Galadriel Quote

[Puddleglum]

Originally Posted by Eomer of the Rohirrim

The line is taken out of context. As I recall, Treebeard uses the first part of it --water, earth, air -- in the book to suggest that the light is returning to Middle-earth.

You're certainly right that was taken out of context (PJ did that a fair amount).

I think, however, that Treebeard's intent was sadness at the changing, not hope in returning light. In the fuller quote Treebeard is speaking to Galadriel & Celeborn

It is sad that we should meet only thus at the ending. For the world is changing: I feel it in the water, I feel it in the earth, and I smell it in the air. I do not think we shall meet again.

To which Celeborn says he doesn't know and Galadriel says not until the lands under-the-wave (ie, Beleriand) are lifted up

Then in the willow meads of Tasarinan we may meet in the spring.