The Riddle Game - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

JennyHallu · 02-01-2006, 07:43 AM

I'm not sure whether this belongs here or in Mirth, but I couldn't find one like it. Mods, if you move this, could you PM me?

These riddles are not necessarily Tolkien themed, but are instead just any old-fashioned riddles such as he used in the riddle game between Gollum and Bilbo in the Hobbit. These old rhymes are clever and difficult, but they're lots of fun. Here's one to start:

In marble walls as white as milk,
Lined with a skin as soft as silk,
Within a fountain crystal clear,
A golden apple doth appear.
No doors there are to this stronghold,
Yet thieves break in and steal the gold.

As usual, he or she who finds the right answer posts the next rhyme.

Thinlómien · 02-01-2006, 09:58 AM

There's already a riddle thread here.

JennyHallu · 02-01-2006, 10:05 AM

I didn't think mine fit under that, since mine are general riddles and those are specifically Tolkien themed (Answers and clues refer to Tolkien trivia, and most of the riddles are original).

**The Saucepan Man** · 02-01-2006, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JennyHallu

I didn't think mine fit under that, since mine are general riddles and those are specifically Tolkien themed (Answers and clues refer to Tolkien trivia, and most of the riddles are original).

I agree that this thread is sufficiently different from the other to get over the duplication hurdle.

The question is whether it stands the test of being sufficiently Tolkien-related.

On reflection, though, I'll let it stand. We did have a riddle game before where the answers were not necessarily Middle-earth related, and the riddle theme is, I think, a sufficent connection with Tolkien's works.

One condition, though. Please try to make the riddles as similar as possible in style to those used in the riddle game between Bilbo and Gollum. I know that may make it a challenge to set a question but, hey, these games are supposed to be challenging ...

gralin musicteeth · 02-06-2006, 11:50 AM

It's an egg!!!

JennyHallu · 02-06-2006, 11:56 AM

YAY! SOMEONE RESPONDED!!!! WHOOO-HOOO!!!

And yes, you're right. It's an egg.

gralin musicteeth · 02-07-2006, 01:08 PM

ok, here's a new one:

I can run but I cannot walk,
And close behind ever follows thought

gralin musicteeth · 02-10-2006, 08:49 AM

Oh come on it isn't that hard!!

HINT: think about things that run

JennyHallu · 02-10-2006, 09:43 AM

I'm thinking, I'm thinking!!!

Hmm...things that run. Clocks, rivers, streams, brooks (whoops, there's a rut)...the little dog, spoons, pickles....no! bad! silly!

Things thought follows...well here's the problem. My thoughts (see above) don't follow...they run...gah!

Will continue thinking to myself...

AragornII · 02-10-2006, 05:12 PM

This sounds dumb but... your nose??

gralin musicteeth · 02-11-2006, 10:47 AM

Right on!

Way to go!

Your turn, AragornII

AragornII · 02-11-2006, 10:13 PM

That was a good one.

A mother's child, a father's child, yet no one's son. Who am I?

Gothmog · 02-12-2006, 04:57 AM

Some-one's daughter?

AragornII · 02-12-2006, 01:45 PM

Yep, that was an easy one.

gralin musicteeth · 02-12-2006, 05:07 PM

Reading back over this thread, I notice that it came rather close to being shut down. I think maybe we should stick to riddles that follow a certain rhyming style, like in the book. I hadn't read that when I posted mine. Anyways, I think we should return to the point as soon as possible and try to make this thread be as Tolkien-related as possible, or I fear it will be cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came.

Moving on, Gothmog, you're up!

Gothmog · 02-12-2006, 05:27 PM

I hope this one is close enough to the LotR-riddles. Though I must admit that I didn't come up with this right now, my fantasy is for the moment somewhat limited...

No legs have I to dance,
No lungs have I to breathe,
No life have I to live or die
And yet I do all three.
What am I?

AragornII · 02-12-2006, 06:04 PM

Could it be... wind??

02-12-2006, 06:10 PM

Fire?

Gothmog · 02-13-2006, 07:10 AM

Close Aragorn, but it's Enquaza that got the right answer. Well done!

02-13-2006, 03:17 PM

Yay my first right answer ok.

I am the beginning of sorrow,

The end of sickness.

