LOTR Read-Along: The Fellowship of the Ring: The Great River

Upon leaving the safety of Lothlorien, the Fellowship now embark on a winding and twisting ride on the Great River, Anduin. And as you would expect from Tolkien, most of the chapter is nothing but descriptions of rocks, rivers, trees, banks and the occasional black swan. Oh, and the crazy little creature that keeps popping up in the corner of Frodo's eye. Of course, it's Gollum and he knows it. Frodo has figured that Gollum has been following them for some time. 

The Fellowship endure quite a ride on the Anduin. The boats getting caught in a dangerous swell, an orc attack and almost getting lost. Without Gandalf's aid, the Fellowship seems to to scrambling from time to time, however, Aragorn takes everything in his calmly manner and pushes on ahead. While they view many beautiful sites on their river journey, the Fellowship are able to witness the mighty gates of  the Argonath. Imposing statues of Aragorn's ancestors that guard the Great River. A poignant moment for all of them, especially Aragorn.

In this chapter you really begin to see Aragorn as the king he is striving to be. Looking upon the king's of his bloodline was a great incentive for him to journey on this quest and finally reclaim the throne. Also, we're in a way introduced to Gollum. While Frodo has no general concerns of him, it's clear the Aragorn detests him and even goes as far to call him dangerous. It's evident that Aragorn is more aware of who Gollum is and what he is capable of (seeing as he did aid Gandalf in trying to catch him). Despite Gollum being small and frail looking, not one knows better than Aragorn the deception of appearances. 

Heidi's Questions:

• Contains some slight spoilers if you haven't read the story before, but I just ran across this post and found it refreshing so thought y'all might like it too. Here's the link.

• Last but not least, do you agree with Sam about fog? Or in general do you find it romantic and mysterious?

- I'm with Sam on this one. I am not the biggest fan of fog either. Not when I have to get up in the middle of the night and drive to work, on the dimly lit country backroads, with deer the could jump out at any moment. No, I do not find fog mysterious or romantic. I find it dangerous and nerve-wracking.