"Lord of the Rings" Readalong Part 9! "The Departure of Boromir" through "The Riders of Rohan"
"The Two Towers" BOOK III
Chapter 1: The Departure of Boromir
Summary
The chapter starts out with Aragorn following the hobbit’s footprints. He comes to the high seat where Frodo was, but cannot see anything to help him. The narrator however does inform us that if he could, Aragorn would have seen an eagle slowly descending in the north.
He hears cries below and rushes down with a battle cry. He finds Boromir lying against a tree with slain orcs all about him. Boromir laments his actions towards Frodo. Aragorn comforts him and tells him not to worry about Minas Tirith.
Legolas and Gimli arrive, they had been fighting as well. The group decides they don’t have time to bury Boromir since they must try and save Merry and Pippin. Examining the bodies of the dead they realize these were not Sauron’s soldiers, but likely Saruman’s. They place Boromir’s body in one of the remaining boats with the weapons of his slain enemies. Seeing that Frodo and Sam have gone their own way they set off after Merry and Pippin.
Discussion Points
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What do you think of Boromir and Aragorn’s final words to each other? Was Aragorn right that “Few have gained such a victory” or was Boromir right in saying he failed?
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The narrator tells us of an eagle in the north. Any significance? (There is, but why tell the reader?)
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What do you think of the lament Aragorn and Legolas sing for their fallen companion?
Chapter 2: The Riders of Rohan
Summary
The hunters track the orcs. They find bodies of northern orcs but none of the ones that bear the strange symbol. Aragorn reasons there must have been a dispute among the band. Luckily there are no hobbit bodies. The orc trail goes out of the fields of Rohan. They chase after and Aragorn sees the trail of a Hobbit sweep out the the side then return. On that trail he finds one of the broaches of their elven cloaks. It’s a good sign.
They continue on 12 leagues and rest for the night, they don’t want to miss an important part of the trail in the dark. In the morning Legolas and Aragorn agree the orcs are now far away (likely ran through the night), but Aragorn also has signs the a large company of horsemen are in the north. They pursue again all day, covering another 12 leagues. Aragorn, is discouraged by the lack of stars and moon and suspects some will is against them. Legolas confirms.
They next day they find a campsite, but suspect it is at least 36 hours old, meaning the orcs could have reach Fangorn the night before while they rested. They continue on. The next day they see the trail turns and following the trail in the opposite direction is a group of about 100 horsemen.
Once the hunters are notice (not until Aragorn’s call) they are swiftly surrounded and meet the young commander Eomer. After some tense words between Eomer, Gimli and Legolas Aragorn reveals himself in a way we haven’t seen before. He draws Anduril and declares himself and the heir of Isildur. Awed, Eomer talks with Aragorn and names him Wingfoot after learning they traveled 45 leagues in under 4 days. The exchange news and Eomer tells them about their war with Saruman, and how he and his company destroyed the orcs that were traveling north. Since Eomer saw now signs of “halfings” he lends them two horses to continue the search, on the condition the return them and face the King’s judgement for traveling through Rohan.
Arriving at the battle site they find no signs of the Hobbits since it is getting dark. The camp and discuss the strange rumors about the forest. During the night a strange man comes but quickly vanishes, their horses have been scared off. Likely that Saruman has found them they take turns at watch, but the rest of the night is uneventful.
Discussion Points
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Is it Saruman hindering them, or some other power? And what of the stranger they see?
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Again they see an Eagle. Why go out of the way to point out these things to the reader?
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We see Aragorn in a new way in this chapter. What do you think of him? We see his Ranger skills, and his leadership. Legolas sees a light around his brow as he declares himself, not unlike a “crown.”
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Of Legolas and Gimli we also see more than we in the past. What do you make of what we learn about their characters?
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According to Eomer, these orcs that Saruman has are a more fell breed than other other he has seen.
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What do you think of the Riders of Rohan? They at the very least hold up to Boromir’s judgment that they don’t serve, nor give tribute to Mordor.
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Do you think this chapter has any commentary on what a good leader is? To listen to others and your own gut? We see not only Aragorn in this role, but Eomer as well.
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During the camp the tree seems “glad of the fire.” Some of Tolkien’s metaphor, or is the tree actually glad? I don’t know how much I would like fire if I was made of wood.
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I brought this up a bit with Haldir but we can discuss it again now that we have come to Eomer. Where do they stand on a moral/ethical review? Both allow the Fellowship (or what remains of it) to travel through their land, but under different circumstances. Is Eomer right to disobey the King’s order and let them pass?
I only put two chapters up this week since several people have asked for some time to catch up, but after two weeks of no discussions I had to give you guys something ;)
##Of course I encourage you to bring up any other ideas/questions you may have!##
Next week we will cover Chapter 3, 4, and 5 of BOOK III!
[Spoiler](/s "write spoiler-text inside quotes")
Posted Mar 31, 2014, 3:34 AM UTC