Ethel Duath
Half-elven
Or snark to dark, in the vernacular?
The good soldier:
As they run from the bridge, Aragorn has taken the lead instead of Gandalf, and Boromir is again at the rear.
Both Boromir and Aragorn forget to care for their wounded companions during the flight from Moria: “We have done nothing to ease you, as we ought, though all the orcs of Moria were after us. . . . Come Boromir! We will carry them."
Lorien the loadstone?
Wikipedia gives the following definition: Lodestones are naturally magnetized pieces of the mineral magnetite. They are naturally occurring magnets, which can attract iron. The property of magnetism was first discovered in antiquity through lodestones. Pieces of lodestone, suspended so they could turn, were the first magnetic compasses, and their importance to early navigation is indicated by the name lodestone, which in Middle English means "course stone" or "leading stone", from the now-obsolete meaning of lode as "journey, way”.
“'Indeed deep in the wood they dwell,' said Aragorn, and sighed as if some memory stirred in him.'We must fend for ourselves tonight. We will go forward a short way, until the trees are all about us, and then we will turn aside from the path and seek a place to rest.'
He stepped forward; but Boromir stood irresolute and did not follow."'Is there no other way?' he said.'"
Lothlorien does seem to be the catalyst for setting the course or at least leading towards the choice of course by various members of the Fellowship on their “journey or way" as it says in Wikipedia, above.
"A plain road, though it led through a hedge of swords," said Boromir. “By strange paths has this Company been led, and so far to evil fortune. Against my will we passed under the shades of Moria, to our loss. And now we must enter the Golden Wood, you say. But of that perilous land we have heard in Gondor, and it is said that few come out who once go in; and of that few none have escaped unscathed."
"Say not unscathed, but if you say unchanged then maybe you will speak the truth. But lore wanes in Gondor, Boromir, if in the city of those who once were wise they now speak evil of Lothorién. Believe what you will, there is no other way for us— unless you would go back to Moria-gate, or scale the pathless mountains, or swim the Great River all alone."
"Then lead on!" Said Boromir. "But it is perilous."
“‘But this I will say to you: your Quest stands on the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while all the Company is true.’
And with that word she held them with her eyes, and in silence looked searchingly at each of them in turn. None save Legolas and Aragorn could long endure her glance. . . . At length the Lady Galadriel released them from her eyes, and she smiled."
And later: “‘To me it seemed exceedingly strange," said Boromir. "Maybe it was only a test, and she thought to read our thoughts for her own good purpose;’ But what he thought that the lady had offered him Boromir did not tell . . . .
‘Yes,’ said Frodo; ‘but whatever came into my mind then I will keep there.’
‘Well, have a care!’ Said Boromir. ‘I do not feel too sure of this Elvish Lady and her purposes.’
’Speak no evil of the Lady Galadriel!’ said Aragorn sternly. ‘You know not what you say. There is in her and in this land no evil, unless a man bring it hither himself. Then let him beware!’"
Decisions upon leaving Lórien:
At the beginning of the farewell to Lórien chapter, Galadriel gathers them, does her mind-reading-through-the-eyes procedure, and then states that they all are resolved to go on, rather than stay in Lórien.
There is something of a debate/discussion which hits at the crux of the problem that will come to fruition at Amon Hen—whether all of them should to go to Gondor, or whether they should split up with some going with Boromir to Minas Tirith, and Frodo and possibly some others going on the other side of the river to Mordor. No decision is reached, and Celeborn provides them with the boats that will enable them to delay the choice till the last moment.
Boromir states his intention of going on to Gondor, and then pushes it a little farther: "If my advice is heeded, it will be the western shore, and the way to Minas Tirith," answered Boromir. "But I am not the leader of the company."
Instead of following Galadriel’s advice to get some sleep and not to "trouble [their] hearts overmuch with the thought of the road tonight," the Fellowship continues to debate what they should do--and to me this is telling--“how it would be best to attempt the fulfilling of their purpose with the Ring.” I'm guessing it's eight against one here as far as what that purpose might be, but probably at least five (with Aragorn abstaining) against two as to where to go next, even if if Mordor is to be eventually attempted.
