Another LOTR Read-Along: The Ride of the Rohirrim (ROTK 5, 5)

I'm very fond of Ghan-buri-Ghan and his Wild Men. They're kind of like the Ents -- something rather unique to Tolkien that I've never really run into in other legends and mythologies. Which, granted, I haven't read nearly enough of for even my own liking, but whatever. They're kind of the like earth personified, the same way the Ents are trees personified, and I dig them a lot.

They're also the third time we encounter "forgotten beings" that have special knowledge and abilities to help in time of need. First Tom Bombadil, then Treebeard, now Ghan-buri-Ghan. Tolkien does like his patterns, doesn't he.

And yeah, this is one of those thrilling chapters where I just cheer and cheer and clap my hands and bounce up and down as the Rohirrim go charging into battle. And they sing! "And then all the host of Rohan burst into song, and they sang as they slew, for the joy of battle was on them, and the sound of their singing that was fair and terrible came even to the City" (p. 820). Such a cool image, these singing warriors slaying orcs with joy. Oh, I love those Rohirrim so much!

Favorite Lines:

"Need brooks no delay, yet late is better than never," said Eomer (p. 817).

"Forth now, and fear no darkness!" (p. 818). (I have a mug that says that.)

(From my Instagram)

Discussion Questions:

"There seemed to be some understanding between Dernhelm and Elfhelm, the Marshal who commanded the eored in which they were riding" (p. 812). So Elfhelm presumably knows that Merry wasn't supposed to come along, but turns a blind eye to his presence. Seems like this Elfhelm guy plays kinda fast and loose with obeying the king's orders about stuff, doesn't it? And by the end, Merry is riding with Dernhelm right up near Theoden, who takes no notice. Do you think by then, Theoden kind of knows Merry is along and is turning a blind eye to it?