You step into the Road, and if you don't keep your feet,
there is no knowing where you might be swept off to.
Posted at 05:54 PM in *Hobbits*, Danger, Courage & Honour, Other Races & the Wide World, Seeking Guidance | Permalink | Comments (0)
Posted at 06:48 PM in *Elves*, *Hobbits*, Other Races & the Wide World, Paradoxes of Life, Seeking Guidance | 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)
Let the guide go first while you have one.
ARAGORN
The navigation of Moria, a personal triumph for Gandalf, is rarely remembered, paling as it does beside its ultimate cost. But that journey in the dark, through the vast and mind-bogglingly intricate Mines, could not possibly have been accomplished without his leadership; even Gimli, the Fellowship member most at home in such deep and dark surroundings, is left utterly bewildered by the scale of Khazad-dûm.
In these circumstances, it is Aragorn - himself one of the greatest trail-finders and guides in Middle Earth - who is left to reassure the others with his confidence in the wizard's ability.
He is surer of finding the way in a blind night than the cats of Queen Beruthiel.
ARAGORN
Posted at 11:01 AM in *Men*, Common Sense & Prudence, Seeking Guidance | Permalink | Comments (0)
The Fellowship remained in Lorien for a month, though they were not aware of the passing of time. Unsurprisingly, the decision to leave had to be taken for them, although the Lord & Lady did present the opportunity to remain, if any so desired.
Whether they stay or go, none can be sure of peace.
CELEBORN
Maybe the paths that you each shall tread
are already laid before your feet,
though you do not see them.
GALADRIEL
The final gift-giving and farewell scene is heavy with poignancy as the Fellowship collectively realise that they are now fated to head away from stainless beauty and restful peace, and towards the dark, the dangerous, and the unknown.
Since words naturally lack at such a solemn time, the appearance of several proverbs - though this time of consolation and advice, not of wisdom and debate - lends added weight to the brevity.
Memory is not what the heart desires.
GIMLI
Alas for us all! And for all that walk the world these after-days.
For such is the way of it: to find and lose,
as it seems to those whose boat is on the running stream.
LEGOLAS
Posted at 12:25 PM in *Dwarves*, *Elves*, Death & Sorrow, Seeking Guidance | Permalink | Comments (0)
It is in such circumstances that the Three Hunters - and particularly Legolas and Aragorn - fall back on received wisdom to keep them moving. The proverbs they quote are nearly all straightforward and practical, aimed to advise while protecting them from depression and self-defeat.
Let us first do what we must do.
LEGOLAS
There are some things that it is better to begin than to refuse,
even though the end may be dark.
ARAGORN
Endure the East Wind, but do not ask it for tidings.
ARAGORN
Not idly do the leaves of Lorien fall.
ARAGORN
Where sight fails the earth may bring us rumour.
ARAGORN
Posted at 09:18 AM in *Dwarves*, *Elves*, *Men*, Hope, Practicality, Seeking Guidance | Permalink | Comments (0)
The hobbits leave Faramir with a wholly different perspective on the man, and perhaps on all men, than they had held the day before. Far from inhibiting the Quest, their capture and the (unwitting) disclosure of their purpose has, in Sam's words, allowed the Captain of Gondor to show his quality: the very highest.
But Faramir does seek to counsel them; to persuade them from taking the road to Cirith Ungol, and especially from retaking Gollum as guide, though he is unable to offer any real alternative. Sam would agree, but Frodo feels bound to Gollum and is not moved. The advice is rejected and they head on to the Crossroads.
It seems less evil to counsel another man to break troth than to do so oneself,
especially if one sees a friend bound unwitting to his own harm.
FARAMIR
The servant has a claim on the master for service, even service in fear.
NARRATOR [reporting Frodo's thoughts]
Posted at 09:12 AM in *Hobbits*, *Men*, Danger, Courage & Honour, Hope, Seeking Guidance | 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)
Though the Stones be lost, they say,
still the Lords of Gondor have keener sight than lesser men.
DENETHOR
Gandalf and Denethor, 'two such terrible old men', are like few others in Middle Earth. Both are steeped in learning and legacy; both are readers of hearts and thoughts; both see far and perceive much; and few bear greater burdens of responsibility.
Courage will now be your best defence.
GANDALF
Pride would be folly that disdained help and counsel at need.
DENETHOR
Posted at 08:11 AM in *Ainur*, *Men*, Common Sense & Prudence, Danger, Courage & Honour, Seeking Guidance | Permalink | Comments (0)
Between the King of Rohan and the Steward of Gondor there is a unity of purpose and a juxtaposition of perspective. Neither see much hope ahead, for their countries or themselves, but their parallel preparations contrast strongly with one another.
Much must be risked in war
DENETHOR
In desperate hours gentleness may be repaid with death.
DENETHOR
Theoden, on the other hand, having already shaken off one encroaching, crippling darkness, will not have his thoughts clouded by another. He has received the Red Arrow of summons and his purpose is now simple: to honour the oath of Eorl, to shake off fear, and to ride to death or glory, or both. He knows little of Mordor or the history of the Ring, but the present task needs no such knowledge, only courage.
Posted at 09:53 PM in *Men*, Danger, Courage & Honour, Evil, Seeking Guidance, Warcraft | Permalink | Comments (0)
Gandalf uses proverbs all the time - often, very probably, without realising. They are regularly strung together as a part of normal speech, rather than being quoted more formally.
This creates a situation where there is little way of telling whether an axiom is actually being employed, or whether Gandalf's own thoughts naturally present themselves in such lore-like poetic forms.
Which could more easily, and less floridly, be expressed as:
All we now have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.
GANDALF
Posted at 12:01 PM in *Ainur*, Practicality, Seeking Guidance | Permalink | Comments (0)
Put the Little People in counsels of war or discussing the devices of evil and they will fall silent, but get them discussing ale or bath-times or taters, and a wealth of tried-and-tested sayings leap forth. Likewise choosing names for newborns.
Posted at 11:37 AM in *Hobbits*, Practicality, Seeking Guidance | Permalink | Comments (1)
Recent Comments