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the-seas-song · 6 years

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Tolkien Gen Week Day 2

DAY TWO: platonic relationships “Platonic” is a word with a broad definition, but as long as it’s not romantic, a relationship can fit under this category. This day can be for creating content about two unlikely companions, best friends, and any other possible relationship however you interpret it.

Hello! My favorite platonic relationship is Arwen/Aragorn/Legolas. We all know that Arwen and Aragorn have a romantic and sexual relationship, however since I'm focusing on how the three of them function as a platonic triad, hopefully this is still an acceptable submission.

This is book based. Aragorn needs both Arwen and Legolas's support in order to fulfill his destiny. I have never understood why people say that the films gave Aragorn self-doubt, because he is far more confident in the films than he ever is in the books! Unfortunately my Aragorn essay isn't finished, so if you want more quotes on his self-doubt than I'm giving here, contact me and I would be happy to provide more quotes and explain my reasoning.

I'm going to go over this after the quotes, but my thesis statement (so to speak) is that Aragorn draws on Arwen and is supported by Legolas.

Thus he became at last the most hardy of living Men, skilled in their crafts and lore, and was yet more than they; for he was elven-wise, and there was a light in his eyes that when they were kindled few could endure.

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But Aragorn was grown to full stature of body and mind, and Galadriel bade him cast aside his wayworn raiment, and she clothed him in silver and white, with a cloak of elven-grey and a bright gem on his brow. Then more than any king he appeared, and seemed rather an Elf-lord form the Isles of the West. - Lord of the Rings, Appendix A

Aragorn has become wise, with both the knowledge of Elves and Men. Greater than just a mortal king of Men, he has come into his own and reached a new level. The light in his eyes is the same “elven-light” that he saw in Arwen's, when they first met.

And Arwen said: “Dark is the Shadow, and yet my heart rejoices; for you, Estel, shall be among the great whose valour will destroy it.”

But Aragorn answered: “Alas! I cannot foresee it, and how it may come to pass is hidden from me. Yet with your hope I will hope.” - Lord of the Rings, Appendix A

Rejoice means “feel or show great joy or delight.” Arwen says, 'Sauron's power is strong, but at the same time I feel great joy, because you will help bring about his defeat.' She knows, without a doubt, what is meant to happen.

This is backed up by a note in the Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth:

Actually the Elves believed that the 'lightening of the heart' or the 'stirring of joy' (to which they often refer), which may accompany the hearing of a proposition or an argument, is not an indication of its falsity but of the recognition by the fëa that it is on the path of truth. - Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth, Author's Note 8

It is also important to note that both Arwen and Gilraen continue to call Aragorn Estel for the rest of their lives. Aragorn is the Chieftain, Strider the Ranger, Thorongil the Captain, and Elessar the King. Estel? He is the man, inherently elvish. We know that he is above any other mortal, but I don't think we ponder the consequences of that enough. There is a large part of himself that no mortal will ever understand.

Alas means “used as an exclamation to express sorrow, pity, concern, apprehension, etc.” Aragorn doubts himself, and doubts the light's ability to triumph. Arwen's hope gives him strength, and he holds onto it.

Elrond: “For the rest, they shall represent the other Free Peoples of the World: Elves, Dwarves, and Men. Legolas shall be for the Elves; and Gimli son of Glóin for the Dwarves. They are willing to go at least to the passes of the Mountains, and maybe beyond. For men you shall have Aragorn son of Arathorn, for the Ring of Isildur concerns him closely.” - Lord of the Rings, The Ring Goes South

We are not told when or why Legolas was picked for the Fellowship. However, Elrond tells Frodo this almost two months after the Council of Elrond. The fact that Legolas has stayed in Rivendell all this time implies that he was chosen early. My belief is that Legolas insisted on joining the Fellowship because of Aragorn and their close friendship.

“There lie the woods of Lothlórien!” said Legolas. “That is the fairest of all the dwelling of my people. There are no trees like the trees of that land. For in the autumn their leaves fall not, but turn to gold. Not till the spring comes and the new green opens do they fall, and then the boughs are laden with yellow flowers; and the floor of the wood is golden, and golden is the roof, and its pillars are of silver, for the bark of the trees is smooth and grey. So still our songs in Mirkwood say. My heart would be glad if I were beneath the eaves of that wood, and it were springtime!”

“My heart will be glad, even in the winter,” said Aragorn. “But it lies many miles away. Let us hasten!” - Lord of the Rings, Lothlórien

Aragorn confides that he too will be relieved to be in Lothlórien. He is replying to Legolas; but we don't know if the others heard him or not.

At last Legolas turned, and seeing them now far behind, he spoke to Aragorn. The others halted, and Aragorn ran back, calling Boromir to come with him.

“I am sorry, Frodo!” he cried, full of concern. - Lord of the Rings, Lothlórien

Aragorn, overwhelmed with the day's events, forgot about Frodo and Sam's injuries. Legolas notices their trouble and nudges Aragorn into action. This is the start of a crucial pattern – Aragorn depending on Legolas when he is overcome by a dark emotion.

“Eight,” said Legolas. “Myself, four hobbits; and two men, one of whom, Aragorn, is an Elf-friend of the folk of Westernesse.” - Lord of the Rings, Lothlórien

It is interesting that Legolas singles out Aragorn of the entire company – Boromir too is of Númenórean descent, after all. However, Legolas emphasizes that Aragorn is an Elf-friend who can be trusted.

“I am an Elf and a kinsman here,” said Legolas, becoming angry in his turn.

“Now let us cry: 'a plague on the stiff necks of Elves!'” said Aragorn. “But the Company shall all fare alike. Come, bind our eyes, Haldir!” - Lord of the Rings, Lothlórien

I think this really shows how comfortable Aragorn is with Legolas – we never see him make this kind of comment with anyone else. Aragorn knows Legolas isn't going to take offense or hold it against him, and he slips from the role of leader for a moment of genuine exasperation.

“An evil of the Ancient World it seemed, such as I have never seen before,” said Aragorn. “It was both a shadow and a flame, strong and terrible.”

“It was a Balrog of Morgoth,” said Legolas; “of all elf-banes the most deadly, save the One who sits in the Dark Tower.” - Lord of the Rings, The Mirror of Galadriel

Legolas has lore knowledge that Aragorn doesn't. This is the beginning of a pattern, where Legolas and Aragorn share knowledge with each other.

