Tolkien Calendar: The Great Years
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February 25, TA 3019
25 February 2006 13:05:44Categories: Tolkien Calendar
The Company pass the Argonath and camp at Parth Galen
On the last day the Fellowship of the Ring has together before its Breaking, the group sails past the Argonath in their Elven boats. These two immense carved figures, one on each side of the River Anduin, represent Isildur and Anarion, the sons of Elendil. Romendacil II had them built in 1340 of the Third Age--almost 2300 years before the events of our tale. They stand in positions of guard, with one hand outstretched in a posture of warning and the other holding an axe, at the northern boundary of Gondor. They have several other names, most notably The Pillars of the Kings, and it is thus Aragorn addresses them. Their ancient presence causes the Fellowship to quail, but he reassures them.
Quote:
Fear not, said a strange voice behind him. Frodo turned and saw
Strider, and yet not Strider, for the weatherworn Ranger was no
longer there. In the stern sat Aragorn, son of Arathorn, proud and
erect, guiding the boat with skilful strokes: his hood was cast back,
and his dark hair was blowing in the wina, a light was in his eyes:
a king returning from exile to his own land.
Fear not! he said. Long have I desired to look upon the likenesses
of Isildur and Anarion, my sires of old. Under their shadow Elessar,
the Elfstone son of Arathorn of the House of Valandil Isildur's son,
Heir of Elendil, has nought to dread.
Strider, and yet not Strider, for the weatherworn Ranger was no
longer there. In the stern sat Aragorn, son of Arathorn, proud and
erect, guiding the boat with skilful strokes: his hood was cast back,
and his dark hair was blowing in the wina, a light was in his eyes:
a king returning from exile to his own land.
Fear not! he said. Long have I desired to look upon the likenesses
of Isildur and Anarion, my sires of old. Under their shadow Elessar,
the Elfstone son of Arathorn of the House of Valandil Isildur's son,
Heir of Elendil, has nought to dread.
And so for the first time Aragorn proclaims his lineage and his right as King in his own land; although he will later tell Merry and Pippin that Strider is always a part of him, here the Ranger gives way to the King.
Aragorn leads the Company to the west bank of the Anduin, to the soft, green lawn of Parth Galen, which foots the slopes of Amon Hen. In this beautiful spot, Frodo must decide the final course of the Quest. He walks alone among the ruins, where he has an encounter with Boromir which precipitates his choice.
Aragorn leads the Company to the west bank of the Anduin, to the soft, green lawn of Parth Galen, which foots the slopes of Amon Hen. In this beautiful spot, Frodo must decide the final course of the Quest. He walks alone among the ruins, where he has an encounter with Boromir which precipitates his choice.
First Battle of the Fords of Isen. Théodred son of Théoden slain.
Even as the Ring is about to begin its journey to Mordor, the traitor Saruman moves against Rohan. His army of orcs and Dunlendings battle the Rohirrim under Theoden's heir Theodred at the Isen River; they defeat the Riders, but are not able to cross the Isen.
The price for holding it is high, though, for Theodred is slain in the battle. His death leaves the Rohirrim wholly in the hands of his bewitched father, who is under the sway of Saruman's servant Wormtongue.
Rohan seems ready to fall.
Images © "Tol Brandir" & "Rohan" by Alan Lee.