Wk2 Bk5 Ch2: Words of Malbeth, the Seer

[Stormrider]

From: AnnieLT (Original Message) Sent: 3/24/2003 10:24 PM

The picture was lost--it was a picture entitled "The Three Hunters" by Per Sjogren

Bk 5, Ch2, DISCUSSION: The Words of Malbeth, the Seer

" Listen," Aragorn said to Gimli and Legolas. "This is the word that the sons of Elrond bring to me from their father in Rivendell, wisest in lore: Bid Aragorn remember the words of the seer, and the Paths of the Dead."

Legolas asks that the words be recited and Aragorn complies. Why does Aragorn feel it important that his companions hear these staves? What do you make of this prophecy? Perhaps you can help poor Gimli who still lacks understanding. And perhaps you can share a little more insight into the meaning of these lines?

Rather than offer further explanation at this point, Aragorn bids his companions to join him. Gimli agrees to follow the Ranger anywhere, "even on the Paths of the dead." Legolas also will come, "for I do not fear the dead." Why do you think Legolas has no fear? And why is Gimli full of apprehension?

[Stormrider]

From: LindaS Sent: 3/25/2003 9:52 AM
Shortly before Aragorn recites these verses, he rebukes Gimli for Gimli questioning Aragorn about using the palantir to engage Sauron. Perhaps Aragorn realizes that he must still make an effort to prove that he is Isildur's heir.

The staves make it clear that the Dead owe their allegience to Isildur's heir, and if Aragorn can command that allegience then he can show beyond doubt that he rightly claims the kingship. Perhaps Gimli represents many of the people of Middle Earth who must be rallied around the rightful king in order to insure the success of the struggle against Sauron.

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From: Pearlbloom_Greenleaf Sent: 3/25/2003 1:09 PM
Legolas also will come, "for I do not fear the dead." Why do you think Legolas has no fear?

Several things came to mind as I read this:

- Perhaps Legolas does not fear the dead because he's an Elf, and, obviously, Elves do not die (unless they are killed or overtaken by unbearable grief). So, he has never had to deal with death as a part of his life, though I am sure at this point he has seen enough death for ten lifetimes. Something one is not curious about, has not experienced or does not consider part of one's life (for many fell at Helm's Deep, but none of them were Elves), tends to be or become less of an obsession, or none at all. The more we are obsessed by something, the greater its impact. So, since Legolas has probably never thought about death much (not as much as mortals, anyway), he sees no reason to fear it, or the ones who have actually died.

- Even if death had frightened him, for instance when Gandalf fell into the chasm in Moria, his fear would have evaporated after the Wizard's return - the ultimate proof that death can be defeated. Personally, I think he was still struggling with his shock and grief too much to grow really frightened in the relatively short time that Gandalf was gone.

Pearl

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From: Desi-Baggins Sent: 3/25/2003 8:01 PM
I like both of those answers! I just want to add to Linda's that maybe Aragorn is also proving to himself that he should claim the throne.

Desi