None save Legolas and Aragorn could long endure her glance. - Lord of the Rings, The Mirror of Galadriel

Aragorn was raised by elves, he has an inherently elvish nature. That is why it is only he and Legolas can meet Galadriel's gaze.

“Yet maybe this will lighten your heart,” said Galadriel; “for it was left in my care to be given to you, should you pass through this land.” Then she lifted from her lap a great stone of a clear green, set in a silver brooch that was wrought in the likeness of an eagle with outspread wings; and as she held it up the gem flashed like the sun shining through the leaves of spring. “This stone I gave to Celebrían my daughter, and she to hers; and now it comes to you as a token of hope. In this hour take the name that was foretold for you, Elessar, the Elfstone of the House of Elendil!”

Then Aragorn took the stone and pinned the brooch upon his breast, and those who saw him wondered; for they had not marked before how tall and kingly he stood, and it seemed to them that many years of toil had fallen from his shoulders. - Lord of the Rings, Farewell to Lórien

Yet maybe this will lighten your heart,

Galadriel perceives Aragorn's doubt and worry.

for it was left in my care to be given to you, should you pass through this land.

Arwen left the Elessar with Galadriel. She did not send it, but left it. That is a crucial difference. Arwen has not been in Lothlórien for nine years. She foresaw that Aragorn would pass through Lothlórien, when it was time for him to claim his birthright.

This stone I gave to Celebrían my daughter, and she to hers; and now it comes to you as a token of hope.

Arwen is having the Elessar come to Aragorn as a symbol of her hope and faith.

In this hour take the name that was foretold for you, Elessar, the Elfstone of the House of Elendil!

Through her grandmother, Arwen is encouraging Aragorn to embrace his destiny. She knows of the prophecies regarding him.

Arwen is the reason Aragorn loses the darkness, and shines brightly. She is ever there for him, and he is ever holding on to her strength.

“What is that, Legolas?” he asked, pointing to the northern sky. “Is it, as I think, an eagle?”

“Yes,” said Legolas. “It is an eagle, a hunting eagle. I wonder what that forebodes. It is far from the mountains.”

“We will not start until it is fully dark,” said Aragorn. - Lord of the Rings, The Great River

Aragorn relies on Legolas, double checking himself. He is then able to come up with a plan.

It was decided that Aragorn and Legolas should at once go forward along the shore, while the others remained by the boats. - Lord of the Rings, The Great River

Aragorn goes scouting with Legolas, instead of anyone else. Legolas is the obvious choice for scouting, but Aragorn isn't. “It was decided” sounds like a group decision, but the way it's phrased implies it was the timing they decided.

Aragorn: “Which way would any of us choose in Frodo's place? I do not know. Now indeed we miss Gandalf most.”

“Grievous is our loss,” said Legolas. “Yet we must needs make up our minds without his aid. Why cannot we decide, and so help Frodo? Let us call him back and then vote! I should vote for Minas Tirith.” - Lord of the Rings, The Breaking of the Fellowship

Aragorn's uncertainty and hopelessness is clear. Legolas jumps in and gently prods Aragorn into calling the group back together and making the vote.

“And I too will go with him,” said Legolas. “It would be faithless now to say farewell.”

“It would indeed be a betrayal, if we all left him,” said Aragorn. “But if he goes east, then all need not go with him; nor do I think that all should. That venture is desperate: as much so for eight as for three or two, or one alone. If you would let me choose, then I should appoint three companions: Sam, who could not bear it otherwise; and Gimli; and myself. Boromir will return to his own city, where his father and his people need him; and with him the others should go, or at least Meriadoc and Peregrin, if Legolas is not willing to leave us.” - Lord of the Rings, The Breaking of the Fellowship

We don't know for sure why Aragorn doesn't want Legolas to go to Mordor, but I think it's because Legolas, as an elf, stands out more than the others (especially on the Unseen plane, see more here). Though, Aragorn also knows Legolas well enough to know it is not likely that Legolas will consent to leave them.

“Alas!” said Aragorn. “Thus passes the heir of Denethor, Lord of the Tower of Guard! This is a bitter end. Now the Company is all in ruin. It is I that have failed. Vain was Gandalf's trust in me. What shall I do now? Boromir has laid it on me to go to Minas Tirith, and my heart desires it; but where are the Ring and the Bearer? How shall I find them and save the Quest from disaster?”

He knelt for a while, bent with weeping, still clasping Boromir's hand. So it was that Legolas and Gimli found him. They came from the western slopes of the hill, silently, creeping through the trees as if they were hunting. Gimli had his axe in hand, and Legolas his long knife: all his arrows were spent. When they came into the glade they halted in amazement; and then they stood a moment with heads bowed in grief, for it seemed to them plain what had happened.

“Alas!” said Legolas, coming to Aragorn's side. “We have hunted and slain many Orcs in the woods, but we should have been of more use here. We came when we heard the horn – but too late, it seems. I fear you have taken deadly hurt.”

“Boromir is dead,” said Aragorn. “I am unscathed, for I was not here with him. He fell defending the hobbits, while I was away upon the hill.” - Lord of the Rings, The Departure of Boromir

Alas means “used as an exclamation to express sorrow, pity, concern, apprehension, etc.” Bitter means “difficult or distasteful to accept, admit, or bear.” Ruin means “the state or condition of being destroyed or decayed.” Fail means “to prove deficient or lacking.” Vain means “archaic: senseless or foolish.”

Aragorn is bent over crying, overcome not only with grief, but with all-encompassing guilt, despair, and indecision. 'Boromir's death is the sign of our horrible end! The Fellowship is destroyed because I am a failure! Gandalf was foolish to trust me! I don't know what to do! I don't know how to fix things!'

Legolas and Gimli halt in amazement, and then grief. Legolas then rushes to Aragorn's side, because Aragorn is so emotionally distraught and overcome that Legolas fears he is fatally injured.

“I do not know,” answered Aragorn wearily. “Before he died Boromir told me that the Orcs had bound them; he did not think that they were dead. I sent him to follow Merry and Pippin; but I did not ask him if Frodo or Sam were with him: not until it was too late. All that I have done today has gone amiss. What is to be done now?”

