LotR -- Book 5 - Chapter 02 - The Passing of the Grey Company - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Estelyn Telcontar · 06-04-2005, 01:39 PM

This chapter takes us back to Rohan, jumping back in time to the point of Gandalf and Pippin's leaving. Since only one hobbit remains there, it is Merry's point of view from which we experience the events, at least at first. When he leaves, we stay with Aragorn, then later switch to Gimli for the passing of the Paths of the Dead.

There is much drama and suspense in this chapter, and the various characters must accept the paths laid before them. Merry's fate to accompany Théoden is told to him by Aragorn; Aragorn's is shown to him by the Palantír, in fulfillment of Malbeth's prophecy; and Éowyn's task is confirmed by Aragorn's refusal to allow her to accompany him. In these various occurrences, we see him showing himself as king more and more.

We are introduced to the Dúnedain and to Elrond's sons - what impresses you most about them?

Malbeth's prophecy gives us some alliterative poetry to look at. How clear are those words to you?

In my opinion, the emotional highlight of the chapter is the conversation between Aragorn and Éowyn. She states her feelings as plainly as she can in her situation, and we can feel her anguish. There are many memorable lines in that passage - which ones leave the strongest impression on you?

What do you think of the passage of the Paths of the Dead?

06-04-2005, 01:39 PM	#1
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	LotR -- Book 5 - Chapter 02 - The Passing of the Grey Company This chapter takes us back to Rohan, jumping back in time to the point of Gandalf and Pippin's leaving. Since only one hobbit remains there, it is Merry's point of view from which we experience the events, at least at first. When he leaves, we stay with Aragorn, then later switch to Gimli for the passing of the Paths of the Dead. There is much drama and suspense in this chapter, and the various characters must accept the paths laid before them. Merry's fate to accompany Théoden is told to him by Aragorn; Aragorn's is shown to him by the Palantír, in fulfillment of Malbeth's prophecy; and Éowyn's task is confirmed by Aragorn's refusal to allow her to accompany him. In these various occurrences, we see him showing himself as king more and more. We are introduced to the Dúnedain and to Elrond's sons - what impresses you most about them? Malbeth's prophecy gives us some alliterative poetry to look at. How clear are those words to you? In my opinion, the emotional highlight of the chapter is the conversation between Aragorn and Éowyn. She states her feelings as plainly as she can in her situation, and we can feel her anguish. There are many memorable lines in that passage - which ones leave the strongest impression on you? What do you think of the passage of the Paths of the Dead? __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...' Last edited by Estelyn Telcontar; 06-12-2005 at 04:45 PM.