If Boromir's golden belt can serve as a decoration for his funeral, I would posit that the silver belts given to the Hobbits likewise served to make them appear more regal, important and official. If I recall the books correctly, the people of Gondor thought that Pippin was a prince of the Hobbits. Perhaps the belts helped to give the little hobbits an ounce more of respect among the haughtier peoples. Just a theory.
Good theory. I think I can add to it, now I think it through. As we all know, Pippin is the Thain's son and heir, so to the extent Hobbits had princes, he kinda was. And Merry was the heir to the Master of Buckland. They were future critical leaders for the Shire, as we know, of course. But being young, and essentially humble in a sensible way, like most hobbits, and very much the lowest ranking of the Fellowship - thrown in at the last against Elrond's better judgement - they didn't really carry themselves with any sense of rank or importance, or display what was in them to develop. But Galadriel, being Galadriel, saw it in them; and with her gifts, she was recognizing them for what they were, marking them as such, and amplifying it for other eyes to see. That's my take on it, anyway.
I was thinking the same but wouldn't have been able to articulate that idea as well. Another thing that led to pippin and merry's "regal" appearance to the western men (if I'm remembering the appendices correctly) is that they spoke in a dielect of the common tounge that didn't have a formal and informal distinction, and so called the royal folk of those nations by the firmiliar 'you' pronoun, implying accidentally that they were equals. I'm sure the silver belts made this mistake look like they were just lords of their own lands speaking comfortably with equals, rather than the class jumping it could have been taken as.
Guy just read the books and told you about it! Tolkien is the one who has the gift You know you could just read the book yourself and understand it too but you don't want to
As a child, my grandmother had a small hand lamp, little more than a flashlight but when turned on it would shine with an almost blindingly bright white light. For my entire childhood, she, my mother, and I all referred to it as the "Phial of Galadriel." I have that lamp to this day and it still means as much to me as it did back then. And I still refuse to think of it as anything else.
I really love the rope gift. Sam being upset about forgetting rope is one my favorite running things in the story and its great to see him finally get some rope.
@@UlfMTGIn a nutshell, back in Valinor at the beginning of the First Age, Feanor himself was enamored with Galadriel's hair and asked for some of it so it could create something beautiful. Feanor was the greatest elf that ever lived, yet Galadriel refused him several times. Yet when a Dwarf (Gimli) refused to request anything request, but merely named a single strand of Galadriel's hair, she gave him three times what he named.
@@stroodleboots5360 It's more than that Feanor himself asked for one strand of her hair three times, but sensing his corrupt arrogance, refused. To Gimli, sensing his kind and good nature, she gave him three strands, when he only asked for one. A very high honor, indeed.
A proud immortal Queen of light and water stands before a simple dwarf prince of the earth and stone, and for all her gifts cannot fathom what is in his heart. So when she asks him what he wants for a gift, she is surprised and delighted at the simplicity of his request… and gifts unto him a treasure so great that the lust for it once sundered the world. Where once the proudest and greatest of elves could not possess such a gift, here a humble dwarf holds a treasure beyond measure, and yet he knows its true worth, for it was a gift from his lady. Gimli may never truly know what he was given, but every single elf who sees that gift does… Yes I think a video about Gimli’s gift would be appropriate. PS I like to think when Gimli showed up at the undying lands and the other elves wouldn’t let him in, Legolas pulled them aside and was like “it’s cool, guys, Galadriel gave him hair” and immediately every elf is impressed and Gimli is like “hell yeah they probably heard about that time I kill three orcs with one axe swing.”
The gift of elven earth and a seed to Sam may have been what steeled him against The Ring’s temptation - it promises him the power to grow a garden the size of a kingdom. Little did The Ring know Sam already had the power to do this in his pocket, thanks to Galadriel’s gift. Come The Scouring of The Shire it was a power which was sorely needed! Bravo Galadriel!
@@kjdude8765 and a garden of bounty, tilled with love, not fear or coercion. It probably didn't enter into his conscious mind, but Galadriel's subtlety helped him in an imperceptible way.
Robert, I have watched many of your Lord of the Rings videos and always enjoy them. At the end of many them, I, a 66 year old man, have tears in my eyes. You are such a great storyteller and the last few words of the videos always have a touching and practical message, often of hope, courage, friendship or some other deep truth. I'm certain that JRRT himself would appreciate your insightful treatment of his beloved material. I say a heartfelt thank you, Robert, for you and your team's excellent work.
The gift to Gimli holds special significance: long before, Galadriel refused Feanor's request for a strand of her hair -- she did not trust Feanor's intention. Gimli's intention, however, was pure.
Basically, Galadriel said you are my champion. There's a reason Gimli got to take the straight road with Legolas. I like to think Galadriel and Aule had something to do with it.
Well done. One can add that she helped restore Gandalf/Mithrandir to life as (by his own words) he was barely alive when he was carried from the mountain top to Lorien. Interestingly, to Lorien and not Rivendell where Elrond-the master healer-resided. My explanation? Aside from the fact that there were subtle clues that Galadriel had a special fondness for Mithrandir, they very likely knew each other in Valinor: Olorin spent time with the first-born in the West. I suspect it’s as simple as he trusted her more.
@@BzhydackIts one of the most hilarious things to me. Of course, given how friendly Feanor's sons and grandson were with dwarves, a thing she would have been perfectly aware of, its not quite the slap in the face it would have been had Feanor been of Doriath, but still. To give the EXACT gift she refused Feanor to Gimli is SUCH a mood. 😂
Thanks Robert for this analysis. This is further proof that Galadriel is one the greatest characters in the legendarium. It shows her destiny was to go through the trials of the Noldor, trying all the time to curb the malice of the Doom, in order to be this benevolent force, this ancient witness of the world, able to muster lore and magic from the First Age in order to vanquish her oldest foe. I love her so much (and Cate Blanchett too)
The way you explained the gift to Sam has made me think that this is an even greater gift than that to Gimli. This was a gift to remember all that she had created and had wanted to create when learning with Melian. Recognising that want in Sam, but in such a much more humble version, is like recognising a passion that your son or daughter has. That is why I think it is the most important gift, not to Sam alone, but to the Shire as a whole :)
It's a powerful gift. It is not something of immediate use. In the books, Sam and Frodo both look into the Mirror of Galadriel, and Sam's vision is the scouring of the Shire. Frodo sees this in the movie. I think a large failing of the movies is the payoff of this event, because it shows the Hobbits that they have learned to take charge and fight for what matters to them instead of fighting for things to help other people. And it is the payoff of the gift. The little box that Sam carried for months, put to use. It is also the legacy of Lothlorien, which would never bloom again after Galadriel left.
