Boromir: "You have conquered."

In the film version of Fellowship of the Ring, Boromir’s death is one of two final emotional finishes that sets the next film’s diverging storylines apart. 

Boromir’s arc is that of a classic tragic hero with some Biblical inspirations driving his actions. Instead of discussing the content of the first chapter of The Two Towers (TT), I want to take a post to examine Boromir’s life, death, and impact.

Boromir the Man

Boromir is the eldest son of Denethor, Steward of Gondor, and one of the foremost military leaders in Gondor. As he is of the line of Stewards, Boromir also has some Numenorean blood (the same blood that Aragorn has) but because it has been diluted so much over the years, the effects are not as pronounced as they are in the Dunedain who live to be 200. This blood, and Boromir’s pride in his bloodline, helps explains his disdain for Aragorn from the earliest meeting in Rivendell. The Stewards rule Gondor, the line of Kings is extinct.

Gondor’s identity since the death of the last King Isildur has been centered around a constant tug of war with the remaining orcs of Mordor, with struggles to keep shipping lanes free of the pirate lords of Umber, and economic difficulties of an empire in decline. War is constant, and strong leaders are necessary to inspire and rally the soldiers through such never-ending conflict.

Boromir is the latest in a line of extraordinarily tough men who place their duty and service to Gondor above all.

Boromir the Savior

As I’ve mentioned, Boromir is a very capable military leader and is willing to sacrifice much for the good of Gondor. He sees the forces they fight against getting stronger. The Orcs of Mordor are more organized, raiders from the far east harass the borders and the Pirate Lords of Umber are more active. Boromir is desperate for an answer to save his people for whom he has given everything.

In a scene very reminiscent of Biblical prophecy and visions, Faramir, Boromir's younger brother receives a vision one night telling him to go north to find a way to save Gondor. Boromir knows the journey is dangerous and insists on undertaking the quest to save Gondor over his brother who actually received the original vision (he received the same vision a few days later). He recounts this to Aragorn during a brief meeting in Rivendell saying,

"In that dream I thought the eastern sky grew dark and there was a growing thunder, but in the West a pale light lingered, and out of it I heard a voice, remote but clear, crying:

Seek for the Sword that was broken:
In Imladris it dwells;
There shall be counsels taken
Stronger than Morgul-spells.
There shall be shown a token
That Doom is near at hand,
For Isildur's Bane shall waken,
And the Halfling forth shall stand."

Boromir believes that he has been chosen specially to save Gondor and must find the means of doing it.

Boromir the Fallen

Boromir is immensely frustrated by the Council of Elrond. His weapon to defeat the encroaching darkness is apparent (the Ring) but out of his reach, and a ranger from the north claims to be the long-lost heir to the throne of Gondor. 

His worldview is shattered. Not only is the weapon that he yearns for just out of reach behind a meddling wizard, a bunch of foreigners with no concept of the dangers facing the world of men, a pretender to Boromir’s own birthright, and a bunch of halflings. To Boromir, this is deeply frustrating.

Is it not a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt for so small a thing? So small a thing!

However, during times of turmoil, Boromir’s instincts and true self reveal themselves. He works with Aragorn and the others to pull the Fellowship through Moria. He rallies the group when Gandalf is lost to the depths with the Balrog. He comes to respect his companions as capable and earnest even if they do not share the same end goal.

It is in idle times where Boromir’s descent manifests and the Ring can seize hold. At Amon Hen, the Ring’s pull becomes too much for Boromir and he confronts Frodo, trying to seize the Ring by force.

Frodo escapes and Boromir regains his senses but is horrified at his own actions. 

The Ring has taken his noble goals and twisted them into a perversion that nearly consumes him. Would Faramir have been as susceptible? Would the Fellowship have broken anyway?

"Boromir's Last Stand" by Ted Nasmith

Boromir the Redeemed

Boromir immediately recognizes that something else had a hold of his heart, twisting his desires. However, Boromir blames himself immensely for his own failing and weakness.

I’ll explore Aragorn’s Jesus Christ parallels in a later post (Return of the King probably) but I think Boromir pulls heavy from messianic mythology as well. Boromir is tempted, nearly fatally, by the power of the Ring. Temptation pulls at him, gnawing on his thoughts, and perverting his intentions. The Ring has some serious Satan parallels.

But Boromir, not fully through his own power, overcomes this temptation and repents wholeheartedly. He sobs over his own human fragility and weakness, yearning for a way to prove his worth.

