|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Feb 24 2007, 12:34pm
Post #1 of 17
(2172 views)
Shortcut
|
|
TIME - February 24
|
Can't Post
|
|
Today in Middle-earth.
February 24, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The Company's burden of choice is approaching.
(not from the appendices)
"'I do not see why we should pass the Rapids or follow the River any further,' said Boromir. 'If the Emyn Muil lie before us, then we can abandon these cockle-boats, and strike westward and southward, until we come to the Entwash and cross into my own land.'
'We can, if we are making for Minas Tirith,' said Aragorn, 'but that is not yet agreed. And such a course may be more perilous than it sounds. The vale of Entwash is flat and fenny, and fog is a deadly peril there for those on foot and laden. I would not abandon our boats until we must. The River is at least a path that cannot be missed.
'But the Enemy holds the eastern bank,' objected Boromir. 'And even if you pass the Gates of Argonath and come unmolested to the Tindrock, what will you do then? Leap down the Falls and land in the marshes?'
'No!' answered Aragorn. 'Say rather that we will bear our boats by the ancient way to Rauros-foot, and there take to the water again. Do you not know, Boromir, or do you choose to forget the North Stair, and the high seat upon Amon Hen, that were made in the days of the great kings? I at least have a mind to stand in that high place again before I decide my further course. There, maybe, we shall see some sign that will guide us....'"
"...The day was now growing, and the fog had lifted a little. It was decided that Aragorn and Legolas should at once go forward along the shore, while the others remained by the boats. Aragorn hoped to find some way by which they could carry both their boats and their baggage to the smoother water beyond the Rapids.
'Boats of the Elves would not sink, maybe,' he said, 'but that does not say that we should come through Sarn Gebir alive. None have ever done so yet. No road was made by the Men of Gondor in this region, for even in their great days their realm did not reach up Anduin beyond the Emyn Muil; but there is a portage-way somewhere on the western shore, if I can find it. It cannot yet have perished; for light boats used to journey out of Wilderland down to Osgiliath, and still did so until a few years ago, when the Orcs of Mordor began to multiply.'
'Seldom in my life has any boat come out of the North, and the Orcs prowl on the east-shore,' said Boromir. 'If you go forward, peril will grow with every mile, even if you find a path.'
'Peril lies ahead on every southward road,' answered Aragorn. 'Wait for us one day. If we do not return in that time, you will know that evil has indeed befallen us. Then you must take a new leader and follow him as best you can.'
It was with a heavy heart that Frodo saw Aragorn and Legolas climb the steep bank and vanish into the mists; but his fears proved groundless. Only two or three hours had passed, and it was barely mid-day, when the shadowy shapes of the explorers appeared again.
'All is well,' said Aragorn, as he clambered down the bank. 'There is a track, and it leads to a good landing that is still serviceable. The distance is not great: the head of the Rapids is but half a mile below us, and they are little more than a mile long.... ...I fear we must leave the River now, and make for the portage-way as best we can from here.'
'That would not be easy, even if we were all Men,' said Boromir.
'Yet such as we are we will try it,' said Aragorn.
'Aye, we will,' said Gimli. 'The legs of Men will lag on a rough road, while a Dwarf goes on, be the burden twice his own weight, Master Boromir!'
"...One by one Boromir and Aragorn carried the boats, while the others toiled and scrambled after them with the baggage. At last all was removed and laid on the portage-way. Then with little further hindrance, save from sprawling briars and many fallen stones, they moved forward all together... ...Twice they made the journey, before all was brought safe to the southern landing...
'...Well, here we are, and here we must pass another night,' said Boromir. 'We need sleep, and even if Aragorn had a mind to pass the Gates of Argonath by night, we are all too tired—except, no doubt, our sturdy dwarf.'
Gimli made no reply: he was nodding as he sat."
2. Gandalf sets out from Lothlórien.
(not from the appendices-no text)
Gandalf's recovery was remarkable, but his anxiety was mounting. He felt it was time to pursue the Fellowship and that their situation was dire.
 
Trust him... The Hobbit is coming!
