📖👀 Chapter 1 (📔Book III): The Departure of Boromir

[Rivendell_librarian]

A short chapter to set the scene for The Two Towers. Aragorn has to choose between following Merry and Pippin who have been captured by orcs from Isengard, or to follow Frodo and Sam into Mordor. The one priority of the Company is the destruction of the Ring in Mount Doom yet the difference is that Merry and Pippin have been captured and face possible torture in Isengard, whereas Frodo and Sam are thought to be free to pursue their path Not an easy choice! Tolkien has also made a choice since in this and the last part of the trilogy he moved from a mostly single thread narrative to one which is an interlacing of multiple strands.

Hammond and Scull note in The Reader's Companion that the death of Boromir recalls the death of Roland in the Song of Roland and his boat funeral is similar to that of Scyld in Beowulf. Having been on Boromir's case before this chapter, Aragorn shows some admirable tact in not passing on Boromir's confession of trying to take the Ring to Gimli and Legolas. Aragorn seems remarkably fit for a man of his age, leaping about like a young deer: the hard life of a Ranger has benefits.

I wonder what is the significance of Aragorn not being able to see as much as Frodo from the seat of Amon Hen: the effect of being the ringbearer or some other reason?

 

[Squint-eyed Southerner]

In myth, and in literature with strong mythic thematic interest like romance, there's a kind of double vision, of an unchanging apocalyptic world above, and a cyclical world below. At some point in the story, the apocalyptic world and the cyclical world come into alignment; the critic Northrop Frye calls this the "point of epiphany". It usually takes place on a high point: a mountain, tower, lighthouse, island, or the top of a staircase or ladder. One example in LOTR is Sam's sight of the star above the Morgai.

Aragorn wants this kind of epiphany , but it's denied to him at this moment; he's needed for other things. His true epiphany will come later. It's one of his "errors" on the Day of Breaking.

Frodo's case is different: his is a demonic reversal of an epiphany -- a parody epiphany, in which he sees only the endless churning images of a demonic cyclical world, and the only unchanging "apocalyptic" element is the all-seeing Eye of Sauron, seeking to pin him in place, which is itself the demonic parody of Eru's omniscience.

Whether this is due to the Ring, or some other reason, Tolkien leaves ambiguous.

 

[Rivendell_librarian]

In myth, and in literature with strong mythic thematic interest like romance, there's a kind of double vision, of an unchanging apocalyptic world above, and a cyclical world below. At some point in the story, the apocalyptic world and the cyclical world come into alignment; the critic Northrop Frye calls this the "point of epiphany". It usually takes place on a high point: a mountain, tower, lighthouse, island, or the top of a staircase or ladder. One example in LOTR is Sam's sight of the star above the Morgai.

Aragorn wants this kind of epiphany , but it's denied to him at this moment; he's needed for other things. His true epiphany will come later. It's one of his "errors" on the Day of Breaking.

Frodo's case is different: his is a demonic reversal of an epiphany -- a parody epiphany, in which he sees only the endless churning images of a demonic cyclical world, and the only unchanging "apocalyptic" element is the all-seeing Eye of Sauron, seeking to pin him in place, which is itself the demonic parody of Eru's omniscience.

Whether this is due to the Ring, or some other reason, Tolkien leaves ambiguous.

I always find your comments enlightening.

 

[Squint-eyed Southerner]

And I look forward to your commentary on The Two Towers.

 

[Muskrat]

Not many vignettes. The Lament for Boromir and the start of the Chase. Action is the keynote.

 

[Starbrow]

I am puzzled by Aragorn's decision for the 3 of them to try to rescue Merry and Pippin from the orcs. Why couldn't they have split up? Wouldn't it have been wiser for Legolas to take the canoe and catch up with Frodo and Sam? He could give them protection in the wild with his archery and fighting skills, be able to stand watch at night, and help them find their way.
That would leave Aragorn and Gimli to go after the orcs. The odds of 2 people against an orc army wouldn't be much worse than 3 against an army. Once they rescued Merry and Pippen, Aragorn would be able to go to Minas Tirith and lead the fighting from there.

