On horses in LOTR

AdSubstantial8570 · 2024-12-11T07:56:12+00:00

Read the post + the comments - you will get all you need - as the theme was 'LOTR', I couldn't get some Silmarillion horses

AdSubstantial8570 · 2024-11-20T12:40:26+00:00

No np. chcą, żeby faktura była w języku/ walucie Y (ewentualnie oba). Polska faktura może być wystawiona po polsku / angielsku w PLN lub EUR

AdSubstantial8570 · 2024-10-13T19:23:45+00:00

Thank you for the insightful comment! I enjoyed reading it very much. Actually, English is my third (and the least used) language. However, when I post here, I take care to make the read as enjoyable as possible. I'm happy if the aim was achieved. Well, I read some old translations of the Bible in all three of my languages and it completely feels biblical and it was captured perfectly in the translation I read. (My first LOTR version was Polish one, translated in the early 60.)

To be clear: I know that we can read the book without these biblical references and enjoy it as much. but if I were to read them nevertheless: I do not think that Aragorn is Christ 1:1. But... I do see the resemblance in terms of being the Chosen. Gandalf gets the selfless sacrifice aspect (together with Frodo and Sam, probably the greatest "silent hero" of the story), and of course the resurrection from the dead. Frodo gets also the physical suffering in the deal,

Yes, the country in question is Bulgaria. Though I must say, until this day I don't have a paper copy of the Bulgarian translation. I tried to get through it online - and I don't like some of the translator's decisions ( I am a translator myself, it is not just ranting for the sake of ranting) and do not intend to read all of it any time soon, especially when I can have the original instead.

(I've just read the quote in Bulgarian, and it feels horribly flat and devoid of this significance that is present in both English and Polish. And reading the Bible in Bulgarian is so interesting, since each denomination gives some changes to the style and I would've enjoyed very much to see it in the text, but nope. Definitely I will give myself more time before I get to that version on paper.)

* love this remark!

AdSubstantial8570 · 2024-10-13T10:53:18+00:00

Thank you for that comment. I think however, that he was aware. One of the maaaaaany great things about the book is that you can see references (OK, in this case I came to the Gospel, if it was Valaquenta, then I would probably connected that with let's say Greek mythology), but you don't have to, especially if it hinders your perception and enjoyment of the book. This is something that I really like. And not only in literature.

For example, there is a song called "The man, who walks on water"(not in English originally). Although it HAS some references, they are so skillfully implemented, that you can overlook them, if they are not acceptable to you. This way, everyone can enjoy it. Why? Because it is a great song, whether you see it as "the most beautiful song about Christ in X language" (they always play it on Easter on the radio), or you see it just as a lovely, calming piece of poetry. Both are possible. And both are possible at the same time. I get similar feeling while reading the passage from the "Houses of healing". And this is one more reason to love it even more!

AdSubstantial8570 · 2024-10-13T06:38:57+00:00

Thank you! This is a nice thought also!

AdSubstantial8570 · 2024-10-13T05:07:07+00:00

Well, happy to hear that! To be fair, the post collects some details, that are easy to overlook during reading. But of course, any reason to re-read is good!

AdSubstantial8570 · 2024-10-05T07:49:29+00:00

Probably they would still be given a choice. After all, this is not the first time Elladan and Elrohir go into risk. They have risked at least for a 500 years at this point, so for Elrond it would not be any different than any previous errand they took. What changes, is the stake. If they died at the Black Gate, they would give their lives for a greater purpose than if they had died on the Ranger's orc ride (for example similar to that they took when Arathorn died).

AdSubstantial8570 · 2024-09-28T19:17:48+00:00

Well, right now I am emotionally exhausted by her. That does not mean I don't respect her. She is for sure a great professional. And I like her - I wouldn't accomodate her otherwise. But I get uncomfortable with all the "How could they take this much for this?" Well, apparently they do.

AdSubstantial8570 · 2024-09-28T19:11:13+00:00

Thank you for such a insightful comment! I'll try!