I just happened to be reading this section today! The boats and equipment was a gift from Celeborn; the specific, personal gifts were given by Galadriel herself.
It’s the same every Christmas: the wife handles all the presents, and writes hubby’s name on some of them or declares them joint gifts. Otherwise what would have happened is that the Fellowship would have received last-minute gifts from 7-Eleven with ‘from Celebron’ hastily scribbled in Sharpie directly on the packet.
Sam actually realized the some of the significance of Frodo's gift in the Two Towers Yes, that's so,' said Sam. 'And we shouldn't be here at all, if we'd known more about it before we started. But I suppose it's often that way. The brave things in the old tales and songs, Mr. Frodo: adventures, as I used to call them. I used to think that they were things the wonderful folk of the stories went out and looked for, because they wanted them, because they were exciting and life was a bit dull, a kind of a sport, as you might say. But that's not the way of it with the tales that really mattered, or the ones that stay in the mind. Folk seem to have been just landed in them, usually - their paths were laid that way, as you put it. But I expect they had lots of chances, like us, of turning back, only they didn't. And if they had, we shouldn't know, because they'd have been forgotten. We hear about those as just went on - and not all to a good end, mind you; at least not to what folk inside a story and not outside it call a good end. You know, coming home, and finding things all right, though not quite the same - like old Mr Bilbo. But those aren't always the best tales to hear, though they may be the best tales to get landed in! I wonder what sort of a tale we've fallen into?' 'I wonder,' said Frodo. 'But I don't know. And that's the way of a real tale. Take any one that you're fond of. You may know, or guess, what kind of a tale it is, happy-ending or sad-ending, but the people in it don't know. And you don't want them to.' 'No, sir, of course not. Beren now, he never thought he was going to get that Silmaril from the Iron Crown in Thangorodrim, and yet he did, and that was a worse place and a blacker danger than ours. But that's a long tale, of course, and goes on past the happiness and into grief and beyond it - and the Silmaril went on and came to Eärendil. And why, sir, I never thought of that before! We've got - you've got some of the light of it in that star-glass that the Lady gave you! Why, to think of it, we're in the same tale still! It's going on. Don't the great tales never end?' 'No, they never end as tales,' said Frodo. 'But the people in them come, and go when their part's ended. Our part will end later - or sooner.
I really like how you explain Sam's gift. A lot of people who talk about it like to present it as something of a punchline. "To you, gold. To you, the finest bow. To you, a blade of legend. To you, the light of our people. Oh, there's another one? Um, here, have some superior elf dirt." *throws dirt at Sam*
I see Sam's gift as the greatest of all of them, because it is not for the journey. It is not to be used immediately. It is a promise that she has seen the future and that without the gift, the Shire would never bloom again without the gift, and that would harm the hobbits. The same could be said for Elessar, a promise that Aragorn will survive this journey and claim his ultimate prize, hot Elf booty.
I considered the gift for Sam also a reminder of why he is doing the quest, not to be some warhero or master of many people and fields, but each precious seed and rewarding labor. A gift that really understands Sam, and contrasting the false gifts the One Ring promises him.
I'm joking, of course. The bow Legolas brought with him from Mirkwood is noted to be rather small; a defensive weapon rather than a warbow. Makes sense since Legolas showed up at Rivendell in order to inform Gandalf that Gollum had escaped. He wasn't exactly planning to join the Fellowship or go to war when he set out. The bow he was given by Galadriel was a longbow; a weapon of war. For comparison: Legolas left home with a handgun and was then given a battle rifle.
@@SingingSealRianaI suppose, but I really don’t think that’s much of a bad thing. Legolas is the only elf accompanying the fellowship, there’s no age old rift to repair, no symbolic passing of the torch, and little need for signs of confidence. Legolas is a trusted warrior, and in giving him an implement not simply capable of defense but of war, she delivers her message to Legolas as well, arming him for his task in the fight to come. His task is not merely to guide the fellowship safely on their journey, middle earth will have need of him as a warrior. It proves a worthy gift, far better suited to his purpose than the one he’d brought with him, oft used to defeat enemies far stronger than mere men could have handled.
Reading the books (including the Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales) and then rewatching the films, gave me a deeper perspective and love for that scene with Gimli and the 3 hairs
Tolkien was very clever in the creation of the gifts because not only did the gifts have very specific uses for each character, they also matched the character of whom they were given to. For example, Galadriel didn't give Sam a knife because his nature is to nurture and protect, not kill or destroy. To me it speaks to the depth of thought Tolkien put into his writing, there is no such thing as a throw away line anywhere in his writings, there's always a deeper meaning behind them.
Galadriel doesn't hand out knives (as in the film) but Tom does, and even those have their own history (forged in Cardolan to kill the Witch King) and narrative (giving the hobbits their first realisation there will be fighting in their adventure).
@@Selandirthis may be true but where do you think they got the idea. Granted tolkien didn't come up with this himself either. The gufting of a weapon or piece if gear has been a core tenant of the heros's hourney since time immemorial.
Yes! I'd love a video on Gimli's gift. Its one of my favorite moments and the symbolism in it is great. The exchange between Gimli and Galadriel is so great
Absolutely one of the best videos you've made. The story and significance of Galadriel's gift of THREE strands of her hair to Gimli has so many layers of meaning, I can't wait until you make that well-deserved separate video. To me, that gift is as significant as the phial to Frodo in its historical. It is a gift of growth and healing. Thanks! Made my day.
Absolutely love these deep dives into Tolkien's work. In this particular episode, I was reminded once again of the incredible depth and intricacy of Tolkien's creation. It allows us nothing short of a life-long investigation of Arda. I've never come across any work of fiction as rich and dense - such a gift! And many thanks to you for bringing its riches to us in such an enjoyable and elegant way. Cheers, Robert!
I'd like to add that in a way, Galadriel's giving up her last true ties to middle earth. She's releasing the ambitions she had there not just because she passed a test but because in a way she is at piece and these things symbolize parts of what has long been a part of her. She is giving as much as herself to this cause as an elf can without traveling to Mandos.
Your video added a deeper meaning and significance to Galadriel's gifts. This will enhance my enjoyment the next time I read Lord of the Rings. Many thanks!
Every time I read the scene between Gimli and Galadriel, I honestly tear up. Especially when I learned the significance of Galadriel's hair was and the history between the Elves and Dwarves because of the Silmarils.
