Posted at 06:48 PM in *Elves*, *Hobbits*, Other Races & the Wide World, Paradoxes of Life, Seeking Guidance | Permalink | Comments (0)
A hunted man sometimes wearies of distrust and longs for friendship.
ARAGORN
Handsome is as handsome does.
PIPPIN
Aragorn is emblematic of the paradoxical nature of reality in Middle Earth: the heir of kings whose looks are against him, he fails to impress, his sword is broken, his clothes are stained and worn. But handsome is as handsome does, as Bilbo recognised in his poem of proverbs:
All that is gold does not
glitter,
Not
all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by
the frost.
Posted at 10:40 PM in *Hobbits*, *Men*, Common Sense & Prudence, Paradoxes of Life | Permalink | Comments (0)
Having reached Imladris, the hobbits finally discover why Gandalf had not been able to journey with them; of his imprisonment by the person most like him in Middle Earth, the chief of his order, the head of the White Council. Saruman was now no longer 'the White' (see Sept 27th), and he had left the path of wisdom.
In the account of the confrontation between the wizards, Saruman is described in all his eloquence: his phrases are rhythmic, easy on the ear, and riddled with sets of three (the Elder Days, the Middle Days, the Younger days; Elves, Men, the Wise; Knowledge, Rule, Order). But it is significant that Saruman's argument, while logical, has a logic so twisted by the enemy that it no longer resembles wisdom.
But Gandalf cannot be shaken by Saruman's soft words. He speaks in maxims as if quoting scripture, so rooted in his wisdom tradition that it has taken over his patterns of speech; a contrast with the proverb-free rhetoric of his senior, and a reflection (and probably cause) of his enduring goodness.
Posted at 08:56 AM in *Ainur*, Common Sense & Prudence, Paradoxes of Life, Seeking Wisdom | Permalink | Comments (0)
The Council of Elrond provides a fascinating opportunity to see proverbs in action. The peoples represented all have their own wisdom traditions, some of which coincide and complement each other, and some of which don't.
Proverbs pop up regularly, used naturally and in context, illustrating the ease with which Tolkien fitted his characters within recognisable traditions.
Despair is only for those who see the end beyond all doubt.
GANDALF
Valour needs first strength, and then a weapon.
BOROMIR
Only a small part is played in great deeds by any hero.
GANDALF
Elrond - emblematic of the combined wisdom of Elves & Men - has a key role; allowing voices to be heard and perspectives to be honoured, whilst guiding the Council toward deciding a definite course of action that seems wise, or at least necessary, to all.
It is wisdom to recognise necessity, when all other courses have been weighed,
though folly it may appear to those who cling to false hope.
GANDALF
Posted at 11:57 PM in *Ainur*, *Elves*, *Hobbits*, *Men*, Common Sense & Prudence, Danger, Courage & Honour, Evil, Hope, Other Races & the Wide World, Paradoxes of Life, Practicality, Seeking Guidance | Permalink | Comments (0)
Gandalf is still the 'learned lore-master' of old, quoting and inventing proverbs as he goes, but he is no longer Gandalf the Grey: he is Gandalf the White; the head of the Istari, the cornerstone of the White Council, and mover of great deeds in the resistance against Sauron.
All friends should gather together, lest each be singly destroyed.
GANDALF
He that strikes the first blow, if he strikes it hard enough,
may need to strike no more.
GANDALF
A treacherous weapon is ever a danger to the hand.
GANDALF
Put all the rats in one trap.
GANDALF [reported by MERRY]
Where before he was limited to the role of counsellor and doer of lone deeds, Gandalf is now increasingly authoritative, taking command of others and impatient at their intransigence. He knows that time is short and that while they deliberate, the fates of many hang by a thread.
Hope is not victory.
GANDALF
Posted at 11:28 AM in *Ainur*, Evil, Hope, Paradoxes of Life, Warcraft | Permalink | Comments (0)
Posted at 10:14 AM in *Ainur*, *Men*, Paradoxes of Life | Permalink | Comments (0)
None knows what the new day will bring him.
ARAGORN
The last host of the Eorlingas rides to Helm's Deep, and meets Ceorl of Westfold, bearing a message of woe to Eomer: turn back, there is no hope ahead. The advance scout is similarly dispiriting.
He that flies counts every foeman twice.
SCOUT
While at first weary and in despair, the shock of meeting his king both armed for war and in doughty mood strengthens Ceorl for battle ahead. The stronghold of Helm's Deep, ever unconquered while men defend it, adds to that renewed sense of belief.
But the coming battle, of Saruman's irresistible force crashing against the Hornburg's immovable object, drains that hope away. It is characteristic and fitting that Aragorn, whose cradle name Estel itself means hope, should be the last whose heart is not fallen back into despair.
Oft the unbidden guest proves the best company.
EOMER
As one who has wandered so often, so far away from his hopes and destiny, it is no surprise that proverbs of hope spring naturally from his lips, since they have doubtless nourished him for years.
Dawn is ever the hope of men.
ARAGORN
Posted at 11:23 PM in *Men*, Danger, Courage & Honour, Hope, Paradoxes of Life | Permalink | Comments (0)
That Gandalf gives Saruman a final chance to repent his choices and be of service in the War, after all the hurt that he had caused, shows much of Gandalf's merciful nature. But he is not foolish; he is too well-acquainted with the deceptions of evil and the abilities of Saruman to underestimate the threat still posed.
A wild beast cornered is not safe to approach.
GANDALF
The treacherous are ever distrustful.
GANDALF
Often does hatred hurt itself.