"Barney Snow was here." ~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."
TORn's Observations Lists
(This post was edited by dernwyn on Mar 5 2012, 2:51am)
|
|
|
FantasyFan
Nargothrond
Feb 24 2007, 1:18pm
Post #2 of 17
(2029 views)
Shortcut
|
Ever been in a group trying to make a decision? Everything Aragorn says, Boromir has an objection to. Everything Boromir suggests, Aragorn shoots down. The rest of them don't dare offer any comment at all, for fear of being caught in the crossfire. Yet, when Aragorn leaves them to find the portage way, I'm sure he was glad to have sturdy Boromir to guard those who were left. Despite the contention, they are still a fellowship.
"Peril lies ahead on any southward road," Aragorn says, and he's right. This isn't a decision that will be made easily, or by everyone, as Frodo will come to realize, and take action on his own. For although Aragorn is the leader of the group, Frodo is the real decision-maker: something they've all forgotten for the moment.
"That is one thing that Men call 'hope.' Amdir we call it, 'looking up.' But there is another which is founded deeper. Estel we call it, that is 'trust.' It is not defeated by the ways of the world, for it does not come from experience, but from our nature and First Being. If we are indeed the Eruhin, the Children of the One, then He will not suffer Himself to be deprived of His own, not by any enemy, not even by ourselves. This is the last foundation of estel, which we keep even when we contemplate the End. Of all His designs the issue must be for His children's joy."
Finrod, Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth, HoME X Morgoth's Ring
|
|
|
dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Feb 24 2007, 3:03pm
Post #3 of 17
(2038 views)
Shortcut
|
Aragorn's purpose is to guide and protect Frodo, as long as he can. And Frodo is content with his leadership in that respect. But Aragorn cannot make the ultimate decisions for him - no one can!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Still 'round the corner there may wait
A new road, or a secret gate...
|
|
|
dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Feb 24 2007, 3:23pm
Post #4 of 17
(2015 views)
Shortcut
|
Gimli! This moment of exhaustion may cause Boromir to take a jab at him, but I find it endears him to me!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Still 'round the corner there may wait
A new road, or a secret gate...
|
|
|
Elven
Doriath
Feb 24 2007, 6:40pm
Post #5 of 17
(2023 views)
Shortcut
|
... I think I know how he felt 
Also, when Aragorn and Legolas leave the company for the few hours, it took me a few reads not to be expectant in that part of the book ... I always thought there was room for something to 'happen' in that 'space' of time. But no, they left and they came back ... It has always made me think that there was an opportunity there - to add something to the story ... a "Diversion" 
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Feb 25 2007, 2:51am
Post #6 of 17
(1997 views)
Shortcut
|
|
I think that Frodo's satisfied
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
to trust in Aragorn's guidance for as long as he can. He knows the time is coming, but must know it's not time to go... yet.
Great catch on the bantering between the men-folk. What always catches me with Boromir and Aragorn's exchanges here is how Aragorn shows his age/experience when he insists it's only been a few years since anyone used the paths/boats here and Boromir says seldom in his lifetime has any boat come from the north ;)
Trust him... The Hobbit is coming!
"Barney Snow was here." ~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."
TORn's Observations Lists
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Feb 25 2007, 2:54am
Post #7 of 17
(1994 views)
Shortcut
|
seems to give everyone a hard time as a way to (probably) bond with them or show acceptance of them ;)
He really is as much of a comic relief as Pippin!
Trust him... The Hobbit is coming!
"Barney Snow was here." ~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."
TORn's Observations Lists
|
|
|
Finding Frodo
Dor-Lomin
Feb 25 2007, 3:29am
Post #8 of 17
(2005 views)
Shortcut
|
|
Sounds like Gandalf is ready to bust out of Lothlorien!
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
Forget rest and recuperation -- he's ready to spring into action! Thanks for that, gramma.
Where's Frodo?
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Feb 25 2007, 5:39pm
Post #10 of 17
(2034 views)
Shortcut
|
Today in Middle-earth.
February 25, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The Company pass the Argonath and camp at Parth Galen.
