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.

Book 2 Chapter 4: Journey in the Dark - "The Wild West of Middle-Earth"

A Journey in the Dark is like "A New Hope" of chapters. The Rebels (Fellowship) are a bit down and out after being thwarted in their plans (Path over Caradhras and the capture of Princess Leia aboard the Tantive IV) There's a bit of soul searching and naval gazing before being forced to commit to a path that will really define the rest of the story (Burning of the Lars' Farm in Star Wars, and the entrance to Moria being blocked by the Watcher).

There's a lot of tension building and from the title itself, it's clear that things will not go well for the party.

Road to Moria

After fleeing down the mountain, defeated, a council is held by the Fellowship and Gandalf quickly outlines the two options before them: go back defeated, or continue on through other means. Only Sam, Merry, and Pippen seem excited about the chance of returning. Frodo quickly quenches this simply stating that they "must go on". Frodo, perhaps alone apart from Gandalf, knows the true weight of the Ring.

With that in mind, there are two options: journey south through the Gap of Rohan or go through the halls of the former Dwarven kingdom of Khazad-Dum or Moria. The Gap of Rohan is very narrow and adjacent to Saruman which everyone agrees would be a bad path to take. However, Moria does not seem much more appealing.

Boromir compares Moria (which is Elvish for "Black Pit" by the way) to the tower of Sauron himself in its dark and wicked reputation. Gandalf is very quick to refute that. He alone of the party has been to a fortress of the Enemy (Dol Guldor) and he knows that Sauron is the most formidable enemy currently imaginable.

Also, both Gandalf and Aragorn have made the trek through Moria before so it is not a wholly untrodden path. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, Aragorn warns Gandalf. "It is not of the Ring, nor of us others that I am thinking now, but of you Gandalf. And I say to you, if you pass the doors of Moria, beware."

I don't think Aragorn is particularly magically gifted with foresight but this prophecy is pretty clearly fulfilled in the following chapter. Similar to how Frodo received visions of Gandalf earlier in the book, I think this is a sort of "divine spark" that Aragorn receives. Tolkien is pretty blatant in that all forms of "magic" flow from the divine and that these visions are what the Valar or Eru Illuvatar (God) himself wants them to see.

But Gandalf wants none of that crap, and so they push towards Moria.

But the path is pretty rough. They are surrounded and attacked by packs of Sauron's wargs and Gandalf is forced to use a Word of Command again to summon fire and frighten away the Wargs.

Once again, Gandalf decides that if he does not tap into a "cheat code", they will all perish. I think the films gloss over just how damn dangerous and rough this journey was in favor of nearly indestructible adventurers swashbucklin' through Middle-Earth. Not that this wasn't entertaining but Gandalf is literally an angel and has to resort to a higher power to pull them through the darker points.

I think this is very important to Tolkien in both his personal view of "higher powers" and for replicating an "authentic" mythological vibe. Personally, Tolkien was always adamant about the power of religion and it played a huge role in his personal life. His closest friend was fellow professor and noted Christian author C.S. Lewis and Tolkien is not shy that Christianity deeply affected his work both directly and indirectly. Within the context of Middle-Earth, "higher powers" often play a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of heroes. In Greek mythology, most stories are literally about the Gods messing around with mortals and directly changing their lives. Tolkien is tapping into this tradition by having Gandalf, a minor deity in his own right, play such a direct and powerful role.

Essentially, he is saying that some things are beyond the mortal races, and that's okay.

The Door

I think the "Watcher in the Water" is one of the cooler and weirder things in Middle-Earth since it is a creature unmentioned in any of Tolkien's other works, unlike Balrogs, Dragons, or Orcs, and instead stands on its own: a mystery like Tom Bombadil, not meant to be solved.

Password into Moria by Ted Nasmith

Gandalf remarks that there are "older and fouler things than Orcs in the deep places of the world" as the Fellowship approaches Moria. I think its clear that he means that the deepest depths of places like Moria contain things that no one can really comprehend. Later in the chapter, Gandalf comments that the lower levels of Moria are flooded, which could allow such a creature to escape a subterranean prison (perhaps the lake the Gandalf/Durin's Bane fall into?). Perhaps the creature fled because of Durin's Bane? Maybe or maybe not, but it's plausible and I like to think that there is only room for one real big bad guy in Moria at a time.

Also notable when the Fellowship enters Moria, is that no one really feels a sense of dread. Its understood that Moria is a FREAKIN' HUGE PLACE! It spans the length of a mountain change and goes up and down several levels. There's no possible way that Gandalf, Gimli, or anyone else could possibly say if Gimli's cousin Balin successfully resettled a portion of Moria because it might take days to even reach the other side. 

I think this is significant because Moria is sort of the "Wild West" of Middle-Earth. It's unknown around each corner if law or chaos will rule and there's a real sunovabitch who runs around in the lawlessness of the lower levels (Durin's Bane). Balin (Gimli's cousin and Bilbo's friend from "The Hobbit") is playing The Sheriff and resettling the lawless land. 