When the Uruk-Hai attack, Boromir eagerly jumps to defend, knowing that they must be after the Ringbearer. As depicted in the film, he mounts a truly impressive stand, fighting with all his might to overcome his own shortcomings. As he lay dying from a thousand small wounds and few large ones, Aragorn is there to hear his final words.

“'Farewell, Aragorn! Go to Minas Tirith and save my people! I have failed.'”

Aragorn’s response completes the redemption.

“You have conquered. Few have gained such a victory. Be at peace!”

Boromir did not give in fully to the Ring. Despite the temptation, he overcame. Boromir smiles as he dies on Amon Hen.

"The Last Words of Boromir" by Ted Nasmith

Boromir’s Legacy

Boromir’s rise, fall, and ultimate rise is the story of the Ring in general. The Fellowship starts with such strong convictions and promise and is promptly broken barely across the mountains. From there, the scattered members must find a way to achieve their goals despite of the formidable odds against them. 

Boromir overcame his own formidable odds and became the first Gondorian to acknowledge Aragorn could be the protector of Gondor that he could not be. Boromir’s stand defending the hobbits inspired Pippen to join Denethor’s forces and contribute to the defense of Gondor himself. Boromir’s death and final words charged Aragorn with the protection of Gondor as their new captain.

The death of Boromir is the sledgehammer physically breaking the Fellowship apart. Without Boromir’s temptation and ultimate sacrifice, no one else could have achieved their end goals.

Boromir was a true hero.

Faramir of the Fellowship

What would've happened if Faramir and not Boromir was sent to Rivendell? I tend to believe the Fellowship still would have broken but perhaps at a later point. Frodo was already becoming suspicious of everyone else even without Boromir and it was probably going to happen soon anyway. However, Faramir would have been much more cautious in approaching the Council of Elrond and would likely have been more accepting of Aragorn. If he survived to make it back to Gondor, it could have made a large difference.

Conversely, leaving Boromir in Gondor could have decimated Gondor's remaining forces if he stretched them too thin or pushed too hard instead of Faramir's hit and run, cautious defence.

The Fellowship could've lasted while Gondor burned? Any thoughts?

Two Reasons I Dislike Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit"

Watching the Hobbit movies while working today (working from home is great, by the way!) and I hit on another reason why I'm not overly impressed by Peter Jackson's interpretation. Besides the cheeky "love story", jumbled chronology, or Legolas being added in, I have two deeper reasons I wanted to discuss today.

The portrayal of Thorin

In the films, Thorin Oakenshield is portrayed as a rugged hero, selflessly trying to free his home from the tyranny of Smaug. He is the introspective leader of a lost people, mourning for a nation displaced by chaos. Basically, trying to be the Aragorn that was portrayed in the LOTR films.

But the problem is that Thorin is not Aragorn and the story shouldn't be crammed to fit into that mold. Thorin is, at his core, a thoroughly shitty person who is driven only by his greed.

Look, the Dwarves are all about greed. They've always been the race most likely to sit on hoards of riches, more so than men even, and still seek more. The Seven (the Dwarven Rings of Power) only accentuate this. Like the other Rings of Power, they amplify deep desires and instincts (Men want power, so they get it, and get corrupted by it for example). Dwarven rings enhance this greed.

Thrain, Thorin's father, was the last bearer of one of the Dwarven rings. In the years after they left the Lonely Mountain, Thrain became prosperous again but went mad because he wanted the riches of Erebor not just what he already had. Thorin grew up in a household completely obsessed with gold and riches. If you did not have them, or if someone had more, then you had no succeeded.

During the journey, Bilbo and the others are fairly expendable as long as he can use them to get his gold back. He doesn't really give a damn and sends Bilbo into harms way multiple times without regard for Bilbo at all.

So, surprise, Thorin is killed in his pursuit of his goal. It's basically Tolkien's 2nd biggest point of the story, the dangers of unchecked greed.

The crowding out of Bilbo

More importantly than Thorin's errant portrayal is Bilbo's absolutely unforgivable push out of the central storyline. He's still there, doing things and putting on the ring but the storyline is not about Bilbo; it's about Thorin.

This point is related to my above problem with Thorin's portrayal but at its heart, "The Hobbit" is a story of Bilbo's personal change. It isn't about retaking a mountain or the killing of a dragon; it's about Bilbo going out into the world and discovering something about himself. It's a coming of age story and that story has been put firmly on the back-burner by Peter Jackson.

I actually don't have much problem with the on-screen portrayal with Bilbo. Martin Freeman has been great and his writing has been solid. Where I DO have the problem is with how that portrayal fits into the rest of the film. His portrayal should be central. 

