Tolkien Calendar: The Great Years

But on with our story. This day is overshadowed with sadness
and a sense of gloom. After escaping the attack of the Orcs
and Boromir's treachery at Parth Galen, Frodo and Sam separate
from the rest of the Fellowship and set out across the Emyn Muil
towards Mordor. Indeed the first book of Tolkien's Trilogy ends
with a very somber passage... "Then shouldering their burdens,
they set off, seeking a path that would bring them over the grey
hills of the Emyn Muil and down into the Land of Shadow."

Forces unknown to the Fellowship are also moving and they will play an important part in the coming days. Here is the first day that Éomer appears and his actions are decisive. In the mythical Tolkien world, Éomer hears the Orc-band's descent of the East Wall of Rohan, some many miles distant and begins his pursuit. Merry and Pippin have only just been captured by Saruman's forces this day, yet the events are now in motion that will allow their escape. Both Éomer and Aragorn are in hot pursuit of Orcs and two Hobbits, bringing about the imminent meeting of the two powerful future Kings.

This is the last day that we see the complete Fellowship (sans Gandalf) together until they have completed their own journeys in the Quest. There is almost a mystical quality to this day. Boromir redeems himself from his treacherous actions with Frodo but it costs him his life. Many who read this part of the story consider his death in protection of Pippin and Merry as the ultimate redemptive act. I am always struck by the biblical passage, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." in this part of Tolkien's text, and I wonder if the Professor, with his strong Catholic faith, was as well.

Many far leagues to the south, Boromir's horn is heard in Minas Tirith, calling for aid. An air of doom now surrounds not only the Fellowship, but the whole of the world of Men.

"From the Gate of Kings the North Wind rides, and past the roaring falls;
And clear and cold about the tower its loud horn calls.
'What news from the North, O mighty wind, do you bring to me today?
What news of Boromir the Bold? For he is long away.'
'Beneath Amon Hen I heard his cry. There many foes he fought.
His cloven shield, his broken sword, they to the water brought.
His head so proud, his face so fair, his limbs they laid to rest;
And Rauros, golden Rauros-falls, bore him upon its breast.'
'O Boromir! The Tower of Guard shall ever northward gaze
To Rauros, golden Rauros-falls, until the end of days."

Separation and resolve and foreboding and determination seem to mark this dark hour of the Fellowship's now far flung quests. Adventure has given way to heavy hearts and urgent journeys.