LOTR Read-Along: The Fellowship of the Ring: Flight to the Ford

We're halfway through! The book really does pick up the pace after the hobbits head into Bree and thank goodness for that. After Frodo is wounded by the Morgul blade, he begins to sink deeper and deeper into madness. He won't die, but he will become like the Ringwraiths. For the next several days, Aragorn and the hobbits race against the clock to get Frodo to Rivendell, which is still miles away.

 

If they can't make it to Rivendell, then Rivendell will go to them. On the road, they meet Glorfindel, who dwells in Elrond's home. Have you noticed that when situations get dire, all of a sudden an elf just so happens to appear? Glorfindel is a typical elf personality, warm, generous, strong and wise. He immediately takes charge and speeds up the journey. When the Black Riders get closer, they have no choice but to put Frodo on Glorfindel's horse and he must ride to Rivendell on his own. 

If you've watched the film, then you'll remember that the role of Glorfindel was taken entirely out of the script and was replaced with Elrond's only daughter, Lady Arwen. Like Glorfindel, Arwen was sent out to find Aragorn and the hobbits, remarking that she had been searching for them for two days. With the Black Riders coming closer, the travelers can wait no longer. After some deliberation with Aragorn, Arwen takes Frodo and races the Black Riders to the Ford that leads into Rivendell. 

In both versions, when Frodo reaches the Ford, the Black Riders demand that he join them. However, now that he's across the river, the power of the elves can protect him. And just as the Riders are daring to move in, an incredible flood in the shape of horses drowns them out. Demonic powers are rendered powerless when near or in water and while the Riders are not killed, they are weakened for a time.

Both the book and movie versions of this scene were great. It's a shame that the movie wasn't able to have as many elves in the story. Gildor and Glorfindel bring to the story hope among despair, wisdom and understanding. However, as Arwen becomes an immensely important part of the story, it would make more sense to flesh out her character and focus more on her story arc. By replacing Glorfindel, this was an easier way to introduce Arwen by portraying her as both beautiful, but also a formidable warrior. Also to inform the audience that there is a relationship between her and Aragorn.

Arwen immediately jumps (or rides) into the storyline, aiding Aragorn and insisting that she can take Frodo to Rivendell. Aragorn had originally told her to stay with the hobbits, which I thought would have been adorable. Where as in the book, Frodo is alone, in the movie he's with Arwen. Even though Arwen states to Aragorn that she's not afraid of the Riders, as she is chased by them, you tell that she is growing more and more frightened of not reaching her father in time. 

Heidi's Questions:

• Does the cascading flood pouring down on the Black Riders remind you of anything else (i.e. an historical event or a classic myth, etc)?

The Biblical Flood and the parting of the Red Sea were my first thoughts. Also the chapter in Prince Caspian of the sea god that destroyed Miraz's army. Poseidon, the Greek god of the seas is oftentimes portrayed coming up or creating a flood of cascading water.