Faramir's (and Boromir's) Dream

[Galadriel55]

I don't really think that Bilbo composed the lyrics and Gandaf sent them to the brothers.

The dream was a prophecy. Bilbo, as good a poet as he was, did not make prophecies. He based some of his poems (like the Aragorn one) on existing prophecies, but he was no diviner.

If Gandalf indeed sent the dream, I don't think he even thought of the lyrics. He sent the idea, the purpose, you name it. The words came out because Elves and Men of high descent in ME happen to be poetic/musical.

But even that seems unlikely. The Gandalf that "ruthelessly persuaded" Thorin and Bilbo is only half-canonical, if you get my meaning. This was the same Gandalf who was afraid of wolves and threw pinecones at them from the top of a tree. Is it the same Gandalf who defeated the Balrog? TH is a bit of a different story, separate from the rest of ME...

And anyways, I don't think Gandalf is that much into intrigue and politics to try to convert one of Denethor's sons so that he'd put pressure on his father.

I like what Alatar proposed:

- The dream has no sender.

This is probably the most realistic of the theories, IMO. But I think it's because the Numenorians, like Elves, had a bit of a divine side to them, not because of the Music. They all were inclined for a bit of prophecy here and there.

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Galadriel55

This is probably the most realistic of the theories, IMO. But I think it's because the Numenorians, like Elves, had a bit of a divine side to them, not because of the Music. They all were inclined for a bit of prophecy here and there.

The problem I have with this interpretation is the timing.

For me, it strains credibility to think that both sons of the Ruling Steward of Gondor would just happen to have the dream at just the right moment: not long before the Halfling in question set out for Imladris on his own. Even Michael Bay wouldn't film such a contrived plot. Well, ok. He would.

[Galadriel55]

Originally Posted by Inziladun

For me, it strains credibility to think that both sons of the Ruling Steward of Gondor would just happen to have the dream at just the right moment: not long before the Halfling in question set out for Imladris on his own.

But isn't this whole "councel of Elrond" thing all about the coincidental timing? Frodo & Friends come to Rivindell around the same time as Gimli, Legolas, and Boromir? I am not sure about Galdor since Elven settlements could be exchanging messengers all the time, and his presence thus would not be coincidental.

I do not have FOTR with me to quote, bt I think Elrond says it himself - they all came though none were called. They were all gathered by some force (call it "fate" if you prefer) to decide on the Ring and form a Fellowship.

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Galadriel55

But isn't this whole "councel of Elrond" thing all about the coincidental timing? Frodo & Friends come to Rivindell around the same time as Gimli, Legolas, and Boromir? I am not sure about Galdor since Elven settlements could be exchanging messengers all the time, and his presence thus would not be coincidental.

I do not have FOTR with me to quote, bt I think Elrond says it himself - they all came though none were called. They were all gathered by some force (call it "fate" if you prefer) to decide on the Ring and form a Fellowship.

Which speaks for the idea that there was a purpose behind the dream, and against it being a mere by-product of Númenórean heritage.

[alatar]

I finally found my Sil...sometimes I swear it disappears into some other dimension, only to reappear when I'm looking for something else.

Anyway, maybe it's Gandalf implanting dreams...

Originally Posted by Valaquenta

But of Olórin that tale does not speak; for though he loved the elves, he walked among them unseen, or in form as one of them, and they did not know whence came the fair visions or the promptings of wisdom that he put into their hearts.

...or maybe there was no sender...

Originally Posted by Ainulindalë

And it is said by the Eldar that in the water there lives yet the echo of the Music of the Ainur more than in any substance else that is in this Earth; and many of the Children of Iluvatar hearken still unsated to the voices of the Sea, and yet know not for what they listen.