(from the appendices)
..."'Behold the Argonath, the Pillars of the Kings!' cried Aragorn. 'We shall pass them soon. Keep the boats in line, and as far apart as you can! Hold the middle of the stream!'
... As Frodo was borne towards them the great pillars rose like towers to meet him. Giants they seemed to him, vast grey figures silent but threatening. Then he saw that they were indeed shaped and fashioned: the craft and power of old had wrought upon them, and still they preserved through the suns and rains of forgotten years the mighty likenesses in which they had been hewn. Upon great pedestals founded in the deep waters stood two great kings of stone: still with blurred eyes and crannied brows they frowned upon the North. The left hand of each was raised palm outwards in gesture of warning; in each right hand there was an axe; upon each head there was a crumbling helm and crown. Great power and majesty they still wore, the silent wardens of a long-vanished kingdom. Great power and majesty they still wore, the silent wardens of a long-vanished kingdom. Awe and fear fell upon Frodo, and he cowered down, shutting his eyes and not daring to look up as the boat drew near. Even Boromir bowed his head as the boats whirled by, frail and fleeting as little leaves, under the enduring shadow of the sentinels of Númenor. So they passed into the dark chasm of the Gates.
... Sheer rose the dreadful cliffs to unguessed heights on either side. Far off was the dim sky. The black waters roared and echoed, and a wind screamed over them. Frodo crouching over his knees hears Sam in front muttering and groaning: 'What a place! What a horrible place! Just let me get out of this boat, and I'll never wet my toes in a puddle again, let alone a river!'
... 'Fear not!' said a strange voice behind him. Frodo turned and saw Strider, and yet not Strider; for the weatherworn Ranger was no longer there. In the stern sat Aragorn son of Arathorn, proud and erect, guiding the boat with skilful strokes; his hood was cast back, and his dark hair was blowing in the wind, a light was in his eyes: a king returning from exile to his own land.
... 'Fear not!' he said. 'Long have I desired to look upon the likenesses of Isildur and Anárion, my sires of old. Under their shadow Elessar, the Elfstone son of Arathorn of the House of Valandil Isildur's son, heir of Elendil, has nought to dread!'
... Then the light of his eyes faded, and he spoke to himself: 'Would that Gandalf were here! How my heart yearns for Minas Anor and the walls of my own city! But whither now shall I go?'
... ...The tenth day of their journey was over. Wilderland was behind them. They could go no further without choice between the east-way and the west. The last stage of the Quest was before them.
... 'Here we will rest tonight,' said Aragorn. 'This is the lawn of Parth Galen: a fair place in the summer days of old. Let us hope that no evil has yet come here.'
... They drew up their boats on the green banks, and beside them they made their camp. They set a watch, but had no sight nor sound of their enemies. If Gollum had contrived to follow them, he remained unseen and unheard. Nonetheless as the night wore on Aragorn grew uneasy, tossing often in his sleep and waking. In the small hours he got up and came to Frodo, whose turn it was to watch.
... 'Why are you waking?' asked Frodo. 'It is not your watch.'
... 'I do not know,' answered Aragorn; 'but a shadow and a threat has been growing in my sleep. It would be well to draw your sword.'
... 'Why?' said Frodo. 'Are enemies at hand?'
... 'Let us see what Sting may show,' answered Aragorn.
... Frodo then drew the elf-blade from its sheath. To his dismay the edges gleamed dimly in the night. 'Orc!' he said. 'Not very near, and yet too near, it seems.'"
2. First Battle of the Fords of Isen.
(from the appendices-no text) [I believe Éomer led this first Battle based on the following excerpts:]
... [Éomer after meeting the Hunters in the fields of Rohan] "'The East-mark is my charge, the ward of the Third Marshal...'
... "'...But at this time our chief concern is with Saruman. He has claimed lordship over all this land, and there has been war between us for many months. He has taken Orcs into his service, and Wolf-riders, and evil Men, and he has closed the Gap against us, so that we are likely to be beset both east and west.'"