"The Hobbit" is a character piece and should not be treated as cheap action fodder. It cheapens the work and cheapens the artistry.

The films are fun to watch but don't mistake them for the books on-screen, perhaps an "Inspired by the works of JRR Tolkien" disclaimer would be more appropriate.

Book 2 Chapter 10: The Breaking of the Fellowship

We've reached the end! Of Part One at least. Which is good because the many months writing on this blog is far too short of time to spend among such amiable readers.

Unlike the films, Fellowship of the Ring ends not with a battle or a death, but with everyone frantically searching for Frodo while he and Sam slip across the Anduin into the wild country on the far bank.

Frankly, I think the MOST interesting piece of this chapter is the breaking of Boromir which is the namesake of the chapter. When Boromir breaks, so goes the Fellowship. However, I'm going to save Boromir's fall for when his death comes at the beginning of Two Towers.

Instead I'm going to talk about Frodo's vision at Amon Hen and some parallels between this scene and the initial departure from Rivendell.

Frodo and the Seat of Seeing

Amon Hen and Amon Lhaw are the two hills that are on each side of the river where the Fellowship camps. Amon Hen means "Seat of Seeing" and as Frodo is fleeing Boromir while wearing the Ring, he experiences a few interesting experiences.

Frodo reaches the top of the ruins while wearing the Ring and suddenly, he can see across distant fields and observes the deteriorating state of Middle-Earth. War is being waged everywhere and no one stronghold is safe. He gazes upon the tower of Barad-dur and feels the Ring pulling to Sauron.

Just when he feels like he is about to be discovered by Sauron, he removes the Ring and safely avoids Sauron's detection.

The first interesting point here is the vision of Frodo. This is one of several that occurs in Fellowship and we know that there are others that occur later in the adventure. In a previous post, I discussed potential sources of the visions and came down to the conclusion that it could either be something innate about Frodo or the power of the Ring.

As we're progressing through the story, I think it is becoming more apparent that the power of the Ring is the big driver behind these visions.

The Ring is a physical manifestation of the might, and cunning of Sauron. As a Valar, his power is tremendous and even a portion of it, embodied in the Ring can bestow wondrous and terrible effects upon the bearer, not all of which they can control.

These visions are simply one manifestation of the Ring's power, allowing a glimpse into the insight of someone of Sauron's might. Frodo is, for a moment, able to scan across Middle-Earth like the Valar themselves.

The second interesting point comes from what happens after Frodo does his tour de Middle-Earth. He hears and feels conflicting voices inside him like an epic tug-of-war between two forces.

The first he refers to as the Eye which represents Sauron trying to find him. It's begging him to reveal himself and declare his presence. The second he refers to as the Voice which I always found interesting but mysterious. The Voice urges him to remove the Ring and to hide.

What struck me this time is the language that Tolkien used, "Take it off! Take it off! Fool, take it off! Take off the Ring!"

Who does that sound like?

I'm pretty confident this is Gandalf directly wrestling with Sauron. I vaguely remember a quote in Two Towers where Gandalf discusses fending off a Dark Shadow before he makes his return known. Once I find the quote when we get to it, I'll confirm but isn't that pretty awesome to read a scene about Gandalf fighting directly with Sauron over Frodo's will? Cool!

Parallels to Rivendell

As Frodo is off seeking some clarity on his own, the others are locked in thought and conversation. The conversation is centered around where Frodo will pick to go and if people will go with him. I think this is a small note but a nice tie-in to the initial departure.

Gimli says that he was heartbroken to leave Lorien (HE HAS CHANGED SO MUCH!) but no matter what, will follow Frodo. Legolas agrees stating that "It would be faithless now to say farewell". I just enjoy the line because it mirrors Gimli's line in Rivendell and the relationship between Legolas and Gimli is one of the most fascinating aspect of the story. 

Minor detail but I wanted to mention it.

Conclusion

Thanks for reading through the first book and hope you stick around for the rest!

Next up! Boromir's fall.

Book 2 Chapters 8 and 9: Farewell to Lorien and the Great River

I decided to combine these two posts because Lorien really marks a turning point and these two chapters, though having different events and themes, tie together very well.

Galadriel's Gifts

In "Farewell to Lorien", the most significant event is the ceremonial departure from the land where Galadriel bestows upon the Fellowship great boons and treasures to help them accomplish their remaining quest. I'm going through these gifts chronologically, with the exception of Aragorn who receives the greatest gift of all.