Mithril!

While walking through Moria, Gandalf comments that the wealth of Khazad-Dum was not in gems or gold, but in  mithril, a substance that is like Kevlar in protection and diamond in preciousness. Gandalf remarks that Bilbo received a full suit of Mithril mail from Thorin as a present for retaking Erebor. Gimli is astonished at the gift, as mithril is both incredibly rare and valuable, even for kings. 

No one else in the party knows that Bilbo gave Frodo that magnificent armor but Frodo is thinking deeply about it. Frodo wonders if Bilbo knew about how valuable mithril was when he gave the armor to Frodo. Frodo eventually decides that Bilbo did know and consciously chose to give Frodo the mail any way.

This is very significant and one of the reasons that Frodo is carrying the Ring instead of anyone else. The Hobbits are unique among the mortal races in being able to fathom giving away personal power, wealth, and glory. Gimli can't imagine Thorin giving away such a gift, Elrond is afraid to touch the Ring, and Boromis tries to take the Ring later. Frodo (and the other Hobbits) are the only ones who care about each other more than power over their fellows. This virtue alone is the crux of the entire story and the real strength of Hobbits. The humblest of the races offers the most to their salvation.

Conclusion

This chapter has some other cool parts, especially in the description of Moria itself. Even after reading the books several times and watching the films, I still marvel at the size and grandeur of Moria. It's like if Buckingham Palace was the size of Vermont and each room had a unique story to tell. 

Just imagine all the cool things the dwarves left in there!

My favorite part of Moria that is often overlooked is that the Dwarves built God damned skylights into the inner halls! Thousands of feet through sheer rock, the Dwarves cut straight paths that allow natural light to enter the dark halls. It seems like such a small accomplishment when Tolkien throws it in casually near the end of the chapter, but it really speaks to the grandeur of Khazad-Dum.

Reread this chapter and think about how Moria was constructed in the first place. It was the "Garden of Eden" for Dwarves (where Durin first woke at the dawn of time), and the first Dwarven kingdom.

The Dwarves had millenia to construct Moria. Even after centuries of occupation, Khazad-Dum remains, in my opinion, the most marvelous and spectacular single location in Middle-Earth.

Cool sword, bro - Legendary Swords in Middle-Earth's Troll Dens

Departing from our romp toward Moria, I wanted to visit one of my favorite lore tidbits.

In "The Hobbit" Bilbo and friends stumble upon a cache of weapons in the depths of a troll cave in the Trollshaws near Rivendell. These weapons are revealed to be of a superior make, with Gandalf himself taking a longsword as his weapon. Bilbo claims one of the blades as a "finder's fee" of sorts, and fearless leader Thorin Oakenshield gets the other.

"The Hobbit" emphasizes the importance of these weapons and their unique status in Middle-Earth, but it does not explain this importance. These weapons, Sting and Glamdring in particular, also play a huge part of the "Lord of the Rings" but are not expanded upon.

It's not until we start diving into the depths of Tolkien's unfinished notes and short stories that we see a broader picture.

In "The Hobbit", it's clear that the Orcs of the Misty Mountains know these weapons. They curse the blades, calling Glamdring "Beater" and Orcrist "Biter". These swords are remarkable enough to have their own place in the lore of the Orcs of the Misty Mountains but all Tolkien offers is their original names and that they originated in Gondolin during the First Age.

Gondolin. A nice place.

The Fall of Gondolin is one of the most well-known stories in "The Silmarillion" and other Unfinished Tales, and the swords play an important part of that story. Essentially, Gondolin was a hidden city of the Elves, one of the last free kingdoms in Beleriand and Morgoth had spent centuries trying to find and destroy it. Eventually, a traitor revealed the location and the hosts of Morgoth piled on the city and ransacked it. Interesting to note: Glorfindel was at Gondolin when it fell and died defending the fleeing population by slaying a balrog in single combat. The Valar loved this action so much, they sent him back to Middle-Earth.

Gondolin. No longer a nice place.

Glamdring's description matches that given to the sword of Turgon, King of the Elves of Gondolin, and although Tolkien never explicitly calls it out, it's pretty fair to say they are the same blade if the Orcs hold reverence and fear for the same blade after 6,500 years.

Ecthelion wields Orcrist against Gothmog.

Orcrist was the sword of Ecthelion, Captain of the Guard of Gondolin and one of the Elves who made the last stand in the center of the city to hold off the Balrogs and orcs from the fleeing civilians. Ecthelion fought Gothmog, the most powerful and leader of the Balrogs, in single combat, and died as he slew Gothmog in the royal fountain at the center of the city. 

From Royalty to Troll Lair

So Ecthelion and Turgon died and their swords were plundered by the victorious orcs. How did they get from Gondolin to the Trollshaws which is FAR away in the East?

I don't know.

Here is my conjecture which you are free to disagree with or add to as desired:

The weapons were taken into the East by the orcs as they migrated after Morgoth was defeated. They likely settled in the Grey Mountains (the mountain range just north of the Misty Mountains) or in the Misty Mountains themselves. Over the years, they warred greatly with the dwarves in these areas and eventually the Dwarves seized these weapons and used them against the orcs, rekindling the old names "Biter" and "Beater" as something to be feared.

