The flight from the Nazgul: did the High Elves care? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Raynor · 10-10-2007, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Why then, given the need of the Hobbits & their fight against them, did Gildor & co. no accompany them to Rivendell?

The elves weren't aware of the importance of Frodo's travel. By taking them along, they performed a simple act of kindness towards persons stalked by the Black Riders.

10-10-2007, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raynor

The elves weren't aware of the importance of Frodo's travel. By taking them along, they performed a simple act of kindness towards persons stalked by the Black Riders.

They knew that Frodo's errand was of great importance, & they were also concerned that Gandalf was not with them. When the Nazgul come all the way from Mordor to the Shire, it must have struck them that they were after something of great importance from the Hobbits. The simple truth is they felt this tale was none of their business, & did the minimum they felt was needed to comfort the Hobbits.

William Cloud Hicklin · 10-10-2007, 04:57 AM

Remember that when Tolkien wrote this very early chapter, before even The Shadow of the Past, he really had no idea what the story was about or what 'Bingo' was doing. The first Black Rider appeared on the page by altering a description of Gandalf! and Tolkien liked the Gildor-episode too much to scrap it, although it doesn't make a lot of sense. In the developed version, Gildor's company were Elves of Rivendell on their way home from Emyn Beraid, and so it's pretty astounding that they wouldn't have taken the hobbits under their wing.

Galin · 10-10-2007, 09:09 AM

This thread has some interesting points anyway...

http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=624

10-10-2007, 04:57 AM	#3
William Cloud Hicklin Loremaster of Annúminas Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 2,330	Remember that when Tolkien wrote this very early chapter, before even The Shadow of the Past, he really had no idea what the story was about or what 'Bingo' was doing. The first Black Rider appeared on the page by altering a description of Gandalf! and Tolkien liked the Gildor-episode too much to scrap it, although it doesn't make a lot of sense. In the developed version, Gildor's company were Elves of Rivendell on their way home from Emyn Beraid, and so it's pretty astounding that they wouldn't have taken the hobbits under their wing. __________________ The entire plot of The Lord of the Rings could be said to turn on what Sauron didn’t know, and when he didn’t know it.

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10-10-2007, 09:09 AM	#4
Galin Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,036	This thread has some interesting points anyway... http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=624