Boromir: “’I shall go to Minas Tirith, alone if need be, for it is my duty,’ said Boromir; and after that he was silent for a while, sitting with his eyes fixed on Frodo, as if he was trying to read the Halfling’s thoughts. At length he spoke again, softly, as if he was debating with himself. ‘If you wish only to destroy the Ring,” he said, 'then there is little use in war and weapons; and the Men of Minas Tirith cannot help. But if you wish to destroy the armed might of the Dark Lord, then it is folly to go without force into his domain; and folly to throw away.' He paused suddenly, as if he had become aware that he was speaking his thoughts aloud. 'It would be folly to throw lives away, I mean,' he ended . . . .”
Frodo is very suspicious, and wonders if Boromir has gone back on his acceptance of the need to destroy the Ring.
They go on a trial run up the Silverlode with Aragorn in the lead. Boromir is once again rear-guarding hobbits.
After their farewell feast with Celeborn and Galadriel, Celeborn explains the topography they will encounter as they follow the river and he describes the land at the point where they will have to choose whether to split the company or to go on. He gives a warning about Fangorn, and Boromir replies that the stories he has heard about it amounted to no more than fairy-tales—a bit ironic since he's not only in one (in a sense), but has experienced things from Rivendell on that he most likely would have considered the same sort of”old wives tale" before he left Gondor.
Boromir goes on to describe his journey with the additional detail of the loss of his horse which explains more fully why it took so long, and why it was so harrowing. He concludes by saying that after all his experiences, he is very confident that he could make his way through pretty much anything.
Further is revealed about Boromir's state of mind as they travel along the river. Both Merry and Pippin we're very much aware that something was wrong: " . . . for Boromir sat muttering to himself, sometimes biting his nails, as if some restlessness or doubt consumed him, sometimes seizing a paddle and driving the boat close behind Aragorn's. Then Pippin, who sat in the bow looking back, caught a queer gleam in his eye, as he peered forward gazing at Frodo."
Back to Boromir the good soldier with strategic and knowledgeable advice: “Hoy there Aragorn!" shouted Boromir, as his boat bumped into the leader."This is madness! We cannot dare the rapids by night! But no boat can live in Sarn Gebir, be it night or day."
“It was not a Balrog," said Frodo, still shivering with the chill that had come upon him." It was something colder. I think it was——" what do you think?" asked Boromir eagerly, leaning from his boat, as if he was trying to catch a glimpse of Frodo's face."
Another argument:
The next morning after their encounter with the orcs on the bank, Boromir makes the assumption that there is no more debate necessary and they will all be going on to Minas Tirith.
The Battle of Who Knows More:
An argument similar to the debate between Caradhras vs. Moria begins, where Boromir points out the deadly danger of both the Orcs and the Falls, and Aragorn, like Gandalf, points out that there is danger the other way as well. Boromir delivers another snarky and/or humorous comment when he says, "What will you do then? Leap down the Falls and land in the marshes?" Aragorn proceeds to remind or possibly enlighten Boromir about some features of the area; one of them the high seat on Amon Hen which Aragorn is hoping will aid in his decision-making, and the other purely practical, the ancient portage way to Rauros.
The debate is not yet over when Aragorn and Legolas return, with Boromir coming down heavily on the superiority of Men. To peek at the section for the next discussion installment—which I will not utter here—this belief in the superiority of Men as opposed to the other races did not seem to me very clear before, other than simply in terms of brute strength. But I think it here it is starting to reveal itself as a much broader and more deeply held belief.
Gimli gets in a dig here, about the legs of Men lagging on a rough road while a Dwarf goes on. At the end of the portage when all of them were completely exhausted, Boromir delivers the punchline: "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.”
As they pass between the Argonath, “even Boromir bowed his head . . . under the enduring shadow of the sentinels of Numenor."
Practical, both-feet-on-the-ground Boromir still has the blood of his ancestors flowing through him. Is that what he is feeling here? Or is this reaction because he is not a descendant of the kings (especially in contrast with Aragorn's reaction here)?
This is a tragic journey (knowing what is to come) with the usual tapestry of ambiguity Tolkien loves to weave.
Looking forward to everyone's comments!
The good soldier:
As they run from the bridge, Aragorn has taken the lead instead of Gandalf, and Boromir is again at the rear.