You cannot express hapiness without me,

yet I am in the midst of crosses.

I am always in risk,

yet never in danger.

You may find me in the sun,

yet I am never out of darkness.

Who am I?

I coudent think of anything more Tolkein related than that.

Gothmog · 02-13-2006, 03:31 PM

The letter S?

02-13-2006, 03:51 PM

Wow that was quick! It must have been to easy. Your turn Gothmog.

Gothmog · 02-22-2006, 07:51 AM

Whoops, forgot about this one. Luckily I was reminded by PM (thank you!). Now, as my imagination and creativity has reached an all time low, I'm going to make something up right now and it'll probably be the worst ever...

Tolkien wrote 354 of me
Open a book, it's us you see
Our man is famous from TV
Tell me now, who may we be?

JennyHallu · 02-22-2006, 07:52 AM

Taking my cue from your sig,

CAPITAL LETTERS

What's really sad is that I said this as a joke, and didn't realize I thought I had the answer until I looked at it after I posted.

Gothmog · 02-23-2006, 01:54 AM

Sheez, didn't think of my sig... But the answer is almost what I had in mind. Can you change your answer slightly, and I'll give you the thread.

JennyHallu · 02-23-2006, 07:46 AM

Just "Letters" then I suppose.

I like your sig, by the way. 'Tis smile-inducing.

Gothmog · 02-25-2006, 09:11 AM

Well, the answer I really sought for was The Letters, but I've been hard enough on you

And thank you, but all credit for my sig goes to the genius Adams...

JennyHallu · 02-25-2006, 09:48 AM

This one is difficult. It is not original, and it is very, very old.

On Earth this warrior is strangely born
Of two dumb creatures, drawn gleaming
Into the world, bright and useful to men.

It is tended, kept, covered by women--
Strong and savage, it serves well,
A gentle slave to firm masters
Who mind its measure and feed it fairly
With a careful hand.

To these it brings warm blessings;
to those who let it run Wild
It brings a grim reward.

Good luck!

This article, by the way, is very interesting and useful.

AragornII · 02-26-2006, 08:55 PM

This might sound really weird and in no direction towards the answer, but could it be desire?

It doesn't really fit with the first part, but it might fit the second.

JennyHallu · 02-26-2006, 09:51 PM

no, that's not the answer, but that's a clever way of interpreting the last stanza.

AragornII · 02-27-2006, 06:26 PM

How about the mind in general? You know, like thoughts?

JennyHallu · 02-27-2006, 07:27 PM

Nope!

keep thinking...

piosenniel · 03-01-2006, 10:37 PM

Fire

dumb creatures - 2 sticks rubbed together/or a flint and striker

the first spark of it comes gleaming into the world

in many old cultures it was tended by the women, kept going, banked from day to day

warm blessings to those who use and handle it well

destruction to those who let it get out of hand

JennyHallu · 03-02-2006, 07:53 AM

Exactly right, pio!!!

Congrats, your thread!

piosenniel · 03-03-2006, 03:47 AM

I've been reading Jane Austen lately.

This is a charade or word-puzzle from one of her works: "my whole" is the word to be guessed; "my first" is its first syllable, and "my second" its second syllable.

~*~

My first doth affliction denote

Which my second is destin'd to feel.

And my whole is the best antidote

That affliction to soften and heal.

JennyHallu · 03-03-2006, 08:03 AM

Oh yay! Another literary one!

Must run off and think.

piosenniel · 03-16-2006, 01:23 PM

Good grief! I've killed this thread!

Right, then - the answer to the Jane Austen riddle:

My first doth affliction denote ----- Woe

Which my second is destin'd to feel. ----- man

And my whole is the best antidote
That affliction to soften and heal.

Answer ----- Woe + man = Woman

Yes, horridly sexist, perhaps . . . but anyway it's solved.

Someone else please carry on . . .

05-04-2006, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Saucepan Man

I agree that this thread is sufficiently different from the other to get over the duplication hurdle.

The question is whether it stands the test of being sufficiently Tolkien-related.

On reflection, though, I'll let it stand. We did have a riddle game before where the answers were not necessarily Middle-earth related, and the riddle theme is, I think, a sufficent connection with Tolkien's works.