Just wow. This just left me breathless. Of course much of this I knew but the context you presented illuminates the gifts so well. This was simply brilliant. Thanks.
Shame on me for foolishly thinking that I had heard pretty much everything there was to hear about these gifts. Well done, and thank you for the beautiful insights that you offered!
Thank you. I had not thought so deeply about these gifts. Certainly not beyond the surface utilitarian qualities. This dive into their connections to deeper “truths” is very well written and delivered. Thank you again and may you make videos of this quality as long as the Valar endure (and you desire), InscrutableJohn
I've watched a ton of your LotR videos on your channel. This by far is one of the most thought out and well explained out of all of them. One of the very best of your offerings. My hat's off to you, Sir!
The box with the seed wasn't in the films, although I do think that box of salt was supposed to be a stand-in for it. Still, as I thought about it before clicking the video, it occurred to me that the seed box was in fact the legacy of Lothlorien being passed on. Lothlorien would fade, but in the Northwest, that beauty would find a new home in the Shire. And who better to entrust that legacy than to a gardener? Not a warrior, but a gardener. By the way, in two weeks, I'll be seeing the Dwarves in Atlanta. "WE'RE THE WARRIORS OF THE ARMY OF STONE!"
Another wonderful video, what an amazing channel! It was such a great scene in the book, when the Lady Galadriel gave out her gifts, and all so well devised by Tolkien. With all the great stories out there, of any genre, books and movies, clever and hilarious, touching and empathic, that make you laugh and cry and hold you in awe; nothing has for me surpassed the world of Tolkien. And it may well remain such. Your videos let us wander through this world in such a wonderful way. Always a great pleasure to watch. Thank you very much for your dedication, Sir!
In every great fairy tale the ancient being gives gifts to help on their journey. It's my absolute favorite part of the books when we get to meet the great Lady Galadriel and reach the beautiful land of the elves.
Great video. I think it’s interesting that for all the foresight she shows in her other gifts she does not know what to give Gimli. And it’s Gimli that bridges the divide between the two races.
The gift of the Elessar also ties in nicely with Galadriel's personal journey and the story of the elves in Middle Earth generally. The Eldar who remained in Middle Earth did so largely because they wanted to preserve and beautify it, making it as much of an echo of Valinor as they could. As Robert said, the Elessar potentially could have allowed Galadriel to preserve Lothlorien a bit longer after the One Ring was destroyed, but by this point she's realized the folly of trying to cling on a bit longer to something that will inevitably be lost anyway. So she instead passes the Elessar on to Aragorn, who can utilize it in the restoration of his future kingdoms and the building of the World of Men that will outlast the elven realms. Galadriel's gift to Sam also carries some of the same connotations, in allowing a last echo of Lothlorien's beauty to continue even after the fading of the elves, through the work of someone who shares a lot of that initial Eldar vision.
this video elaborates Tolkien's elegant taxonomic symmetry in eventually elevating Galadriel from "counted among the mighty of the Noldor" to Feanor's equal, and then, his superior. By the time he passed, Galadriel was the most OP elf, and the one least concerned (by that point) with Glory. She wasn't simply at peace with a supporting role, she was a primary and ultimately selfless architect of their victory...equal to Gandalf, second only to Eru. She redeems all that Elven Glory her uncle had spectacularly flushed away.
I always took the point of Boromir, Merry and Pippins gifts to be a matter of diplomacy, credentials, and confidence. They all played incredibly important parts. Merry and Pippin essentially went on to become ambassadors, and I'd imagine their having those beautiful elven belts helped establish their "authority" and to be taken more seriously by people who had never even seen their kind before. The Gondorians even assumed Pippin was a Prince. Not only that, but Men at the time were, for the most part, wary of elves and Merry and Pippin's association with them could have raised eyebrows, but it's hard to believe someone that would give such a handsome and generous gift could truly be "an elf witch". I'd like to think also that bearing such a special gift also helped their confidence, a reminder of their own importance to help them through their upcoming trials. As for Boromir, he would have had to convince his father of the righteousness of their cause. Denethor is another who might have had qualms with plans wrought by elves, but such a one as him would definitely be moved seeing his son gifted a belt of pure gold, and that would have swayed his feelings in regards to the elves Boromir had been associating with.
This is my favorite of all your wonderful Tolkein videos. Thanks so much for highlighting Galadriel's role here. This is such a deeply feminine example of her power and wisdom. I was so sad that even in the Jackson extended editions it wasn't quite right.
One of the scariest parts of the book version of ROTK was when Samwise went through the entrance of the Crack of Doom and the Phial flickered out in the darkness. Meaning that this was Sauron's turf, and his magic was so strong here that even the Phial couldn't counter it. Luckily for Sam, there weren't any monsters inside to fight!
I loved the potrayel of Galadriel....wise and powerful but kind and warmhearted. The connection she had with gandalf within the council by sharing same values....and then came amazon.
You should watch his Galadriel video, she wasn't always that way. She grew into the being you saw in the movies, she wasn't born Galadriel and that is why who she became is all the more impressive. A young Galadriel would have accepted the ring, that's why her refusing was such an important scene, it showed a growth we weren't privy to at the time but was mentioned in a lot of Tolkien's letters. Galadriel was young and impulsive once, athletic and of an "amazon disposition".
I don't have the book to hand, but did not the belts for Merry and Pippin come with scabbards too? And did she not say that "...blades drawn from these scabbards will be ever sharp..." or something along those lines? Ensuring that these inexperienced fighters were ever combat-ready without having to maintain their blades. That ensured they were ready for their roles: killing the Witch King and the big battle at the Black Gates.
Mr Geek! Can we get a video deep dive into the “human” geography of Middle Ages through the ages. Covering populations centres and industry etc - it could even be a series which goes in to each race individually? Love your work thank you
The Elven cloaks are nearly magical IRL. I ordered one from NZ made from the exact wool and using the same pattern as the ones worn by the Fellowship. It really is warm when you need it and doesn't get overly hot even during summer. As for the color, I suppose it does matter on the time of the day and what's around you, but they are definitely grey. A lot of people won't recognize it because of that fact, people I guess assume they're some shade of green. Anyway, well worth it for those inclined. A quick google search will lead you to them if you want. I'd love a whole video just on the cloaks.