GANDALF
The contrast between Saruman, the silk-tongued gatherer of knowledge, and Gandalf, the rough-hewn lore-master, is subtle. Saruman is clever, but not wise; powerful, but not influential; far-seeing (especially via the palantir) but blinded by pride and greed. In debate with Gandalf, with only the deception of his voice to hide behind, he is exposed for what he is.
Does an unarmed man come down to speak with robbers out of doors?
SARUMAN
The guest who has escaped from the roof, will think twice
before he comes back in by the door.
GANDALF
Clinging to the power of Orthanc, Saruman is left a prisoner to himself, cast from the Order but refusing to come down.
Posted at 01:37 PM in *Ainur*, Common Sense & Prudence, Evil, Paradoxes of Life | Permalink | Comments (0)
Do not stumble at the end of the road.
GANDALF
On discovering, through Pippin, the nature and identity of the palantir, Gandalf entrusts it to Aragorn. His warning, to the most careful of men, is not intended as a rebuke but as recognition of the grave danger the Orthanc-stone presents.
As a direct link to Barad-dur itself, it had already caused the fall of Saruman as well as contributing to his desperation and the failure of his plans. We later see the wisdom of this warning in the case of Denethor, whom a palantir also betrayed.
Sauron's influence through the Stones, however, carries no guarantee of success for him either: stumbling is not only the preserve of the weak.
Oft evil will shall evil mar.
THEODEN
Posted at 12:18 AM in *Ainur*, *Men*, Danger, Courage & Honour, Evil, Paradoxes of Life, Practicality | Permalink | Comments (0)
Let not the swift wait for the slow.
GANDALF
And with that, he is gone; Shadowfax bearing Gandalf away to Gondor with Pippin, recovering, before him. A perfect opportunity for an inquisitive hobbit to ask questions.
This is the first time since Rivendell where a hobbit has been alone with the Wizard, and Pippin clearly enjoys the privilege, for Gandalf is in the mood to talk.
There is nothing that Sauron cannot turn to evil uses.
GANDALF
The biter bit, the hawk under the eagle's foot, the spider in a steel web!
GANDALF
Saruman, the palantir, and the nature of evil are the main topics at hand, and we hear Gandalf speaking, almost to himself at times, as he processes the causes, impacts and implications of recent events.
Perilous to us all are the devices of an art deeper than we possess ourselves.
GANDALF
The burned hand teaches best.
After that advice about fire goes to the heart.
GANDALF
Posted at 03:14 AM in *Ainur*, Danger, Courage & Honour, Evil, Paradoxes of Life, Practicality, Seeking Wisdom | Permalink | Comments (0)
Faramir appears as a southern counterpart to Aragorn: a wise, compassionate warrior, in whom the blood of Numenor runs true. The parallels between the two characters' entries into the plot are striking:
- the weather-beaten green-clad Rangers, faces obscured;
- intent questioning of Frodo without revealing identity or purpose;
- the immediate links to Gandalf at a time of his unforeseen absence;
- Sam's strong suspicions while his guarded master longs to open up and find a friend;
- the opportunity to take the Ring, and strength to wield it, overcome.
Better mistrust undeserved than rash words.
NARRATOR [Frodo's thoughts]
Fair speech may hide a foul heart.
SAM
The parallels between Faramir and Aragorn continue, both in character and in fate, until the end: one takes the Paths of the Dead, the 'walks in the shadows' under the Black Breath; one becomes King, the other, Steward and Prince; both are loved by Eowyn; both marry outside of their kin; both live happily ever after ...
Posted at 09:11 PM in *Hobbits*, Common Sense & Prudence, Paradoxes of Life, Practicality | Permalink | Comments (0)
Many a doer of great deeds might say no more.
INGOLD
Gandalf is well-known in Minas Tirith, and held in more honour than in many places, but Pippin is a stranger and his whole race alien to the men of Gondor.
Even in allowing him to pass the Rammas, the guards do not seek to disguise their wonder and intrigue at this curio, and once in the streets of the city, many call out to or about the ernil i pheriannath.
Looks may belie the man - or the halfling.
DENETHOR
In offering his sword and service to Denethor, Pippin both pleases the Lord Steward and humours him, whilst additionally gaining access to the most private areas of the Citadel. He is in way over his head, but is wise enough to know it, and Gandalf validates his decision.
Posted at 07:14 AM in *Ainur*, *Men*, Danger, Courage & Honour, Paradoxes of Life, Seeking Guidance | Permalink | Comments (0)
Beregond is the first rank-and-file man of Gondor to come into the story, and an insight into 'normal' Numenoreans. As others in the City, he looks upon Pippin with an honest curiosity, nodding to himself as his guest's words conform to the wisdom of his people that has been handed down to him.
At the table small men may do the greater deeds.
BEREGOND
Having mainly hidden behind the other hobbits' seniority until this point, becoming the nearest thing to a passenger that the Fellowship could offer, Pippin no longer has that option. He is seen as a prince and treated not unlike one, and for the first time we are able to see the future Thain act like one.
Posted at 12:19 PM in *Hobbits*, *Men*, Danger, Courage & Honour, Other Races & the Wide World, Paradoxes of Life, Practicality | Permalink | Comments (0)
Every little is a gain.
BERGIL
Posted at 04:50 PM in *Hobbits*, *Men*, Paradoxes of Life, Practicality | Permalink | Comments (0)
It is all dark, but it is not all night.
GHAN
Having
led the Eorlingas through the Stonewain Valley past Amon Din, Ghan bids
Theoden farewell with hopeful tidings. The murk of Mordor that has
blotted out the last five days' sunlight has also protected them from
detection, and is now about to shift. As has often been noticed, works of malice regularly achieve unwanted ends.
Posted at 07:10 PM in *Men*, Evil, Paradoxes of Life | Permalink | Comments (0)
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