The Dead Marshes - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Jessica Jade · 02-28-2002, 02:43 PM

I just finished reading the section in Two Towers when they go through the Dead Marshes. I have a few questions about them that maybe some of you can help me with?

Why do the faces of the dead glow with light in those deep slimy pools? Are they trying to draw passer-byers into the pools too? Are the faces (or spirits) trying to ensnare anyone who happens to see them, and lead them to their own death? {Remember how Frodo seemed entranced by them...why was this so???}

I know that the faces are of those who died in that battle at Mordor long ago, but why do their faces (spirits?) remain there, and why are they visible? Gollum said not to look when the lights come on.. but What exactly are the lights, and why do they glow? Are the spirits causing them at will?

Gollum also mentioned that you cannot reach them, hinting that he tried to. (the book says that Sam guessed why, but it didn't say what sam thought). Why would Gollum try to reach them??

The whole Dead Marshes seem quite ambiguous to me...does Tolkien ever say anything else about the marshes? I really want to know more about them, so if anyone knows anything, please eniighten me! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

02-28-2002, 02:43 PM	#1
Jessica Jade Wight Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tirion upon Túna, Atlanta Posts: 154	The Dead Marshes I just finished reading the section in Two Towers when they go through the Dead Marshes. I have a few questions about them that maybe some of you can help me with? Why do the faces of the dead glow with light in those deep slimy pools? Are they trying to draw passer-byers into the pools too? Are the faces (or spirits) trying to ensnare anyone who happens to see them, and lead them to their own death? {Remember how Frodo seemed entranced by them...why was this so???} I know that the faces are of those who died in that battle at Mordor long ago, but why do their faces (spirits?) remain there, and why are they visible? Gollum said not to look when the lights come on.. but What exactly are the lights, and why do they glow? Are the spirits causing them at will? Gollum also mentioned that you cannot reach them, hinting that he tried to. (the book says that Sam guessed why, but it didn't say what sam thought). Why would Gollum try to reach them?? The whole Dead Marshes seem quite ambiguous to me...does Tolkien ever say anything else about the marshes? I really want to know more about them, so if anyone knows anything, please eniighten me! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] __________________ http://www.cadential64.com The musicians had indeed laid bare the youngest, most innocent of our ideas of life, the indestructible yearning for the way things aren't and can never be. ~ Philip Roth, The Human Stain