March 9, TA 3019
9 March 2006 16:29:51Categories: Tolkien Calendar
Gandalf reaches Minas Tirith. Faramir leaves Henneth Annûn. Aragorn sets out from Erech and comes to Calembel. At dusk Frodo reaches the Morgul-road. Théoden comes to Dunharrow. Darkness begins to flow out of Mordor.
What a day in Middle-earth! It seems that events are being catapulted forward and deeds take on a heightened sense of urgency. All of our key players rush to stem the tide of darkness that now begins to pour out of Mordor. We readers are left to devour each page as quickly as we can. Our friends are in the breech as they, and we, wonder if their efforts (though earnest...almost desperate) will be enough to stop the imminent onslaught from the Land of Shadow.
Gandalf has reached the City of Kings and is confronted by a cynical and what appears to be a demented Denethor, the Steward of Gondor. Pippin offers the gallant gesture of service to the Steward, but he and Gandalf, and indeed the rest of the White City, feel the oppression of the Darkness on their doorstep. As Faramir leaves Henneth Annûn, he knows full well that his decision to release Frodo and his secret burden will not sit well with his father, the Steward. We can only imagine the thoughts going through his mind as he travels swiftly to Minas Tirith to face Denethor.
More than most, Aragorn understands the urgency of this day...how high the stakes...
Quote:
- "But when the dawn came, cold and pale, Aragorn rose at once, and he led the Company forth upon the journey of greatest haste and weariness that any among them had known, save he alone, and only his will held them to go on. No other mortal Men could have endured it, none but the Dúnedain of the North, and with them Gimli the Dwarf and Legolas of the Elves."
Meanwhile to the north, Théoden and the Rohirrim gather at Dunharrow and Hirgon of Gondor arrives with the token of war. Presenting the Red Arrow to Théoden, his words are no less urgent... "Often the Rohirrim have aided us, but now the Lord Denethor asks for all your strength and all your speed, lest Gondor fall at last."
And in the East, Frodo and Sam have reached the Morgul-road. You can imagine the terror and misgivings they feel. They are determined, but the task is overwhelming, and Gollum is...well, Gollum.
Can it get anymore desperate than this?
Images © "Gandalf and Pippin Meet with Denethor" & "Vale of the Morgul" by Alan Lee.