Tony Meade
Active Member
SESSION 375
Now far behind:
Now far behind:
- Legolas is the first to notice that Frodo and Sam are falling behind, as everyone else is preoccupied with putting as much distance between themselves and any pursuing orcs.
- It’s possible that he had wanted to share something with Frodo and Sam like Gimli had before.
- They may also be distracted by grief and fatigue, with only Legolas able to be mindful of the Company, and it’s possible that with Gandalf gone, Legolas may feel his role has changed.
- Legolas also has the example of Gimli before him, in that when the Company was in a Dwarvish place, Gimli stepped forward to be a guide, even though he had never been in that place before.
- He may now feel that entering an Elvish place requires him to put himself forward with Aragorn.
- There is an aloofness in Legolas due to his age compared to the others, but now is more present.
- He is not asserting any leadership position within the Company but has been passive up to now.
- Aragorn calling for Boromir is pragmatic, as they had both carried the hobbits down Caradhras.
- Boromir had planned the escape then, and asked Aragorn at that time to help him carry hobbits.
- Aragorn immediately takes responsibility to apologize personally to Frodo in first-person singular, though they collectively should have done something to notice or ease Frodo’s pain.
- He respects Frodo trying to tough it out and not hinder the others, but it was not necessary.
- It is important to remember that the Balrog battle, and Gandalf’s death was earlier on this day.
- Even so, it might seem long ago that the skirmish with the orcs in the Chamber took place.
- They had been so surprised that Frodo was alive that they hadn’t thought about his injuries.
- At the time, it seemed a miracle, but with everything that had happened, it was overshadowed.
- Frodo’s being taciturn and trying to hide his hurt from his friends might be related to the way that the Ring separates one from people close to them, but there is also Bilbo’s secret to keep.
- Note: There is also a foreshadowing of the separation of Frodo and Sam from the rest of the Company, and also of Frodo and Sam’s eventual separation from Middle-earth in the end.
- It’s likely that Frodo and Sam couldn’t have spoken up, being out of breath and unable to talk.
- Aragorn’s apology comes from a place of strength and does not shift any responsibility away.
- Using the word “ought” is stronger than “should”, as it implies a kind of obligation on them all.
- Aragorn’s “come now” is the transition from acknowledging the problem to coming up with a plan, especially as he needs a better spot in which to treat Frodo and Sam’s injuries to start.
- Boromir has come up to meet Aragorn, as evidenced by his assumption that Boromir would be willing to carry one of the hobbits, and he has no need to make this a request or command.
- This also informs Frodo and Sam what is going to happen, as Frodo may have an objection.
- Boromir clearly knows that this is the right thing to do and does not need to consent to do it.
- Aragorn does not ask for Frodo’s leave because he said that he didn’t want to be carried before.
- He also doesn’t want to put Frodo in a position where he has to object and then explain himself.
- Sam will also not object as long as Frodo doesn’t and has more immediate need for treatment.
- Aragorn and Boromir would probably carry the hobbits cradled, so not to cause them more pain.
- Sam in particular could not be carried in any way that would cause blood to rush to his head.
- It is likely Boromir and Aragorn will be able to tell that Sam is getting feverish from his wound.
- Carrying them piggyback would not be good in case Sam or Frodo pass out from their injuries.
- While cradling them would be greater effort, they only have a short distance to carry them.
- They would likely not carry them at the hip due to carrying weapons the threat of falling, as the hobbits are probably too heavy, especially as they are carrying packs, which add to the weight.
- Sam’s cooking gear has probably been stowed in his pack in a way to reduce damage or noise.
- It is most likely that Aragorn is carrying Frodo, taking this responsibility on himself as leader.
- This has been seen before, as Aragorn carried Frodo both in the snow and out of the Chamber.
- They would not have given their packs to any of the others, as none of the others are with them.
- Aragorn might have to answer questions, especially from Merry and Pippin, while carrying them.