The Ultimate Discourse About Gildor - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

alatar · 12-10-2007, 04:12 PM

It's funny that this thread is prominent now as, last eve, I just finished reading (rereading) that part of FotR. And in this reading, it did strike me as odd that Gildor does little to aid Frodo, or at least it seems that way. What does (or could have) Gildor and his wandering company do to help the Ringbearer?

They provide safe lodging the night that they all meet. Remember that one of the Nazgul was hot on Frodo's path when the elves showed up. If Frodo, Sam and Frodo did not travel and stay with the elves that night, just what would have happened?

The elves provide sustenance - food and drink - that aid not only the Hobbits' physical bodies but also their spirits. After a draught of the liquid placed in the waterbags, the Hobbits are ready for an army of Black Riders. Was this the courage that Frodo sought?

The next day, the Hobbits are hunted by but not captured by the Black Riders. Was this due to some help by Gildor? Farmer Maggot's dogs may have had some unseen help, and who knows what kept the Black Rider from finding the Hobbits until they were safely across the Brandywine?

On the other hand, Gildor and company seem a little to unhelpful, in retrospect. It works when you don't know what the Black Riders are, but after you realize that these are the Nine, you'd think that Gildor could have done more overtly.

But I'm no elf - even if I say both yea and nay.

12-10-2007, 04:12 PM	#34
alatar Doubting Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Heaven's basement Posts: 2,466	It's funny that this thread is prominent now as, last eve, I just finished reading (rereading) that part of FotR. And in this reading, it did strike me as odd that Gildor does little to aid Frodo, or at least it seems that way. What does (or could have) Gildor and his wandering company do to help the Ringbearer? They provide safe lodging the night that they all meet. Remember that one of the Nazgul was hot on Frodo's path when the elves showed up. If Frodo, Sam and Frodo did not travel and stay with the elves that night, just what would have happened? The elves provide sustenance - food and drink - that aid not only the Hobbits' physical bodies but also their spirits. After a draught of the liquid placed in the waterbags, the Hobbits are ready for an army of Black Riders. Was this the courage that Frodo sought? The next day, the Hobbits are hunted by but not captured by the Black Riders. Was this due to some help by Gildor? Farmer Maggot's dogs may have had some unseen help, and who knows what kept the Black Rider from finding the Hobbits until they were safely across the Brandywine? On the other hand, Gildor and company seem a little to unhelpful, in retrospect. It works when you don't know what the Black Riders are, but after you realize that these are the Nine, you'd think that Gildor could have done more overtly. But I'm no elf - even if I say both yea and nay. __________________ There is naught that you can do, other than to resist, with hope or without it.