"Yet hope remains while all the Company is true"

[Artanis]

And with that word she held them with her eyes, and in silence looked searchingly at each of them in turn. None save Legolas and Aragorn could long endure her glance.Galadriel was testing the heart of each one of the Fellowship, offering them something they greatly desired, if they only left the Quest. Sam told the rest of them what he was offered: A nice journey back to the Shire to a comfortable little hole and a garden of his own. What do you all think she tempted the rest of them with? What do you think were their greatest desires?

And, did they all in their hearts reject the temptation?

[Nurvingiel]

I think all but Boromir rejected the temptation, and it was his downfall. I think Boromir's greatest desire was to have Sauron defeated and Gondor safe, with him ruling as a good king. He wanted what was best for his people, but he also wanted to succeed his father as King, not just as a Steward. He was still not entirely convinced that the Ring could not be used against Sauron, and the Ring preyed on this weakness. As Gandalf pointed out (in reference to himself, but it also applies to Boromir) he would have tried to use the Ring for good, but it would only do evil.
Galadriel tested them in the relative safety of Lothlorien so they could overcome any doubts there instead of at a key moment. Boromir did not overcome his doubts, and I think Galadriel forsaw what would happen to him. This is why Galadriel disturbed Boromir so much. He sensed what he saw, though he did not know what it was. Maybe if he had he might have been able to resist the Ring.

[Attalus]

I certainly agree about Boromir. His comment that the Men of Gondor are true to their word and Galadriel's telling Gandalf that he was in danger make no other interpretation possible, IMHO. Frodo she held longest in her gaze. What was she offering him? I have always thought that she offered him an honorable way to end his part in the Quest, leave the Ring with some other Bearer, and return home, or perhaps Rivendell. His readiness, feigned or true to offer her the Ring argues for this. Aragorn? Perhaps that he might forsake the Quest, marry Arwen, and stay there in Lorien. Legolas? I don't know. Something he greatly desired. Perhaps a Princedom adjacent to Mirkwood ? Merry and Pippin? Wealth and power in the Shire, perhaps? All the food and ale they could eat? Certainly a return to the Shire. Gimli? Weath and power, perhaps a new Dwarf-realm? Not certain. Hard are the hearts of the Dwarves to fathom.

[Halbarad of the Dunedain]

Gimli? Weath and power, perhaps a new Dwarf-realm? Not certain. Hard are the hearts of the Dwarves to fathom.

Im not entirely sure that would be Gimli's ultimate desire, for when he was questioned by Galadriel in this fashion he had already looked upon her beauty. All he would desire from that moment on was her, could she have tempted Gimli with a vision of a life with Galadriel!?

[Rosie Gamgee]

Whoa. There's a weird picture. Um, I don't think that Galadriel would have tempted him with that. I wonder if she tempted him at all. It doesn't seem that Elves exactly have the capacity to deign what is in the hearts of dwarves. Doesn't she actually have to ask what gift he would wish of the elves?

[Halbarad of the Dunedain]

But this part is not of the gifts it is what she tempted them with in their minds and in thei hearts. I think i understand what your saying though, that she had a gift for everyone save Gimli, due to the fact elves know not how to apease the desires of dwarvs. but like i said in the previous post, Gimli after looking upon galadriel desired nothing over that ehich is fairer, Galadriel. I wonder if she did not tempt Gimli.
as for legolas, perhaps she tempted him with the beach, with the white gulls, and white ships... to sail to Valinor. It was in her warning message to him, go not to the seas...
only othe difficult one is Aragorn. in the book what he desired was to be king and to do what was right, in the film he was reluctant ot become the king? So i would say in the book version, he was tempted with something similar to boromir, to have the ring, win the war, and save arwens life. not to mention with the ring he could live longer, if not forever with arwen.

[Rosie Gamgee]

'save arwen'? I don't remember Arwen being in any danger in the books. Correct me?
I think maybe she did not exactly tempt all the members of the fellowship. I think what she did was point out their weaknesses. For Sam, she pointed out to him that he might not stay with his master if the price was high enough, and that weakness had to be reckoned with. For Aragorn and Legolas, perhaps the reason that they could endure her gaze was that they had no weaknesses of that kind, and perhaps she found them pure of heart, or at least purer than the rest.

[BeardofPants]

I always assumed that Galadriel offered to take Frodo's burden, and let him return home. ::shrug::

[Rosie Gamgee]

Interesting. I never really thought of that. Notice even Frodo could not long endure her gaze. I wonder...