“First we must tend the fallen,” said Legolas. “We cannot leave him lying like carrion among these foul Orcs.” - Lord of the Rings, The Departure of Boromir

Weary means “exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress.”

Aragorn is still overcome with despair, blaming himself for everything, and cannot make a decision. Legolas prompts him into action.

“But we do not know whether the Ring-bearer is with them or not,” said Aragorn. “Are we to abandon him? Must we not seek him first? An evil choice is now before us!”

“Then let us do first what we must do,” said Legolas. “We have not the time or the tools to bury our comrade fitly, or to raise a mound over him. A cairn we might build.” - Lord of the Rings, The Departure of Boromir

For the fourth time, Legolas cuts through Aragorn's dark emotions and nudges him into action; supporting him.

“S is for Sauron,” said Gimli. “That is easy to read.”

“Nay!” said Legolas. “Sauron does not use the elf-runes.”

“Neither does he use his right name, nor permit it to be spelt or spoken,” said Aragorn. - Lord of the Rings, The Departure of Boromir

While Legolas's bond with Gimli is certainly deep, he and Aragorn connect on a different level. They are equals – they can talk about lore, or the unseen influences, because Aragorn was raised to understand Elvish thought.

(We see this issue a few times just between Legolas and Gimli as well; for more on them see here)

For a while the three companions remained silent, gazing after him. Then Aragorn spoke. “They will look for him from the White Tower,” he said, “but he will not return from mountain or from sea.” Then slowly he began to sing:

“Through Rohan over fen and field where the long grass grows

The West Wind comes walking, and about the walls it goes.

What news from the West, O wandering wind, do you bring to me tonight?

Have you seen Boromir the Tall by moon or by starlight?

I saw him ride over seven streams, over waters wide and grey;

I saw him walk in empty lands, until he passed away

Into the shadows of the North. I saw him then no more.

The North Wind may have heard the horn of the son of Denethor.

O Boromir! From the high walls westward I looked afar,

But you came not from the empty lands where no men are.”

Then Legolas sang:

“From the mouths of the Sea the South Wind flies, from the sandhills and the stones;

The wailing of the gulls it bears, and at the gate it moans.

What news from the South, O sighing wind, do you bring to me at eve?

Where now is Boromir the Fair? He tarries and I grieve.

Ask not of me where he doth dwell-so many bones there lie

On the white shores and the dark shores under the stormy sky;

So many have passed down Anduin to find the flowing Sea.

Ask of the North Wind news of them the North Wind sends to me!

O Boromir! Beyond the gate the seaward road runs south,

But you came not with the wailing gulls from the grey sea's mouth.”

Then Aragorn sang again:

“From the Gate of Kings the North Wind rides, and past the roaring falls;

And clear and cold about the tower its loud horn calls.

What news from the North, O mighty wind, do you bring to me today?

What news of Boromir the Bold? For he is long away.

Beneath Amon Hen I heard his cry. There many foes he fought.

His cloven shield, his broken sword, they to the water brought.

His head so proud, his face so fair, his limbs they laid to rest;

And Rauros, golden Rauros-falls, bore him upon its breast.

'O Boromir! The Tower of Guard shall ever northward gaze

To Rauros, golden Rauros-falls, until the end of days.”

So they ended. Then they turned their boat and drove it with all the speed they could against the stream back to Parth Galen. - Lord of the Rings, The Departure of Boromir

Aragorn and Legolas sing together for Boromir's funeral boat.

“Maybe hunting Orcs came on him and he fled,” said Legolas.

“He fled, certainly,” said Aragorn, “but not, I think, from Orcs.” What he thought was the cause of Frodo's sudden resolve and flight Aragorn did not say. The last words of Boromir he long kept secret. - Lord of the Rings, The Departure of Boromir

Aragorn corrects Legolas on the reason why Frodo fled.

For the moment Aragorn was at a loss: the orc-trail had descended into the valley, but there it vanished.

“Which way would they turn, do you think?” said Legolas. “Northward to take a straighter road to Isengard, or Fangorn, if that is their aim as you guess? Or southward to strike the Entwash?”

“They will not make for the river, whatever mark they aim at,” said Aragorn. “And unless there is much amiss in Rohan and the power of Saruman is greatly increased, they will take the shortest way that they can find over the fields of the Rohirrim. Let us search northwards!” - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Moment means “a specific point in time, especially the present time.” At a loss means “perplexed; puzzled.”

Aragorn in not merely pausing for a moment, he is truly confused. Knowing this, Legolas starts listing off ways and asking Aragorn which way he thinks the Orcs would go. His prompting clears Aragorn's mind and lets him start leading again.

Aragorn was searching, bent towards the ground, among the folds and gullies leading up into the western ridge. Legolas was some way ahead. Suddenly the Elf gave a cry and the others came running towards him.

“We have already overtaken some of those that we are hunting,” he said. “Look!” He pointed, and they saw that what they had at first taken to be boulders lying at the foot of the slope were huddled bodies. Five dead Orcs lay there. - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Legolas is the one to find the orcs' bodies.

“Yet however you read it, it seems not unhopeful,” said Legolas. “Enemies of the Orcs are likely to be our friends. Do any folk dwell in these hills?”

“No,” said Aragorn. “The Rohirrim seldom come here, and it is far from Minas Tirith. It might be that some company of Men were hunting here for reasons that we do not know. Yet I think not.” - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Legolas insists on being positive, and relies on Aragorn's knowledge of other peoples.

“Look!” cried Legolas, pointing up into the pale sky above them. “There is the eagle again! He is very high. He seems to be flying now away, from this land back to the North. He is going with great speed. Look!”

“No, not even my eyes can see him, my good Legolas,” said Aragorn. “He must be far aloft indeed. I wonder what is his errand, if he is the same bird I have seen before. But look! I can see something nearer at hand and more urgent; there is something moving over the plain!”

“Many things,” said Legolas. “It is a great company on foot; but I cannot say more, nor see what kind of folk they may be. They are many leagues away: twelve, I guess; but the flatness of the plain is hard to measure.” - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Having noticed the eagle, Legolas cries for Aragorn to look. Aragorn replies with an endearment for Legolas, and says he can't see it. Then, Aragorn notices movement on the plain, and asks Legolas to look. Neither is afraid to give and take, supporting and prompting the other.