Over time these weapons were passed down from father to son (likely from King to the new King and so forth - these are fantastic weapons after all) and after many centuries, a small group of dwarves, including perhaps a Prince or other nobility, were overtaken by trolls in Trollshaws and their cache hidden within the cave.

Conversely, the Dwarves had become surrounded by an orc party and they buried their own weapons knowing how important their weapons were to their people and not wanting them to fall back into Orc hands.

I like these options because men, dwarves, elves, or orcs who would've come across these weapons would be able to tell their quality even without knowledge of history. A longsword is not a common find, much less a finely jeweled one.

Therefore, it's reasonable to assume that whoever placed the blades there did so on purpose, or was oblivious to any value in the weapons.

To Slay a Balrog

It's also noteworthy that two of the three blades found in the Troll's cache are responsible for slaying two of the most famous Balrogs in the history of Middle-Earth.

Ecthelion, who wielded Orcrist, faced Gothmog, the most fearsome of all Morgoth's Balrogs during the Fall of Gondolin. Ecthelion was succesful and Gothmog was slain, although he himself perished in the process, losing Orcrist.

Turgon, King of Gondolin, wielded Glamdring during the battle but subsequently lost it. However, it is on Gandalf's hip that this weapon really impacts the story. Deep within Moria, as we'll see in a coming blog post, the Balrog Durin's Bane appears before the party to drive them out and destroy them. Gandalf defies him and they battle for days, eventually resulting in Gandalf slaying Durin's Bane.

Now, we don't know if Gandalf stabbed Durin's Bane or if he resorted to a Word of Command (Balrogs were once Maiar like Gandalf/Saruman/Sauron as well...) but the important thing is that Glamdring certainly played some part in the battle.

Conclusion

I don't think Tolkien really intended too much by these coincidences since The Hobbit was one of the earliest writings and it was NOT originally intended to be part of the same world as Lord of the Rings. 

Despite that, I think it is a lot of fun and fascinating to think about how these three swords go from the hands of mighty Elven warriors during the First Age to a dirty troll pit 6,500 years later. The additional connection of the two swords responsible for the deaths of the two most famous Balrogs is just icing on the cake.

Intentional or not, I clearly enjoy talking and writing about it.

What's your thought on how the swords got into the troll pit?

Book 2 Chapter 3: The Ring Goes South

This chapter has two of my favorite Tolkien quotes and covers a vast span of time (several months) so it holds a special place in my heart.

Unlike the films, there is a pretty large gap in time between the Council of Elrond and the point when the party actually leaves Rivendell. After they do leave, they journey for weeks before reaching the Misty Mountains and then finally have to turn back toward Moria.

Why not head out right away?

Well, there's a lot of preparation to be done. The Nazgul may have been swept away by the Bruinen but they've left a mark on the area and likely have other allies about (trolls, orcs, wicked men, etc.) Additionally, one of their most powerful allies, Saruman, has just been revealed as a traitor. So before dispatching the Ring into the wild green yonder, preparation was needed.

And to an author like Tolkien, preparation is a good time for some exposition. That makes for a long chapter and one rife with interesting quotes and content.

The Fellowship Leaving Rivendell - Ted Nasmith

A Very Hobbit Adventure

The Hobbits take very different views to the delay and the trip overall. Pippen and Merry are shocked that Sam was "rewarded" for sneaking into the Council by giving him approval to go with Frodo. Frodo, of course, is shocked by this, instead calling it a most "severe punishment."

I think this interaction is important because it tells us a lot about the Hobbits and their levels of wisdom and understanding. Pippen is young and eager to experience the world. Merry fits this mold to a lesser extent but does clarify that they don't want to accompany Frodo just for adventure, instead it is about coming so far already and wanting to finish the job.

Frodo is the most pessimistic of the bunch, but who can blame him? He's been the Ring-bearer for over twelve years at this point and has glimpsed some terrible things.

Initially, Elrond is opposed to the Hobbits joining the party, instead thinking of who from his own household that he could send with. Gandalf stands up for the Hobbits, as has become his norm, and argues for their inclusion.

"Nor do any if us see clearly (what lies ahead). It is true that if these Hobbits understood the dangers they would not dare go. But they would still wish to go, or wish that they dared, and be shamed and unhappy. I think, Elrond, that in this matter it would be well to trust rather to friendship than to wisdom."

I underlined the last part of the quote for emphasis as it is one of the CENTRAL THESES OF THE ENTIRE STORY.

The Hobbits don't know what's coming, but even if they did, they would wish that they could go with Frodo because he is their friend. To Tolkien, friendship is one of the most powerful forces in the world.

Of Swords and Mithril

Anyone familiar with ANY sort of mythology can attest to the legendary stature given to the weapons of heroes. Mjolnir is not only Thor's weapon, but posseses power of its own that the Norse Thunder God can wield. King Arthur wields Excalibur which granted him the right to kingship in the first place, bestowing a mandate from Heaven upon the hero.

