Middle-earth Journeys

And I love Galadriel's reply just as much!

Not in Middle-earth, nor until the lands that lie under the wave are lifted up again. Then in the willow-meads of Tasarinan we may meet in the Spring. Farewell!

Not only does it hold the promise of a Spring when all has been Autumn for the Elves, but there are all those evocative references to the lands 'under the wave' and the exotic sounding Tasarinan. Before the Silmarillion was published to fill in the blanks there was just the tantalising promise of something amazing.

I am going nuts trying to find a certain quote spoken by Treebeard. I'm remembering it to be (Goddess help me if this is from the bloody movie ):

"Some of my best friends were trees."

Have I got it right?

It's in the chapter called 'Treebeard', Philipa:

'Curse him, root and branch! Many of those trees were my friends, creatures I had known from nut and acorn; many had voices of their own that are lost for ever now. And there are wastes of stump and bramble where once there were singing groves. I have been idle. I have let things slip. It must stop!'

Not from the bloody movie!

MY eyes went cross trying to find that passage Merry. Thank you!

Today is a great day in Middle-earth history

Thanks, RR--love that! I wish it were a window in my house.

It would make a fantastic talking point wouldn't it? I love this description of the leave taking...

This isn't about a favorite passage, but something I always wonder about from the book. I posted this over at V-W too, but wanted to post the question here as well...


When Aragorn served Ecthelion under the guise of Thorongil, and it was obvious that he was fully capable of assuming the throne of Gondor then and there, most probably and undoubtedly with Ecthelion's blessing...why didn't he do so? Why did he leave at his hour of glory and go to Mordor? What did he learn or accomplish in the next 39 years that made him more ready then?



Patience is not one of my strongest virtues.

Gotta love a good question!

Riv, you posted this question over at Viggo-Works as well, so I'm copying over my answer here:

I'm pretty sure the reason Aragorn did not reveal himself to Ecthelion and attempt to claim the kingship at the time is because it would very likely have resulted in civil war within Gondor between those who might have embraced the Return of the King (including Ecthelion) and those who would have claimed that the birthright Aragorn claims had been denied long ago when Pelendur, then the Steward of Gondor, rejected the claim of Arvedui ("Last-King") of the North-kingdom. A civil war at that time would have decimated Gondor and left it completely incapable of holding back the hordes of Mordor as Sauron's power grew.

Arvedui claimed the throne for two reasons (1) as the direct descendant of Isildur, and (2) as the husband of Firiel, the only surviving child of King Ondoher of Gondor. Pelendur denied his claim, stating that the crown of Gondor belonged solely to the heirs of Meneldil, son of Anarion, to whom Isildur had relinquished his realm, and that heritage was reckoned through sons only. Pelendur's interpretation was upheld, and the crown went to Earnil. He was succeeded by his son Earnur, who never married and had no heirs. Earnur was taunted by the Witch-King, the Lord of Morgul, to meet him in single combat; the hot-tempered Earnur eventually accepted this challenge and rode off to his death, leaving Gondor without a King.

I believe if Denethor had not developed such a strong suspicion and dislike for Thorongil and had instead befriended him, that Aragorn might have been tempted to make a very different decision. However, with Ecthelion's much-favored son bearing him such ill will and very likely to strenuously oppose his claim, Aragorn deemed the time was not ripe to press his claim.

Also, it appears that he received some kind of summons, either from his kindred in the North or perhaps from Elrond or Gandalf or perhaps his own "foresight," because his farewell message to Ecthelion declares, "Other tasks now call me, lord, and much time and many perils must pass, ere I come again to Gondor, if that be my fate."

I think Tolkien's point is that, under these circumstances, the only way Aragorn could press his claim for the kingship without it resulting in civil war, was to come to the gates as the leading "Captain of the West" after having completed two incredible campaigns -- The Battle of the Pelennor and The Battle of the Black Gate. That, in combination with his extraordinary healing abilities, the tokens he bears (the Elendilmir, the Ring of Barahir, and the Sword Reforged), and the testimony of the sons of Elrond as to the truth of his lineage, was enough to overturn the decision of Pelendur. Plus, the people were at last ripe for the King to return, after the miracle of their delivery from Sauron and the long decline of the nation under Denethor II's leadership.

That's fascinating, Lindariel! A lot of that is new to me (or forgotten!).

What a great thread! Great choices made already.

I love this scene in Treebeard's home:

While the hobbits drank, sitting on the edge of the bed, and nibbling small pieces of elf-cake (more because they felt that eating was a necessary part of breakfast than because they felt hungry),...

I love that one, too.

Thanks for reviving this thread, Serinde . That first quote is so very... hobbity!

This reminds me of another favourite moment, just before your quote:

The lights died down, and the glow of the trees faded; but outside under the arch they could see old Treebeard standing, motionless, with his arms raised above his head. The bright stars peered out of the sky, and lit the falling water as it spilled on to his fingers and head, and dripped, dripped, in hundreds of silver drops on to his feet.

It's so beautifully written and such a wonderful image. I really want to paint it but I don't hink I could ever do it justice!