“You are our guide,” said Gimli, “and you are skilled in the chase. You shall choose.”

“My heart bids me to go on,” said Legolas. “But we must hold together. I will follow your counsel.”

“You give the choice to an ill chooser,” said Aragorn. “Since we passed through the Argonath my choices have gone amiss.” - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Aragorn is still blaming himself for everything.

There is a notable difference between what Gimli and Legolas say here. Gimli speaks very pragmatically – Aragorn is the leader, and the one with tracking skills; therefore, it is his choice. Legolas speaks from a more emotional view – he feels they should go on, but that they must not separate. Gimli states that it's Aragorn's choice; Legolas says he'll follow Aragorn's advice. A subtle difference, but an important one. Legolas's response gives Aragorn emotional support that Gimli's doesn't.

“They are far far away,” he said sadly, turning to Aragorn. “I know in my heart that they have not rested this night. Only an eagle could overtake them now.”

“Nonetheless we will still follow as we may,” said Aragorn. Stooping he roused the Dwarf. - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Here Aragorn is providing the support and hope, when Legolas confides in him.

Aragorn: “There is some will that lends speed to our foes and sets an unseen barrier before us: a weariness that is in the heart more than in the limb.”

“Truly!” said Legolas. “That I have known since first we came down from the Emyn Muil. For the will is not behind us but before us.” He pointed away over the land of Rohan into the darkling West under the sickle moon.

“Saruman!” muttered Aragorn. - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Legolas and Aragorn both feel (and know) the unseen influence against them. Legolas enlightens Aragorn to the cause of it.

Aragorn halted and examined the tracks closely.

“They rested here a while,” he said, “but even the outward trail is already old. I fear that your heart spoke truly, Legolas: it is thrice twelve hours, I guess, since the Orcs stood where we now stand. If they held to their pace, then at sundown yesterday they would reach the borders of Fangorn.” - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Aragorn confirms what Legolas's intuition said.

Following with his keen eyes the trail to the river, and then the river back towards the forest, Aragorn saw a shadow on the distant green, a dark swift-moving blur. He cast himself upon the ground and listened again intently. But Legolas stood beside him, shading his bright elven-eyes with his long slender hand, and he saw not a shadow, nor a blur, but the small figures of horsemen, many horsemen, and the glint of morning on the tips of their spears was like the twinkle of minute stars beyond the edge of mortal sight. Far behind them a dark smoke rose in thin curling threads.

There was a silence in the empty fields, and Gimli could hear the air moving in the grass.

“Riders!” cried Aragorn, springing to his feet. “Many riders on swift steeds are coming towards us!”

“Yes,” said Legolas, “there are one hundred and five. Yellow is their hair, and bright are their spears. Their leader is very tall.”

Aragorn smiled. “Keen are the eyes of the Elves,” he said.

“Nay! The riders are little more than five leagues distant,” said Legolas. - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Oh, you two. Aragorn listens to the ground, and figures out what is coming towards them. Legolas, on the other hand, can see exactly what is coming towards them, and doesn't say a word until Aragorn does.

Instead of getting upset, Legolas being his sassy self makes Aragorn happy, as he smiles and compliments Legolas again. Endearingly, Legolas doesn't understand it.

Gimli and Legolas looked at their companion in amazement, for they had not seen him in this mood before. He seemed to have grown in stature while Éomer had shrunk; and in his living face they caught a brief vision of the power and majesty of the kings of stone. For a moment it seemed to the eyes of Legolas that a white flame flickered on the brows of Aragorn like a shining crown. - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Legolas stares at Aragorn in wonder, for this is the first time he sees Aragorn showing his 'King side'. Legolas has a moment of foresight as he sees the white flame flicker on Aragorn's brows.

After a while Legolas spoke again.

“Celeborn warned us not to go far into Fangorn,” he said. “Do you know why, Aragorn? What are the fables of the forest that Boromir had heard?”

“I have heard many tales in Gondor and elsewhere,” said Aragorn, “but if it were not for the words of Celeborn I should deem them only fables that Men have made as true knowledge fades. I had thought of asking you what was the truth of the matter. And if an Elf of the wood does not know, how shall a Man answer?”

“You have journeyed further than I,” said Legolas. “I have heard nothing of this in my own land, save only in songs that tell how the Onodrim, that Men call Ents, dwelt there long ago; for Fangorn is old, old even as the Elves would reckon it.”

“Yes, it is old,” said Aragorn, “as old as the forest by the Barrow-downs, and it is far greater. Elrond says that the two are akin, the last strongholds of the mighty woods of the Elder Days, in which the Firstborn roamed while Men still slept. Yet Fangorn holds some secret of its own. What it is I do not know.” - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

More complementing, and giving and taking of lore, between Aragorn and Legolas.

“It is likely enough,” said Aragorn; “yet I am not sure. I am thinking of the horses. You said last night, Gimli, that they were scared away. But I did not think so. Did you hear them, Legolas? Did they sound to you like beasts in terror?”

“No,” said Legolas. “I heard them clearly. But for the darkness and our own fear I should have guessed that they were beasts wild with some sudden gladness. They spoke as horses will when they meet a friend that they have long missed.”

“So I thought,” said Aragorn; “but I cannot read the riddle, unless they return.” - Lord of the Rings, The White Rider

Legolas and Aragorn are once again of the same mind, and Gimli isn't. This is a pattern that will continue.

“Well, here is the strangest riddle that we have yet found!” exclaimed Legolas. “A bound prisoner escapes both from the Orcs and from the surrounding horsemen. He then stops, while still in the open, and cuts his bonds with an orc-knife. But how and why? For if his legs were tied, how did he walk? And if his arms were tied, how did he use the knife? And if neither were tied, why did he cut the cords at all? Being pleased with his skill, he then sat down and quietly ate some waybread! That at least is enough to show that he was a hobbit, without the mallorn-leaf. After that, I suppose, he turned his arms into wings and flew away singing into the trees. It should be easy to find him: we only need wings ourselves!”

“There was sorcery here right enough,” said Gimli. “What was that old man doing? What have you to say, Aragorn, to the reading of Legolas. Can you better it?”

