LOTR Read-Along: The Fellowship of the Ring: Farwell to Lorien

 

After everything the Fellowship has been through, I would find it hard to leave a site such as Lothlorien. It's safe, it's beautiful, peaceful and not without its mystery. Celeborn and Galadriel must feel the same way as they all give the Fellowship a chance to leave the journey and remain in Lorien. However, the ever faithful Fellowship of eight are determined to finish what they started. 

Before they leave, Galadriel and Celeborn each present a gift to every member of the Fellowship to aid them in their journey. Cloaks that will offer them constant protection, a knife for Aragorn--as well as a brooch that had belonged to their daughter Celebrian and then their granddaughter, Arwen--, a golden belt for Boromir, silver belts for Merry and Pippin, a box of spices for Sam and special light for Frodo made from a star.

As for Gimli, whose heart and attitude toward the elves has changed since his time in Lothlorien, all he requested was a strand of Lady Galadriel's hair. In kindness, she gave him three. As the Fellowship travels from Lothlorien, Gimli recounts his feelings about his time in Lothlorien to Legolas and how Galadriel especially has influenced him.

After reading so much about Lothlorien (there's literally 3 chapters about it), you feel like your leaving a second home. I enjoyed this chapter primarily because of the dialogue between Legolas and Gimli and how these former enemies overtime have become good friends. 

Heidi's Questions:

• I hope this doesn't sound silly, but I'm curious. Do any of you know the difference between 'Lorien' and 'Lothlorien'? Tolkien seems to use them interchangeably sometimes. Is Lorien just a short hand reference?

- I looked it up and there were several explanations. Calling Lothlorien 'Lorien' is no different than referring to Great Britain as Britain. Which would make the most sense.