[Artanis]

I think maybe she did not exactly tempt all the members of the fellowship. I think what she did was point out their weaknesses. For Sam, she pointed out to him that he might not stay with his master if the price was high enough, and that weakness had to be reckoned with.I think you have a good point, and Nurvingiel too. Though I believe Galadriel was testing them - to observe in what degree they were able to resist the temptation - she also helped each one of them to understand themselves better, helped them to be aware of how the Ring would try to get them in its power.

[Halbarad of the Dunedain]

'save arwen'? I don't remember Arwen being in any danger in the books. Correct me?
I think maybe she did not exactly tempt all the members of the fellowship. I think what she did was point out their weaknesses. For Sam, she pointed out to him that he might not stay with his master if the price was high enough, and that weakness had to be reckoned with. For Aragorn and Legolas, perhaps the reason that they could endure her gaze was that they had no weaknesses of that kind, and perhaps she found them pure of heart, or at least purer than the rest.


Not save arwen from imediate danger but from the fate of middle earth, save her from the wrath of Mordor. In the film this is made a huge deal between aragorn and arwen. when i say save i dont mean the end of her living life i mean her life with aragorn and her future and not going to valinor and saving that choice, as in making sure she has a future with aragorn with no sauron. Also I am pretty sure that Tolkien said that all of the company(save Gandalf) were tempted with something by Galadriel. I think that Legolas and Aragorn were uneffected due to their history, their elven blood(yes aragorn had some) and their relation with Galadriel. Legolas was an elf, in some way related to Galadriel as the wood elves and the lorien elves were intermingled. and aragorn had been to lorien many times, it is where he met arwen. the fact they were more pure of hart i think is also to account for ther "holding of the gaze" yet i dont think it is all of it because if it was they would be greater than even gandalf, for everyone has a breaking point withthe ring. except Bombadil

[Lefty Scaevola]

Merry and Pippin? Wealth and power in the Shire, perhaps? All the food and ale they could eat? They already had this, each being the frist in line scion of one of the two most aristoractic and wealthy families there (counting Buckland as part of the shire).

[Nurvingiel]

Merry and Pippin, compared to other members of the Fellowhip, didn't have much of a burden. Maybe they were tempted with a similar thing to Frodo - to have someone else competant to carry the burden for him so they could return to the Shire together, in safety.

If Gandalf had been present, what do you think he would have been offered?

Edit: By the way, great thread idea Artanis! :)

[Attalus]

They already had this, each being the frist in line scion of one of the two most aristoractic and wealthy families there (counting Buckland as part of the shire).True, but they probably didn't know of a good way to get back there, with honor. Perhaps that was their temptation.

[Haradrim]

I always thought she tempted them all with the ring. Aragorn knew he was tempted and therefore could withstand her gaze and Im sure LEgolas was used to it. GImli with the power to get all the gold he wanted with the ring. Boromir to save Gondor, Frodo to give someone else the ring. Merry and Pippen something frivolous. Aragorn- to live forever, save Godnor and basically make everyone happy. and Legolas with his own line of hair and body products.

[Lefty Scaevola]

Merry and Pippen something frivolous. Yeah, the reason hoobits had extra resistance to the ring. The ring controls and corrrupts through desire for power. Most hobbits do not desire power, most of the time they desire some nice food.
"
Ring: Put me on Bilbo and I will make you great.
Bilbo: What's for Lunch.
Ring: I will make the biggest hobbit in Hobbiton.
Bilbo. It been almost 2 hours since evlensies and I am hungry.
Ring: I will make you mayor of the shire.
Bilbo: I fancy a nice BLT sandwich right now.
Ring: I will make you Thain.
Bilbo: UUmmm, Blt with extra crispy bacon...
Ring:..You will be the Took...
Bilbo: ...firm but not mealy tomato...
Ring: ...Master of the great smials....
Bilbo: ...crunchey iceberg lettuce...
Ring: ...and Master of buckland, that too...
Biblo: ...now do I want whole wheat toast or sourdough toast?...
Ring: ...IIRC correctly, you prefer whole wheat, back on topic, you will be master of Brandy hall...
Bilbo:..My mother used to make a special mayonaise...
Ring: ..A KING! I will make you King of Arthedain, how about that?
Bilbo: ..It was very tangy, with vinegar and lemon and taragon....
Ring: ...ARRRGH! Arnor, all Arnor will be yours!
Bilbo: ..I feel like extra bacon on it today
Ring: ....I do not #$$%^%#%^^ make sandwhiches you know, I dominate and conquer! I am a ring of metal for Morgoth's sake! I can not even pick up the a knife to spread mayonaise. Come on now let's join Sauron and conquer the world. You will be Viceroy of all Eriador!
Bilbo: Well then! if you are not going to make me my sandwich, it is back in the pocket for you until tea time, then we will see if you are any use.

