How can hope and despair be akin?

[Roa_Aoife]

My, that's quite a topic you've chosen. I hope you didn't bite off more than you can chew.

When can hope and despair be "akin"? Quite simply, when the object these terms are aplied to is the same. In this instance, Aragorn is either refering to Frodo bearing the Ring into Mordor, the one place we simultaneously want it not be and be, or to the "diversion," where many are despairing and certain of death to preserve the hope of still many more.

[Anguirel]

Originally Posted by Roa_Aoife

My, that's quite a topic you've chosen. I hope you didn't bite off more than you can chew.

Is that a challenge?

This is a fascinating topic. I think that pretty Farael is very much on the light lines. I will return for a detailed stab. In the meantime, I lay an interdict on anyone bringing up the Nirnaeth Arnoediad...