Was Gandalf wrong? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

The Mouth of Sauron · 11-17-2014, 06:41 PM

Just before the Company entered Moria, Boromir suggested that they might get to Gondor by taking the long way over the Isen and then reaching Gondor by the seaward route. But Gandalf contended that they "might take a year in such a journey". Surely that was a major over-estimate?

Inziladun · 11-17-2014, 09:05 PM

Gandalf's estimate was probably based on a worst-case scenario, involving periods of hiding, taking out-of-the-way paths to avoid troubles, finding food, and allowing for enemy actions from Sauron and Saruman.
Even if it wouldn't have taken such a long time as that, it was the longest road from which to choose, and time was pressing.

Galadriel55 · 11-17-2014, 09:51 PM

Also, Gandalf was factoring in the fact that Saruman should be avoided and Rohan can't be trusted. If the Fellowship went around their territories, they would have had to circle pretty much back to the Greyflood to get around Dunland and take a stroll down the beach. A loooong stroll down the beach. Assuming the beach was safe from raiders and other nasties.

So, as Inzil said, maybe it wouldn't have taken a year, but definitely a very long time.

Tar-Jêx · 11-17-2014, 10:29 PM

If they wanted to get to Gondor unharmed, it would've taken at least half a year.

Knowing Gandalf, it was probably just an exaggeration, though.

11-17-2014, 06:41 PM	#1
The Mouth of Sauron Wight Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Barad-Dur Posts: 196	Was Gandalf wrong? Just before the Company entered Moria, Boromir suggested that they might get to Gondor by taking the long way over the Isen and then reaching Gondor by the seaward route. But Gandalf contended that they "might take a year in such a journey". Surely that was a major over-estimate?

11-17-2014, 09:05 PM	#2
Inziladun Gruesome Spectre Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Heaven's doorstep Posts: 8,037	Gandalf's estimate was probably based on a worst-case scenario, involving periods of hiding, taking out-of-the-way paths to avoid troubles, finding food, and allowing for enemy actions from Sauron and Saruman. Even if it wouldn't have taken such a long time as that, it was the longest road from which to choose, and time was pressing. __________________ Music alone proves the existence of God.

11-17-2014, 09:51 PM	#3
Galadriel55 Blossom of Dwimordene Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: The realm of forgotten words Posts: 10,381	Also, Gandalf was factoring in the fact that Saruman should be avoided and Rohan can't be trusted. If the Fellowship went around their territories, they would have had to circle pretty much back to the Greyflood to get around Dunland and take a stroll down the beach. A loooong stroll down the beach. Assuming the beach was safe from raiders and other nasties. So, as Inzil said, maybe it wouldn't have taken a year, but definitely a very long time. __________________ You passed from under darkened dome, you enter now the secret land. - Take me to Finrod's fabled home!... ~ Finrod: The Rock Opera

11-17-2014, 10:29 PM	#4
Tar-Jêx Wight Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Armenelos, Númenor Posts: 205	If they wanted to get to Gondor unharmed, it would've taken at least half a year. Knowing Gandalf, it was probably just an exaggeration, though.