LotR -- Book 5 - Chapter 01 - Minas Tirith

[Lhunardawen]

Originally Posted by davem

I also wonder about the symbolism of ‘seven’ here

So have I. But all I can remember is that the number seven is associated with perfection... could it have been the Numenoreans' pride, or their desire?

Originally Posted by davem

Men in ancient armour guard a dead tree while war approaches.

This act appears as folly to me, not to mention a waste of resources. But in a way it shows that despite Gondor's waning, its people hope that there will be a time for renewal, as if they're waiting for the Tree to be somehow resuscitated or a sapling to be found growing off it. And it gives them hope, looking back on the glory of Gondor, being driven by the desire to see the White Tree in bloom again.