One thing I have oft wondered is, "Is Galadriel's fabled foresight a magical thing or just a consequence of being an intelligent person who is older than some continents?" Tolkien's magic is subtle, he rarely says something like "and then Gandalf cast a spell..." so perhaps Galadriel's foresight is some deep Elf divination. Especially with Elf-magic, their culture seems to lack such a term for their abilities because they view it as just another thing people can do, like whistling or juggling or trilling your Rs. Or it is just a matter of Galadriel having been involved in almost all of the major historical events in the world and has since developed a broad knowledge-base on which to make decisions like "this here bottled starlight would be handy if I were heading to Mordor."
You need to do a chapter on Gimli. I thought you had done one a while ago about why his friendship with Legolas was so important as well and the lore behind that, but I can't seem to find that. Maybe weave those two into one chapter/video. I'd watch that for however long it would be!
If I recall correctly, Galadriel gave the Elfstone to Celebrian who eventually passed to her daughter Arwen. Arwen left it in Lorien for Aragorn. So Galadriel didn't gift it to Aragorn-she simply conveyed Arwen's gift to him.
Thank you for this video. I just finished watching LOTRs for the first time. Going to make my first video about it. Was never much of a movie person, but I remember the hype around these movies when they were coming out when I was a teenager. It's good to know the hype was real. I was not expecting to become hooked to this story. It was an incredible trilogy. And I have tons of questions that videos like this will answer for me. 💙
Pippen and Merry received the belts to help elevate them - such finery would elevate them in appearance more befitting their importance to the Fellowship. They were more than just comic relief. It also foreshadowed their literal elevation in becoming taller. The gifts were not insignificant. Being elevated in stature within the group motivated them to take greater actions, and their actions were important in the scheme of things.
Giving the Elfstone to Aragorn is also symbolic of her passing the torch, giving the responsibility and hope for the world from elves to man, ushering in the Age of Men
Certainly one of your best videos. I found it more than informative, to the point I watched it twice. Thanks for your continued work, explanations and passion.
It is my opinion that the Box Galadriel gave Sam is the ultimate boon. In Joseph Campbell's "The hero with a thousand faces" it is explained that at the quest's Nader the goddess gives the hero the ultimate boon. We know from Tolkien's letters that Sam is " the chief hero ". As I believe the seeds that are in that box are the ultimate boon it then stands to reason that the story is ultimately about life. Some Scholars have written that it is about death but I do not think so. How can the story's goddess give the story's hero a gift of life and then have us say that the story is about death?
OOh, interesting; and to a comment above, asking about the Scouring of the Shire. Maybe to us, Frodo or Aragorn was the hero; but to the hobbits, the real hero was Samwise, who went away on an adventure he didn't ask for, and when he returned, put the Shire back in order, better than before!
Absolutely yes to an in depth dive into the importance of Gimli’s gift. There’s just so many layers to it from a lore perspective or a European chaste courtly love or what it reveals about the dwarves in general and Gimli in specific. Plus it’s hilarious to imagine Feanor raging when Gimli shows up with Legolas in a few decades.
You're awesome. They way you talk about the Lotr universe is so amazing. And your voice is beautiful and soothing. I could literally listen for hour's.
For a subject matter that you could easily over inflate to an hour just reading names alone I always appreciate the brevity you bring to the legendarium
If Boromir's golden belt can serve as a decoration for his funeral, I would posit that the silver belts given to the Hobbits likewise served to make them appear more regal, important and official. If I recall the books correctly, the people of Gondor thought that Pippin was a prince of the Hobbits. Perhaps the belts helped to give the little hobbits an ounce more of respect among the haughtier peoples. Just a theory.
Good theory. I think I can add to it, now I think it through. As we all know, Pippin is the Thain's son and heir, so to the extent Hobbits had princes, he kinda was. And Merry was the heir to the Master of Buckland. They were future critical leaders for the Shire, as we know, of course. But being young, and essentially humble in a sensible way, like most hobbits, and very much the lowest ranking of the Fellowship - thrown in at the last against Elrond's better judgement - they didn't really carry themselves with any sense of rank or importance, or display what was in them to develop. But Galadriel, being Galadriel, saw it in them; and with her gifts, she was recognizing them for what they were, marking them as such, and amplifying it for other eyes to see. That's my take on it, anyway.
I was thinking the same but wouldn't have been able to articulate that idea as well. Another thing that led to pippin and merry's "regal" appearance to the western men (if I'm remembering the appendices correctly) is that they spoke in a dielect of the common tounge that didn't have a formal and informal distinction, and so called the royal folk of those nations by the firmiliar 'you' pronoun, implying accidentally that they were equals. I'm sure the silver belts made this mistake look like they were just lords of their own lands speaking comfortably with equals, rather than the class jumping it could have been taken as.
I hadn't thought of this, but I really like the idea. Adopting this within my own headcanon now
I say to you, Gimli son of Glóin, that your hands shall flow with gold, and yet over you gold shall have no dominion.”
That's probably the best blessing any Dwarf could recieve, to have a lot of gold, yet never succumb to "gold sickness".
Given his bloodline, that's an impressive and compassionate gift.
Speaking of gifts, what a gift the discovery of your channel has been. Thank you for your talents
Top shelf content indeed. Happy to have found
Perfect
His voice is as soothing as drinking mead made by Beorn with his own honey, the content of the channel is even better
Guy just read the books and told you about it! Tolkien is the one who has the gift
You know you could just read the book yourself and understand it too but you don't want to
He has an English accent too! Neat eh?
As a child, my grandmother had a small hand lamp, little more than a flashlight but when turned on it would shine with an almost blindingly bright white light. For my entire childhood, she, my mother, and I all referred to it as the "Phial of Galadriel." I have that lamp to this day and it still means as much to me as it did back then. And I still refuse to think of it as anything else.
I Love this so much!!!
That is so cool definitely something to cherish and I hope when u pass it on it continues to b cherished
That's incredibly sweet.
What a lovely momento ❤
I need to know what brand and model this is. I need one right now.
I really love the rope gift. Sam being upset about forgetting rope is one my favorite running things in the story and its great to see him finally get some rope.
Charlie Bronson's always got his rope.
Gimli's gift just makes me cry. It's so symbolic and beautiful as a symbol of "peace" between elves and dwarfes.
Its WAY more significant after reading Unfinished Tales.
@@dandiehm8414why?
@@UlfMTGIn a nutshell, back in Valinor at the beginning of the First Age, Feanor himself was enamored with Galadriel's hair and asked for some of it so it could create something beautiful. Feanor was the greatest elf that ever lived, yet Galadriel refused him several times. Yet when a Dwarf (Gimli) refused to request anything request, but merely named a single strand of Galadriel's hair, she gave him three times what he named.
Did you know ITS the Origin myth for a real world stone?
