Flammifer
Well-Known Member
"Balin son of Fundin Lord of Moria". Balin's story is one of a failed Return of the King. Was it because Balin was not the true heir to the throne of Khazadum? Was it because timing was wrong (as Durin had not 'waked again from sleep')? Was it just poor judgement and hubris?
How might Balin's story play with Aragorn's? What might Aragorn be thinking as he stands in the Chamber of Mazarbul? Could he take the fate of Ballin as an omen? A foreshadowing? A cautionary tale? We don't know. We don't get any quotes from, or comments upon Aragorn until the drums in the deep are heard, and Aragorn says, "Slam the doors and wedge them!"
This is not a wise command, and it is immediately contradicted by Gandalf, "No! We must not get shut in. Keep the east door ajar! We will go that way if we get a chance."
Aragorn should have known better. Gandalf had just finished explaining that the way to the Gates was through the eastern door. Had Aragorn been distracted, musing upon the fate of Balin and what it might portend for his own quest?
How might Balin's story play with Aragorn's? What might Aragorn be thinking as he stands in the Chamber of Mazarbul? Could he take the fate of Ballin as an omen? A foreshadowing? A cautionary tale? We don't know. We don't get any quotes from, or comments upon Aragorn until the drums in the deep are heard, and Aragorn says, "Slam the doors and wedge them!"
This is not a wise command, and it is immediately contradicted by Gandalf, "No! We must not get shut in. Keep the east door ajar! We will go that way if we get a chance."
Aragorn should have known better. Gandalf had just finished explaining that the way to the Gates was through the eastern door. Had Aragorn been distracted, musing upon the fate of Balin and what it might portend for his own quest?