To everyone:

• Lembas: Elvish bread that is densely packed with nutrition and sustenance and can keep indefinitely. This is a special gift that the Elves had never previously given out to non-Elves.
• Cloaks of the Galadrim: Elvish cloaks that excel in keeping the wearer a consistent temperature (warms and cools them) as well as "magical" properties to seemingly shift colors to hide the wearer. Pippin asks the Elves if these are magical cloaks and the Elves seem puzzled, confused by what Pippen means by "magic"

"I do not know what you mean by that. They are fair garments...lead and branch, water and stone; they have the hue and beauty of all these things under the twilight of Lorien that we love; for we put the thought of all that we kive into all that we make...You are indeed in the favour of the Lady! For she and her maidens wove this stuff; and never before have we clad strangers ub he garb of our own people." 

For how ancient Lorien is, I'd say that's a hell of a gift

Boromir

• A belt of gold

Seemingly of little significance. I can guess that perhaps it is a reflection of Boromir's values in that a gilded belt would be "kingly" to wear and a proud leader of Gondor would be drawn to such an item? 

Merry and Pippin

• Small silver belts, each with a clasp looking like a golden flower

Like Boromir's gift, this one doesn't seem to have any specific significance (that I can see but I'm consciously keeping an eye out while reading for further references) however, even without more significance, Elven-made gear, as previously stated, is precious and worthy of respect.

Legolas

• A bow that the Galadrim use which is stronger than the bows Legolas had previously used from Mirkwood.

He later uses this to shoot down a Fell Beast as the Fellowship travels down the Great River so it has a certain "oomph" to it.

Legolas Draws the Bow of Galadriel by Michael Kaluta

Sam

• A small box of earth from Lorien blessed by Lady Galadriel

This bit of dirt promises that "though you should final all barren and laid waste, there will be few gardens in Middle-Earth that will bloom like your garden." We can revisit this gift at the end of the story when Sam DOES return to the Shire but this is clearly one of the first gifts that has strong significance to the character beyond prowess in battle or armor.

Gimli

•  Three strands of Galadriel's hair
• Galadriel does not have a gift prepared for Gimli and instead asks Gimli "what gift would a Dwarf ask of the Elves".
• Gimli asks no gift of the Elves stating that is enough to have seen the Lady Galadriel herself. I don't think this is him being modest or overly respectful as it is Gimli being humbled by everything he has seen in Lorien and being too proud/stubborn to ask even more of the Galadrim.
• Gimli does respond, and as an expert diplomat too:

"There is nothing, Lady Galadriel, nothing, unless it might be - unless it is permitted to ask, nay, to name a single strand of your hair, which surpasses the gold of the earth as the stars surpass the gems of the mine. I do not ask for such a gift. But you commanded me to name my desire."

This is extraordinarily significant. Not necessarily to the story itself but it deepens the world. Galadriel's hair is said to reflect the light of the Trees of Valinor and Feanor, the greatest of the Elven kings and the most advanced craftsmen the world had ever seen (he created the Silmarils) requested a strand of her hair three separate times and was rejected. Feanor later becomes enraged over the Silmarils and is essentially an "Elvish Original Sin" figure and this interaction hints that Galadriel has a gift of insight that is hers alone. By giving Gimli THREE strands, I think she is acknowledging the other request she had for her hair and is deeming Gimli, a fellow craftsmen, to be more pure of heart and worthy of the gift than the self-serving King Feanor. Cool stuff!

Frodo

• Phial with the light of Earendil's star that is caught in water from Galadriel's fountain
• "Earendil's star" is a misnomer because Earendil's "star" is actually a Silmaril. Earendil fastened a Silmaril to his brow and sailed his ship into the sky (this is Tolkien so that's not legend, that happened in the First Age). This light is therefore the light of the Silmarils which themselves captured the light of the Trees of Valinor, the source of illumination and wonder for the entire world before the Sun and Moon were created. This is the most pure and perfect light left in the world and glows all the brighter when darkness sets in.
• The most esoteric and "magical" of the gifts bestowed on the Fellowship, the phial is second in significance only to Aragorn's gift. 

Aragorn

• "Magical" sheath for Anduril
• The first gift for Aragorn is a sheath that is beautifully decorated with silver and gold leaves and flowers. Gemstones shaped like Elven runes name the sword Anduril and cite the lineage of the sword. In addition to the stunning beauty, the sheath is said to protect the blade from being stained or broken even in defeat.
• The Elfstone
• Galadriel asks Aragorn if she can present him with any other gift and he answers that all he desires, she cannot give him (clearly, Arwen), and Galadriel has a bit of a surprise for Aragorn.
• While she can't give Arwen herself to Aragorn, she does have a token of hers to give him: a great stone of clear green set in a silver brooch shaped like a great eagle with spread wings

"This stone I gave to Celebrian my daughter and she to hers [Arwen]; and now it comes to you as a token of hope. In this hour take the name that was foretold for you, Elessar, the Elfstone of the house of Elendil!"