@@SingingSealRiana tell me more
A chapter on the gift to Gimlie? Yes, please! 👍👍
(the inner nerd in me resisting the urge to correct the spelling of his name) 🙂
@@RomeloMendez oops!! 😬
Those hairs probably had no major significance and Galadriel gave anyone who asked a strand of her hair.
@@stroodleboots5360this is the best comment I've seen in ages😂
@@stroodleboots5360 It's more than that Feanor himself asked for one strand of her hair three times, but sensing his corrupt arrogance, refused. To Gimli, sensing his kind and good nature, she gave him three strands, when he only asked for one. A very high honor, indeed.
A proud immortal Queen of light and water stands before a simple dwarf prince of the earth and stone, and for all her gifts cannot fathom what is in his heart. So when she asks him what he wants for a gift, she is surprised and delighted at the simplicity of his request… and gifts unto him a treasure so great that the lust for it once sundered the world. Where once the proudest and greatest of elves could not possess such a gift, here a humble dwarf holds a treasure beyond measure, and yet he knows its true worth, for it was a gift from his lady. Gimli may never truly know what he was given, but every single elf who sees that gift does…
Yes I think a video about Gimli’s gift would be appropriate.
PS I like to think when Gimli showed up at the undying lands and the other elves wouldn’t let him in, Legolas pulled them aside and was like “it’s cool, guys, Galadriel gave him hair” and immediately every elf is impressed and Gimli is like “hell yeah they probably heard about that time I kill three orcs with one axe swing.”
It was a gift she had been asked for before, by Feanor. She denied him.
The gift of elven earth and a seed to Sam may have been what steeled him against The Ring’s temptation - it promises him the power to grow a garden the size of a kingdom.
Little did The Ring know Sam already had the power to do this in his pocket, thanks to Galadriel’s gift. Come The Scouring of The Shire it was a power which was sorely needed!
Bravo Galadriel!
Really neat insight, the ring could offer him nothing he could not already achieve.
@@kjdude8765 and a garden of bounty, tilled with love, not fear or coercion. It probably didn't enter into his conscious mind, but Galadriel's subtlety helped him in an imperceptible way.
What he REALLY wanted was some PO TA TO seeds
The thought about Boromir’s belt being for his funeral is very deep and beautiful. Great perspective!
The more you tease out the little details and explain their context, the deeper my appreciation for Tolkien's efforts becomes.
Robert, I have watched many of your Lord of the Rings videos and always enjoy them. At the end of many them, I, a 66 year old man, have tears in my eyes. You are such a great storyteller and the last few words of the videos always have a touching and practical message, often of hope, courage, friendship or some other deep truth. I'm certain that JRRT himself would appreciate your insightful treatment of his beloved material. I say a heartfelt thank you, Robert, for you and your team's excellent work.
Spoken directly from my heart ❤
My sentiments exactly.
He truly is great at analyzing and enveloping oneself into Middle Earth
awhhh well said
The gift to Gimli holds special significance: long before, Galadriel refused Feanor's request for a strand of her hair -- she did not trust Feanor's intention. Gimli's intention, however, was pure.
Basically, Galadriel said you are my champion. There's a reason Gimli got to take the straight road with Legolas. I like to think Galadriel and Aule had something to do with it.
Robert's eloquence, insight, and generosity are a fitting tribute which Tolkien would surely have appreciated.
Well done. One can add that she helped restore Gandalf/Mithrandir to life as (by his own words) he was barely alive when he was carried from the mountain top to Lorien. Interestingly, to Lorien and not Rivendell where Elrond-the master healer-resided. My explanation? Aside from the fact that there were subtle clues that Galadriel had a special fondness for Mithrandir, they very likely knew each other in Valinor: Olorin spent time with the first-born in the West. I suspect it’s as simple as he trusted her more.
I'd love a video on Gimli's gift. Definetely one of my favorite moments in all of Tolkien's work!
Is also mindblowing, that Galadriel valued Gimli higher than - one - very - specific - Elf.
She just gave him boys size 6 shoes. 👟👟
@@BzhydackIts one of the most hilarious things to me. Of course, given how friendly Feanor's sons and grandson were with dwarves, a thing she would have been perfectly aware of, its not quite the slap in the face it would have been had Feanor been of Doriath, but still. To give the EXACT gift she refused Feanor to Gimli is SUCH a mood. 😂
Thanks Robert for this analysis. This is further proof that Galadriel is one the greatest characters in the legendarium. It shows her destiny was to go through the trials of the Noldor, trying all the time to curb the malice of the Doom, in order to be this benevolent force, this ancient witness of the world, able to muster lore and magic from the First Age in order to vanquish her oldest foe. I love her so much (and Cate Blanchett too)
The way you explained the gift to Sam has made me think that this is an even greater gift than that to Gimli. This was a gift to remember all that she had created and had wanted to create when learning with Melian. Recognising that want in Sam, but in such a much more humble version, is like recognising a passion that your son or daughter has. That is why I think it is the most important gift, not to Sam alone, but to the Shire as a whole :)
Wanted another box to spread in defeated Mordor!
It's a powerful gift. It is not something of immediate use. In the books, Sam and Frodo both look into the Mirror of Galadriel, and Sam's vision is the scouring of the Shire. Frodo sees this in the movie. I think a large failing of the movies is the payoff of this event, because it shows the Hobbits that they have learned to take charge and fight for what matters to them instead of fighting for things to help other people. And it is the payoff of the gift. The little box that Sam carried for months, put to use. It is also the legacy of Lothlorien, which would never bloom again after Galadriel left.
I just happened to be reading this section today! The boats and equipment was a gift from Celeborn; the specific, personal gifts were given by Galadriel herself.
The lembas was from Galadriel too. :)
It’s the same every Christmas: the wife handles all the presents, and writes hubby’s name on some of them or declares them joint gifts. Otherwise what would have happened is that the Fellowship would have received last-minute gifts from 7-Eleven with ‘from Celebron’ hastily scribbled in Sharpie directly on the packet.
@@AmyThePuddytat 7-Elven* 😂
@@thejoker114Bahahahaah
Sam actually realized the some of the significance of Frodo's gift in the Two Towers
Yes, that's so,' said Sam. 'And we shouldn't be here at all, if we'd known more about it before we started. But I suppose it's often that way. The brave things in the old tales and songs, Mr. Frodo: adventures, as I used to call them. I used to think that they were things the wonderful folk of the stories went out and looked for, because they wanted them, because they were exciting and life was a bit dull, a kind of a sport, as you might say. But that's not the way of it with the tales that really mattered, or the ones that stay in the mind. Folk seem to have been just landed in them, usually - their paths were laid that way, as you put it. But I expect they had lots of chances, like us, of turning back, only they didn't. And if they had, we shouldn't know, because they'd have been forgotten. We hear about those as just went on - and not all to a good end, mind you; at least not to what folk inside a story and not outside it call a good end. You know, coming home, and finding things all right, though not quite the same - like old Mr Bilbo. But those aren't always the best tales to hear, though they may be the best tales to get landed in! I wonder what sort of a tale we've fallen into?'
