Trivia

[webwizard333]

I thought that the smilies gave away that I was being sarcastic (I preson I'm very sarcastic). It is very difficult to get moods across on forums, but if I use smilies I'm being sarcastic.

[Incanus]

Beorn kept bees, horses, ponies, dogs, sheep (& a ram) and owls. Am I right?

[Ithildin]

Yes, it does mention that Bilbo thought he heard owls during the evening...

"...and still they sat in the light of the dancing flames with the pillars of the house standing tall behind them, and dark at the top like trees of the forest. Whether it was magic or not, it seemed to Bilbo that he heard a sound like wind in the branches stirring in the rafters, and the hoot of owls."

Is that what you're talking about, Icanus? I hadn't counted that, though, because I didn't consider it to be "animals that Beorn kept".

Hint for everyone: Look for the reference to the fifth, (or sixth, depending on your view of horses and ponies), type of animal or insect before the company arrives at Beorn's house.



P.S. Sorry about the mix-up, WebWizard. Things CAN get confusing when you can't see people's expressions. I'll make sure to note smilies from now on.

[Incanus]

After reading it about 20 times I finally found the answer, and I'll kill you if it's wrong Beorn also had cattle.

[Ithildin]

LOL! (Glad to have been spared my life.)

YES! Incanus, you got it right! Congratulations on your perseverance.

For everyone else...when Gandalf is explaining to the dwarves who this "Beorn" is that he's taking them to see, he says that "he keeps cattle and horses which are nearly as marvellous as himself". I thought that would make my trivia question a rather tricky one!

[Ñólendil]

Congratulations Incanus! You are among the few non-lazy people! Your turn to ask a question now

[Incanus]

WOOHOO!!!!!! ::waves arms in a celebratory manner::
ahem, sorry, here's my question:
How many times does Bilbo wear the ring?

[Ithildin]

ewwww....tough question! ...about like the smoke rings one. (It requires searching through the whole book.) Looks like we've got some research ahead of us.

[Incanus]

If it gets too hard I'll think up a hint, but it's only the half of the book after he finds it anyway so it shouldn't be too bad

[poppy]

I think i've got the answer but i could be wrong as this is from memory.
1.When he found the ring after the riddle game (and coming out of the Misty mountains.
2.In mirk wood when the Giant spiders captured the dwaves.
3.Again when the wood elves turned up to take them to the wood king palace. Also looking for Thorin and when they left in the barrels.
4Talking to Smaug the Magnificent.
5.When he gave the Arkenstone to Bard the Dragon slayer.
6Then mostly at the end when unplesant visitors came to call.
So i think you can say it's about six times in all.

[Strange-Looking Lurker]

Missed a couple....twice in the Mountains (when he escaped from Gollum, and then it came off his finger, before he got to the guard room). Also, at that one stop between the elves pallace and the Long Lake.

[Incanus]

Not quite, there are more. Also, I'd like to note that I've counted all the times he used it from when the dwarves were captured in Mirkwood by elves until they reach Lake Town as one usage. Also the times he hid from "unwanted visitors" also all count as one. Hope this makes it slightly easier. When you need a hint just ask.

[Sister Golden Hair]

The only one I can think of that hasn't been mentioned is at the (birthday- farewell party), and that is not in the Hobbit.

[Eowyn, The Lioness]

1~ when he ran away from Gollum
2~ when he ran away from the goblins after his riddles with Gollum until he met up with the rest of the party again
3~ when he was trying to save the dwarves from the spiders
4~ when he followed the elves into their palace (or whatever you wanna call it)
5~when he was looking for Thorin
6~ when he was on the barrels and the barrels were out in the open
7~ when he met Smaug
8~ running away from the dwarves down to the village to give the Arkenstone to Bard
9~and again in the Fellowship of the ring when he was at his eleventy-first birthday party ( before he went to Rivendell)
At least I think that's right.

[Incanus]

OK this seems to be quite tricky, sorry A few pointers:
I'm only including the Hobbit ones, not the one in LotR
From sneaking into the elves' prison to reaching Lake Town is ONE use, as it doesn't always mention when he takes it off or puts it on, although he clearly does at some points.
If you need more help, post and I'll do my best.
Hee hee good luck
Incanus

[ladyisme]

Correct me if I'm wrong but besides all the other times that have been mentioned didn't he also where it in the Battle of Five Armys?

"The road goes ever on and on down from the door where it began."

[Bacchus]

Here goes...


1. In the tunnels fleeing from Gollum
2. At the back-door, avoiding the goblins. Kept it on until rejoining the dwarves.
3. In Mirkwood, driving off the spiders the first time.
4. In Mirkwood, drawing off the spiders away from the dwarves. (This is when he first told the dwarves about the Ring.)
5. As the dwarves were waylaid by the elves. (Stipulated that from now until Esgaroth counts as one usage)
6. With Smaug, to steal the cup.
7. With Smaug, to chat.
8. Under Erebor, while Smaug pounds Esgaroth.
9. Sneaking out of Erebor with the Arkenstone. (Presumably, he would have put it back on to sneak back in, but this is NOT explicitly stated)
10. At the Battle of Five Armies.

He wore it an unspecified number of times to avoid unwanted visitors.

Bonus: From LOTR, there were 2 occasions.
1. The Long-Expected Party
2. On the road in the Shire, to avoid the S-Bs. (Caught by Merry)

[Incanus]

Hi all, sorry I haven't been on the board for months, quite irresponsible as it was my question Hope you all don't mind. Anyway, finally Bacchus (sorry if thats spelt badly) listed all the uses. Nice one mate, sorry I left you all hanging so long.

[Agburanar]

Does Bilbo take the ring off between escaping from Gollum and escaping by the back door? Still that's pretty good.

[Incanus]

Yeah he does, that surprised me too when I was reading through to work it out myself, but it's true. If I end up doing the question next time then I'll try to make it less irritating