Tolkien is no different and places extraordinary emphasis on the implements of heroes.

In this chapter, two swords in particular are discussed: the newly forged Anduril, and Sting.

Anduril

Anduril, the Flame of the West, is Aragorn's sword. Reforged from the broken shards of Narsil which Isildur used to cut off the Ring from Sauron's hand thousands of years prior. The descendants of Isildur kept these shards for centuries waiting for the right time to reforge the blade and wield it against Sauron. 

So why now? What was stopping them from reforging Anduril a few years before? Or centuries before? Elrond's been around Rivendell for thousands of years and the heirs of Isildur had been frequent guests.

I have two potential solutions to offer:

1) Reforging Anduril required great effort from extremely skilled craftsmen. This effort combined with the inherent and subtle "Elven magic" could have only come from an extremely powerful Elf (perhaps Elrond) who is permanently drained because of it. Elrond is willing to do so knowing that if he doesn't, Middle Earth stands no chance and also that his time in Middle-Earth is nearly finished anyway.

2) Reforging Anduril required a specific tool or knowledge or object that had been lost. Hell, maybe even a piece of the blade itself was missing.. Elrond's sons and Aragorn are absent for the two months as well, presumably scouting. When they return, it is noted that they had traveled far down the Silverlode into a "strange country" and would not speak to any except Elrond about it.  Down the Silverlode is the ruins of one of the great cities of Arnor, Tharbad. Tharbad had been overrun centuries before but the Dunedain had lived there among the ruins until relatively recently. As one of the last great cities of men in the north, perhaps great lore or powerful implements had been stored there and long forgotten. Elrond's sons and Aragorn went there to scout for this missing "piece" and found it among the ruins of Tharbad.

Of course, neither have any textual support (that I've come across) but they offer intriguing and plausible explanations of why the sword wasn't reforged sooner. I personally prefer Option #2.

Sting

Sting was found by Bilbo during The Hobbit, along with the swords Glamdring (now wielded by Gandalf) and Orcrist (wielded by Thorin Oakenshield and resting in his tomb in the Lonely Mountain). Sting is remarkable because, like all Elven blades of the First Age, it has inherent properties to protect against Orcs, glowing blue in their presence.

Sting is unique not because of its size or blue characteristics, but in that it was forged during the First Age and eventually ended up in the bottom of a troll cave. Bilbo must be the luckiest Hobbit in history to discover a six thousand plus year old sword in a muddy cave only a few weeks before finding the One Ring in a pond deep under a mountain. Good fortune, indeed.

The Company Sets Out

Before leaving Rivendell, Elrond gives a speech, warning the companions that the road will be perilous and foretelling that "some will and can leave the Fellowship as they'd like".

Gimli responds with another of my favorites, "Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens." Like the previous quote, this is central to understanding Tolkien's views on friendship and its role in Middle-Earth. Gimli is arguing that in the darkest times, fellowship is needed even more than before and that a true companion would not leave. Let's remember this line when the Fellowship is whittled down and compare how and why individual members left to the ideal Gimli describes here.

Days turn into weeks as the Fellowship travels south and the mountains grow larger. Gimli describes the three peaks that they are approaching as sacred to the Dwarves and that their kingdom of Kazad-Dum (Moria) is underneath them.

A few days after Gimli discusses the importance of these mountains, Sam confides to Frodo, "[I'm] beginning to think it's about time we got a sight of that fiery mountain." Sam thought that the reddish mountain, the Redhorn, was their final destination before Gimli described them.

I think this passage really helps define the scope of the undertaking and how woefully under-prepared the Hobbits, and Sam in particular, are for a journey of this danger and magnitude. That Sam is the most stalwart and faithful of all the companions even though he is blindly following Frodo out of a sense of duty and friendship is remarkable, and we are beginning to see more and more glimpses of Sam the Hero burst through from Sam the Pack Mule.

Wizardry on the Mountain - "Words of Command" and Cheat Codes

The Company Attempts the Pass of Caradhras - Ted Nasmith

The party decides, at Aragorn's behest, to take the mountain pass through the Misty Mountains and avoid going through Moria (although it hasn't been called out by name yet). Gandalf is reluctant but goes along with it. Soon the party is halted by unforgiving and heavy snowfall, forcing them to stop for shelter on a cliff face.

Boromir wonders aloud if Sauron is causing this and shares that in Gondor, it is common belief that he can control the storms within Mordor at will. Gimli laughs at this and dismisses it, "His arm has grown lon indeed, if he can draw snow down from 300 leagues."

Gandalf's reply is chillingly short, "His arm has grown long."

This is significant in showing how Sauron is no longer a shadowy figure, content to hide in obscure areas of Middle Earth but is instead becoming a more and more active player in the world. Unlike the movie which had Saurman and Gandalf fighting with words over a distance, I think Sauron being the primary player here is more powerful to the overall story. 

