LOTR Read-Along: The Two Towers: The Departure of Boromir

So, moviewise, The Two Towers is my favorite. I loved meeting the new characters, seeing the kingdom of Rohan, the Ents and of course, the epic Battle of Helm's Deep! Am I spoiling anything? It's interesting that the first book in this saga is called The Fellowship of the Ring, however, we only get a few chapters with the Fellowship as a whole. At the same time the Fellowship stays connected even when their separated. No one is ever really alone. And maybe no one is ever meant to be alone. 

We've entered into the second installment of The Lord of the Rings and start of with Boromir's untimely death. Boromir is killed by a Uruk-Hai trying to protect Merry and Pippin. He was alone and unable to prevent the Hobbits from being taken. Overwhelmed with regret with what he put Frodo through, his temptation of the Ring and failing to save Merry and Pippin, Boromir feels that he completely undone the Fellowship. He's consoled by Aragorn who is there when he dies and who promises that he will go to Gondor and fight for their city, Minus Tirith. 

With Boromir now gone, Aragorn finds himself at a standstill to know what to do. Gandalf is gone, the Fellowship has splintered. Although a leader by nature, Aragorn is not sure if he has the capability to continue what Gandalf and Elrond so skillfully started. Yet, he doesn't ave much time to dwell on his worries. He, Legolas and Gimli give Boromir a proper funeral, laying his body in one of the boats and sending down the Anduin River. Bidding farewell to their friend and companion one final time.  

Knowing that Frodo and Sam are on their way to Mordor, they is no way to stop them. Aragorn turns his attention the most important issue of all, saving Merry and Pippin.

This relatively short chapter wrapped up several major themes. Boromir's redemption before his death, Aragorn's final understanding of his role as a leader and the true coming together and the races of Middle-Earth. Now everything for the continuing of the Fellowship's journey is set into place. Boromir's death isn't dragged out, but it's emotional enough to see that he feels truly guilty for what he has done. Aragorn's promise to the dying man really seems to be his first act on his road to reclaiming the throne of Gondor, now he knows he cannot fail that it's essential to make sure that no other members of the Fellowship are killed.

Heidi's Questions:

• I thiiiink this version of Lament for Boromir is my top favorite of all the Tolkien songs entirely. It makes me want to cry and has definitely been a favorite for a long LONG time. <3 The two voices and the piano are incredible. Set your volume as high as you can and be sure to give it a listen. :) HERE'S THE LINK.

 - I didn't listen to whole piece and while it's pretty I wouldn't necessarily put operatic into Tolkien. A more New Age or Celtic sound would be more fitting.