July 18, TA 3019
18 July 2006 16:58:48Categories: Tolkien Calendar
Éomer returns to Minas Tirith.
This is the single chapter in Tolkien's masterpiece where it is brought home to the reader that the Quest has ended, the day has been won by the forces for good, and this glorious tale is coming to an end. The very title, "Many Partings" is a precursor to the dissolving of the Fellowship as each member meets his hard earned fate. There is an innate sense of sadness. Each member of the Fellowship has been irrevocably changed by their experience, and now goes on to take up the tasks of the rest of their lives, conceivably in the far flung places of the World. It is the beginning of the end and it starts today.
On this day in particular we see the young King of Rohan return to Minas Tirith in the regal manner that befits his new stature. There is a magnificent feast in Merethrond (the Great Hall of Feasts), and it is here that King Éomer son of Éomund confronts Gimli son of Gloin to settle an old score.
Quote:
...and he said to him: 'Gimli Gloin's son, have you your axe ready?'
'Nay, lord,' said Gimli, 'but I can speedily fetch it, if there be need.'
'You shall judge,' said Éomer. 'For there are certain rash words concerning the Lady of the Golden Wood that lie between us. And now I have seen her with my eyes.'
'Well, lord,' said Gimli, 'and what say you now?'
'Alas!' said Éomer. 'I will not say that she is the fairest lady that lives.'
'Then I must go for my axe,' said Gimli.
'But first I will plead this excuse,' said Éomer. 'Had I seen her in other company, I would have said all that you could wish. But now I will put Queen Arwen Evenstar first, and I am ready to do battle on my part with any who deny me. Shall I call for my sword?'
Then Gimli bowed low. 'Nay, you are excused for my part, lord,' he said. 'You have chosen the Evening; but my love is given to the Morning. And my heart forebodes that soon it will pass away for ever.'
'Nay, lord,' said Gimli, 'but I can speedily fetch it, if there be need.'
'You shall judge,' said Éomer. 'For there are certain rash words concerning the Lady of the Golden Wood that lie between us. And now I have seen her with my eyes.'
'Well, lord,' said Gimli, 'and what say you now?'
'Alas!' said Éomer. 'I will not say that she is the fairest lady that lives.'
'Then I must go for my axe,' said Gimli.
'But first I will plead this excuse,' said Éomer. 'Had I seen her in other company, I would have said all that you could wish. But now I will put Queen Arwen Evenstar first, and I am ready to do battle on my part with any who deny me. Shall I call for my sword?'
Then Gimli bowed low. 'Nay, you are excused for my part, lord,' he said. 'You have chosen the Evening; but my love is given to the Morning. And my heart forebodes that soon it will pass away for ever.'
Images © "The White Tree of Gondor" by Alan Lee.