 

[Rivendell_librarian]

It's a good point Starbrow and there are no definite answers to such questions. And yes you are right that of the three Legolas would be the logical choice. One problem is that, although they know the intended destination of Frodo and Sam they don't know the exact route - whereas following the large band of orcs was simpler. Maybe it's a case of "all for one and one for all"?

 

[Eljorahir]

I am puzzled by Aragorn's decision for the 3 of them to try to rescue Merry and Pippin from the orcs. Why couldn't they have split up? Wouldn't it have been wiser for Legolas to take the canoe and catch up with Frodo and Sam?

I think Aragorn's words in the previous chapter (just before Boromir returns in his state of disgrace) can also explain his thinking regarding "Why couldn't they have split up?". Aragorn is respecting Frodo's decision to go alone (with Sam); at this stage it would be a violation (of sorts) to impose someone on Frodo.

Sam: "...he'll want to go alone."
Aragorn: "And what shall we do if you prove right?"
Pippin: "Stop him! Don't let him go!"
Aragorn: "He is the Bearer, and the fate of the Burden is on him. I do not think that it is our part to drive him one way or the other. Nor do I think that we should succeed if we tried. There are other powers at work far stronger."

 

[Vardarianna]

I agree with @Eljorahir on this, and also think the orcs would easily pick up on the scent of an elf, whereas they were likely ignorant of hobbits.

 

[wondering]

I think Aragorn's words in the previous chapter (just before Boromir returns in his state of disgrace) can also explain his thinking regarding "Why couldn't they have split up?". Aragorn is respecting Frodo's decision to go alone (with Sam); at this stage it would be a violation (of sorts) to impose someone on Frodo.

Sam: "...he'll want to go alone."
Aragorn: "And what shall we do if you prove right?"
Pippin: "Stop him! Don't let him go!"
Aragorn: "He is the Bearer, and the fate of the Burden is on him. I do not think that it is our part to drive him one way or the other. Nor do I think that we should succeed if we tried. There are other powers at work far stronger."

Yes, I think this is the key reason. Frodo has chosen to leave the rest of the Fellowship (except Sam); Aragorn is respecting that decision.

He may also be implying that fate/providence/etc is at work (as Gandalf and Elrond have both hinted earlier on) and that their task is no longer with Frodo. The Fellowship was never really intended to go all together to Mordor anyway. Aragorn and Boromir were originally planning to go to Minas Tirith, and therefore to split off at some point; Aragorn is conflicted just before the Breaking of the Fellowship because with the loss of Gandalf he is torn between a duty he feels to go to Gondor and a duty he feels to "take over" as the Fellowship's guide. Now Frodo has chosen to go without Aragorn's guidance, which somewhat resolves that dilemma - a resolution that Aragorn may see as fated/providential. Now a clear task (rescuing Merry and Pippin) is set before him.

 

[Rivendell_librarian]

Another theoretical question is what would Gandalf had done if he were still with the rest of the Fellowship assuming the orc attack would still have had the effect of dividing the fellowship as it did.

 

[wondering]

Another theoretical question is what would Gandalf had done if he were still with the rest of the Fellowship assuming the orc attack would still have had the effect of dividing the fellowship as it did.

I tend to think that Gandalf still being with the Fellowship would have changed things significantly earlier.

For one thing, with Gandalf's leadership they might not have spent quite as long in Lothlorien, so they might not have been at Parth Galen at the time the Orcs were there.

For another, I am actually not sure the Fellowship wouldn't have split earlier if Gandalf had survived Moria; the original plan was for Aragorn and Boromir to go more or less direct to Minas Tirith, Frodo (and surely Sam) to go to Mordor, with the paths of the others not yet determined: Gimli in Rivendell seems committed to go all the way to Mount Doom, though Elrond warns him against swearing to. If Gandalf was still available as guide, I think Aragorn would have felt free to split off (with Boromir) as was originally planned. In that scenario, I think the path traveled might have been different. While Frodo and Sam are struggling in the Emyn Muil, Frodo regrets that they didn't leave the Fellowship earlier, farther north, where they could have gone over the dry plain of Dagorlad rather than the difficulty of the Emyn Muil and then the Dead Marshes.

On the other hand, that path would not get them near Cirith Ungol, so it heavily depends on how Gandalf would have wanted to enter Mordor. Are there passes on the northern side of Mordor that aren't marked since they never became relevant to the story? Are there areas that aren't real passes (where a significant force could march) but a small group with Elvish ropes might be able to cross?