A Farewell to Lorien by Ted Nasmith

The Transformation of Gimli

As mentioned previously, Gimli desires only a strand of Galadriel's golden hair as a treasure "in memory of your words to me at our first meeting. And if I ever return to the smithies of my home, it shall be set in imperishable crystal to be an heirloom of my house and a pledge of goodwill between Mountain and Wood until the end of days."

These are BIG WORDS coming from a dwarf when there has been nothing but animosity between the two peoples for centuries, even millenniums. Let's take a look at Gimli's time in Lorien and deconstruct this change in view.
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Arrival in the Forest

Gimli is treated poorly by the Elves at the border. Haldir says they have not had friendly deadlings with the Dwarves since the "Dark Days" and that only with Legolas and Aragorn guarding Gimli will he be allowed to pass and even then, he must be blind-folded. Gimli obviously takes a dim view of this arrangement and refuses to go along with the plan. Aragorn arranges for everyone to be blind-folded making it more fair. Gimli accepts this despite Legolas' grumblings. Not a promising start.

Arrival in Caras Galdon

The party arrives to meet the Lord and Lady of the city and are immediately questioned about Gandalf and his "demise". When they relay the tale of the Balrog being found, Celeborn is full of rage, placing it upon Gimli as the representative of the folk who woke the Balrog.

"But had I known the Dwarves had stirred up this evil in Moria again, I would have forbidden you to pass our northern borders. You and all who go with you."

Galadriel is quick to step in, chastising her husband, and defending the Dwarves.

"Do not repent of your welcome to the Dwarf. If our folk had been exiled long and far from Lothlorien, who of the Galadrim, even Celeborn the Wise, would pass nigh and not wish to look upon their ancient home, though it had become the abode of dragons?

 Dark is the water of the Kheled-zaram, and cold are the springs of Kibil-nala, and fair were the many pillared halls of Khazad-dum in Elder Days before the fall of mighty kings beneath the stone."

Galadriel, in two quick lines, explains the plight of the Dwarves in a way that clearly no other race had thought of before, and also references the glory and splendor of the lost kingdom IN THE NATIVE TONGUE OF THE DWARVES. Not even Gandalf used this language to describe Moria.

Gimli is stunned a bit at first and Tolkien writes, "that it seemed to him that he looked suddenly into the heart of an enemy and saw there love and understanding." Gimli follows this realization by claiming,

"Yet more fair is the living land of Lorien and the Lady Galadriel is above all the jewels that lie beneath the Earth."

In the span of a quick conversation, Gimli's heart and entire worldview of the Elves has changed. He knows that they can have compassion and understanding for the plight of the Dwarves and this change of heart and acceptance of friendship profoundly shapes the rest of the Ring-Quest and Gimli's entire life.

The Transformation of Aragorn

 Gimli isn't the only member of the Fellowship to experience a significant character change over the course of a few dozen pages. From the time entering Lorien to the campsite near Amon Hen above the falls of Rauros, Aragorn transforms from a mysterious but capable vagabond and traveler, to a decisive and kingly leader, inspiring in presence and sight.

I think three key factors are at play here

1. The loss of Gandalf
2. The blessing of Galadriel
3. Coming closer to the historic sites of Numenorean power

The Loss of the Gandalf

Undoubtedly, Gandalf's loss in Moria is a tremendous blow to the Fellowship. Their emotional, intellectual, and strategic leader suddenly disappears and Aragorn, whether he is ready or not, needs to assume the mantle of leadership.

Aragorn is already a very experienced traveler and warrior, fighting in campaigns across Middle-Earth for all manner of factions (Rohan, Gondor, the Rangers, Rivendell, etc) but this is his most important command yet due to his duties as a member of the Fellowship and as the last living heir of Isildur. With Gandalf in the Fellowship, he could focus on being the heir of Isildur and protecting Frodo without the weight of decision-making. While he would consult with Gandalf, it was clear that Gandalf's opinion held primacy most of the time and Aragorn was glad to have those opinions.

After leaving Moria, I think the party was a bit shell-shocked and Aragorn was reacting on instinct more than anything: get away from the mountain and towards Lothlorien where friends are waiting. Only through spending time in Lorien in safety can his thoughts truly settle and adapt to his new role.

