It is, I think, sometimes overstated by Tolkien readers just how important the death of Boromir actually is. I do not wish to be misunderstood! Boromir is an important character in his own right, for what he reveals about Gondor as our first representative of that land, and for what he illustrates as regards the insidious dangers of the One Ring. And his death is important, too, for what it sets in motion on a narrative level, and for its serving as proof of his own rejection of temptation and the regaining of his moral fortitude following his weakness. But…
Leave a CommentTag: character
Every year, I like to write a little postscript to my September Series posts — something that, while it might be congruent with them in some way, is nonetheless a digression. This year, given that the Series has been comprised entirely of creative works by me, I wanted to do something a little different, and something a little self-indulgent — I wanted to write up a few comments on each piece, to explain something of their origins and what I was interested in working with. This is, of course, a wholly unnecessary exercise in many ways. Ideally, each piece should…
Leave a Comment
By Khazad-dûm, the black pit rank,Hewed dwarf and orc in vengeful rage.To gaping gate the shortbeard sprang,Spirit raising, eyes a-blazing,Axe-stroke hewing, orc-king falling.Yet sudden stopped he at gateway’s edge,Flames espying, shadows crawling.‘Not now,’ Dáin said, and back he stepped.By Ravenhill, green-mound rising,Stood dwarf and elf, grim-grudgeful waiting.With ringing voice the fullbeard spake,Of hoard-gold glowing, glory growing,Mattocks raising with new-king’s raving.Yet doubt remained in dwarf-lord’s mind of⏝king’s-wrath heedless, violence staving.‘Not now,’ Dáin said, and held his step.By Erebor, grey mountain bare,Pressed man on dwarf in desperate strife.In fortress mouth the whitebeard stood,Red-axe swinging, war-cry ringing,Forward pressed the foe to breach the…
Leave a Comment
“Was it worth it?” “Eh?” “Achieving the Grail? Was it worth it?” Sir Bors blinked in confusion at the question. “Why do you ask?” Sir Gawain paused nervously, seeming surprised at his own boldness. The two knights sat in the great hall, and it was empty and dark. All the other members of the Court had departed following the feast, to sport or to hunting or to further feasting in private chambers — or, in the case of a few of that esteemed company’s more venerable members, to bed. Only Bors and Gawain had remained, for they had had a…
1 Comment
I shouldn’t really be writing about this, of course, much less sharing it. But I’m at such a loss as to understanding this particular case, I feel I have no choice but to make my problem – and, I suppose, the problem of my patient – known to at least one confidante, and my trust in your discretion is exceedingly high. However, in the interest of professional integrity, I must assure you that at least the name of my client has been altered, as have some minor details, and with any luck, his identity will thus remain anonymous. My client! …
Leave a Comment