'I wonder,' said Frodo. 'But I don't know. And that's the way of a real tale. Take any one that you're fond of. You may know, or guess, what kind of a tale it is, happy-ending or sad-ending, but the people in it don't know. And you don't want them to.'
'No, sir, of course not. Beren now, he never thought he was going to get that Silmaril from the Iron Crown in Thangorodrim, and yet he did, and that was a worse place and a blacker danger than ours. But that's a long tale, of course, and goes on past the happiness and into grief and beyond it - and the Silmaril went on and came to Eärendil. And why, sir, I never thought of that before! We've got - you've got some of the light of it in that star-glass that the Lady gave you! Why, to think of it, we're in the same tale still! It's going on. Don't the great tales never end?'
'No, they never end as tales,' said Frodo. 'But the people in them come, and go when their part's ended. Our part will end later - or sooner.
I really like how you explain Sam's gift. A lot of people who talk about it like to present it as something of a punchline.
"To you, gold. To you, the finest bow. To you, a blade of legend. To you, the light of our people. Oh, there's another one? Um, here, have some superior elf dirt."
*throws dirt at Sam*
I see Sam's gift as the greatest of all of them, because it is not for the journey. It is not to be used immediately. It is a promise that she has seen the future and that without the gift, the Shire would never bloom again without the gift, and that would harm the hobbits. The same could be said for Elessar, a promise that Aragorn will survive this journey and claim his ultimate prize, hot Elf booty.
I loved the comment about the hope she gave to the fellowship, perhaps the most important gift of all!
I would pay for a LOTR audio book version by you. Your voice is so soothing to listen to.
You mentioned Gimli being the champion knight of Galadriel and am reminded that he asked for his axe when he thought Eomir had insulted her.
I considered the gift for Sam also a reminder of why he is doing the quest, not to be some warhero or master of many people and fields, but each precious seed and rewarding labor. A gift that really understands Sam, and contrasting the false gifts the One Ring promises him.
Always found it kinda funny how Legolas already had a bow and Galadriel went, "Weak. This one's better."
I'm joking, of course. The bow Legolas brought with him from Mirkwood is noted to be rather small; a defensive weapon rather than a warbow. Makes sense since Legolas showed up at Rivendell in order to inform Gandalf that Gollum had escaped. He wasn't exactly planning to join the Fellowship or go to war when he set out.
The bow he was given by Galadriel was a longbow; a weapon of war. For comparison: Legolas left home with a handgun and was then given a battle rifle.
@@gathenhielm9977yeah, but compared to the rich meaning and layers the Other Gifts Had . . . IT IS by far the weakest, No Matter how useful
“You have my bow.
At least until I can get the darn stick upgraded..”
@@SingingSealRianaI suppose, but I really don’t think that’s much of a bad thing. Legolas is the only elf accompanying the fellowship, there’s no age old rift to repair, no symbolic passing of the torch, and little need for signs of confidence. Legolas is a trusted warrior, and in giving him an implement not simply capable of defense but of war, she delivers her message to Legolas as well, arming him for his task in the fight to come. His task is not merely to guide the fellowship safely on their journey, middle earth will have need of him as a warrior. It proves a worthy gift, far better suited to his purpose than the one he’d brought with him, oft used to defeat enemies far stronger than mere men could have handled.
Reading the books (including the Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales) and then rewatching the films, gave me a deeper perspective and love for that scene with Gimli and the 3 hairs
Tolkien was very clever in the creation of the gifts because not only did the gifts have very specific uses for each character, they also matched the character of whom they were given to. For example, Galadriel didn't give Sam a knife because his nature is to nurture and protect, not kill or destroy. To me it speaks to the depth of thought Tolkien put into his writing, there is no such thing as a throw away line anywhere in his writings, there's always a deeper meaning behind them.
Galadriel doesn't hand out knives (as in the film) but Tom does, and even those have their own history (forged in Cardolan to kill the Witch King) and narrative (giving the hobbits their first realisation there will be fighting in their adventure).
@@differous01And Merry used one of those knives to help slay the Witch King!
No, Galadriel doesn't give anybody a knife or sword in the fellowship of the ring.
I love tolkien but i personally dont think that was so genius, half the DMs in dnd do that
@@Selandirthis may be true but where do you think they got the idea. Granted tolkien didn't come up with this himself either. The gufting of a weapon or piece if gear has been a core tenant of the heros's hourney since time immemorial.
Your channel your insight, your voice, your passion, for Lord of the rings, is a gift worthy of Galedriel
Yes! I'd love a video on Gimli's gift. Its one of my favorite moments and the symbolism in it is great. The exchange between Gimli and Galadriel is so great
Also, ITS the Origin myth of a real world stone
Absolutely one of the best videos you've made. The story and significance of Galadriel's gift of THREE strands of her hair to Gimli has so many layers of meaning, I can't wait until you make that well-deserved separate video. To me, that gift is as significant as the phial to Frodo in its historical. It is a gift of growth and healing. Thanks! Made my day.
This is one of the best LotR videos I've ever seen. Great job!
Absolutely love these deep dives into Tolkien's work. In this particular episode, I was reminded once again of the incredible depth and intricacy of Tolkien's creation. It allows us nothing short of a life-long investigation of Arda. I've never come across any work of fiction as rich and dense - such a gift! And many thanks to you for bringing its riches to us in such an enjoyable and elegant way. Cheers, Robert!
I'd like to add that in a way, Galadriel's giving up her last true ties to middle earth. She's releasing the ambitions she had there not just because she passed a test but because in a way she is at piece and these things symbolize parts of what has long been a part of her. She is giving as much as herself to this cause as an elf can without traveling to Mandos.
Your explanation of Sam's gift and it's many layers of significance kinda hit me .
Tolkien was The GOAT.
Your video added a deeper meaning and significance to Galadriel's gifts. This will enhance my enjoyment the next time I read Lord of the Rings. Many thanks!
You have a kind of eloquence that is hard to believe is even possible, holy shit I almost teared up by the end there. Incredible
3:38 Correction. It is "Not IDLY do the leaves of Lorien fall."