- Does this show his willingness at this point to fall in with Aragorn’s leadership, or rather Boromir's knowledge of the best tactics under the circumstances, which would necessitate the best available warrior at the back in case of pursuit, and/or to be sure there are no stragglers?
Both Boromir and Aragorn forget to care for their wounded companions during the flight from Moria: “We have done nothing to ease you, as we ought, though all the orcs of Moria were after us. . . . Come Boromir! We will carry them."
- Does this oversight show that Boromir is focused more on where they are going whether or not Aragorn is leading them correctly, or was it just an oversight due to their haste in getting away from a dangerous area?
Lorien the loadstone?
Wikipedia gives the following definition: Lodestones are naturally magnetized pieces of the mineral magnetite. They are naturally occurring magnets, which can attract iron. The property of magnetism was first discovered in antiquity through lodestones. Pieces of lodestone, suspended so they could turn, were the first magnetic compasses, and their importance to early navigation is indicated by the name lodestone, which in Middle English means "course stone" or "leading stone", from the now-obsolete meaning of lode as "journey, way”.
“'Indeed deep in the wood they dwell,' said Aragorn, and sighed as if some memory stirred in him.'We must fend for ourselves tonight. We will go forward a short way, until the trees are all about us, and then we will turn aside from the path and seek a place to rest.'
He stepped forward; but Boromir stood irresolute and did not follow."'Is there no other way?' he said.'"
Lothlorien does seem to be the catalyst for setting the course or at least leading towards the choice of course by various members of the Fellowship on their “journey or way" as it says in Wikipedia, above.
- Is Lorien where Boromir will be both attracted and repelled by the various forces in play— including his own opinions and leanings—and set on on the track towards his own doom (In both the old and the new senses of the word)?
- Is it telling here that Boromir for the first time is described as being "irresolute?"
"A plain road, though it led through a hedge of swords," said Boromir. “By strange paths has this Company been led, and so far to evil fortune. Against my will we passed under the shades of Moria, to our loss. And now we must enter the Golden Wood, you say. But of that perilous land we have heard in Gondor, and it is said that few come out who once go in; and of that few none have escaped unscathed."
"Say not unscathed, but if you say unchanged then maybe you will speak the truth. But lore wanes in Gondor, Boromir, if in the city of those who once were wise they now speak evil of Lothorién. Believe what you will, there is no other way for us— unless you would go back to Moria-gate, or scale the pathless mountains, or swim the Great River all alone."
"Then lead on!" Said Boromir. "But it is perilous."
- Does this exchange show Boromir’s confidence in both Gandalf’s and now Aragorn's leadership is beginning to disintegrate?
- Does it also show that he has reasons for his doubts, based on the fact that every time the fellowship went against his device disaster struck; and when they didn't follow his advice (for example, with the wood and the fire on Caradhras) things didn't go bunch better?
- Does this also demonstrate arrogance, or at least provincialism and narrow-mindedness?
“‘But this I will say to you: your Quest stands on the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while all the Company is true.’
And with that word she held them with her eyes, and in silence looked searchingly at each of them in turn. None save Legolas and Aragorn could long endure her glance. . . . At length the Lady Galadriel released them from her eyes, and she smiled."
And later: “‘To me it seemed exceedingly strange," said Boromir. "Maybe it was only a test, and she thought to read our thoughts for her own good purpose;’ But what he thought that the lady had offered him Boromir did not tell . . . .
‘Yes,’ said Frodo; ‘but whatever came into my mind then I will keep there.’
‘Well, have a care!’ Said Boromir. ‘I do not feel too sure of this Elvish Lady and her purposes.’
’Speak no evil of the Lady Galadriel!’ said Aragorn sternly. ‘You know not what you say. There is in her and in this land no evil, unless a man bring it hither himself. Then let him beware!’"
- Is this where Boromir's crumbling confidence in the words of Elrond, Gandalf, Aragorn now leads not only to doubt but to suspicion?
- Is this also where Boromir really begins to go off on his own, keep his own counsel, and begin to make at least inwardly independent decisions?
- Does this progression now leave him wide open to temptation by the Ring?