The Anger of the Mountain - Ted Nasmith

The storm continues unabated and the Fellowship tries for hours to unsucessfully ignite a fire. Finally, with death as the only alternative, Gandalf speaks a "Word of Command" - a cheat code in Middle-Earth - and fire erupts on the piled wet timber. Gandalf laments this deeply and argues that using this Word creates a gigantic "Gandalf is Here" sign across the entire region for those who can read the sign.

Presumably, he means Saruman, and Sauron. Elrond and Galadriel may know as well but the text never explores this in detail. However, their stature and power is certainly capable of detecting these hidden Words within the world and I would think that they would likely be able to read the sign.

This is the first real glimpse of Gandalf's power that we get to see (aside from his prowess with a sword when he was on Weathertop) and a chance to see that he can indeed channel a divine and mighty power when needed but the ramifications of disrupting the natural world with this "cheat code" could be dire.

Conclusion

Next up, the party heads back down the mountain and into the deep of Moria.

Lore Deep Dive: Saruman's Fall and the Eagles

Two topics discussed in the "Council of Elrond"  but not thoroughly explored are Saruman's fall from wisdom and the nature of the Eagles that seem to crop up in convenient plot corners.

Fall of Saruman

This will be a longer post during the read through of Two Towers when we dive deeper into Saruman and have some more textual evidence to work from. For now, we'll focus on a what we know of Saruman so far and how he is talked about at the Council of Elrond.

Saruman came to Middle-Earth as the leader of the Istari (wizards), the most powerful of the five Maiar (lesser Valar) sent to ME to help Elves, Men, and Dwarves oppose the Hobbits. These five were forbidden from using their powers directly against Sauron or else risk becoming as he was: corrupted and twisted. 

Saruman and Gandalf never really got along. Gandalf was friendlier with the "lesser" of folk, like Hobbits, the Rangers, random travellers, and the common-folk while Saruman enjoyed consorting with the mighty like the Lords of Gondor or the Wise among the Elves.  Additionally, when the Wise got together to discuss the problem of Dol Guldur (the place in The Hobbit where Sauron was hiding before returning to Mordor), Gandalf was the preferred choice to lead the the White Council instead of Saruman. Gandalf refused Galadriel's request and Saruman became their leader. Of course, Saruman grew increasingly jealous of Gandalf and their bond began to fray.

Saruman decided early on that the best way to combat Sauron was to learn as much as possible about the One Ring, with the hopes of undoing Sauron's power eventually. Saruman became obsessed with the Ring and the process of making it. Over the years, his obsession turned from undoing the Ring to bending it to his will to destroy Sauron.

When Gandalf rode to Orthanc to counsel with Saruman, Saruman invites Gandalf to join him as rulers over a new peaceful world. He declares himself "Ring-maker" to show off that he has dabbled in making his own rings of power. Gandalf refuses and ends up on top of the tower, but it is important to note that Saruman does not believe his acts are wicked. He firmly believes that his acts are for the good of Middle-Earth and that only through his rule will peace be achieved.

This is not dissimilar to what Sauron himself thought. Can you think of any other "villains" who firmly believed that they were in the right? It's a common trope now, but less common in Tolkien's day especially in mythologies or fantasy type novels.

The Eagles are Coming!

One of the easiest (and laziest) criticisms of the Lord of the Rings is why the Eagles are not used more to transport the Ring throughout the journey. We see them appear several times, notably to pull Gandalf's ass from the fire, and then disappear. At best, they seem like a "wave of the hand" tool of mythology to describe awesome events briefly. At worst, they are a lazy deus ex machina for Tolkien to write out of a corner. In reality, they are probably a bit of both.

Here's my best shot at explaining their role:

Think about how Odysseus in the Odyssey is pushed around by the deities and even though some are very sympathetic and would like to help him, they don't. The divine only get involved to progress the plot in seemingly impossible situations. It's fiction. It's mythology. It's a grand tale of the origins of a people and the foundational legends of a land. It's not meant to be literal. 

However, from an in-universe perspective, the Eagles should still not be directly involved in the War of the Ring. 

There are three classifications of living things in Middle-Earth: sentient species (men, elves, dwarves, etc), the Kelvar (fauna - animals), and the Olvar (plants, trees, and the sort). Sentient species can protect their own interests while the Kelvar and the Olvar need guardians.

The Eagles are the mightiest of the Kelvar, guardians of the critters of Middle-Earth. They are spirits from Valinor (probably similar to Gandalf and the Istari) and are known as the "Eagles of Manwe" (King of the Valar) which were sent to oppose Morgoth and later Sauron. However, like the Istari, they are not supposed to directly use their might to oppose Sauron, instead advancing Manwe's own cause which only they know. Manwe is also the type of deity that prefers to sit back and watch nervously as the mortals figure shit out on their own with only very limited direct intervention.

This is Tolkien's nod to God's Will and how some things just cannot be known by men and we shouldn't worry too much about it. Similar to Tom Bombadil, accept the mystery and move on.