Every time I read the scene between Gimli and Galadriel, I honestly tear up. Especially when I learned the significance of Galadriel's hair was and the history between the Elves and Dwarves because of the Silmarils.
Just wow. This just left me breathless. Of course much of this I knew but the context you presented illuminates the gifts so well. This was simply brilliant. Thanks.
I love when the item descriptions expand the lore
damn this video actually had me quite emotional. teary eyed at several points. amazing.
Shame on me for foolishly thinking that I had heard pretty much everything there was to hear about these gifts. Well done, and thank you for the beautiful insights that you offered!
Thank you. I had not thought so deeply about these gifts. Certainly not beyond the surface utilitarian qualities. This dive into their connections to deeper “truths” is very well written and delivered. Thank you again and may you make videos of this quality as long as the Valar endure (and you desire), InscrutableJohn
I've watched a ton of your LotR videos on your channel. This by far is one of the most thought out and well explained out of all of them. One of the very best of your offerings. My hat's off to you, Sir!
The box with the seed wasn't in the films, although I do think that box of salt was supposed to be a stand-in for it. Still, as I thought about it before clicking the video, it occurred to me that the seed box was in fact the legacy of Lothlorien being passed on. Lothlorien would fade, but in the Northwest, that beauty would find a new home in the Shire. And who better to entrust that legacy than to a gardener? Not a warrior, but a gardener.
By the way, in two weeks, I'll be seeing the Dwarves in Atlanta. "WE'RE THE WARRIORS OF THE ARMY OF STONE!"
Another wonderful video, what an amazing channel! It was such a great scene in the book, when the Lady Galadriel gave out her gifts, and all so well devised by Tolkien. With all the great stories out there, of any genre, books and movies, clever and hilarious, touching and empathic, that make you laugh and cry and hold you in awe; nothing has for me surpassed the world of Tolkien. And it may well remain such. Your videos let us wander through this world in such a wonderful way. Always a great pleasure to watch. Thank you very much for your dedication, Sir!
:) The subject of Galadriel's hair as a gift does go wayy back indeed, and to think it was Gimli she gave them to.
In every great fairy tale the ancient being gives gifts to help on their journey. It's my absolute favorite part of the books when we get to meet the great Lady Galadriel and reach the beautiful land of the elves.
Great video. I think it’s interesting that for all the foresight she shows in her other gifts she does not know what to give Gimli. And it’s Gimli that bridges the divide between the two races.
Definitely do a dive on gimli's gift. That is a wondeful and powerful story and really shows what galadriel saw in him.
The gift of the Elessar also ties in nicely with Galadriel's personal journey and the story of the elves in Middle Earth generally. The Eldar who remained in Middle Earth did so largely because they wanted to preserve and beautify it, making it as much of an echo of Valinor as they could. As Robert said, the Elessar potentially could have allowed Galadriel to preserve Lothlorien a bit longer after the One Ring was destroyed, but by this point she's realized the folly of trying to cling on a bit longer to something that will inevitably be lost anyway. So she instead passes the Elessar on to Aragorn, who can utilize it in the restoration of his future kingdoms and the building of the World of Men that will outlast the elven realms. Galadriel's gift to Sam also carries some of the same connotations, in allowing a last echo of Lothlorien's beauty to continue even after the fading of the elves, through the work of someone who shares a lot of that initial Eldar vision.
this video elaborates Tolkien's elegant taxonomic symmetry in eventually elevating Galadriel from "counted among the mighty of the Noldor" to Feanor's equal, and then, his superior.
By the time he passed, Galadriel was the most OP elf, and the one least concerned (by that point) with Glory. She wasn't simply at peace with a supporting role, she was a primary and ultimately selfless architect of their victory...equal to Gandalf, second only to Eru.
She redeems all that Elven Glory her uncle had spectacularly flushed away.
I always took the point of Boromir, Merry and Pippins gifts to be a matter of diplomacy, credentials, and confidence.
They all played incredibly important parts. Merry and Pippin essentially went on to become ambassadors, and I'd imagine their having those beautiful elven belts helped establish their "authority" and to be taken more seriously by people who had never even seen their kind before. The Gondorians even assumed Pippin was a Prince. Not only that, but Men at the time were, for the most part, wary of elves and Merry and Pippin's association with them could have raised eyebrows, but it's hard to believe someone that would give such a handsome and generous gift could truly be "an elf witch". I'd like to think also that bearing such a special gift also helped their confidence, a reminder of their own importance to help them through their upcoming trials.
As for Boromir, he would have had to convince his father of the righteousness of their cause. Denethor is another who might have had qualms with plans wrought by elves, but such a one as him would definitely be moved seeing his son gifted a belt of pure gold, and that would have swayed his feelings in regards to the elves Boromir had been associating with.
Excellent take. But didn’t Merry and Pippin lose their belts when they escaped the uruk-hai? Or was that just a movie detail?
@@jefffinkbonner9551I think that was only a movie detail
All of those gifts were Exactly right for each recipient, and all noble in their own ways.
This is my favorite of all your wonderful Tolkein videos. Thanks so much for highlighting Galadriel's role here. This is such a deeply feminine example of her power and wisdom. I was so sad that even in the Jackson extended editions it wasn't quite right.
Great presentation! Thank you!
One of the scariest parts of the book version of ROTK was when Samwise went through the entrance of the Crack of Doom and the Phial flickered out in the darkness. Meaning that this was Sauron's turf, and his magic was so strong here that even the Phial couldn't counter it. Luckily for Sam, there weren't any monsters inside to fight!
I loved the potrayel of Galadriel....wise and powerful but kind and warmhearted. The connection she had with gandalf within the council by sharing same values....and then came amazon.
You should watch his Galadriel video, she wasn't always that way. She grew into the being you saw in the movies, she wasn't born Galadriel and that is why who she became is all the more impressive. A young Galadriel would have accepted the ring, that's why her refusing was such an important scene, it showed a growth we weren't privy to at the time but was mentioned in a lot of Tolkien's letters. Galadriel was young and impulsive once, athletic and of an "amazon disposition".
Galadriel in the original LOTR movies is such a babe. Generous, classy, wise. It seems as if she was the last true ruler of the old great kingdoms.
I don't have the book to hand, but did not the belts for Merry and Pippin come with scabbards too? And did she not say that "...blades drawn from these scabbards will be ever sharp..." or something along those lines? Ensuring that these inexperienced fighters were ever combat-ready without having to maintain their blades. That ensured they were ready for their roles: killing the Witch King and the big battle at the Black Gates.