“Maybe, I could,” said Aragorn, smiling. “There are some other signs near at hand that you have not considered. I agree that the prisoner was a hobbit and must have had either legs or hands free, before he came here.” - Lord of the Rings, The White Rider

Legolas gives a fanciful and slightly sassy explanation of what could have happened to Merry and Pippin, causing Aragorn to smile. Once again Legolas has improved Aragorn's mood and made him feel better, all by just being himself. Aragorn shows his skill, as he noticed some signs Legolas did not.

Legolas took his bow and bent it, slowly and as if some other will resisted him. He held an arrow loosely in his hand but did not fit it to the string. Aragorn stood silent, his face was watchful and intent.

“Why are you waiting? What is the matter with you?” said Gimli in a hissing whisper.

“Legolas is right,” said Aragorn quietly. “We may not shoot an old man so, at unawares and unchallenged, whatever fear or doubt be on us. Watch and wait!” - Lord of the Rings, The White Rider

Legolas and Aragorn are on the same page, thinking the same thoughts, and Gimli isn't.

“The Ents!” exclaimed Aragorn. “Then there is truth in the old legends about the dwellers in the deep forests and the giant shepherds of the trees? Are there still Ents in the world? I thought they were only a memory of ancient days, if indeed they were ever more than a legend of Rohan.”

“A legend of Rohan!” cried Legolas. “Nay, every elf in Wilderland has sung songs of the old Onodrim and their long sorrow. Yet even among us they are only a memory. If I were to meet one still walking in this world, then indeed I should feel young again! But Treebeard: that is only a rendering of Fangorn into the Common Speech; yet you seem to speak of a person. Who is this Treebeard?” - Lord of the Rings, The White Rider

This time it is Legolas who has the greater knowledge.

“Five hundred times have the red leaves fallen in Mirkwood in my home since then,” said Legolas, “and but a little while does that seem to us.”

“But to the Riders of the Mark it seems so long ago,” said Aragorn, “that the raising of this house is but a memory of song, and the years before are lost in the mist of time. Now they call this land their home, their own, and their speech is sundered from their northern kin.” Then he began to chant softly in a slow tongue unknown to the Elf and Dwarf; yet they listened, for there was a strong music in it.

“That, I guess, is the language of the Rohirrim,” said Legolas; “for it is like to this land itself; rich and rolling in part, and else hard and stern as the mountains. But I cannot guess what it means, save that it is laden with the sadness of Mortal Men.”

“It runs thus in the Common Speech,” said Aragorn, “as near as I can make it. [cut]” - Lord of the Rings, The King of the Golden Hall

More giving and taking of lore and knowledge.

He climbed up and found Legolas beside Aragorn and Éomer. - Lord of the Rings, Helm's Deep

Legolas fights beside Aragorn, not Gimli.

Behind on the upper steps knelt Legolas. His bow was bent, but one gleaned arrow was all that he had left, and he peered out now, ready to shoot the first Orc that should dare to approach the stair.

“All who can have now got safe within, Aragorn,” he called. “Come back!”

Aragorn turned and sped up the stair; but as he ran he stumbled in his weariness. At once his enemies lept forwards. Up came the Orcs, yelling, with their long arms stretched out to seize him. The foremost fell with Legolas' last arrow in his throat, but the rest sprang over him. Then a great boulder, cast from the outer wall above, crashed down upon the stair, and hurled them back into the Deep. Aragorn gained the door, and swiftly it clanged to behind him.

“Things go ill, my friends,” he said, wiping the sweat from his brow with his arm.

“Ill enough,” said Legolas, “but not yet hopeless, while we have you with us. Where is Gimli?”

“I do not know,” said Aragorn. “I last saw him fighting on the ground behind the wall, but the enemy swept us apart.”

“Alas! That is evil news,” said Legolas.

“He is stout and strong,” said Aragorn. “Let us hope that he will escape back to the caves. There he would be safe for a while. Safer than we. Such a refuge would be to the liking of a dwarf.”

“That must be my hope,” said Legolas. “But I wish that he had come this way. I desired to tell Master Gimli that my tale is now thirty-nine.”

“If he wins back to the caves, he will pass your count again,” laughed Aragorn. “Never did I see an axe so wielded.”

“I must go and seek some arrows,” said Legolas. “Would that this night would end, and I could have better light for shooting.” - Lord of the Rings, Helm's Deep

Alas means “used as an exclamation to express sorrow, pity, concern, apprehension, etc.”

Legolas is the only one to save Aragorn's life during the battle, covering him and giving him safety (Gimli saves Éomer's). Legolas gives Aragorn comfort and support when he worries about the battle going ill (and his statement shows how much he loves Aragorn – nothing is hopeless as long as Aragorn is alive), and Aragorn does the same for Legolas when he worries about Gimli. Also, for the third time, Legolas makes Aragorn feel better just by being himself.

Taking his leave, he returned to the walls, and passed round all their circuit, enheartening the men, and lending aid wherever assault was hot. Legolas went with him. - Lord of the Rings, Helm's Deep

Legolas stays close to Aragorn, helping him rally the men.

“Behold the White Rider!” cried Aragorn. “Gandalf is come again!”

“Mithrandir, Mithrandir!” said Legolas. “This is wizardry indeed! Come! I would look on this forest, ere the spell changes.” - Lord of the Rings, Helm's Deep

Gandalf arrives, and both Aragorn and Legolas cry out. Legolas then tells Aragorn to come with him, because he wants to go explore the forest before it disappears.

“You have drunk of the waters of the Ents, have you?” said Legolas. “Ah, then I think it is likely that Gimli's eyes do not deceive him. Strange songs have been sung of the draughts of Fangorn.”

“Many strange tales have been told about that land,” said Aragorn. “I have never entered it. Come, tell me more about it, and about the Ents!” - Lord of the Rings, Flotsam and Jetsam

Both Legolas and Aragorn have heard strange songs and tales about Fangorn, and they want to know more.

“So four of the Company still remain,” said Aragorn. “We will ride on together. But we shall not go alone, as I thought. The king is now determined to set out at once. Since the coming of the winged shadow, he desires to return to the hills under cover of night.”

“And then whither?” said Legolas.

“I cannot say yet,” Aragorn answered. “As for the king, he will go to the muster that he commanded at Edoras, four nights from now. And there, I think, he will hear tidings of war, and the Riders of Rohan will go down to Minas Tirith. But for myself, and any that will go with me...”

