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Mithalwen · 02-17-2009, 12:27 PM

This is not something that I have thought about before but it happens that I have been looking at this part of the story for other reasons and while it may well be that Tolkien had no special intention, it is possible to see a significance in them knowing particularly that Galadriel had looked into the hearts and minds of the fellowship.

It is my feeling that the items had no magic as the elves would deem it any more than the cloaks but still they had a virtue and like the lembas had a slightly different effect on mortals than their elvish makers.

This is an interesting topic as I had basically ignored them before as make-weight gifts of no real significance but now I think this was a mistake.

A belt is not simply a device for holding garments in or up! It is a symbol of rank - as for an earl or knight (or indeed for a martial artist).

Galadriel like her mentor Melian protected her land with a girdle, a belt and if you look at the definition of "gird":
1.
a. To encircle with a belt or band.
b. To fasten or secure (clothing, for example) with a belt or band.
c. To surround.
2. To equip or endow.
3. To prepare (oneself) for action.

By her gifts Galdriel may be making a physical symbol of whatever protection her power and thought may give them once they leave her land, and it may be no coincidence that it is now that the actions of Boromir, Merry and Pippin will now be vital to the successful outcome of the quest. Almost makes me wonder if Galadriel in her mental examination goaded Boromir into making a grab for the ring - would certainly explain his deep mistrust of her motives! though that may be going too far. It may be significant that his belt is golden - a circle of gold but not the one he desires.

It is interesting that Merry and Pippin had identical gifts. So often bracketed together and tag-alongs they are about to become prime-movers bringing Aragorn to Rohan, rousing the Ents and becoming knights of Gondor and the Mark. They will also less vitally to the victory but happily for the peace, save the lives of and bring together Faramir and Eowyn - who will restore Ithilien to its former glory with Elvish help as perhaps part compensation for the fading of Lorien.

Hmm, just how much did Galadriel anticipate?

02-17-2009, 12:27 PM	#3
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,461	This is not something that I have thought about before but it happens that I have been looking at this part of the story for other reasons and while it may well be that Tolkien had no special intention, it is possible to see a significance in them knowing particularly that Galadriel had looked into the hearts and minds of the fellowship. It is my feeling that the items had no magic as the elves would deem it any more than the cloaks but still they had a virtue and like the lembas had a slightly different effect on mortals than their elvish makers. This is an interesting topic as I had basically ignored them before as make-weight gifts of no real significance but now I think this was a mistake. A belt is not simply a device for holding garments in or up! It is a symbol of rank - as for an earl or knight (or indeed for a martial artist). Galadriel like her mentor Melian protected her land with a girdle, a belt and if you look at the definition of "gird": 1. a. To encircle with a belt or band. b. To fasten or secure (clothing, for example) with a belt or band. c. To surround. 2. To equip or endow. 3. To prepare (oneself) for action. By her gifts Galdriel may be making a physical symbol of whatever protection her power and thought may give them once they leave her land, and it may be no coincidence that it is now that the actions of Boromir, Merry and Pippin will now be vital to the successful outcome of the quest. Almost makes me wonder if Galadriel in her mental examination goaded Boromir into making a grab for the ring - would certainly explain his deep mistrust of her motives! though that may be going too far. It may be significant that his belt is golden - a circle of gold but not the one he desires. It is interesting that Merry and Pippin had identical gifts. So often bracketed together and tag-alongs they are about to become prime-movers bringing Aragorn to Rohan, rousing the Ents and becoming knights of Gondor and the Mark. They will also less vitally to the victory but happily for the peace, save the lives of and bring together Faramir and Eowyn - who will restore Ithilien to its former glory with Elvish help as perhaps part compensation for the fading of Lorien. Hmm, just how much did Galadriel anticipate? __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace Last edited by Mithalwen; 02-18-2009 at 05:56 AM.