 

[Valandil]

I tend to think that Gandalf still being with the Fellowship would have changed things significantly earlier.

For one thing, with Gandalf's leadership they might not have spent quite as long in Lothlorien, so they might not have been at Parth Galen at the time the Orcs were there.

For another, I am actually not sure the Fellowship wouldn't have split earlier if Gandalf had survived Moria; the original plan was for Aragorn and Boromir to go more or less direct to Minas Tirith, Frodo (and surely Sam) to go to Mordor, with the paths of the others not yet determined: Gimli in Rivendell seems committed to go all the way to Mount Doom, though Elrond warns him against swearing to. If Gandalf was still available as guide, I think Aragorn would have felt free to split off (with Boromir) as was originally planned. In that scenario, I think the path traveled might have been different. While Frodo and Sam are struggling in the Emyn Muil, Frodo regrets that they didn't leave the Fellowship earlier, farther north, where they could have gone over the dry plain of Dagorlad rather than the difficulty of the Emyn Muil and then the Dead Marshes.

On the other hand, that path would not get them near Cirith Ungol, so it heavily depends on how Gandalf would have wanted to enter Mordor. Are there passes on the northern side of Mordor that aren't marked since they never became relevant to the story? Are there areas that aren't real passes (where a significant force could march) but a small group with Elvish ropes might be able to cross?

Then Saruman would not have been stopped in Rohan and wouldn’t have been dealt with. The Ents would still be hunkered down in Fangorn. Aragorn (with Boromir) would have arrived in Minas Tirith sooner - but what trouble might have ensued between Aragorn and Denethor? Aragorn would not have met the Grey Company and heard the message that brought him to the Paths of the Dead. And he wouldn’t have the Palantir of Orthanc. When Mordor attacked Minas Tirith (if the Ring was not yet destroyed), the fleet sailing up the Anduin would have been enemies of Gondor, not friends. And Rohan would not have arrived at the Pelennor Forlds.

 

[wondering]

Then Saruman would not have been stopped in Rohan and wouldn’t have been dealt with. The Ents would still be hunkered down in Fangorn. Aragorn (with Boromir) would have arrived in Minas Tirith sooner - but what trouble might have ensued between Aragorn and Denethor? Aragorn would not have met the Grey Company and heard the message that brought him to the Paths of the Dead. And he wouldn’t have the Palantir of Orthanc. When Mordor attacked Minas Tirith (if the Ring was not yet destroyed), the fleet sailing up the Anduin would have been enemies of Gondor, not friends. And Rohan would not have arrived at the Pelennor Forlds.

Oh, I agree it would have turned out worse. Quite probably a lot worse, with the Ring being fairly quickly recaptured on entering Mordor, depending on exact timing of who is where when.

I just don't think the timing would have worked out for the Parth Galen orc attack to happen similarly to how it happened in the books. I think having Gandalf survive Moria would change the timeline very shortly after Moria.

I doubt there would have been a close equivalent to the Pelennor Fields battle either, though. In the actual story Aragorn's Palantir challenge to Sauron accelerates Sauron's timeline. Without that, I don't think the attack comes so early. If the Fellowship including Gandalf is less uncertain, has less to recover from, and so spends less time in Lothlorien, their journey timeline is even more in advance of Sauron's war timeline. So the Ring is probably either destroyed or recaptured by Sauron before Sauron is ready to attack Minas Tirith.

But without that challenge, there are more Orcs in Mordor. Frodo, Sam, and whoever else is with them (Gimli? Gandalf?) are likely to run into more opposition on the way, and they barely made it as is - even if Gandalf is still with them, he can't use flashy fire/lightning without revealing everything. Mount Doom or Sauron's Road to it might be guarded if Sauron hadn't yet gathered all his forces for his big attacks.

Even if they somehow did still make it to Mount Doom, Gollum would be far less able to steal the Ring against a larger group... so the Ring probably doesn't get destroyed, or if it does, only by Frodo jumping into the Fire himself.

Even if that happens and Sauron ultimately falls, yeah, Saruman would ruin Rohan before the Ents would do anything.