The Blessing of Galadriel

I referenced Aragorn's gift above, where Galadriel literally bids him to do away with his previous monikers and titles and embrace his status as heir to the throne. Her gift, which is really Arwen's gift, signifies a unity between Men and Elves (which as I've written about previously, are very rare and incredibly important) and harkens back to a previous time when the Elves and the House of Elendil still had great might and grandeur.

"Then Aragorn took the stone and pinned the brooch upon his breast, and those who saw him wondered; for they had not marked before how tall and kingly he stood, and it seemed to them that many years of toil had fallen from his shoulders."

 Aragorn's own spirits are being lifted by the blessing of the most powerful Elf in the world (and grandmother to his own beloved) and this rejuvenation and renewed determination is clearly apparent to the rest of the company.

Nearing the Lands of Numenor

After the party leaves Lorien, they travel down the Great River towards Gondor and Mordor. After several days of travel (including an ambush by orcs which included Legolas shooting down a Fell Beast in the night...) they reach the mighty gates of the Argonath.

The Argonath is probably in my top 3 favorite locations in Middle-Earth. This is place in the river where the Numenoreans built titanic statues unweathered from the centuries of wear and tear. The twin colossuses are of Anarion and Isildur, the sons of Elendil and the Kings of Gondor and Arnor respectively.

When the Great River passes between the statues, the sheer might and power of the location cowers most of the Fellowship. Frodo can't bear to look up and even Boromir keeps his head bowed. Only Aragorn seems to revel in the power of this location.

"'Fear not!' said a strange voice behind him. Frodo turned and saw Strider, and yet not Strider, for the weather-worn Ranger was no longer there. In the stern sat Aragorn son of Arathorn, proud and erect, guiding the boat with skillful 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 Anarion, my sires of old. Under their shadow Elessar, the Elfstone son of Arathorn of the House of Valandil, Isildur's son, heir of Elendir, has naught to dread!'"

That's a heck of a passage and really a marked contrast to the more cautious Strider seen earlier in the book.

The Argonath by Ted Nasmith

Conclusion

I think the transition from Moria to Lorien to the wilderness beyond is crucial in understanding several characters and their development. I also could have touched on Boromir whose mania deepens as the chapters progress or Merry who becomes more eager to contribute to the Fellowship or Sam who becomes more resolute the farther he gets from home.

I think I'd like to dedicate a whole post to Boromir and his descent into madness when he dies in the third book (first part of the Two Towers) and I'll break it down further.

Hope you enjoyed this marathon of a post, I really enjoyed reading about the transformations of Gimli and Aragorn and thinking what they mean in the larger context.

Book 2 Chapter 7: The Mirror of Galadriel

Apologies if parts of this post seem incongruous, I wrote it during a layover and on a flight next to the Monopoly Man so it was a bit disorienting.

Alright, I haven't really made much of a stink about things I dislike in the film versions so far but this chapter kind of blows in the films.

Granted, it adds some tension after the death of Gandalf which is needed to keep folks interested (also why they added the death of Boromir to Fellowship instead of leaving it in Two Towers) but the portrayal made Galadriel look a bit silly in my opinion.

This chapter centers around the mighty and powerful Elves Galadriel and Celeborn and their magical kingdom of Lorien. Considered the wisest and most powerful of elves in Middle-Earth, including Elrond, this is the Fellowship's last chance at wisdom and safety before really entering the main stretch of the journey.

I think the namesake of the chapter is the most interesting part, where Frodo and Sam look into the waters of the Mirror and see what was, is, or may yet be be. Sam sees the destruction of the Shire, perhaps seeing what is currently going on, or perhaps a vision of the Shire at the end of Return of the King when Sharkey's men take over the land and pillage the fair countryside. Sam yearns to go back home but Galadriel is quick to remind him that previously he knew the Shire could be in danger but would not leave Frodo's side. Sam is quick to remember his loyalty and despite the growing darkness of the last few chapters, agrees that he will finish the quest with Frodo.

Frodo sees his place in the larger history of the Ring and sees the eye of Sauron himself. Unlike the film which has Sauron as a stupid literal burning eye, the eye here is metaphorical. Sauron has a far reaching gaze due to his powers but has an actual body. Frodo, as a Ring bearer, can sense his power and knows he is being hunted specifically which is an advantage the other members of the Fellowship don't share.

Galadriel, as a Ring bearer as well, knows Frodo can see the gaze of Sauron and is empathetic to his plight. In return he offers the Ring to Galadriel as she is the most poweful and mighty of the Elves and could surely succeed.

This is where I dislike the film's intepretation.