Decisions upon leaving Lórien:
At the beginning of the farewell to Lórien chapter, Galadriel gathers them, does her mind-reading-through-the-eyes procedure, and then states that they all are resolved to go on, rather than stay in Lórien.
There is something of a debate/discussion which hits at the crux of the problem that will come to fruition at Amon Hen—whether all of them should to go to Gondor, or whether they should split up with some going with Boromir to Minas Tirith, and Frodo and possibly some others going on the other side of the river to Mordor. No decision is reached, and Celeborn provides them with the boats that will enable them to delay the choice till the last moment.
Boromir states his intention of going on to Gondor, and then pushes it a little farther: "If my advice is heeded, it will be the western shore, and the way to Minas Tirith," answered Boromir. "But I am not the leader of the company."
- Does this again show his doubt of the current and previous leadership? And does his opinion that everyone should go to Gondor reveal that he isn't now, and possibly never was, convinced that the ring should go to Mordor instead of being used on behalf of Gondor and the West?
- Does this mean that Boromir is “fated” to fall through temptation and into action and try to take the Ring, or is it that the paths maybe already laid, but it is the choice of each member of the Fellowship whether or not to embark? (The old debate between fate and free will, yet again.)
Instead of following Galadriel’s advice to get some sleep and not to "trouble [their] hearts overmuch with the thought of the road tonight," the Fellowship continues to debate what they should do--and to me this is telling--“how it would be best to attempt the fulfilling of their purpose with the Ring.” I'm guessing it's eight against one here as far as what that purpose might be, but probably at least five (with Aragorn abstaining) against two as to where to go next, even if if Mordor is to be eventually attempted.
Boromir: “’I shall go to Minas Tirith, alone if need be, for it is my duty,’ said Boromir; and after that he was silent for a while, sitting with his eyes fixed on Frodo, as if he was trying to read the Halfling’s thoughts. At length he spoke again, softly, as if he was debating with himself. ‘If you wish only to destroy the Ring,” he said, 'then there is little use in war and weapons; and the Men of Minas Tirith cannot help. But if you wish to destroy the armed might of the Dark Lord, then it is folly to go without force into his domain; and folly to throw away.' He paused suddenly, as if he had become aware that he was speaking his thoughts aloud. 'It would be folly to throw lives away, I mean,' he ended . . . .”
Frodo is very suspicious, and wonders if Boromir has gone back on his acceptance of the need to destroy the Ring.
- What might have brought Boromir to this point? Was he waffling up till now, or did he start off from Rivendell having fully excepted the need to destroy the ring, Or had had he never actually accepted the need to do so?
- Is it another possibility is that he had actually believed that he had convinced himself of the need to destroy the Ring, but deep inside he still held his original opinion, and when push came to shove and especially when decision time was at hand, he reverted to his original thinking.
- What might have brought Boromir to this point? Was he waffling up till now, or did he start off from Rivendell having fully accepted the need to destroy the Ring, or had had he never actually accepted the need to do so?
- How much might his continuous exposure to the Ring after such a long period of time have influenced his behavior here?
They go on a trial run up the Silverlode with Aragorn in the lead. Boromir is once again rear-guarding hobbits.
- Is that a decision of his own, or was it arranged by Aragorn, or was it more by default that he ended up with Merry and Pippin? (My computer just decided that this was Merry and Kevin. Bonus question: how may this have changed everything?
])
- Is this a foreshadowing by Tolkien and or Fate/the Valar, etc. Of his sacrifice on their behalf?
After their farewell feast with Celeborn and Galadriel, Celeborn explains the topography they will encounter as they follow the river and he describes the land at the point where they will have to choose whether to split the company or to go on. He gives a warning about Fangorn, and Boromir replies that the stories he has heard about it amounted to no more than fairy-tales—a bit ironic since he's not only in one (in a sense), but has experienced things from Rivendell on that he most likely would have considered the same sort of”old wives tale" before he left Gondor.
Boromir goes on to describe his journey with the additional detail of the loss of his horse which explains more fully why it took so long, and why it was so harrowing. He concludes by saying that after all his experiences, he is very confident that he could make his way through pretty much anything.
- Is this arrogance and boasting, or simply confidence based on his accomplishments?
