While following Frodo, Sam, and Gollum from the Emyn Muil to Cirith Ungol, I paused at a few passages, considering them in a new (to me) light. Perhaps you consider these old hat, having long since mulled the various permutations of meaning. But let we slow one in the back of the class proceed at our own pace.
It has been noted before that Gollum’s statement “He has only four on the Black Hand, but they are enough” is evidence of Sauron retaining a physical form. Fine, I’m not going into that. What I paused at was Gollum’s next utterance: “And he hated Isildur’s City.”
Now, is that Gollum demonstrating a grasp of historical lore? Or, does it suggest that Gollum was in Sauron’s presence long enough to hear that personal prejudice directly from the Dark Lord? Did they in fact converse? Was Sauron torturing Gollum with his own maimed, four-fingered hand and having a little chat with him during the interrogation?
Later, Sam gets to see his oliphaunt. Now, scoff if you will at Peter Jackson’s mumak — and you should — but note the description Tolkien provides of the beast: “his kin that live still in latter days are but memories of his girth and majesty…and high upon his neck still desperately clung a tiny figure — the body of a might warrior, a giant among the Swertings.” That certainly does indicate a prodigious creature. With only a single trunk, of course, but the proportions of the film’s conception might not be far off.
One last item. When Faramir and two rangers take leave of Frodo, Sam, and Gollum, Tolkien writes this: “They marvelled to see with what speed these green-clad men moved, vanishing almost in the twinkling of an eye.” If you will recall the particular skill of hobbits in moving silently and seeming to vanish, then the fact that hobbits are marveling at the rangers ability is high praise indeed.
So, no earth shattering insights there. But I don’t recall having pondered the implications of these little passages before. What do you think?
Christmas is almost here. If you still have gifts to buy, note that Cesar the Bravo is still on sale.