Category: The Return of the King

Up, up, up the stairs we go. And then it’s into the tunnel.

Gollum

In these troubled times, there is nothing more soothing to Gandalf than the smoke of his pipe. In more relaxed times before the quest for the Ring even began, he smoked together with Bilbo as they welcomed the evening of Bilbo’s birthday. Everyone has an activity or pleasure they indulge themselves to unwind. Whatever one’s pleasure, it is there to soothe one’s soul and ease the mind of troubled thoughts. This time, however, not even his favorite pleasure can rest his heart, for there is evil on the horizon. 

Sam: “Must be getting near teatime. Leastways, it would be in decent places where there is still teatime.” 

Gollum: “We’re not in decent places.”

You think you are wise, Mithrandir. Yet for all your subtleties, you have not wisdom. Do you think the eyes of the White Tower are blind? I have seen more than you know. With your left hand you would use me as a shield against Mordor. And with your right you`d seek to supplant me. I know who rides with Théoden of Rohan. Oh, yes. Word has reached my ears of this Aragorn, son of Arathorn. And I tell you now, I will not bow to this Ranger from the North, last of a ragged house long bereft of lordship.

Denethor

We`ve just passed into the realm of Gondor.

Gandalf

Of all the inquisitive Hobbits, Peregrin Took, you are the worst. Hurry! Hurry!

Gandalf

 The Evening Star

Ngil cennin eriel vi                    I saw a star rise high in the 
Menel aduial                               Evening sky,
Glingant sui mîr                         It hung like a jewel, 
Síliel mae.                                    Softly shining.

Ngil cenning firiel vi                 I saw a star fade in the 
Menel aduial                               Evening sky,
Dûr, dûr i fuin                            The dark was too deep and so light died, 
Naenol mae.                                Softly pining.

An i ú nathant                            For what might have been, 
An i naun ului                            For what never was,
A chuil, anann cuiannen          For a life, long lived
A meleth, perónen                     For a love, half given. 

Text by Philippa Boyens
Sindarin Translation by David Salo

After the drinking, the celebrating and the singing, the company retire to their rooms for a night of sleep. However, not everyone is as exhausted and tired, some have troubled thoughts about others who are still fighting their own battles. There isn`t a drink or a song in the world that can ease their troubles, for they know what is to come.

The mind is a beautiful thing. It allows us to keep falling even when the bottom is surpassed. It can raise us higher than we have ever been, from the highest highs to the lowest lows. An emotional rollercoaster it can put us on. There is no telling what sordid schemes it can produce just as well as the most harmonious and benevolent results it can muster. To understand it in its entirety is to study it for a lifetime, and still, it could surprise us. 

Éowyn awaits the return of the company. She stands before the doors of the Golden Hall of Meduseld, just like she did when Gandalf and the Three Hunters first rode into Edoras. However, everything has changed since she was first introduced to the company.