“I for one!” cried Legolas. “And Gimli with him!” said the Dwarf.

“Well, for myself,” said Aragorn, “it is dark before me. I must go down also to Minas Tirith, but I do not yet see the road. An hour long prepared approaches.” - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

Legolas is adamant that he will go with Aragorn, even though he has no idea where that is. Aragorn is once again uncertain.

Elrohir: “I bring word to you from my father: The days are now short. If thou art in haste, remember the Paths of the Dead.”

“Always my days have seemed to me too short to achieve my desire,” answered Aragorn. “But great indeed will be my haste ere I take that road.”

“That will soon be seen,” said Elrohir. “But let us speak no more of these things upon the open road!”

And Aragorn said to Halbarad: “What is that that you bear, kinsman?” For he saw that instead of a spear he bore a tall staff, as it were a standard, but it was close-furled in a black cloth bound about with many thongs.

“It is a gift that I bring you from the Lady of Rivendell,” answered Halbarad. “She wrought it in secret, and long was the making. But she also sends word to you: The days now are short. Either our hope cometh, or all hope's end. Therefore I send thee what I have made for thee. Fare well, Elfstone!”

And Aragorn said: “Now I know what you bear. Bear it still for me a while!” And he turned and looked away to the North under the great stars, and then he fell silent and spoke no more while the night's journey lasted. - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

Aragorn's self doubt is at the forefront again; he says that he has never truly believed that he can rise above and succeed.

Aragorn clearly has no plans for following the Paths of the Dead. He then turns to Halbarad, and finds out about the standard.

The timeline in Appendix B tells us that Arwen returned to Rivendell in 3009. Aragorn receives the standard in March 3019. That is ten years. Arwen spent ten years secretly making Aragorn's standard. It is obviously much more than a piece of cloth.

Hope. Estel. Aragorn. Arwen's message is all about hope, in it's many forms. Either our hope cometh, or all hope's end. Either their shared hope that Sauron falls and Aragorn becomes the rightful king, or Sauron wins and all the hopes of the Free People ends.

Knowing that, knowing this is a gamble and that the crux is about to happen, she then says, Therefore I send thee what I have made for thee. Fare well, Elfstone! 'For that reason, I send you, what I have made for you. I hope you succeed, King Elessar!'

Aragorn obviously knows about the standard, and I cannot see any reason Arwen would keep it from him. From others, yes. It would be extremely dangerous if word got out that Arwen was making an enchanted standard for Isildur's heir. Aragorn, on the other hand, is perhaps the only person who needs to know (although I can't imagine Elrond not knowing as well).

Aragorn's two different reactions are significant. He dismisses the Paths of the Dead when Elrohir mentions it, but after finding out about the standard, he starts contemplating it deeply. He continues to do so for the rest of the night.

“Where is Aragorn?” he asked.

“In a high chamber of the Burg,” said Legolas. “He has neither rested nor slept, I think. He went hither some hours ago, saying that he must take thought, and only his kinsman, Halbarad, went with him; but some dark doubt or care sits on him.” - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

Aragorn continues to contemplate the matter, even after they arrive at the Hornburg. It is a serious decision, and not one he can easily make.

This shows that Legolas knows Aragorn well, as he knows that something is bothering Aragorn greatly, and that Aragorn hasn't rested at all.

Their horses were strong and of proud bearing, but rough-haired; and one stood there without a rider, Aragorn's own horse that they had brought from the North, Roheryn was his name. - The Passing of the Grey Company

It is implied that Arwen gave Aragorn his horse, Roheryn. The elves have a connection to nature and animals (see here), and she probably trained him, as his name means “Steed of the Lady”. Having your own horse that you have a connection with is essential, both on the battlefield and off. On the battlefield you have to be able to read each other and move as one. Off the battlefield, well, you'll see.

Presently Éomer came out from the gate, and with him was Aragorn, and Halbarad bearing the great staff close-furled in black, and two tall men, neither young nor old. So much alike were they, the sons of Elrond, that few could tell them apart: dark-haired, grey-eyed, and their faces elven-fair, clad alike in bright mail beneath cloaks of silver-grey. Behind them walked Legolas and Gimli. - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

Legolas got concerned enough to go track down Aragorn, after he failed to show up all morning.

But Merry had eyes only for Aragorn, so startling was the change that he saw in him, as if in one night many years had fallen on his head. Grim was his face, grey-hued and weary.

“I am troubled in mind, Lord,” he said, standing by the king's horse. “I have heard strange words, and I see new perils far off. I have laboured long in thought, and now I fear I must change my purpose. Tell me, Théoden, you ride now to Dunharrow, how long will it be ere you come there?”

“It is now a full hour past noon,” said Éomer. “Before the night of the third day from now we should come to the Hold. The Moon will then be one night past his full, and the muster that the king commanded will be held the day after. More speed we cannot make, if the strength of Rohan is to be gathered.”

Aragorn was silent for a moment. “Three days,” he murmured, “and the muster of Rohan will only be begun. But I see that it cannot now be hastened.” He looked up, and it seemed that he had made some decision; his face was less troubled. “Then, by your leave, lord, I must take new counsel for myself and my kindred. We must ride our own road, and no longer in secret. For me the time of stealth has passed. I will ride east by the swiftest way, and I will take the Paths of the Dead.” - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

Aragorn finally makes his decision – he will take the Paths of the Dead. Now he just has to convince the dead that he really is Isildur's heir.

“Farewell, lord!” said Aragorn. “Ride unto great renown! Farewell, Merry! I leave you in good hands, better than we hoped when we hunted the orcs to Fangorn. Legolas and Gimli will still hunt with me, I hope; but we shall not forget you.” - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

Aragorn hopes that Legolas will come with him on the Paths of the Dead.

Aragorn: “Well, I must eat a little, and then we also must hasten away. Come, Legolas and Gimli! I must speak with you as I eat.”

Together they went back into the Burg; yet for some time Aragorn sat silent at the table in the hall, and the others waited for him to speak. “Come!” said Legolas at last. “Speak and be comforted, and shake off the shadow! What has happened since we came back to this grim place in the grey morning?” - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

Legolas gives Aragorn time to collect his thoughts, and then (once again) prompts him into action, asking what happened.

