Today is yet another one of those days where even small things that happen carry great significance. In one simple gesture, Frodo and Sam show us that they are at the end of their rope. They are singularly focused on the destruction of the Ring and the burden of that task has taken its toll. All Sam can do for Frodo at this point is to care for him in any way possible that allows him to continue his quest. The journey now looks like a one way trip. The journey has a 'there', but the 'back again' appears impossible. So Sam lightens the load. As he tosses their gear into a ravine, his heart is broken at the sound of his pots and pans clattering away into the deep. It is as if he has bid farewell to the Shire.

Of equal significance is Aragorn's continuing journey, not just towards the Black Gate and confrontation with Sauron, but his own personal journey from Man to King. In one simple empathetic act, he gives honor to those who succumb to the horror of the sight of Mordor, while still rallying the hope of the stalwart and encouraging the hearts of all. In releasing the fearful to lesser duties in the defense of Cair Andros, I have to agree with Kocher who says... "Characteristically, he has done it with pity for weakness but without giving up the principle that duty requires those to go on who can."

"From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be King."