One thing I get to do when writing this blog is brag about it. Whenever someone complains about not being able to keep in touch with old friends, I explain this blog to them, and they say, "Wow, that's a great idea, I should do that!" I'm guessing they never do it, so kudos to you guys for keeping up with it. Kudos to me too. I'll keep this post short so I can move on to Mirror, which I think is a more interesting chapter.
Lothlorien is a pause chapter, where Tolkien slows things down after the suspense of Moria.
What's interesting is that Tolkien still maintains tension throughout, by singling out the dwarf for a blindfold, and by keeping the orcs in pursuit. It goes to show that adding a ticking time bomb to any prose makes it more interesting. The orcs running underground shows that the escape would have failed if the elves hadn't intervened. And of course Gollum is following, which is obvious to the reader by now for those who had read the Hobbit.
The elves singling out Gimli made for the best scene in the chapter. Legolas curses the stiff necks of dwarves, only to find himself being put in the same shoes as Gimli. Legolas objects, and Aragon quips its now the stiff-necks of elves that is causing delay. Aragon shows wisdom in resolving the conflict, and singling out no one. Haldir notes that the power of separation is derived from the ability to sow mistrust among allies. Yet Haldir still decides to follow the law and treat them like enemies. An unsettling thought.
Two posts in one day, from BOTH of you?? It's like Christmas! Can't wait for the Mirror of Galadriel.
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