Aragorn: “But I do not go gladly; only need drives me. Therefore, only of your free will would I have you come, for you will find both toil and great fear, and maybe worse.”

“I will go with you even on the Paths of the Dead, and to whatever end they may lead,” said Gimli.

“I also will come,” said Legolas, “for I do not fear the Dead.” - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

To me, it seems as if Legolas is playing down the matter, as we know he will go wherever Aragorn goes. However, Aragorn is worried about what they will find, so playing it down is a good idea.

But as Aragorn came to the booth where he was to lodge with Legolas and Gimli, and his companions had gone in, there came the Lady Éowyn after him and called to him. - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

Halbarad and the rest of the Grey Company is there, but Aragorn rooms with Legolas and Gimli.

Then Aragorn led the way, and such was the strength of his will in that hour that all the Dúnedain and their horses followed him. And indeed the love that that the horses of the Rangers bore for their riders was so great that they were willing to face even the terror of the Door, if their masters' hearts were steady as they walked beside them. - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

The texts states that the horses only went through the Door of the Dead because of their masters. This shows that there is a great bond of love between Aragorn and Roheryn, as he followed Aragorn without hesitation. Their bond could never have formed without Arwen.

Then Aragorn said: “The hour is come at last. Now I go to Pelargir upon Anduin, and ye shall come after me. And when all this land is clean of the servants of Sauron, I will hold the oath fulfilled, and ye shall have peace and depart for ever. For I am Elessar, Isildur's heir of Gondor.”

And with that he bade Halbarad unfurl the great standard which he had brought; and behold! it was black, and if there was any device upon it, it was hidden in the darkness. Then there was silence, and not a whisper nor a sigh was heard again all the long night. - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

No one (at least no one whose alive) can see anything on the standard. And yet, it convinces the dead that Aragorn is truly Isildur's heir, as they decide to follow him.

And all eyes followed his gaze, and behold! upon the foremost ship a great standard broke, and the wind displayed it as she turned towards the Harlond. There flowered a White Tree, and that was for Gondor; but Seven Stars were about it, and a high crown above it, the signs of Elendil that no lord had borne for years beyond count. And the stars flamed in the sunlight, for they were wrought of gems by Arwen daughter of Elrond; and the crown was bright in the morning, for it was wrought of mithril and gold.

Thus came Aragorn son of Arathorn, Elessar, Isildur's heir, out of the Paths of the Dead, borne upon a wind from the Sea to the kingdom of Gondor; and the mirth of the Rohirrim was a torrent of laughter and a flashing of swords, and the joy and wonder of the City was a music of trumpets and a ringing of bells. - Lord of the Rings, The Battle of the Pelennor Fields

Even in the middle of the night, light should have reflected the banner, with those descriptions. We know that Mordor's shadow was not over them yet, since it says “the dawn came, cold and pale.” So an enchantment must have been at work, that night with the dead. There is no need for an enchantment to convince the living, as any help will be celebrated in the midst of a battle.

Elves have the ability to put their power and intent into the things they make (see more here). Arwen spent ten years making and imbuing it with her power, using priceless materials.

And it came to pass that in the hour of defeat Aragorn came up from the sea and unfurled the standard of Arwen in the battle of the Fields of Pelennor, and in that day he was first hailed as king. - Lord of the Rings, Appendix A

TA March 15, 3019: Aragorn raises the standard of Arwen. - Lord of the Rings, Appendix B

The standard is twice referred to as “the standard of Arwen”. Her power and achievement is clear.

At the doors of the Houses many were already gathered to see Aragorn, and they followed after him; and when at last he had supped, men came and prayed that he would heal their kinsmen or their friends whose lives were in peril through hurt or wound, or who lay under the Black Shadow. And Aragorn arose and went out, and he sent for the sons of Elrond, and together they laboured far into the night. And word went through the City: “The King is come again indeed.” And they named him Elfstone, because of the green stone that he wore, and so the name which it was foretold at his birth that he should bear was chosen for him by his own people. - Lord of the Rings, The Houses of Healing

Rumor has already spread throughout the city, that the King has returned. Aragorn proudly displayed both his standard and Andúril on the battlefield. Ioreth tells us that, “For it is said in old lore: The hands of the king are the hands of a healer. And so the rightful king could ever be known.”

Two times we are told that there is a prophecy stating that when Aragorn becomes king, he will bear the name Elessar, meaning Elfstone. The prophecy seems to have been made at his birth, and Arwen clearly knows about it. She knows that this Quest is where Aragorn will claim his heritage, where he will finally stand forth as the rightful heir to the throne.

She also must know the lore that says, “The hands of the king are the hands of a healer”. Her gift of the Elfstone has a clear purpose – Aragorn fulfills the lore that says the true king is a great healer; which in turn causes his people to not only recognize him as the king for certain, but to ask for his help in healing their loved ones; which by healing their loved ones causes Aragorn to become beloved by his people; and that prompts them give Aragorn the name Elessar/Elfstone, thus fulfilling the prophecy.

In short, by giving Aragorn the Elessar, Arwen insures that not only the prophecy becomes fulfilled, but also that the people are on Aragorn's side, as the Elessar gives them something to latch on to and idealize Aragorn with. I'm sure we can all imagine what would have happened if Denethor had lived, and Aragorn had had no connection to the people. It would not have been pretty. This way, even if Denethor had lived (and they had no reason to think otherwise), his political power would have been much less – Aragorn already had the favor of the people.

So. Between the standard and the Elessar, Arwen gives Aragorn the tools he needs to convince men (both dead and alive) that he is the rightful king. That is on top of training his horse, so he has a trusted mount in battle. Her political acumen is great. It is clear – Aragorn could not have become King without Arwen.

“They need more gardens,” said Legolas. “The houses are dead, and there is too little here that grows and is glad. If Aragorn comes into his own, the people of the Wood shall bring him birds that sing and trees that do not die.” - Lord of the Rings, The Last Debate

Legolas says he will help Aragorn restore his city, if they win.

Gimli: “But neither did I prove; and I was held to the road only by the will of Aragorn.”