Speaking of Arthurian legends, I'd love another fantasy setting that you analyze and discuss. Arthurian legends would be awesome!
Sam's gift was the most significant at the end of the books. Galadriel knew what she saw in the mirror an knew Sam would need it the most.
Mr Geek! Can we get a video deep dive into the “human” geography of Middle Ages through the ages. Covering populations centres and industry etc - it could even be a series which goes in to each race individually? Love your work thank you
This would be amazing!
The Elven cloaks are nearly magical IRL. I ordered one from NZ made from the exact wool and using the same pattern as the ones worn by the Fellowship. It really is warm when you need it and doesn't get overly hot even during summer. As for the color, I suppose it does matter on the time of the day and what's around you, but they are definitely grey. A lot of people won't recognize it because of that fact, people I guess assume they're some shade of green. Anyway, well worth it for those inclined. A quick google search will lead you to them if you want. I'd love a whole video just on the cloaks.
Today is the day that Gollum fell into Mt. Doom. Happy Eucatastrophe!
I’m reading through the books for the first time right now and how fitting that i reached Mt Doom today!!
You need to mark spoilers.
@@EarthsGeomancer Bruh
@@higginswalsan bro
Gollum showing that break dancing in Mount Doom can have deadly consequences
Informative and interesting as usual. Thanks 💙❤️
Wonderful explained. Thank you. I want to see more videos from In Deep Geek!
Gimli’s gift was also the last diss by Galadriel to faenor which is really funny
As i said before i wish you would do an Autio-book reading of the books...your Narration is most excellent.
Always a pleasure Robert. I love drinking my morning coffee listening to you videos.
Mornin'? It's 10 p.m. in Poland! I wach it in my bed
I'm doing the same right now 😊
@1da24 have a good night's rest then. Salutations from Tasmania, Australia 🇦🇺
@@1da24 - that's how time works, yes.
Past 12pm right now.
Was roasting some coffee till now
This is one of your best yet. Thank you so much.
I agree that Gimli's gift deserves a chapter all his own. Let none say again that Dwarves are grasping and ungracious ^^
Please do a video on Gimli's gift, it's such an interesting moment, would love to learn more about it!
One thing I have oft wondered is, "Is Galadriel's fabled foresight a magical thing or just a consequence of being an intelligent person who is older than some continents?" Tolkien's magic is subtle, he rarely says something like "and then Gandalf cast a spell..." so perhaps Galadriel's foresight is some deep Elf divination. Especially with Elf-magic, their culture seems to lack such a term for their abilities because they view it as just another thing people can do, like whistling or juggling or trilling your Rs. Or it is just a matter of Galadriel having been involved in almost all of the major historical events in the world and has since developed a broad knowledge-base on which to make decisions like "this here bottled starlight would be handy if I were heading to Mordor."
Great comment, certainly makes me think.❤
I love that everything about the lord of the rings boils down to hope
Your usual brilliance is to be expected and then duly appreciated
You need to do a chapter on Gimli. I thought you had done one a while ago about why his friendship with Legolas was so important as well and the lore behind that, but I can't seem to find that. Maybe weave those two into one chapter/video. I'd watch that for however long it would be!
If I recall correctly, Galadriel gave the Elfstone to Celebrian who eventually passed to her daughter Arwen. Arwen left it in Lorien for Aragorn. So Galadriel didn't gift it to Aragorn-she simply conveyed Arwen's gift to him.
Thank you for this video.
I just finished watching LOTRs for the first time. Going to make my first video about it.
Was never much of a movie person, but I remember the hype around these movies when they were coming out when I was a teenager. It's good to know the hype was real.
I was not expecting to become hooked to this story. It was an incredible trilogy. And I have tons of questions that videos like this will answer for me. 💙
Pippen and Merry received the belts to help elevate them - such finery would elevate them in appearance more befitting their importance to the Fellowship. They were more than just comic relief.
It also foreshadowed their literal elevation in becoming taller.
The gifts were not insignificant. Being elevated in stature within the group motivated them to take greater actions, and their actions were important in the scheme of things.
Great video. Thanks for your insight
Giving the Elfstone to Aragorn is also symbolic of her passing the torch, giving the responsibility and hope for the world from elves to man, ushering in the Age of Men
I never realised the hope embedded In the gifts. Thanks
I got teary eyed when you described Sam’s gift. Love your channel
Exceptionally good one, Robert.
Certainly one of your best videos. I found it more than informative, to the point I watched it twice. Thanks for your continued work, explanations and passion.
Great content as always, keep up the good work!
Thanks!
And the gift of a last meal together at the river’s edge.
A true hidden gem in UA-cam
Brilliant synopsis, Robert. 🙌🏻🙌🏻
7:53 and 11:24 🌱🌲 8:47 Planting the 'Silver Seed' 9:22 The last light of the Two Trees of Valinor
Yay! More info about Galadriel! I'm glad I'm early and that you put out more content.
It is my opinion that the Box Galadriel gave Sam is the ultimate boon. In Joseph Campbell's "The hero with a thousand faces" it is explained that at the quest's Nader the goddess gives the hero the ultimate boon. We know from Tolkien's letters that Sam is " the chief hero ". As I believe the seeds that are in that box are the ultimate boon it then stands to reason that the story is ultimately about life. Some Scholars have written that it is about death but I do not think so. How can the story's goddess give the story's hero a gift of life and then have us say that the story is about death?
OOh, interesting; and to a comment above, asking about the Scouring of the Shire. Maybe to us, Frodo or Aragorn was the hero; but to the hobbits, the real hero was Samwise, who went away on an adventure he didn't ask for, and when he returned, put the Shire back in order, better than before!
Absolutely yes to an in depth dive into the importance of Gimli’s gift. There’s just so many layers to it from a lore perspective or a European chaste courtly love or what it reveals about the dwarves in general and Gimli in specific.
Plus it’s hilarious to imagine Feanor raging when Gimli shows up with Legolas in a few decades.
"If you'd like to see more videos like this..", I do not deny that my heart has greatly desired this.
You're awesome. They way you talk about the Lotr universe is so amazing. And your voice is beautiful and soothing. I could literally listen for hour's.
Another top shelf episode. Bringing deeper insights unto aspects I knew but hadnt been revealed in this depth.
Thank you
"It will look great on your remains traveling down the Anduin"
"What?"
"What?"
For a subject matter that you could easily over inflate to an hour just reading names alone I always appreciate the brevity you bring to the legendarium