Galadriel is tempted and is vocal about her thought process. She would start as benevolent and slowly decay into tyranny. Instead of a Dark Lord, they would have a Dark Queen. In the end, she returns to herself and simply shrugs, "I pass the test." and accepts her fate that the Elves will diminish with the destruction of the Rings.

Specifically, I dislike how Galadriel is portrayed as becoming "beautiful and terrible". I thought the effects making her look like a radioactive feral ghoul were over the top and out of character. While she is severely shaken by the ordeal. She isn't really in danger of taking the Ring from Frodo and I think she knows it the entire time. She can feel the Ring's pull and has a certain desire to use it for good, but that temptation, while enough to overpower the less wise, is nothing to her. She willingly turns away, what only Gandalf has done so far.

Watching some of the extra features and "Making of" clips out there, they had originally filmed several other versions of the "transformation" and most of the others were much more subdued compared to the most extreme one which made it into the films. Most of the others were like Gandalf in Bag End when he stands up to Bilbo, the lights dim, and things shake a bit. Way more subtle, speaking to a great personal strength, and getting the point across in a manner that fit his personality and character.

This is pretty shockingly anti-Galadriel and one of the Top 3 dislikes in the film series.




P.S. While I'm ranting about PJ's (otherwise fantastic) interpretations of Middle-Earth, how do you NOT turn the effin' leaves at least a HINT of gold during post-production? The golden forest is a huge distinction from the other forests we see in Middle-Earth and speaks directly to the fantastic power and influence of the Elves. This is lazy stuff right here.

Peter Jackson's version

J.R.R. Tolkien's own sketch

Ted Nasmith's version based on Tolkien's sketch

It's not a huge deal, but a few touches of gold instead of the blue/silver motif they went with would have been nice.

Book 2 Chapter 6: Lothlorien

It's been a little over a month since my last post and I apologize for those of you following along.

After the last chapter where we see Gandalf fall into the darkness of Moria, the company escapes into the bright world east of the Misty Mountains. The last few chapters of Fellowship, I find particularly difficult to dive into which contributed to my delay. It's not that they are unexciting or inaccessible, but after the thrilling climax and then deep defeat in Moria, the book itself manages to impart that malaise and sorrow into the reader without coming across overtly on the pages.

The characters themselves struggle and darkness seems to be pervasive. It's a tough read and if you are reading closely and have become emotionally attached to the characters, a wrenching one as well.

I think Lothlorien is a chapter defined by a single quote. When the Fellowship meets the border elves led by Haldir, Frodo and Legolas are brought for a further conversation away from everyone else. Frodo is morose and claims:

“I have never been out of my own land before. And if I had known what the world outside was like, I don't think I should have had the heart to leave it.'
'Not even to see fair Lothlorien?' said Haldir. 'The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater.”

I know I may say this frequently, but this is one of my favorite quotes in the book. It's timeless wisdom that is relatable not only to those of Tolkien's generation who struggled through two World Wars, a Depression, and probably many personal battles, but to all generations. 

Doesn't our time now seem dark? Shadows set in from all sides and the virtues of the world are diminished and muddled with pain?

I find strength in these words. Tolkien acknowledges that the bad must come with the good and when that happens, individuals are the better for it. Sam is being thrown into a world he dislikes and hardly understands while his best qualities are coming out and shining. Aragorn is the chief of a people on the brink of destruction and leads them to victory over a seemingly insurmountable foe. Frodo bears a darkness that few in Middle-Earth can fathom and stays steadfast and true, finding a strength that he doubted he had himself.

It is the struggle that defines us and allows the good to shine all the clearer.

Book 2 Chapter 5: The Bridge of Khazad-Dum

First off, the last post pushed me over 1,000 lifetime views which is pretty cool. Thanks for reading my ramblings on here. I hope I'm providing a bit of insight and some thought provoking ideas but will settle for a few pity reads. 

Thank you for the pity reads.

The Bridge of Khazad-Dum is one of the most memorable chapters in Tolkien due primarily to the loss of Gandalf into the darkness of Moria. This first breaking of the Fellowship is the most significant set-back thus far (which is a pretty bold statement in itself!) and shapes the entire narrative of the next four books.

Sam the Fearless Guardian

At the beginning of the chapter, the Fellowship fights for their life in the Tomb of Balin. Frodo is famously stabbed (saved by his mithril!) and everyone gets to show off their cool action-figure-y skills. (Boom, headshot! says Legolas)

During the course of the battle, Sam is the only one to receive any physical injury: a scratch across his face. Narrowly avoiding a much deeper blow, Sam thrusts his sword through the offending orc. Here's Tolkien's description:

"A fire was smouldering in his brown eyes that would have made Ted Sandyman step backwards, if he had seen it."

