orcs?
5. Why did Grishnákh reveal that a Winged Nâzgul awaited the orcs on the Eastern side of Anduin?
6. Was it a wise decision to plunge into Fangorn?
7. Would the riders have waited till dawn to attack if Mauhúr’s group had not arrived?
8. When about to plunge into Fangorn, the hobbits see Uglúk charging up the slope. Did he see the hobbits, or was he madly running for his life?