[The Saucepan Man]

Short though it is, this Chapter must rank among my favourites. I still have a vague (unfortunately too vague) recollection of the shock of Boromir's death when I first read the book. It is one of those moments that stays with you.

Originally Posted by Estelyn Telcontar

The chapter title is rather ambiguous - did anyone think that it meant Boromir was going to Minas Tirith when first reading the book?

The title choice is important. Imagine picking up the book in the shop and reading the Chapter title: "The Death of Boromir" or something similar! This became even more important with LotR's eventual publication under a single cover, as was Tolkien's original intention. If the first-time reader knew of Boromir's fate all along it would significantly affect his or her reaction to the character.

Originally Posted by Estelyn

As mark/Helen commented in the previous chapter discussion, he is not even able to make use of the possibility of seeing on Amon Hen. Apparently the personal situation of the one who comes there affects what happens.

Like Estelyn and Helen, I believe that Aragorn's experience at Amon Hen is very much a product of his frame of mind. He is riven with worry and indecision. His mind is clouded, and so is his view. Although both Frodo and Aragorn come to Amon Hen with choices to make, there is a fundamental difference. Frodo had already, in his heart, made his choice (particularly after his experience with Boromir). He knows what he has to do, and this is simply confirmed by what he sees at the Seat of Seeing. Aragorn, on the other hand, remains undecided. And it is for him to make his final decision, guided by the circumstances and with the support of those in whom he trusts. It is not the function of the Seat to make his mind up for him. And, in any event, what could he possibly see that would aid him in his choice? The Orcs carrying off Merry and Pippin? Frodo and Sam rowing to the far shore? He will become aware of these things soon enough, through his own actions.

Originally Posted by Estelyn

One thing that stands out in this chapter is Aragorn's uncertainty.

Indeed. And then some. But this continues a pattern that we have seen throughout the preceding Chapters, commencing with Gandalf's fall in Moria. Aragorn has had the leadership of the Fellowship thrust upon him, and he doubts his own ability to live up to this role. We have seen his desire to prolong making any decision as to the course which the Fellowship should take (most particularly in his eagerness to follow the flow of the Anduin, with almost disastrous consequences). His doubt and indecision have been growing since Gandalf's fall, and this Chapter sees the culmination of this trend. Not once but twice he reflects that all that he has done this day has gone amiss. His soliloquy following Boromir's death drips with despair. I think that it has been quoted once already, but it bears repeating:

'Alas!' said Aragorn. 'Thus passes the heir of Denethor, Lord of the Tower of the Guard! This is a bitter end. Now the company is all in ruin. It is I that have failed. Vain was Gandalf's trust in me. What shall I do now? Boromir has laid it on me to go to Minas Tirith, and my heart desires it; but where are the Ring and the Bearer? How shall I find them and save the Quest from disaster?'

What's going on? Here we have the character who represents hope (Estel) seemingly losing all hope himself. This truly represents his lowest point.

But he does not give up. With the support of Legolas and Gimli, he picks himself up and starts to assess the position. His words and actions begin to take on a more positive, confident tone. Perhaps, as Gimli says, there is no right choice. But there is a choice to be made and, having gathered as much information as he can, Aragorn faces up to it. (I tend to think that Gimli is wrong here. Who knows what would have happened had Aragorn chosen to follow Frodo, but the choice which he makes ultimately turns out for the good. And it would have been unthinkable to leave Merry and Pippin to their fate while hope remained that they were alive. But, to be fair to Gimli, his comment here is made without full knowledge of the facts.)

But come! With or without hope we will follow the trail of our enemies. And woe to them, if we prove the swifter! We will make such a chase as shall be accounted a marvel among the Three Kindreds: Elves, Dwarves and Men. Forth the Three Hunters!

Positive, affirmative and inspiring statements. A complete contrast to Aragorn's words immediately following Boromir's death. (And even I, film 'apologist' that I am, have to admit that they are infinately superior to "Lets hunt some Orc!" .)

This Chapter marks an essential stage in the transformation of Aragorn into one who is worthy to become the leader of Men. It's not that he lacked confidence or hope or leadership skills before. But he is destined to become King of the greatest nation of (Western) Middle earth, and that requires exceptional qualities. These he shows in some measure in lifting himself from despair and rising to the challenge set for him here. But he has to do this himself. The Seat of Seeing cannot provide the solution for him.

