Frodo reads Gandalf’s letter, more concerned than ever at the wizard’s absence and the delay caused by Barliman. But at least the letter confirms Strider’s identity, and Frodo is wise enough to choose to trust him. Sam’s continued protests give the Ranger a chance to be tempted by the Ring, but he keeps his self-control; and before long Merry returns with a report that the Black Riders are much closer than they think. Also, we welcome Marquette University archivist Bill Fliss to talk about his exciting new project: the J.R.R. Tolkien Fandom Oral History Collection.
Want to learn more about the J.R.R. Tolkien Fandom Oral History Collection, or ready to join the Host? It’s easy! Contact the Raynor Memorial Libraries at Marquette University here: https://www.marquette.edu/library/archives/Mss/JRRT/fandomoh.php
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Recommended Reading:
Carpenter, Humphrey, ed. The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien (Mariner Books, paperback)
Kocher, Paul H. Master of Middle-earth: The Fiction of J.R.R. Tolkien (Del Rey, paperback)
Tolkien, J. R. R. (Christopher Tolkien, ed.) The Silmarillion (Mariner Books, paperback)
Fonstad, Karen Wynn. The Atlas of Middle-earth (Revised Edition) (Houghton Mifflin, Paperback)
As you read the passage about Galadriel being tempted by Frodo’s offer of the ring, I was struck by the similarity between her appearance and Aragorn’s appearance when he was tempted in the Prancing Pony: Aragorn seems suddenly to grow taller, Galadriel seems tall beyond measurement; both are described in terms of light (Aragorn’s eyes, Galadriel alone illumined by her ring); both make a hand gesture that emphasises their rightful object of power (Aragorn’s sword, Galadriel’s own ring); Aragorn is commanding, Galadriel worshipful; Aragorn is so frightening that the hobbits do not dare to move, Galadriel is terrible; and then as they each refuse the temptation, Aragorn smiles, Galadriel laughs, and both soften (Aragorn’s face, Galadriel’s voice).
It is as if Frodo gets a glimpse of what each of them would become if they took the ring.
I guess this supports Alan’s argument that Aragorn was tempted by the ring at that very moment–and I suppose, as Alan is the man of the West, Aragorn to Sean’s Eomer, he should know.
It’s a strong similarity, to be sure. I’m still not certain he didn’t get over his temptation earlier, but I’m on the fence about it. But yeah, it takes a Man of the West to know one… 🙂
I made my contribution to the Tolkien Fandom Oral History Collection today and made sure to mention the PPP (after my 3 minutes were up sadly). Thank you for interviewing Bill and sharing his work with us.
As for this episode, I agree with Alan. Aragorn had considered the test prior, and knew he would be tested, as Galadriel perhaps foresaw it in her own future. The temptation effected both of them within their measure. I do not believe Aragorn was any more or less tempted than Galadriel, but I believe they both knew that they would attempt to reject that temptation. They both passed the test. The only difference being Galadriel would diminish and Aragorn would be ennobled.
I’m glad you had a chance to talk to Bill, Casey! And thank you for mentioning the PPP. 🙂
After they all hear Merry’s story, there is this exchange:
‘What will happen?’ said Merry. ‘Will they attack the inn?’ ‘No, I think not,’ said Strider. ‘They are not all here yet. And in any case that is not their way. In dark and loneliness they are strongest; they will not openly attack a house where there are lights and many people – not until they are desperate, not while all the long leagues of Eriador still lie before us.’
And yet there we know what happened just a few hours later. It seems like either Strider was deluded, or it wasn’t the black riders who attacked the inn. What say you?
We ended up discussing the theory that it wasn’t the Black Riders who attacked the inn just a few episodes later! Keep listening, and you’ll hear our thoughts on it soon. 🙂