Lisl Reads Tolkien

Tolkien introduces Éomer as a tall man; the leader of a military unit (éored – a group of 120 riders from his household) from a country currently under attack, on the verge of open war. He faces an extraordinary challenge upon meeting Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli; armed strangers, intruders. Are they friend or foe?

Displays of military power, misunderstandings and threats are seen from both sides (at times there were more than two sides) before a satisfactory answer to this question can be found. It was an extremely delicate situation that, as Tolkien describes himself, “might have gone ill” if it weren’t for diplomacy.

There are clear rules for dealing with trespassers in Rohan; they must be brought before the King. The policy is given and Éomer must carry it out. Despite the initial animosity, the leader of the Rohirrim does not resort to force as his first choice. Accepting Aragorn’s invitation to diplomacy he suggests the strangers join him voluntarily. His men press him; they are clearly on the upper hand, in larger numbers and having the law on their side.

It is not the first time he is cornered between politics and ethics, faced with the decision between what seems to be correct and what feels right. It was not the first time he followed his heart against his orders. He left the house with little guard to fight a small group of orcs because in doing so he believed to be avoiding the alliance of the Two Towers (“Indeed in this riding north I went without the king’s leave”).

“Men of the Mark do not lie, and therefore are not easily deceived.” Éomer listens to Aragorn, but above all he listens to his own judgment. He goes against politics and acts upon his personal ethics. Not only does he allow the three to go, but he aids them with horses and information. His generosity and benevolence towards Aragorn earned him a powerful allied and a friend.

I mean, he must have known this is a major battle and it doesn’t seem like the Children of Ilúvatar are winning… maybe he should have dropped Manwë a call? I get it that he knows a lot of what is to come and he probably is chilled about it because it’s all still unfolding and all, but really?! Turgon is sending ship after ship into the West to ask for help and Ossë is wrecking them all, but news is reaching Aman via Mandos for sure!

We know that Elves can talk about what they’ve been through before death once they get to Mandos because Lúthien did. I wonder what it was like… maybe they were too hurt or unconscious, but it’s likely they were able to report of the struggles and losses, of the valour in battle and the horror… I wonder…

Happy Birthday!

125 years J.R.R. Tolkien

The Professor!