But I've heard other explanations and I'll include a few here. I don't subscribe to all of them (or any) but they are interesting and I enjoy the debate.

1. The Ring is too powerful and would tempt the Eagles - This one I believe. Gandalf wouldn't take it for fear of corruption so the Eagles probably are not exempt over the same prolonged exposure.
2. The Eagles would be "frozen" by the Eye of Sauron coming towards Mt. Doom - Eh, the "Eye" is a metaphor and not a physical EYE like in the Peter Jackson movies. While the gaze is strong, the Eagles probably wouldn't be literally frozen. They could be very well deterred though and the Ringwraiths riding Fell Beasts could fight them off causing a Hobbit to fall from their back.
3. The Eagles don't care about what happens in Middle-Earth - Nah, they are servants of the King of the Valar (Manwe) and are literal deus ex machina. Manwe cares deeply about what happens in Middle-Earth but, like the deities in many mythologies, wants the mortals to deal with it on their own with minimal intervention. The Eagles and Manwe are very invested but their deepest conviction is set against the easy helping.

Just a few of my thoughts here. Basically, the Eagles are a plot device to get folks out of peril quickly after the tension ends. People brag about climbing Mt. Everest, not making the trek back. The Eagles just expedite that last process. From a lore perspective, Tolkien provides an established back story of their non-intervention.

I don't see a plot hole, I see building a mythology.

Tolkien Goes Meta

While rereading "Council of Elrond" on my flight this morning to double check my accuracy, I find a line that I had previously glossed over.

At the Council,  Frodo tells everyone of his time with the Ring. All the way from Bilbo's disappearance to the Council. When he is finished,  Bilbo encourages him and insists that they sit down and get all the story written down if Bilbo is to write anything up for his book.

"There are whole chapters of stuff before you ever got here! " Bilbo exclaims.

Later in the chapter,  Bilbo is the first to volunteer his services as the Ring bearer to Mordor. Gandalf applauds his bravery but asks him to stay in Rivendell and to "get ready to write a sequel, when they [the fellowship] come back. "

I enjoy these lines because from a lore standpoint, what we know as The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit comes from the "Red Book of Westmarch" which is the name of the book that Bilbo is always working on. This book is passed down by Sam's family until Tolkien discovers it somewhere and translated it from its original "Westron" into English.

Cool, huh?

Book 2 Chapter 2: The Council of Elrond Part 1

"Council of Elrond" is one of, if not the, longest chapters in The Lord of the Rings and is chock full of information. Besides setting up the entire rest of the story plotwise, it also delves into several characters, revealing interesting information and history.

This Part 1 will focus on the attendees of the Council and Part 2 will be a deep dive into some pieces of lore glossed over in the chapter, but interesting none the less.

In this chapter, Elrond gathers the mightiest folk in Rivendell to determine what should be done with the Ring. Contrary to what I've heard from many friends speaking casually, Elrond did not "summon" the attendees or otherwise ask that they be there. Everyone just so happened to be in Rivendell at the same time. Whether this is mere coincidence or a higher power subtlety moving pieces is unknown.

Boromir

Boromir, the Captain and mightiest warrior of Gondor, is the lone representative (aside from Aragorn) of Men at the Council. Boromir is, like Aragorn, of royal Numenorean blood and therefore is more powerful, and longer lived than other men and a natural leader. However, unlike Aragorn, his blood has been more diluted over the years and is not as strong or long-lived as Aragorn or the other Dunedain. Boromir is attending the Council because he and his brother Faramir each received a vision of a great weapon that will save Gondor and he sets out to Rivendell to find it.The film version of Return of the King shows a variation of this explanation. Boromir clearly believes this weapon to be the Ring but is shot down by everyone as being too dangerous. Just what is this great weapon that Boromir was sent to find? (Hint: probably Aragorn. Like, clearly, it has to be Aragorn)

Gloin and Gimli

Gloin and his son Gimli, who we met last chapter at the feast are here to tell Elrond of odd circumstances that have happened at the Lonely Mountain. Gloin says that dark messengers came to them, offering the return of one of the Seven in exchange for information about the location of Bilbo Baggins. This is especially cruel since the Ring being offered is likely the one that was ripped from Thrain (father of Thorin Oakenshield) in the dungeons of Dol Guldor in the events preceeding the Hobbit. Gloin and Gimli also came to seek word of their cousin Balin who had attempted to recolonize Moria but had not been heard from for some time.

Legolas

Legolas and his retinue had also come to share dire news. During the long 12 year absence where Gandalf had left Frodo with the Ring and before Frodo had left the Shire, Gandalf and Aragorn had been busy bees. Gandalf knew that Gollum was the link that could tie the Ring to Bilbo and so must be caught at all costs. He and Aragorn spent years tracking through the Wild Lands for Gollum and Aragorn eventually captured him, but only after he had been tortured by Sauron for information.

Aragorn brought Gollum to King Thranduil of Mirkwood (Legolas' father) for safe-keeping. Legolas is now here to share the terrible news that Gollum escaped from their prison!

