Some thoughts on the Portent Poem

Matt DeForrest

Active Member
I wanted to get down a couple thoughts about the poem from last night’s session — the one I logged off with two minutes to go (Had I but known!):

1) We have been referring to this metrical scheme as Elven. Given that this portent comes from the West, would it be more appropriate to think of it as Valinoran? Do we know which of the Valar teach the Elves to make poetry?

2) I am intrigued by one aural almost-repetition. In lines 7 and 8, we have For and forth, which appear to be doing some complicated things. Corey went over the rhythmic elements of For last class. The assonance also links the lines, tying the appearance of the One Ring with the appearance of the Hobbits. I would also note the pun: forth/fourth (Frodo, Merry, Pippin, and Sam).
 
Back
Top