One condition, though. Please try to make the riddles as similar as possible in style to those used in the riddle game between Bilbo and Gollum. I know that may make it a challenge to set a question but, hey, these games are supposed to be challenging ...

and please, no eating the other participants lol

Farael · 05-04-2006, 06:03 PM

I soar without wings, I see without eyes.
I've traveled the universe to and fro.
I've conquered the world, yet I've never been anywhere but home.
Who am I?

Diamond18 · 05-04-2006, 11:38 PM

Imagination?

02-01-2006, 07:43 AM	#1
JennyHallu The Pearl, The Lily Maid Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In my luxury Barrow, snuggled up in a pile of satin pillows, eating fresh fruit. Posts: 1,628	The Riddle Game I'm not sure whether this belongs here or in Mirth, but I couldn't find one like it. Mods, if you move this, could you PM me? These riddles are not necessarily Tolkien themed, but are instead just any old-fashioned riddles such as he used in the riddle game between Gollum and Bilbo in the Hobbit. These old rhymes are clever and difficult, but they're lots of fun. Here's one to start: In marble walls as white as milk, Lined with a skin as soft as silk, Within a fountain crystal clear, A golden apple doth appear. No doors there are to this stronghold, Yet thieves break in and steal the gold. As usual, he or she who finds the right answer posts the next rhyme.

02-01-2006, 09:58 AM	#2
Thinlómien Shady She-Penguin Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: In a far land beyond the Sea Posts: 8,093	There's already a riddle thread here. __________________ Like the stars chase the sun, over the glowing hill I will conquer Blood is running deep, some things never sleep Double Fenris

02-06-2006, 11:50 AM	#5
gralin musicteeth Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Tossing half-sick between grotesque reality and savage, frightening dreams Posts: 360	It's an egg!!! __________________ Where was the stooped and mealy-coloured old man I used to call Poppa when the merry-go-round broke down?

02-06-2006, 11:56 AM	#6
JennyHallu The Pearl, The Lily Maid Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In my luxury Barrow, snuggled up in a pile of satin pillows, eating fresh fruit. Posts: 1,628	YAY! SOMEONE RESPONDED!!!! WHOOO-HOOO!!! And yes, you're right. It's an egg. __________________ <=== Lookee, lookee, lots of IM handles!

02-07-2006, 01:08 PM	#7
gralin musicteeth Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Tossing half-sick between grotesque reality and savage, frightening dreams Posts: 360	ok, here's a new one: I can run but I cannot walk, And close behind ever follows thought __________________ Where was the stooped and mealy-coloured old man I used to call Poppa when the merry-go-round broke down?

02-01-2006, 10:05 AM	#3
JennyHallu The Pearl, The Lily Maid Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In my luxury Barrow, snuggled up in a pile of satin pillows, eating fresh fruit. Posts: 1,628	I didn't think mine fit under that, since mine are general riddles and those are specifically Tolkien themed (Answers and clues refer to Tolkien trivia, and most of the riddles are original).

02-10-2006, 08:49 AM	#8
gralin musicteeth Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Tossing half-sick between grotesque reality and savage, frightening dreams Posts: 360	Oh come on it isn't that hard!! HINT: think about things that run __________________ Where was the stooped and mealy-coloured old man I used to call Poppa when the merry-go-round broke down?

02-10-2006, 09:43 AM	#9
JennyHallu The Pearl, The Lily Maid Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In my luxury Barrow, snuggled up in a pile of satin pillows, eating fresh fruit. Posts: 1,628	I'm thinking, I'm thinking!!! Hmm...things that run. Clocks, rivers, streams, brooks (whoops, there's a rut)...the little dog, spoons, pickles....no! bad! silly! Things thought follows...well here's the problem. My thoughts (see above) don't follow...they run...gah! Will continue thinking to myself... __________________ <=== Lookee, lookee, lots of IM handles!

02-10-2006, 05:12 PM	#10
AragornII Wight Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Concluding negotiations Posts: 103	This sounds dumb but... your nose?? __________________ From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken; The crownless again shall be king.

02-11-2006, 10:47 AM	#11
gralin musicteeth Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Tossing half-sick between grotesque reality and savage, frightening dreams Posts: 360	Right on! Way to go! Your turn, AragornII __________________ Where was the stooped and mealy-coloured old man I used to call Poppa when the merry-go-round broke down?