Why did the Elves simply kill Gollum and be done with it? Well, of course, it's because Gandalf urged them not to because he still hoped to find a cure for the Ring's ravaging. Remember in Moria when Gandalf admonishes Frodo for saying that it was a "pity" that Bilbo didn't kill Gollum? He leaves us with this fantastic quote: "Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends."

Gandalf

Touching on the end of Legolas' section, Gandalf clearly comes out in this chapter at the voice and embodiment of  the power of redemption. He truly believes that Gollum can be redeemed. Evil is NOT irreversible and even the most wicked can repent. Gandalf is one of the very few characters in Lord of the Rings where Tolkien's strong religious faith can be easily seen. Time and time again (Gollum, Grima Wormtongue, Saruman, Sauron himself) Gandalf offers his adversaries a peaceful end to renounce their wickedness.

But how did Gandalf even get to Rivendell? Last we heard, he was late to meeting Frodo in the Shire.

Gandalf set out to discuss the terrible news of the One Ring with Saruman, the wisest and most powerful of the Istari (Wizard) order. Saruman was specifically a scholar of Ring-lore; how to make them, how to imbue power into them, and what they could do. His original task in Middle-Earth was the find weakness in Sauron and help exploit them. To this end, he studied Sauron and the Ring relentlessly, becoming engrossed in his work. To this end, his fervent work consumed him.

Gandalf shared news that the Ring had been found and that they must take action to keep ahead of Sauron. Saruman, however, revealed that he wanted the Ring for his own. He fancied himself a Ring-maker of his own right (he even showed off a Ring that he had made) and was saddened but not surprised when Gandalf did not share his enthusiasm for getting the Ring. Saruman felt that he, alone, could control the Ring and bend it as his own instrument. Gandalf, of course, felt this was silly and he was imprisoned by Saruman (although probably without the silly wizard duel in the movie). Gandalf is then saved by the Eagles and is returned to Rivendell.

Conclusion

Arguments break out between the parties as they determine what to do with the Ring. the Dwarves aren't keen on Legolas' folk (seeing as how Gloin was imprisoned by Legolas' father during the events of The Hobbit) doing much of anything with the Ring and no one, including Gandalf and Elrond, have much of a plan. Eventually, they decide that it must be completely destroyed by dropping into Mt. Doom but then talks devolve into arguments again over who should take it.

Finally, Frodo surprises everyone (including himself!) when he volunteers to take the Ring to Mt. Doom. Samwise similarly is steadfast that he will go with Mr. Frodo. Unlike the film, however, the Council of Elrond ends at this point and the actual composition of the Fellowship is determined later.

In the next post, I plan on diving into Saruman and the Eagles pretty extensively so get ready! I'll also discuss anything I think of in the meantime as well as anything you suggest in the Comments!

Book 2 Chapter 1: Many Meetings

My brief pause in writing came at a perfect moment in the story. Frodo has just collapsed on the banks of the Bruinen and witnessed the Nazgul being swept away. After this moment, he is rescued by the folk of Rivendell and Elrond begins healing him. It's quite some time, many days, later that he finally wakes up so pretend that my gap in posts is due to staying in character. :)

A Note on Terminology

This is the first chapter of Book Two! It is important to point out that Tolkien did NOT write a trilogy. He wrote one narrative with six constituent books. For example, Books 1 and 2 are typically split into the subheading of "Fellowship of the Ring". Therefore, it is most accurate to read Tolkien in one large volume where it is easier to physically feel the sense of progression throughout the story. The breaking of the Fellowship is not the end of its own novel, it's a dramatic point (one of many) on the slopes of the storyline.

It's a minor distinction but I feel an important one.

Now, onto the chapter itself!

"Many Meetings" along with the following "Council of Elrond" are two of the most lore-dense, plot filled chapters in all of Lord of the Rings and can be a challenge to slog through after several chapters of Cat-and-Mouse through the Lone Lands and the Trollshaws. However, these chapters really allow Tolkien to shine in what he does best, tell a story and make it seem like we're only scratching the surface of his world.

The chapter opens with Frodo waking up to Gandalf (who he hasn't seen in a long, long time) who promptly explains why he was delayed. He also comments on Frodo's EXCEPTIONAL strength. He bore the wound from the Morgul blade for a full 17 days without succombing to the darkness. Gandalf insinuates that most anyone else would have faltered long before which is a great foreshadowing of Frodo's ability to weather the Ring's increasingly powerful effects without being too controlled by it.

The Fair Valley of Rivendell by Ted Nasmith

Lords of the Eldar

Frodo finds himself in Rivendell, home to Elrond, among others, which is famed as being a haven of the "elf-wise, Lords of the Eldar from beyond the farthest sea". These powerful lords of the Elves are beings who once lived in Valinor (the Undying Lands) in the First Age and then came back to Middle Earth. Tolkien writes that these beings "live in both worlds and have great power against the seen and unseen."

