Ulmo and the Ring War - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

***Sharkû*** · 03-17-2002, 07:23 PM

There are many examples of the great powers of water for good in the course of the War of the Ring, and often are these when all other hope fails, in the most dire need, or as pure miracles.

Sam and Frodo finally find an unspoiled trickle of water from the Ephel Dúath when travelling Mordor; the boat with Boromir's corpse passes the Rauros falls without being affected; the Nazgûl are afraid of water; Ent draught possesses powers of growth; the refuge of Henneth Annûn is behind a waterfall; the victory at the Pelennor comes via the Sea; Tom Bombadil, who rescues the hobbits from Old Man Willow, was gathering water lillies (maybe I should not have put the worst example at the end [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]).

Putting aside the symbolism of water and its just explanation of that in the world of Middle-Earth, we know that water is the element of the Vala Ulmo, the only one who never abandoned the Children, but has in turn often aided them directly indirectly in the early Ages. Could the above examples (to which a good many more could be added) be interventions by the Lord of Waters?

On one hand, we have no proof for that; it is but a theory, founding on evidence, but not simply verifiable. However, we also know that LotR is a story intentionally bereft of all religion. We are not even given the circumstances of the coming of the Istari in it. My point is that it could well be the case that interventions of the Vala kind could be possible, but since the book does not mention this aspect of matters, they are left out and in turn left for us to perceive.

Was Aragorn Ulmo's second Tuor? Did he pity Boromir? Did his arm reach even into the Black Land?

[ March 18, 2002: Message edited by: Sharku ]

03-17-2002, 07:23 PM	#1
*Sharkû* Hungry Ghoul Join Date: Jun 2000 Posts: 1,719	Ulmo and the Ring War There are many examples of the great powers of water for good in the course of the War of the Ring, and often are these when all other hope fails, in the most dire need, or as pure miracles. Sam and Frodo finally find an unspoiled trickle of water from the Ephel Dúath when travelling Mordor; the boat with Boromir's corpse passes the Rauros falls without being affected; the Nazgûl are afraid of water; Ent draught possesses powers of growth; the refuge of Henneth Annûn is behind a waterfall; the victory at the Pelennor comes via the Sea; Tom Bombadil, who rescues the hobbits from Old Man Willow, was gathering water lillies (maybe I should not have put the worst example at the end [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]). Putting aside the symbolism of water and its just explanation of that in the world of Middle-Earth, we know that water is the element of the Vala Ulmo, the only one who never abandoned the Children, but has in turn often aided them directly indirectly in the early Ages. Could the above examples (to which a good many more could be added) be interventions by the Lord of Waters? On one hand, we have no proof for that; it is but a theory, founding on evidence, but not simply verifiable. However, we also know that LotR is a story intentionally bereft of all religion. We are not even given the circumstances of the coming of the Istari in it. My point is that it could well be the case that interventions of the Vala kind could be possible, but since the book does not mention this aspect of matters, they are left out and in turn left for us to perceive. Was Aragorn Ulmo's second Tuor? Did he pity Boromir? Did his arm reach even into the Black Land? [ March 18, 2002: Message edited by: Sharku ]