This relatively short chapter is of vital importance to the story. It ties together the previously separate threads of the tale; as a matter of fact, it brings the Fellowship back together again! First we are taken back in time briefly, going to the battle at the Black Gate just before the Ring is destroyed. Though the situation seems grave, we quickly see clues that the
eucatastrophe is close at hand. Aragorn's gleaming eyes, a shadowless Gandalf, the clear sky to the north, and then the coming of the Eagles - the latter an especially eucatastrophic
deja vu to those who previously read
The Hobbit.
It's interesting to speculate on whether or not the Eagles could have won the battle against the Nazgūl, but like Gandalf vs. the Witch-King, it doesn't happen. The flight of the Ringwraiths has a different reason.
Sauron's minions lose the central will that drives them, but there is a differentiation between orcs and similar creatures and the Men who are their allies. The latter have a will of their own. Explaining this difference will make for some interesting discussion!
Gandalf's "Stand, Men of the West!" has a very Biblical ring to it, like the children of Israel who stood still (Jericho, etc.) to see their enemies conquered without their own effort.
Going back to Frodo and Sam, we hear Frodo's last words once more, yet Sam, with his practical hope never quite quenched, tries to do something against the despair. Had he not, would there have been no possibility for the Eagles to rescue them?
Sam again thinks of the story they are in - doubly so, for it is true both in their (fictional) time and in our time. The fulfillment of his wishes toward the end of the chapter is one of its most touching and moving moments! What do these sentences evoke in you when you (re-)read them?
Quote:
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...until their hearts, wounded with sweet words, overflowed, and their joy was like swords, and they passed in thought out to regions where pain and delight flow together and tears are the very wine of blessedness.
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"Is everything sad going to come untrue?" No, this is no fairy-tale; though there is a happy ending, it is not absolute nor comprehensive. Yet Frodo and Sam are honoured, for they have accomplished the task which they set out to do.
Again Frodo rejects a sword, not even wanting to wear one ceremonially, but he is persuaded to do so by Gandalf. Why do you think that is important on this occasion?
As always when members of the Fellowship meet after separation, there is much to tell. Tolkien uses their conversation to tie up loose ends, such as what happened to Pippin after we thought him dead.
We have a poem, Legolas' longing for the Sea, prophetic in nature. How do you like it?
The chapter ends with waiting, looking toward another transition - from war to peace, from Stewardship to Kingship for Minas Tirith.
Which parts are your favourites? Do you feel relieved or bored now that the Quest is over?