“And by the love of him also," said Legolas. "For all those who come to know him come to love him after their own fashion, even the cold maiden of the Rohirrim. It was at early morn of the day ere you came there, Merry, that we left Dunharrow, and such a fear was on all the folk that none would look on our going, save the Lady Éowyn, who lies now hurt in the House below. There was grief at that parting, and I was grieved to behold it.” - Lord of the Rings, The Last Debate

Remember, “only those who knew him well and were near to him saw the pain that he bore.” - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

Legolas is close to Aragorn, and knows him well, as he noticed Aragorn’s pain. Legolas tells us that seeing Aragorn in pain caused him pain, and that all who know Aragorn love him; which shows both how highly Legolas thinks of Aragorn, and that Legolas loves him.

Some think that Legolas is only talking about Éowyn's grief. However, the wording is not right – Legolas does not single out either Aragorn or Éowyn (he says the neutral “there” and “that”). If Legolas was talking about just Éowyn, he would say something like, 'she grieved at their parting'; likewise if he was only talking about Aragorn. Both Aragorn and Éowyn were grieved, albeit in different ways; and Legolas perceived both griefs (for more on Éowyn and Aragorn, see my Éowyn essay).

In the uplands of Lamedon they overtook our horses, and swept round us, and would have passed us by, if Aragorn had not forbidden them.

At his command they fell back. “Even the shades of Men are obedient to his will,” I thought. “They may serve his needs yet!” - Lord of the Rings, The Last Debate

Legolas is not with Aragorn because he knows they will succeed. He is with him out of love and loyalty.

“Strange indeed,” said Legolas. “In that hour I looked on Aragorn and thought how great and terrible a Lord he might have become in the strength of his will, had he taken the Ring to himself. Not for naught does Mordor fear him. But nobler is his spirit than the understanding of Sauron; for is he not of the children of Lúthien? Never shall that line fail, though the years may lengthen beyond count.” - Lord of the Rings, The Last Debate

Legolas not only sees how great Aragorn is, but he also sees how terrible Aragorn could be. Only a true and close companion can see someone else that clearly. Again, he clearly thinks highly of Aragorn - Sauron cannot understand Aragorn because he is too good a soul.

Gimli: “Yet whatever is still to do, I hope to have a part in it, for the honour of the folk of the Lonely Mountain.”

“And I for the folk of the Great Wood,” said Legolas, “and for the love of the Lord of the White Tree.” - Lord of the Rings, The Last Debate

This is my absolute favorite line from Legolas about Aragorn. “For the love of the Lord of the White Tree”. Legolas does not just want to fight to bring honor to and do well by his people; he wants to fight out of love for Aragorn. Legolas’s love for Aragorn is indeed deep and eternal; for him to equal Legolas’s home, family, and people.

“And I,” said Legolas, “shall walk in the woods of this fair land, which is rest enough. In days to come, if my Elven-lord allows, some of our folk shall remove hither; and when we come it shall be blessed, for a while. For a while: a month, a life, a hundred years of Men.” - Lord of the Rings, The Field of Cormallen

Legolas seems to be measuring time by Aragorn's lifespan – Aragorn will live for another 122 years. He also refers to Thranduil as his elven-lord, not his liege-lord or father. It implies that Legolas has loyalty to and love for another lord as well, one that is not an elf. He can only be talking about Aragorn.

Legolas his friend also brought south Elves out of Greenwood, and they dwelt in Ithilien, and it became once again the fairest country in all the westlands. - Lord of the Rings, Appendix A

Legolas leaves his home for Aragorn, and he makes Aragorn’s land flourish. He is the only one to move close to Aragorn, and I think that’s telling.

But When King Elessar gave up his life Legolas followed at last the desire of his heart and sailed over Sea - Lord of the Rings, Appendix A

Legolas denies his heart’s longing and stays in Middle-earth because of Aragorn. He was measuring time by Aragorn's lifespan.

~*~

Arwen and Legolas support Aragorn from opposite directions – Aragorn draws on Arwen and is supported by Legolas.

Frodo calls Arwen “queenly,” and he's right. Arwen is regal, knowledgable, and wise. She has a more serious and steadfast personality, and is unpretentious. She is a natural leader who works from the background. (for more on Arwen, see my Arwen essay)

Aragorn is also naturally more serious. He has almost no self-esteem and has an anxious and fluctuating personality. He has a strong will and is a great leader, but his greatest enemy is himself.

Legolas is not naturally serious; but light-hearted, sassy, and fanciful. Yet he is serious when he needs to be, and is quick to defend and forgive. He is loyal, humble, open-hearted, selfless, and kind. He expresses sadness and fear, but never lets it control him. He is sassy, fanciful, and dramatic in his words; and yet easygoing and realistic about the situations he is in. Throughout all of his words and actions, there is an undercurrent of steadfastness. He can lead when he needs to, but prefers to follow and support from the background.

Though Legolas is not a scholar (he references songs, not books), being an elf means he knows a significant amount of lore anyway. The quotes of Aragorn and Legolas sharing knowledge are signs of their compatibility and similarity, because they give and take equally. Arwen, Aragorn, and Legolas all think the same way, they all have that elven mentality.

As such, all three of them are mentally isolated from any other mortal. There is a large part of themselves that no one else understands, because all three move to Gondor and essentially become immigrants. Tolkien only has a few sentences about this time, but I do not doubt that it was hard for all three of them.

King Elessar is Great. He cannot be just another multidimensional being with strengths and weaknesses. But Estel is just a person, and Estel needs his two pillars to help him succeed at being King Elessar. It cannot always be easy for Arwen and Legolas, but they can support each other in supporting Estel.

Arwen is perfectly matched to help Aragorn rule, and Legolas is not. But Legolas can help both Aragorn and Arwen relax and lighten up. Neither Arwen nor Legolas likes being in the spotlight, and Aragorn is a great leader. Like everyone else, he just needs support from people he can be his true self – Estel – with.

One of the many things I love about the films is that they not only highlighted the Arwen/Aragorn and Aragorn/Legolas relationships, but they also implied a close relationship between Arwen and Legolas. In the final films, Legolas protects and holds onto the Evenstar, and gestures to Arwen at the Coronation. Unfortunately, they deleted the emotionally intimate goodbye between Arwen and Legolas in FotR, but you can see part of it here (0:18 to 0:21).

#Arwen #Aragorn #Legolas #tolkiengenweek #Mine

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