Can you imagine Sam doing this only a single chapter ago before they entered Moria? How about when he thought that Rivendell would be the end of their trip? Is Sam just discovering a part of himself that was always there or is he changing?

I think Sam is discovering who he really is. Shedding naivete and starting to see the broader scope of their task, Sam is building on the tenacity that was already there. It doesn't matter if it is a stubborn weed in the Gaffer's garden or an army of Orcs in Moria, if Sam needs to do something, he is going to do it.

A version of the Balrog that leans heavily on the Peter Jackson interpretation.

A Balrog is come!

Of course, despite how awesome Sam's inner ferocity is, most of y'all are going to take away just one thing from this chapter and that's Durin's Bane, a damned Balrog of Morgoth.

We discussed Balrogs a few times in previous sections and I'll probably discuss them again (because they are awesome) but the real winner here is Gandalf.

As the Fellowship fled from the Tomb of Balin, Gandalf tried to place a shutting spell on the door (not the same level as a "Cheat Code"-esque Word of Command, more like exploiting a glitch for personal gain). However, this was apparently not enough.

"I have met my match and have nearly been destroyed...I am rather shaken."

Alright, so Gandalf is appearing visually exhausted but what caused this? Just that spell? Tolkien explains,

"The counterspell (to the shutting spell) was terrible. It nearly broke me. For an instant the door left my control and began to open. I had to speak a Word of Command."

Gandalf's power hasn't been directly matched yet and here is something that stands right up to him and seems like an equal. Balrogs were once Maia (the lesser Valar) like Gandalf himself before they became corrupted by Morgoth. This gives them abilities above and beyond creatures like the Nazgul and more like Saruman or Sauron himself.

So Gandalf is pretty messed up already, but they're nearing the exit. Finally, they reach the bridge which was built as an ancient defense, forcing armies to walk single-file across bridge. I can't describe the scene any better than Tolkien himself did so here it is, in his own words:

"It came to the edge of the fire and the light faded as if a cloud had bent over it. Then with a rush it leaped across the fissue. The flames roared up to greet it and wreathed about it; and a black smoke swirled in the air. Its steaming mane kindled, and blazed behind it. In its right hand was a blade like a stabbing tongue of fire; in its left it held a whip of many thongs."

Gandalf's Speech

Legolas basically craps himself when seeing the Balrog and Gimli is dumbstruck over seeing Durin's Bane in person. Gandalf stands alone on the bridge urging the Fellowship on. Turning on the Balrog, Gandalf defies him with probably the most iconic line in the story.

"You cannot pass!"

That's right. Cannot pass. This is different than the films but unlike most of the minor changes, this one is important. "You CANNOT pass" makes it a physical impossibility. The Balrog literally cannot physically pass the bridge. Gandalf's words are not idle threats or taunts at Durin's Bane, they are proclamations of law.

"I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udun. Go back to the Shadow. You cannot pass."

He may have been challenged before by the Balrog but he did not know his opponent at that time. Now, he knows what he faces and specifically how to defeat it.

To do so, he is invoking some powerful phrases here. Let's break it down.

"Servant of the Secret Fire"

To Tolkien, the Secret Fire was what we would refer to as the "Holy Ghost" or "Holy Spirit". It's the surrounding factor in our lives that emanates from Eru (God) and breathes life into the world. Gandalf is invoking the supreme directly, bypassing the Valar and the Balrog's original master Morgoth. This is the most powerful force in Middle-Earth.

"flame of Anor"

Anor is the sun, which is a fire and light that gives us life. Without the sun's fire, we couldn't exist. This reinforces Gandalf as a servant of fire, like Sauron and the Balrogs, but unlike them, he is a servant of the "good" fire.

"flame of Udun"

Tolkien likes his fire metaphors. The flame of Udun is conversely, the flame of darkness or the flame that destroys. Fire can be a fantastic tool for growth, culling brush so that forests may thrive and providing sustenance and warmth for survival. However, taken too far, fire can destroy absolutely. 

Conclusion

Tolkien uses fire as a common metaphor because it is precisely the theme of the overall story. The Lord of the Rings  is about the corrupting nature of power and that while some power is needed to accomplish great things (Aragorn, Frodo, and Sam each wield a certain "power") but taken too far, this power can bring anyone to ruin including those who wish to use the power for good (Saruman).

Fire, like power, is necessary in the world but a balance is needed otherwise the fire will consume you.