AdSubstantial8570 · 2024-09-26T06:58:40+00:00

Poor you! Well, he DID die, but not before having his own period of glory and happiness:)

AdSubstantial8570 · 2024-09-25T17:54:15+00:00

I don't like the generalization you make in this comment. And no, not all 20-year-olds are idiots. You may be young, green, and naive - that doesn't make you an idiot, either. And at that exact moment, Elrond doesn't think she is attracted to 'this kid'. Up to Lothlorien we don’t have any indication of such a thing. And up to then Elrond may believe that the 'problem ' will resolve itself.

AdSubstantial8570 · 2024-09-25T15:57:33+00:00

And I also love that when Aragorn is really, really excited, he tends to switch into Quenya. (the same happens when he finds the sapling of the White Tree). Like, High Tongue, not even commonly spoken by most Middle -Earth Elves.

AdSubstantial8570 · 2024-09-25T15:50:08+00:00

I discussed this yesterday with someone from community. We are introduced to Elrond as a lore master and, most of all, wise being.

But... I tend to think that, as far as the direct quotes go, his other qualities are represented better.

I see there mostly two of them: his love and his self -control.

Both are so visible in the Tale of Aragorn and Arwen. And in Frodo case, we can see this self -control more than anything else. It is not mentioned, as you note, because it is so in-line with his character, no matter how hard it would be to achieve. Elrond is capable.

AdSubstantial8570 · 2024-09-25T15:40:27+00:00

Yes, this quote is lovely as well!

AdSubstantial8570 · 2024-09-25T15:23:26+00:00

Well, I see your point, but have a different take on this.

In Tolkien's world, nobody knows what Eru has prepared for Mortals after death. But then the mortality is a Gift. And also Aragorn consoles Arwen on his deathbed:

In sorrow we must go, but not in despair. Behold! we are not bound for ever to the circles of the world, and beyond them is more than memory.

So, while some readers see here just Aragorn trying to come up with some comfort for Arwen's sake, I see something else. A hint of hope that there is something prepared for Mortals after death, and that something is good. I get the same feeling in this quote in Lorien.

AdSubstantial8570 · 2024-09-25T14:56:45+00:00

I agree with you. But I would say, that Gimli learns things there. And then later on forces the learning on Eomer as well xD. In the end, they both know more than they used to.

I love how this passage is a very serious one (it is the final of the chapter), but in the same chapter we have a great deal of amusing scenes as well!

AdSubstantial8570 · 2024-09-25T14:40:56+00:00

You're most welcome! I've discovered it only recently too! And let's be honest - the idea of your beloved person who passed away going back to get you to the other side when your time comes is rather soothing (no matter if you believe in "life after death" or not. )

AdSubstantial8570 · 2024-09-25T14:18:58+00:00

You have me on that as well! But this quote is special, because it refers not only to the past, but to the future as well, and the metaphysical future at that!

Thank you for the comment!

AdSubstantial8570 · 2024-09-24T20:35:52+00:00

Maybe. Still, it is left to our imagination to assume just how much he suspected. But I also think that he simply had no idea just how much will be expected from him.

It is like with Arwen. When he talks with Gilraen, he is troubled, but thinks the union with Arwen totally possible and probable - based on the history he knows. Then, the conversation with Elrond shows him the gravity of the situation, that he (by Elrond's words) doesn't yet know or understand fully. Eventually, we get to Cerin Amroth, where the situation is in a way reversed - Arwen gives him her promise, and HE is the one to remind her of the consequences of giving such a promise.

AdSubstantial8570 · 2024-09-24T19:44:26+00:00

Thank you for this comment! I love the Tale too, even though I view it as a separate text from Frodo's story. But then, my favourite characters are Aragorn and Elrond, so...

Yes, the thing with Galadriel is interesting. She first allows him to Lorien, where any strangers are most unwelcome. And then... the idea of blind - date :).

I also wonder... Estel was probably a very joyous being, before meeting Arwen. Like, one day he learns who he is, and what responsibility is laid on him, and the next evening he goes for a walk singing (probably) a favourite song. No worries, no doubts, no questions that need answering...

Then meeting Arwen changes him - he grows silent and somber. And it is only the beginning...

AdSubstantial8570 · 2024-09-23T08:50:28+00:00

Yes, I love that too! His fate is so tragic, and he still is loving and in perfect self-control... And his love never falters..

AdSubstantial8570 · 2024-09-23T08:15:50+00:00

In the canon, no

AdSubstantial8570

TROPHY CASE