02-11-2006, 10:13 PM	#12
AragornII Wight Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Concluding negotiations Posts: 103	That was a good one. A mother's child, a father's child, yet no one's son. Who am I? __________________ From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken; The crownless again shall be king.

02-12-2006, 04:57 AM	#13
Gothmog Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Where I lay my head is home Posts: 421	Some-one's daughter? __________________ Three switched witches watch three Swatch watch switches. Which switched witch watch which Swatch watch switch? He who breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom ~Lurker...

02-12-2006, 01:45 PM	#14
AragornII Wight Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Concluding negotiations Posts: 103	Yep, that was an easy one. __________________ From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken; The crownless again shall be king.

02-12-2006, 05:07 PM	#15
gralin musicteeth Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Tossing half-sick between grotesque reality and savage, frightening dreams Posts: 360	Reading back over this thread, I notice that it came rather close to being shut down. I think maybe we should stick to riddles that follow a certain rhyming style, like in the book. I hadn't read that when I posted mine. Anyways, I think we should return to the point as soon as possible and try to make this thread be as Tolkien-related as possible, or I fear it will be cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came. Moving on, Gothmog, you're up! __________________ Where was the stooped and mealy-coloured old man I used to call Poppa when the merry-go-round broke down?

02-12-2006, 05:27 PM	#16
Gothmog Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Where I lay my head is home Posts: 421	I hope this one is close enough to the LotR-riddles. Though I must admit that I didn't come up with this right now, my fantasy is for the moment somewhat limited... No legs have I to dance, No lungs have I to breathe, No life have I to live or die And yet I do all three. What am I? __________________ Three switched witches watch three Swatch watch switches. Which switched witch watch which Swatch watch switch? He who breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom ~Lurker...

02-12-2006, 06:04 PM	#17
AragornII Wight Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Concluding negotiations Posts: 103	Could it be... wind?? __________________ From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken; The crownless again shall be king.

02-13-2006, 07:10 AM	#19
Gothmog Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Where I lay my head is home Posts: 421	Close Aragorn, but it's Enquaza that got the right answer. Well done! __________________ Three switched witches watch three Swatch watch switches. Which switched witch watch which Swatch watch switch? He who breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom ~Lurker...

02-13-2006, 03:17 PM	#20
Enquaza Guest Posts: n/a	Yay my first right answer ok. I am the beginning of sorrow, The end of sickness. You cannot express hapiness without me, yet I am in the midst of crosses. I am always in risk, yet never in danger. You may find me in the sun, yet I am never out of darkness. Who am I? I coudent think of anything more Tolkein related than that.

02-13-2006, 03:31 PM	#21
Gothmog Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Where I lay my head is home Posts: 421	The letter S? __________________ Three switched witches watch three Swatch watch switches. Which switched witch watch which Swatch watch switch? He who breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom ~Lurker...

02-13-2006, 03:51 PM	#22
Enquaza Guest Posts: n/a	Wow that was quick! It must have been to easy. Your turn Gothmog.

02-22-2006, 07:51 AM	#23
Gothmog Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Where I lay my head is home Posts: 421	Whoops, forgot about this one. Luckily I was reminded by PM (thank you!). Now, as my imagination and creativity has reached an all time low, I'm going to make something up right now and it'll probably be the worst ever... Tolkien wrote 354 of me Open a book, it's us you see Our man is famous from TV Tell me now, who may we be? __________________ Three switched witches watch three Swatch watch switches. Which switched witch watch which Swatch watch switch? He who breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom ~Lurker...

02-22-2006, 07:52 AM	#24
JennyHallu The Pearl, The Lily Maid Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In my luxury Barrow, snuggled up in a pile of satin pillows, eating fresh fruit. Posts: 1,628	Taking my cue from your sig, CAPITAL LETTERS What's really sad is that I said this as a joke, and didn't realize I thought I had the answer until I looked at it after I posted. __________________ <=== Lookee, lookee, lots of IM handles!

02-23-2006, 01:54 AM	#25
Gothmog Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Where I lay my head is home Posts: 421	Sheez, didn't think of my sig... But the answer is almost what I had in mind. Can you change your answer slightly, and I'll give you the thread. __________________ Three switched witches watch three Swatch watch switches. Which switched witch watch which Swatch watch switch? He who breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom ~Lurker...

