Episode 103 Summary

Tony Meade

Active Member
SESSION 103

Comment on the madness of the horses:
  • It is possible that the Black Riders’ horses are driven by the will of the Nazgûl in the same way that Sauron imposes his will to dominate his servants spiritually.
  • Therefore, perhaps when the Ringwraiths are overcome by dismay at Glorfindel and the flood, they are distracted from controlling the horses’ will, leaving them steerless and despairing.
  • Note: The analog for this is at the battle at the Black Gate when Sauron turns his will from all his servants and focuses solely on the fate of the Ring, his armies are no longer able to function.
  • The destruction of the horses as collateral damage to defeating the Ringwraiths goes against the means vs. ends philosophy that espoused throughout the text, but this reading aligns with it.
  • The nature of the bond between the Ringwraiths and their riders is unclear, whether that is based solely on training, or if it is a spiritual domination of the horses by their masters.
  • The Ringwraiths would be unlikely to bond with their horses the way other riders do with theirs.
  • Note: It’s not clear if the black horses that are stolen from Rohan are the ones used, or if they are used as breeding stock for horses that are then raised from foals to the service of Mordor.
  • If they are being spiritually dominated, this fits more with the nature of Sauron’s character and powers and removes the horses from any culpability in their enslavement.
  • If the horses were suddenly released from this domination, and in a situation where they are in the middle of a flood, it would be understandable that they would panic.
  • It does seem that saving the horses was an option in order for them to be in the Ford when the flood comes down, though Glorfindel’s attack was against the Nazgûl, not their horses.
  • Glorfindel’s revelation of his power may have only been the first part of the plan, the second being to deal with any Black Riders who stayed on the near shore, which proved unnecessary.
  • The horses would probably be permanently damaged by their treatment by the Black Riders, and it is unlikely that they would have survived even if they had escaped.
  • Therefore, their death might easily be seen as an act of mercy, rather than a means to an end.
  • At Weathertop, Strider explains the way that the horses can see, and implicitly ties their senses to the senses of the Black Riders. A spiritual connection by domination might explain this.
  • The Black Riders also do not seem to have spare mounts, so that connection would be personal.
  • Note: This may be the kind of connection the Nazgûl will have with their winged mounts later.
  • Among evil creatures, there are no examples of true friendship between servants and masters, or even between equals. There is always a relationship based on domination and servility.
  • Note: We hear later that the Rohirrim do not sell horses to Sauron’s agents, even when offered, because they will put the beasts to evil uses, in both meanings of that phrase, to which the Rohirrim object out of their love of horses. This is why the horses are stolen in the first place.
  • Note: There is no sense in which Sauron should be seen as serving Morgoth in humility affection or friendship. It is simply a means-to-an-end relationship for both of them. Sauron was only less evil in that he served a greater power out of humility, but not with love.
Comment about those spiritual boulders:
  • In Frodo’s experience of the flood at the Ford, he was aware that many large stones are rolling.
  • This would point to physical boulders, however the name of the river is the Loudwater (Bruinen), so this may be its normal sound before the flood.
  • However, Gandalf’s syntax suggests that these boulders were part of his own doings.
  • The fact that “stones” is used in Frodo’s description, while Gandalf uses the word “boulders”, suggests that these are two different phenomena.
  • Gandalf may be referring to the strength that he added to the flood, which visually manifests as the horses and rides, and also had the physical effect of moving the natural boulders.
  • The white flames that Frodo saw on the crest of the waves seem to be him recognizing Gandalf’s power directly in his wraithlike sight. The horses and riders are in the water itself.
  • Note: In the film, the horses are made part of the foam of the crashing waves, but that is different from what is described here.
  • There is a distinction in the description of the boulders from the horses which makes them seem like separate and different things. There is a lack of parallelism between these two mentioned.
  • Gandalf’s use of “we”, meaning he and Elrond, implies that they have unleased the river’s wrath, not their own, which could be outside their control. The boulders would be part of that wrath.
  • Note: In the text, there doesn’t seem to be any cases of Gandalf using a form of telekinesis, especially not as Gandalf the Grey. As Gandalf the White, he may do something more like that.
  • Aside from fire, Gandalf’s magic primarily manifests as his strengthening of the wills of those who oppose the Enemy. In this case, he is encouraging the spirit of the river itself.
  • Note: As with Goldberry, natural features are animated by spirits in Middle-earth. This element was much more prominent in the early drafts of the book, such as Legolas’ speech about the stones in Eregion, where he speaks much more explicitly about those spirits and how they are foreign to him as a stranger there. As with many other concepts, Tolkien made these things more implicit than explicit as he goes to increase the sense of mystery, but they’re still there.
  • Gandalf’s reference to the vigor of the waters is a sense of the personality of the river’s feisty spirit, and the reference to the loud waters is an invocation of the river’s actual name.
  • Note: This is not truly an anthropomorphism, in that these forces do not take human form, but more in making them more personal and animated, and a less inert, passive phenomena.
(continued below)
 

