The Lord of the Rings Discussion, Book II, Chapter 6

[brownjenkins]

Lothlórien

The chapter opens with the Fellowship, now lead by Aragorn, escaping Moria and orcish pursuit. The ranger mourns the loss of Gandalf, but quickly reminds the party that they must concentrate on finding safe haven before night falls, saving tears and remembrance for a more opportune moment.

They make there way quickly towards Lothlórien, land of Legolas' kindred elves, with a momentary stop by Gimli, Frodo and Sam at Mirrormere, the legendary pool associated with Durin and the dwarvish crown. They do not see their shadows in the reflection from the pool, a reflection which also shows stars in the sky when we know that it is daytime above. Any speculation on this "magical" pool, or Gimli's comments about Durin and his crown?

After travelling some miles from the gates of Moria, they stop so that Aragorn can tend to the wounded. We see Frodo reluctant to reveal his mithril coat to the rest of the fellowship. Is this just modesty, or is there some other reason for him to attempt to keep it under wraps?

Approaching the border of Lothlórien, Boromir expresses his misgivings about the "perilous" wood, to which Aragorn replies that "only evil need fear it, or those who bring some evil with them." It is obvious that the ranger has been here previously, but does he also suspect Boromir's intentions towards the ring? Is it a veiled warning?

The fellowship cross Nimrodel and Legolas sings the song of the elven maid for which it is named. A tragic tale of love lost, due in part to the departure of elves into the West. Legolas alludes to the fact that the awakening of the balrog in Moria was a factor in their departure, and possible a bone of contention between the elves of Lothlórien and the dwarves. Is this a fair argument on the part of either race?

As night falls, looking for shelter among the treetops, they come across the elves of the wood, lead by Haldir of the Galadhrim. They are wary, but having received messages from Elrond, and seeing Legolas among them, they are willing to trust the newcomers to their wood. (Note: it was about two months between the Council of Elrond and the departure of the Fellowship, which explains the possibility of advance notification) Here, once again, we also here reference to the "Dark Days" and the severe mistrust between elves and dwarves.

The Fellowship stays the night in the tree with the elves, during which many orcs from Moria pass below the tree shelter, and Frodo once again notices the pale-eyed creature that has been following since their trip under the Misty Mountains. In the morning, the elves lead on, forcing the Fellowship to ford a large stream by way of a makeshift rope-bridge. After crossing they ask for Gimli to be blindfolded, as it is a law in their land. Gimli is offended by this lack of trust, but Aragorn attempts to soften the blow by saying that they will all accept blindfolds, to which Legolas gives equal offense.

Haldir of the Galadrim leads them onward blindfolded and speaks some of the current state of the position of Lothlórien between many evils, Sauron, Saruman and the south of Mirkwood. Finally they reach Cerin Amroth, the heart of Elvendom in Middle-Earth. Aragon takes Frodo to the top of this beautiful hill to take in the surrondings, and Tolkien leaves us with the interesting comment that the ranger "came (there) never again as a living man"