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Old 04-05-2003, 03:02 AM   #23
Birdland
Ghastly Neekerbreeker
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: the banks of the mighty Scioto
Posts: 1,751
Birdland has just left Hobbiton.
Sting

Quote:
It seems to me that Lothlorien goes way beyond the average [Non-Noldorin] ELvish isolationism, and that like Nargothrond or Gondolin or Doriath, woe to those who tryto enter unbidden.
Actually Lindil, though Tolkien suggests that Lorien is protected by supernatural forces, (centered around Galadriel and her Ring), in LoTR the author records that the kingdom preserves its isolation through mostly physical means. They seem to rely on single-strand bridges, inaccessable flets, and the vigilance of Elven warriors such as Haldir and his team.

It's odd that in such a "magical" land, the Orcs can freely wade across the Nimrodel, and that Gollum can penetrate the borders, even going so far as to climb the tree where Frodo and Sam are sleeping. It is only Haldir and his troop's assault that keep the enemy at bay.

Compare this to The Old Forest and Mirkwood, where the environment itself combats any interlopers.

Also it is interesting to note that the most secretive of races, in their most ancient and mysterious stronghold, will allow anyone to open the gate with the use of a one-word pass code: "Say 'Friend' and enter"!
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