3. Théodred son of Théoden slain.
(from the appendices)
... [Wormtongue to Théoden] "'...the bitter tidings came that Théodred your son was slain upon the West Marches: your right hand, Second Marshal of the Mark.'"
Trust him... The Hobbit is coming!
"Barney Snow was here." ~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."
TORn's Observations Lists
|
|
|
entmaiden
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Feb 25 2007, 6:17pm
Post #11 of 17
(2014 views)
Shortcut
|
and I would guess that the old rule about not posting a new subject when the old is still on the boards is no longer valid. Here we don't have to worry about posts falling off the board, so go a little crazy, gramma, and post a new thread!
And, lovely post! This is one of those goose-pimpling moments in the book that never, ever gets old, no matter how many times I read it. I don't have much movie memorabilia, but the Argonath statues are something I treasure.
So the Parth Galen bathing scene is up next?
Each cloak was fastened about the neck with a brooch like a green leaf veined with silver.
`Are these magic cloaks?' asked Pippin, looking at them with wonder.
`I do not know what you mean by that,' answered the leader of the Elves.
NARF since 1974.
Balin Bows
|
|
|
dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Feb 25 2007, 8:05pm
Post #12 of 17
(2001 views)
Shortcut
|
Aragorn does not long for Minas Tirith, but Minas Anor - not the current days of trouble, but instead days of peace, when the Tower of Guard can once more be the Tower of the Setting Sun. "My own city", not the home of his youth, but his ancestral home - the one he has spent his lifetime preparing to return to!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Still 'round the corner there may wait
A new road, or a secret gate...
|
|
|
dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Feb 25 2007, 8:11pm
Post #13 of 17
(2015 views)
Shortcut
|
Parth Galen
He awoke, startled by unearthly whoops and yells. Cautiously peering from beneath the low-hung branches which gave cover from the searching eyes of his enemies, he wondered: were they being attacked already?
Silently he immersed himself into the chill water. His hand grasped a floating log, and he steadied it in front of him, peering between branch stumps.
Paddling around a rock, he came upon the scene, and froze in terror - as the future King of Gondor, naked as a babe, cannonballed off a boulder onto the shrieking, swimming forms below.
Gollum cringed, and retreated to his hideout.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Still 'round the corner there may wait
A new road, or a secret gate...
|
|
|
entmaiden
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Feb 25 2007, 9:45pm
Post #14 of 17
(1998 views)
Shortcut
|
|
Does Aragorn remember it as Minas Anor?
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
The name was changed long before he was born, so he would have grown up knowing the name as Minas Tirith. If he was longing for his ancestral home wouldn't it have been Osgiliath?
Each cloak was fastened about the neck with a brooch like a green leaf veined with silver.
`Are these magic cloaks?' asked Pippin, looking at them with wonder.
`I do not know what you mean by that,' answered the leader of the Elves.
NARF since 1974.
Balin Bows
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Feb 25 2007, 11:08pm
Post #15 of 17
(1978 views)
Shortcut
|
|
It's difficult to know how much to post
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
on these boards. I don't want to seem like I'm trying to take up too much new-post space, but I don't want to bunch them up so much that they're hard to maneuver to.
I think I'll ask over at feedback, but I believe you're right that the old rules don't really apply anymore... at least during the next month or so when things will be getting pretty intense for our Fellowship ;)
Bathing scene... coming right up! ;)
Trust him... The Hobbit is coming!
"Barney Snow was here." ~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."
TORn's Observations Lists
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Feb 25 2007, 11:09pm
Post #16 of 17
(1983 views)
Shortcut
|
I've never just stopped and thought about what he was saying. That's so cool!
Thank you :D
Trust him... The Hobbit is coming!
"Barney Snow was here." ~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."
TORn's Observations Lists
|
|
|
dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Feb 26 2007, 4:14am
Post #17 of 17
(2025 views)
Shortcut
|
he would have learned of it as "Minas Anor", first.
But that's a good point about Osgiliath; that was the "capital" of Gondor at one time, wasn't it!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Still 'round the corner there may wait
A new road, or a secret gate...
|
|
|
|
|
