Episode 260 Summary

Tony Meade

Active Member
SESSION 260

No ordinary storm:
  • Gimli interprets that the concentration of snow on their location shows intent behind the storm.
  • Though Gimli’s words could have originally been interpreted as metaphorical, but also as literal.
  • Gimli has heard stories about these mountains before, but if he had doubts, those are fading, and he now makes the categorical declaration that the conscious malice of the mountain is real.
  • He mentions Elves and Dwarves because they are both the peoples most associated with the Mountains of Moria, as Khazad-dûm and Lothlorien are nearby, and Elves use the pass often.
  • The fact that the scouting parties did not encounter this resistance when crossing the pass before may show that the mountain either had no malice toward them or is simply capricious.
  • This raises the question as to whether this is a coincidence or if it is due to Frodo and the Ring.
  • The possibility that Sauron or Saruman has recruited the mountain as an ally has been raised.
Doughty Men, too:
  • Just as Aragorn had instantly supported Boromir in his suggestion and let Boromir go first and to then follow behind, Boromir now includes Aragorn by giving credit for having some strength left.
  • Boromir is offering hope of escape in response to Gimli’s assertion that the mountain is opposing them, but he does so without doubting or questioning the seriousness of the situation.
  • He is boasting, but he is doing so in such a way as to raise the morale of the whole Company.
  • Boromir acknowledges that Legolas doesn’t need help to escape, but also that the Elf couldn’t have done what he and Aragorn did to help the rest escape, though he does so with a light tone.
  • It is only the diverse composition of the Company that allowed them all to survive and escape.
  • This shows that it was more than symbolic to make the Company a mixed group, but practical.
  • In using the word “lesser”, Boromir is merely referring to men of less size or strength, not class.
  • Boromir humorously undermines his own boasting by invoking the image of men with shovels.
  • By teasing Legolas for being able to run on snow but not move it, he returns the teasing wave.
  • There is a sense that there has been a bonding between Boromir, Aragorn, and even Legolas.
Voicing the thought of all the hobbits:
  • Note: In a sense, it is the hobbits and their hobbitry that has set the relational tone of the Company, though since this is told by hobbits, it is the humor and fellowship they remember.
  • Even after moving the snow, there is still not a clear path that the hobbits can take themselves.
  • It is Pippin who speaks up as to the hobbits’ worries as to how they will pass through the trail.
  • There is a kind of leadership shown by Pippin in speaking up, which is a Tookish thing to do.
  • While it is easy to think of Pippin as a mere kid among elders, but he is also the son of the Thain.
  • Pippin clearly thinks of Frodo as the leader of their hobbit expedition, if not of the Company, though he has also displayed a sense of responsibility for the hobbits and the Shire itself.
  • Part of that sense of responsibility is to say things aloud to things that the other hobbits cannot.
  • As the Ring-bearer, there are concerns that Frodo cannot express, and nor can Sam do openly.
  • Pippin feels the need to remind the Men that as great as their physical accomplishment is, it is not the end of the job of helping the hobbits escape the snow, which is still over their heads.
Have hope:
  • Boromir’s statement about carrying the hobbit is bravado, but it is in service to the Company.
  • However, he is not just boasting, but offering a practical solution while admitting his fatigue.
  • Note: While in the modern world there is a taboo against boasting, in the heroic tradition it was not only common but expected that great warriors would make great boasts and live up to them. The great example among the works Tolkien would be drawing from was the boasts that Beowulf makes in Hrothgar’s Hall as he comes there to destroy the monster plaguing the Danes.
  • Boromir’s boasts do not make the situation all about himself, but to lift the hopes of them all.
  • In “if I may say it”, there is a note of self-deprecation and humility, as is admission of weariness.
  • The inclusion of Aragorn in the weariness, remaining strength, and willingness to carry the hobbits shows humility and inclusion, and allows Gandalf, Gimli, and Bill the Pony to follow.
  • Rather than being put off by Pippin’s doubt, he acknowledges his candor by taking him first.
  • In this case, the term “Master Peregrin” is being used as a compliment and a sign of respect.
  • Note: While there are other usages of “Master” in archaic or contemporary British culture that may be relevant, it is important to take the sense in which it is being used within the text. The fact that Sam uses “Mister” for Frodo and Bilbo, and not “Master” shows a difference in context.
  • The formality of using both the title and his proper name shows a mild tone of irony and humor.
  • Pippin sees Boromir’s strength firsthand and is also reassured that the path is being widened.
  • Note: There will be a contrast later between this incident of being carried by Boromir with care, holding on himself and facing forward, and with being carried against his will by the orcs later. This will also be connected to the experience of Boromir’s sacrifice to save him at Parth Galen.
  • Pippin is barely more than half the height of Boromir, so this is an unusual point of view for him.
END OF SESSION
 

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