Do you remember in the last chapter, Frodo describing a bright light across the river before he blacks out? He is falling under the sway of the Shadow, much like he does when he puts on the Ring and passes into the Unseen World. In this Unseen World, he catches a bright light that shines across the water and then the chapter ends without much further explanation. This light was Glorfindel who, as we've previously discussed, is certainly a capable threat against the Seen and Unseen.

But just who are the other "Lord of the Eldar from beyond the farthest sea"?

Glorfindel told Aragorn in the previous chapter that “few, even in Rivendell, ride openly against the Nine; but such as there were, Elrond sent out north, west, and south.” So clearly, Glorfindel is one of these Elves and rode West to find them. But who were the other two?

I have two theories on this:

1. Elladan and Elrohir - Elrond's two sons are logical choices since they are very well-esteemed among Elves (Legolas praises them heavily throughout the tale) and are old friends of Aragorn's. However, it is unlikely that Glorfindel would describe the two as capable of riding openly against the Nine, especially since they have not been to Valinor and would not have the same might as someone who has seen Aman.
2. Two of Elrond's Advisors - Elrond has numerous advisors in Rivendell and Tolkien would not have introduced all of them to us. Think of it this way; if you were telling the story of World War II in the South Pacific, you wouldn't necessarily name Winston Churchill even if was undoubtedly important and played an important role. I think it is very feasible that some of Elrond's advisors were born in Aman and then came over to Middle-Earth. This would place them mighty among the Elves and give them power to ride openly against the Nine.

Your thoughts?

Glorfindel, Elrond, and Earnur go to war.

Powers of the Eldar

But glowing in the Unseen World is not the only power these Lords of the Eldar command. Despite not being born in Valinor, Elrond himself possesses a magic unlike anything else we've seen, or will see. Gandalf reveals that Elrond commanded the flood of the Bruinen and the river is under his control. Gandalf also shares that only Elrond had the power needed to bring Frodo back from the grievous wound he received.

I think this is a very important section and one that really fleshes out some key themes for Tolkien. Elrond is not a divine being. In fact, he is half-Elven; a cross between his Elven mother and Human father. Despite this, Elrond has powers that Gandalf, an immortal being created, not born, cannot match.

Similarly, in the First Age, Feanor created the Silmarils: three brilliant jewels that contained the beauty and light of the world before evil corrupted it. These jewels were perfect, unable to be destroyed, even by the Valar, and not even the mightiest craftsmen of the Valar could match Feanor's skill at crafting.

Also as I discussed in the Glorfindel post, there are examples of Elves fighting Balrogs and Dragons one on one. Balrogs are generally regarded as being the same type of being as Gandalf, mid level immortals who defected to Morgoth.

Time after time, we have the Children of Iluvatar, those that are not truly immortal standing up to the great powers of the world, and besting them in unexpected ways! Tolkien is lauding the capacity of Men and Elves to succeed. In them lies tremendous greatness that can exceed even the brilliance of the Gods, but it is not for everyone and it is not without sacrifice of one's own.

What do you think Tolkien is saying here? Do you find this important or intentional?

The Fellowship Begins to Form

Outside of a discussion on Tolkien's intent, a few plot points happen in this chapter and are important to note. I'm going to throw out a bullet point list with brief comments on a few areas because this post is already long.

• Sam hardly left Frodo's side during the days he was at Rivendell. Remember that these two WERE NOT EVEN FRIENDS before this trip began. Merry and Pippen were not always present and they had been Frodo's best friends. Does this say more about Sam or Merry/Pippen? I think it says more about Sam's character.
• Frodo meets Gloin who came to Rivendell with his son Gimli. Gloin, you'll remember, is one of the 12 Dwarves that went with Bilbo to the Lonely Mountain. They talk briefly but neither really knows why everyone has been summoned. Gloin shrugs it off and says that "Master Elrond" will sort it out. When has a Dwarf been this respectful of an Elf? Is the line out of character or does Elrond command such respect among other races?
• Bilbo is alive and well! He is living in Rivendell with the Elves who treat him with the highest level of respect. At feasts, Elrond treats Bilbo as an old friend, sharing food and wine personally. Bilbo and Aragorn have also been acquainted for years and Aragorn often helps him write and sing new songs and tunes. This helps explain why Aragorn was unsurprised when Frodo said Bilbo had translated some of the Ballad of Beren and Luthien before the party had reached Weathertop.
• Aragorn himself is accorded a great deal of respect. He grew up in Rivendell and is referred to as The Dunadan. Dunadan means "Man of the West", but with "The" as a prefix, it implies that he is the most important one. 

Frodo has found himself with some pretty dang important people doing things at a higher level than he can really understand right now. Glorfindel alone has lived longer than just about everyone introduced to the story so far (excepting a few notable ones) combined and Aragorn's mysterious shroud is being slowly revealed, piece by piece, often leaving more questions than answers in the wake.

Next up is the Council of Elrond. The longest chapter in the history of literature (that was hyperbole) and also the most dense (also hyperbole). Disregarding the hyperbole, there is a lot to dissect and I'll likely grab two blog posts to do it.