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(continued) Gandalf’s alarm:
  • Why does Gandalf look quickly at Frodo after he says that they are safe? Is this a look of suspicion, or trying to make eye contact? He does seem to be reacting to what Frodo said.
  • He might be looking to see if Frodo’s returning memories, and Gandalf’s relating of the story, has done Frodo harm, as he was doing this against the medical advice of Elrond.
  • What does Frodo mean by “we”? Does he mean something other than himself and his friends?
  • Gandalf may be wondering if Frodo means himself and the Ring, or that he still has some connection to the Witch-king, and he is including his enemies in using “we”, though unlikely.
  • Gandalf’s clarification that they are safe for the moment would seem to be sufficient if he did though that Frodo meant only himself and his friends, so the look points to something else.
  • Therefore, he would only be justified in his look at Frodo if he suspected something about his connection to the Ring. This is exactly how he has checked this all the years Frodo has owned it.
  • The fact that Gollum uses the word “we” a lot, too, may have put Gandalf on alert. Frodo’s usage is perfectly normal, but in the context of the Ring, this may make Gandalf overreact.
  • One thing that may have alerted Gandalf is the pronoun shift from “I” in the previous sentence to “we” in the next one, which many stand out.
  • Now that Frodo has had the Ring for seventeen years, and now has succumbed to the Ring temptation, combine to concern Gandalf. He has already proven this connection in Bag End.
  • Note: This is the first time that the term “Ring-bearer” is applied to Frodo, and Gandalf does so as if it were a title. He also names Bilbo “Ring-finder”. We have seen that there is significance in Gandalf’ assigning a title to someone, as with naming Bilbo a burglar in The Hobbit.
  • Gandalf and Frodo’s had moved away from the Ring for most of this conversation, and only now does Gandalf bring it up. He may also be looking for any physical signs of fiddling with the Ring.
  • Note: Frodo has the Ring on him now. We will see that it was placed on a chain around his neck.
  • Gandalf does not reciprocate Frodo’s “we”, instead using “you” to talk about Frodo’s safety.
  • Note: Gandalf may be more doubtful of others’ loyalty after his captivity in Isengard.
  • When Bilbo called the Ring “precious”, he was quick to point out the parallel to Gollum’s speech. Gandalf has reasons to believe that using Gollum’s terminology about the Ring is a bad sign.
  • Note: Is Gandalf’s show of emotions a type of uncloaking? Not exactly, as when he uncloaks his power, like with Bilbo, he does so to help Bilbo, and will do so again to help Frodo at Amon Hen. Gandalf is a fairly cranky character, so shows of emotion are not strange for him.
  • Who took the Ring to put it on the chain? We don’t know, but both Elrond and Gandalf would be wary of anyone handling the Ring, and it wouldn’t be necessary to touch it to do this.
  • We know that the Ring has been moved is because it was in his pocket before. Frodo had the Ring on a chain in his pocket, so it would only require them to move the chain to replace it.
  • Gandalf had held the Ring in Bag End, so physical contact isn’t really the issue for concern. What matters more is the intention behind handling it, and if one is taking possession, even briefly.
  • Taking the Ring off of Frodo when he was unconscious might be cause for concern, so this risk might not be one that Gandalf was willing to take, and this operation was done with caution.
  • Elrond might not even want to take this on himself, as his great power makes him much more vulnerable to the lure of the Ring. They may have asked someone humble, like Sam, to do this.