- Is this again indicating the practical man dismissing of the idea of the "supernatural"? If so, is it inconsistent that he believes in a"magic ring"?
Further is revealed about Boromir's state of mind as they travel along the river. Both Merry and Pippin we're very much aware that something was wrong: " . . . for Boromir sat muttering to himself, sometimes biting his nails, as if some restlessness or doubt consumed him, sometimes seizing a paddle and driving the boat close behind Aragorn's. Then Pippin, who sat in the bow looking back, caught a queer gleam in his eye, as he peered forward gazing at Frodo."
- What is going on here?
- This always seemed to me as if he was very seriously unraveling. How did he manage to pull himself together to appear at all normal once they landed?
Back to Boromir the good soldier with strategic and knowledgeable advice: “Hoy there Aragorn!" shouted Boromir, as his boat bumped into the leader."This is madness! We cannot dare the rapids by night! But no boat can live in Sarn Gebir, be it night or day."
- Did the sudden emergency bring him back to himself temporarily?
- Would this further erode his confidence in Aragorn's leadership?
“It was not a Balrog," said Frodo, still shivering with the chill that had come upon him." It was something colder. I think it was——" what do you think?" asked Boromir eagerly, leaning from his boat, as if he was trying to catch a glimpse of Frodo's face."
- He seems to be spending a lot of time trying to read Frodo's mind. What was he after here?
Another argument:
The next morning after their encounter with the orcs on the bank, Boromir makes the assumption that there is no more debate necessary and they will all be going on to Minas Tirith.
- Does this again say something about Boromir’s one track mind, or is it simply being sensible after the attack?
The Battle of Who Knows More:
An argument similar to the debate between Caradhras vs. Moria begins, where Boromir points out the deadly danger of both the Orcs and the Falls, and Aragorn, like Gandalf, points out that there is danger the other way as well. Boromir delivers another snarky and/or humorous comment when he says, "What will you do then? Leap down the Falls and land in the marshes?" Aragorn proceeds to remind or possibly enlighten Boromir about some features of the area; one of them the high seat on Amon Hen which Aragorn is hoping will aid in his decision-making, and the other purely practical, the ancient portage way to Rauros.
- Who wins the battle? Is it Aragorn because he gets his way or is it because he has proved more knowledgeable? Or despite that, is it a draw?
- Can the following passage be seen as straightforward Boromir again, stalwart and faithful?
- Is the fact that Frodo was determined to follow Aragorn the determining factor because of Boromir’s concern for and dedication to the Ringbearer, or is it because he doesn't want the Ring to go anywhere without him?
- Is the possibly self-pitying comment at the end of the paragraph an echo of his comments at the Gates of Moria where he said something very similar about heading out alone if no one else will go with him.
- This seems a rather consistent reaction on Boromir's part. What does this say about his character?
- When Aragorn proposes a scouting expedition, the same argument continues as to which path is more dangerous. Boromir is nothing if not both consistent and persistent!
- Is this just a continuation of his approach and just basic character, or is it now being driven at least somewhat by his desire for the Ring?
The debate is not yet over when Aragorn and Legolas return, with Boromir coming down heavily on the superiority of Men. To peek at the section for the next discussion installment—which I will not utter here—this belief in the superiority of Men as opposed to the other races did not seem to me very clear before, other than simply in terms of brute strength. But I think it here it is starting to reveal itself as a much broader and more deeply held belief.
- Agree or disagree, or . . . ?
Gimli gets in a dig here, about the legs of Men lagging on a rough road while a Dwarf goes on. At the end of the portage when all of them were completely exhausted, Boromir delivers the punchline: "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.”
- Simple humor or more snark? I've always tended to lean more towards humor here, but it could be read two ways.
As they pass between the Argonath, “even Boromir bowed his head . . . under the enduring shadow of the sentinels of Numenor."
Practical, both-feet-on-the-ground Boromir still has the blood of his ancestors flowing through him. Is that what he is feeling here? Or is this reaction because he is not a descendant of the kings (especially in contrast with Aragorn's reaction here)?
This is a tragic journey (knowing what is to come) with the usual tapestry of ambiguity Tolkien loves to weave.
Looking forward to everyone's comments!
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