02-23-2006, 07:46 AM	#26
JennyHallu The Pearl, The Lily Maid Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In my luxury Barrow, snuggled up in a pile of satin pillows, eating fresh fruit. Posts: 1,628	Just "Letters" then I suppose. I like your sig, by the way. 'Tis smile-inducing. __________________ <=== Lookee, lookee, lots of IM handles!

02-25-2006, 09:11 AM	#27
Gothmog Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Where I lay my head is home Posts: 421	Well, the answer I really sought for was The Letters, but I've been hard enough on you And thank you, but all credit for my sig goes to the genius Adams... __________________ Three switched witches watch three Swatch watch switches. Which switched witch watch which Swatch watch switch? He who breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom ~Lurker...

02-25-2006, 09:48 AM	#28
JennyHallu The Pearl, The Lily Maid Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In my luxury Barrow, snuggled up in a pile of satin pillows, eating fresh fruit. Posts: 1,628	This one is difficult. It is not original, and it is very, very old. On Earth this warrior is strangely born Of two dumb creatures, drawn gleaming Into the world, bright and useful to men. It is tended, kept, covered by women-- Strong and savage, it serves well, A gentle slave to firm masters Who mind its measure and feed it fairly With a careful hand. To these it brings warm blessings; to those who let it run Wild It brings a grim reward. Good luck! This article, by the way, is very interesting and useful. __________________ <=== Lookee, lookee, lots of IM handles!

02-26-2006, 08:55 PM	#29
AragornII Wight Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Concluding negotiations Posts: 103	This might sound really weird and in no direction towards the answer, but could it be desire? It doesn't really fit with the first part, but it might fit the second. __________________ From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken; The crownless again shall be king.

02-26-2006, 09:51 PM	#30
JennyHallu The Pearl, The Lily Maid Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In my luxury Barrow, snuggled up in a pile of satin pillows, eating fresh fruit. Posts: 1,628	no, that's not the answer, but that's a clever way of interpreting the last stanza. __________________ <=== Lookee, lookee, lots of IM handles!

02-27-2006, 06:26 PM	#31
AragornII Wight Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Concluding negotiations Posts: 103	Hmmmmm... How about the mind in general? You know, like thoughts? __________________ From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken; The crownless again shall be king.

02-27-2006, 07:27 PM	#32
JennyHallu The Pearl, The Lily Maid Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In my luxury Barrow, snuggled up in a pile of satin pillows, eating fresh fruit. Posts: 1,628	Nope! keep thinking... __________________ <=== Lookee, lookee, lots of IM handles!

03-01-2006, 10:37 PM	#33
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	Fire dumb creatures - 2 sticks rubbed together/or a flint and striker the first spark of it comes gleaming into the world in many old cultures it was tended by the women, kept going, banked from day to day warm blessings to those who use and handle it well destruction to those who let it get out of hand __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.

03-02-2006, 07:53 AM	#34
JennyHallu The Pearl, The Lily Maid Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In my luxury Barrow, snuggled up in a pile of satin pillows, eating fresh fruit. Posts: 1,628	Exactly right, pio!!! Congrats, your thread! __________________ <=== Lookee, lookee, lots of IM handles!

03-03-2006, 03:47 AM	#35
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	I've been reading Jane Austen lately. This is a charade or word-puzzle from one of her works: "my whole" is the word to be guessed; "my first" is its first syllable, and "my second" its second syllable. ~*~ My first doth affliction denote Which my second is destin'd to feel. And my whole is the best antidote That affliction to soften and heal. __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.

03-03-2006, 08:03 AM	#36
JennyHallu The Pearl, The Lily Maid Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In my luxury Barrow, snuggled up in a pile of satin pillows, eating fresh fruit. Posts: 1,628	Oh yay! Another literary one! Must run off and think. __________________ <=== Lookee, lookee, lots of IM handles!

03-16-2006, 01:23 PM	#37
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	Good grief! I've killed this thread! Right, then - the answer to the Jane Austen riddle: My first doth affliction denote ----- Woe Which my second is destin'd to feel. ----- man And my whole is the best antidote That affliction to soften and heal. Answer ----- Woe + man = Woman Yes, horridly sexist, perhaps . . . but anyway it's solved. Someone else please carry on . . . __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.