What an aerobic workout this thread is for my somewhat rusted brain! I intend to find and read the "Gems from the Letters" (my new best book) and "Most 'powerful' lines of Ea...." threads.
The same night after reading all the posts, I resumed my re-reading of LotR,
Fellowship. I was in "The Ring Goes South" when I read Elrond's charges & caveats to the Company:
Quote:
... The others go with him as free companions, to help him on his way. You may tarry, or come back, or turn aside into other paths, as chance allows. The further you go, the less easy will it be to withdraw; yet no oath or bond is laid on you to go further than you will. For you do not yet know the strength of your hearts, and you cannot foresee what each may meet upon the road.'
'Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens,' said Gimli.
'Maybe,' said Elrond, 'but let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.'
'Yet sworn word may strengthen quaking heart,' said Gimli.
'Or break it,' said Elrond. 'Look not too far ahead! ..."
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I felt a tremor of recognition. Is this an illustration of Bethberry's post about Tolkien's notions regarding heroism and chivalry, or must I erase my tremulous annotation & reset my tremorizer?
(And, lo, after all these many years, I discovered why I like Gimli--he'll argue with anybody in a fearless, forthright manner.)
Also, I am pleased to see that I have ordered two of the very books cited in the juiciest quotes. Ah, antici .... pation!