Like Aiwendil, I have always regarded Aragorn as a rather flat character but, for the reasons discussed above, I have to agree with him when he says that this Chapter is probably the best portrayal of Aragorn in the book.

And so, once again, to Boromir.

At last slow words came. "I tried to take the Ring from Frodo. I am sorry. I have paid."

In these words, I do see true repentance on Boromir's part. Aldarion Elf-Friend makes the very good point that Boromir's greatest, perhaps only, lie was to himself. In admitting to Aragorn that he tried to take the Ring (something which he could not bring himself to do when he first returned to Parth Galen), he is admitting to himself that he was wrong to do so - to allow himself to be corrupted by it. In my view, this is indeed what he is referring to when he says that he has failed. He recognises that it is something for which 'payment' is due. He is, I think, truly sorry. And Aragorn's words suggest to me that Boromir has, finally, conquered the Ring's hold over him (or that within him to which the Ring appealed). I doubt that Aragorn is just talking about the dead Orcs when he says that "Few have gained such a victory".

It is, to my mind, important that Boromir's act of redemption (whereby he 'pays' for his mistake) is one which reminds us of his redeeming qualities. As Lalwendë has noted, the fact that he is surrounded by the bodies of those that he has slain marks him out as a warrior. And the sheer number that lay piled up around him, not to mention the alarming number of arrows that have pierced him, highlight his valour and strength.

Boromir's downfall came through his over-confidence - thinking (or deceiving himself) that he knew better than the Wise what to do with the Ring. But he redeems himself through those qualities in which he is rightfully confident: valour, strength and skill in arms. Interestingly, Aragorn's low point in this Chapter comes through a lack of confidence in his own qualities, but it is through exercising his undoubted skills in tracking (through which he learns of Frodo's choice and gains a goal - to save Merry and Pippin) that he finds inspiration as a leader and sets off on the path which is, ultimately, to lead him to the throne of Gondor.

Originally Posted by davem

This use of the word ‘confessed’ seems significant - especially in the light of Tolkien’s statement that he had deliberately made the story Catholic in the revision. Actually it seems that his original idea was more Catholic but he changed it. Boromir dies forgiven & absolved of his ‘sins’ because he made a ‘death bed’ confession to Aragorn (well, to Trotter). But what does this say about Aragorn/Trotter? Does it mean that Tolkien saw him as having a ‘priestly’ role - able not simply to hear confession, but to give absolution?

But the final version does retain the 'confession' element. Boromir does confess what he has done to Aragorn. And, interestingly, Aragorn honours the confidentiality of Boromir's confession, for he does not mention it to Legolas or Gimli and keeps Boromir's last words to him secret for a long time thereafter. In light of this, I cannot help but find the suggestion that Aragorn is somehow assuming a 'priestly' role here a compelling one. Aragorn forgives Boromir by his words and deeds, but isn't he simply offering his personal forgiveness? I doubt that Tolkien would see Aragorn as giving absolution in Eru's name, since that would be a matter for Eru. Then again, as I have suggested above, Aragorn's words of forgiveness work, I think, to inspire forgiveness in the reader. Do they therefore absolve Boromir as a matter of fact, within the context of the story?

Originally Posted by davem

Third, why do Aragorn, Gimli & Legolas take so much time over Boromir’s funeral arrangements? It seems illogical - shouldn’t they be off after the Hobbits straight away? I was always struck by the strangeness of their actions. It seems both right & wrong to do what they do. Logically, its silly. Boromir’s dead, the Hobbits are alive & in need, yet the three remaining companions take time to take Boromir to the boat, row it out into the stream & then sing a funeral dirge over his body. Yet on some level I know it was both right & necessary, & I would have lost all respect for them if they hadn’t done what they did - what’s that line about the heart having reasons that reason knows not of?

I agree that it was both right and necessary. In the context of the moral values inherent in the story, it would have been unthinkable to leave Boromir's body "lying like carrion among these foul Orcs". What is the point of fighting against Sauron if they do not uphold the values which set them apart from him?

Finally, a quick word on the barrow blades which Aragorn finds among the bodies of the Orcs. It is heartening to see that Merry and Pippin did not allow themselves to be captured without a fight. But more significant is Aragorn's description of them as:

... work of Westernesse, wound about with spells for the bane of Mordor.

This foreshadows the use to which these blades will eventually be put by Merry and Pippin, particularly Merry. There can be no doubt that Aragorn made the right choice in taking them with hope of returning them.