Thanks for those observations, zifnab! I think you are right about the euphemism part and that Gandalf has, for quite some time, taken an interest in the maturing Peregrin, who has indeed shown his growth beyond his stumbling beginnings in Rivendell and Moria. There is an almost fatherly feeling I get from Gandalf concerning Pippin, that, even after he scolds him in Moria and at Rivendell (over and over!), he is the one who intercedes for him with Elrond and also he takes up the watch for him in Moria when it is clear Pippin has learned his lesson. I think the incident with the palantir and the knowledge that Merry and Pippin have acted independently to bring about the awakening and wrath of Fangorn to great effect has finally clicked a switch in Pippin that Gandalf can see quite clearly and so now Gandalf knows beyond doubt that Pippin is a valiant man, even before he does his great deeds. Gandalf sees much that way, and does not give his compliments lightly. I apologize if my thoughts are a little muddy--I tend to ramble and get off the point when I talk about Pippin! Forgive me!
Cheers,
Lyta (serious Pippin-fancier!)
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“…she laid herself to rest upon Cerin Amroth; and there is her green grave, until the world is changed, and all the days of her life are utterly forgotten by men that come after, and elanor and niphredil bloom no more east of the Sea.”
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