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Curious
Gondolin
Jan 27 2008, 9:57pm
Post #26 of 28
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Yes, the behavior is the same, but the motives
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are different. But I also wonder is this has something to do with Tolkien's own experience in WWI. He may have been more forgiving of a certain kind of "cowardice" than those who have not experienced the Battle of the Somme as their very first introduction to war. He may have believed that in certain circumstances being overpowered by fear is not a moral failing at all, but a natural reaction to an unnatural and horrific situation. On the other hand, he also honors those heroes who are capable, through sheer power of will, of standing up to such fear and fighting through it.
As for Beowulf, I will save my response for the Beowulf discussion.
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N.E. Brigand
Gondolin
Mar 26 2008, 2:52am
Post #27 of 28
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In the “Hunt for the Ring” notes that Hammond and Scull published in 2005, in The Lord of the Rings: A Reader’s Companion, Tolkien writes that the Witch-king was indeed aware that Frodo’s sword could harm him, and moreover was alarmed that Frodo should even have such a blade. The Witch-king took this fact to mean that Frodo had somehow defeated a Barrow-wight. So he retreated in alarm, but his fear of Sauron overcame his fear of Frodo, and the next morning he called for his companions to join him and renew their search. By then, Strider had got the hobbits under cover in the thickets south of the Road.
A couple further thoughts on these sections:
-Frodo “came to himself”. Where did he come from? What is the origin of the phrase “come to”?
-Apparently the Witch-king has a back-up cloak. Why?
-How does Aragorn know that “all blades perish that pierce that dreadful King”? And does he know that Frodo’s sword would injure the Witch-king?
-Are Morgul-blades good for one-time use only?
-What does Aragorn sing over the blade?
-Athelas, says Strider, is “a healing plant that the Men of the West brought to Middle-earth” – is this the story’s first indication that there’s more to Tolkien’s world than “Middle-earth”?
-Note that Strider says that “fire would be some protection for them all”, emphasizing that he believes he made the right move in the previous chapter.
-The pony is “fatter and stronger”, in contrast to Frodo’s earlier remark about his own wraithlike changes.
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N.E. Brigand
Gondolin
Mar 26 2008, 2:54am
Post #28 of 28
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Has anyone found that Letters reference?
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I think Tolkien mentions in one of his letters that this scene bothered him, because Aragorn drove off the Witch-king and a few of his buddies with a flaming stick.
I’m not familiar with that letter – has anyone else turned it up?
They are terrified of flame, and of clean running water.
I’m not sure about the water – in “Hunt for the Ring” notes published in Unfinished Tales, Tolkien considers the idea of the Nazgûl having trouble crossing running water, but finds it untenable. They wade into the Bruinen with relatively little difficulty later in this chapter.
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We're discussing The Lord of the Rings in the Reading Room, Oct. 15, 2007 - Mar. 22, 2009!
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