Frodo’s honor and humility:
  • After qualifying Frodo’s statement about safety, Gandalf turns the conversation to the next day.
  • Gandalf use of the word “victory” implies that they see the encounter at the Ford like a battle.
  • This finally dispels Gandalf’s statements about all the foolish things that Frodo had done before.
  • Is Gandalf’s statement about Frodo being in a place of honor a test to see where he is in spirit? The response that Frodo gives shows humility, so he passed this test if Gandalf was testing him.
  • Frodo uses the word “wonderful” in its older sense, meaning “filled with wonder”. The hobbits planned to come to Rivendell for safety, but they didn’t expect to be treated as guests of honor.
  • Gandalf saying that he is one reason for their honor is another example of teasing and hobbitry.
  • The Ring is the more serious reason given, but what about the Ring is worthy of honor itself? Gandalf is acknowledging Frodo’s courage and humility in carrying the Ring all the way there.
  • This is kind of the Ring temptation turned on its head. The Ring makes one think of themselves and their quality, while Frodo expresses humility and concern for others.
  • Gandalf uses the present tense here, saying that Frodo is still the Ring-bearer as of right now.
  • Note: Being named Ring-bearer is both similar and different from being named Elf-friend. They both carry their own rights and privileges, though Frodo’s not always aware of them at the time.
  • Gandalf uses the difference in titles to emphasize the difference in Frodo’s and Bilbo’s roles. Bilbo’s role is in the past, while Frodo’s role is in the present, and possibly the future.
  • Frodo has taken the burden on willingly and is playing an important role in this adventure.
  • Bilbo had called himself “Ring-winner” when speaking with Smaug, which is to make his claim to ownership of the Ring. Gandalf only calls him “Ring-finder”, so removing that sense of a claim.
  • Note: Sméagol was not a Ring-finder, like Bilbo. Déagol was the Ring-finder, and Sméagol was the Ring-taker, in a way, parallel to Isildur. Bilbo would be the only one to pass it to the Ring-keeper, Frodo, who through his choice, becomes the Ring-bearer. Sam is the only one that acts as a Ring-taker and Ring-keeper in love, rather than looting a corpse for selfish reasons. Sam will act as Ring-bearer briefly when he feels it necessary to complete the quest.
Frodo’s contentment:
  • Why does Frodo not know that Bilbo is in Rivendell? In the short term, he has been unconscious, and so hasn’t seen Bilbo at this side. Long term, it is because Bilbo never wrote home to tell him.
  • Frodo might suspect that Bilbo would retire in Rivendell, but without contact, he wouldn’t know.
  • It’s possible that Gandalf and Elrond would not want Bilbo to make his whereabouts known.
  • Why doesn’t Gandalf ever mention this to Frodo? Partly due to a need for secrecy, but also to keep Bilbo separate from Frodo and the temptation of the Ring and make a clean break.
  • If Frodo sets off for Rivendell to see Bilbo, it changes his sense of purpose in carrying the Ring. Frodo needs to take this one selflessly, and not have a personal agenda in the journey.
  • The last two things that Frodo says are references to songs, including Sam’s troll song. The two things that he imagines telling Bilbo are about the singing of songs and the context.
  • Frodo imagines that Bilbo would be thrilled that the worthies of Bree will be singing his song for years into the future, and that Bilbo’s instruction of Sam was so fruitful.
  • He also focuses on two of the funniest moments of the trip, and not the darkness and danger.
END OF SESSION
 

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