[Haradrim]

That was #@%$ing hilarious. By Eru I thgink that will be my next bit for declamation if you dont mind.

[Artanis]

Hahaha Lefty! :p :p And it is so true. :) And thanks Nurv! :)

I have wondered about Frodo. He didn't want to speak of his temptation, even when Boromir pressed him. What if he had been tempted to give the Ring to Boromir. Then he would himself be relieved of a great burden and perhaps be able to return to the Shire in peace, and Boromir would be given the chance to save Gondor. But I think Frodo knew in his heart that he had no other choice than to continue on his quest, even if the temptation was there all the time.

Gimli - he didn't strike me as particularly greedy for gold and personal wealth. It's more likely that he was tempted with beauty. To take the Ring and then get the power to restore Moria? Or to leave the quest, and stay in Lórien with the beauty of Galadriel within sight?

Legolas - how little we know of him! I think he has a lot in common with the Hobbits, in that he more than anything wants to live in peace in his beloved woods in his homeland. At that time he was not yet aware of the Sea, and what influence it would have on him. Perhaps he was offered to leave the quest too, and return home in honour. After all it was not required of neither him or Gimli to follow Frodo further than beyond the mountains. He was able to hold the gaze of Galadriel simply because he was an Elf I think, and he was used to her way of communication. He could choose whether he would let her get access to his thoughts or not.

Aragorn - he was too well aware of his own desires to get shameful or surprised about them. And I think he also knew that the only way he could get what he wanted, was to keep to the purpose of the Fellowship and get the Ring destroyed. At his parting with Galadriel and Lórien he said to her: Lady, you know all my desire, and long held in keeping the only treasure that I seek. Yet it is not yours to give me, even if you would; and only through darkness shall I come to it.

[Haradrim]

But wouldnt it have made more sense to tempt them all with the ring. THat way Galadriel can determine how ings will play out. I think she tempted each withthe ring and telling them what it could do for them. :)

[Artanis]

No ... I think she tempted only Boromir with the Ring, the others would rather get rid of the Ring than take it. Gimli, Legolas, Aragorn were all wise enough to know that the Ring would do no good for them. The Hobbits, even Frodo at that time, had too much respect and fear for the Ring to wish to wield it. Only Boromir was proud enough to believe himself capable of using the Ring to do good. :)

But if Gandalf had been there - HE would have been tempted with the Ring. :)

[Haradrim]

I dont think any character in the book wasnt tempted by the ring. That is its nature. IT tempts everyone. Aragorn was tempted Legolas was tmepted everyone was tempted. Thats why it is so powerful. No one is exempt.

[Attalus]

No ... I think she tempted only Boromir with the Ring, the others would rather get rid of the Ring than take it. Gimli, Legolas, Aragorn were all wise enough to know that the Ring would do no good for them. The Hobbits, even Frodo at that time, had too much respect and fear for the Ring to wish to wield it. Only Boromir was proud enough to believe himself capable of using the Ring to do good. :)

But if Gandalf had been there - HE would have been tempted with the Ring. :)
I quite agree, though I would say only Boromir was deluded enough to want the Ring.

Lefty, that was hilarious.

[The Gaffer]

Are we sure that Galadriel actually explicitly tempted anyone with anything? Did she not just give them insight into themselves: into what they most wanted?

If she knew that Boromir wanted the Ring that badly, would she have let them wander off together without warning Aragorn or Frodo?

[Attalus]

She warned Gandalf, later. I guess she didn't want to introduce distrust into the Fellowship. To my mind, Sam's remark, and Frodo's, indicate they were both tempted.

[Artanis]

Also, after Frodo had offered Galadriel the Ring, she herself admitted that she had been testing his heart at his arrival, remarking that he had now got his revenge.

[Halbarad of the Dunedain]

Are we sure that Galadriel actually explicitly tempted anyone with anything? Did she not just give them insight into themselves: into what they most wanted?

I think that she didnt do that exactlly, it was a combination of both tempting and insight. She showed, or allowed them to realise what they could have if they left the fellowship. She showed each and every one of them what they might have rather than this burden. To each this was different. Even if the ring was not part of the temptation someone like Bormir show visions of a destroyed Sauron and a victorious Gondor would think of the ring as that which caused the victory. Haradrim mentioned that everyone is tempted by the ring, this is true but its not what Galadriel was trying to do. She was finding who would be faithful. Sam was, frodo was till the end, even without the ring Aragorn, Gimli, an Legolas were as well I think.

[Haradrim]

But wouldnt the real test of the fellowship be if they could all keep their hands off the ring. It seems to me that that would be the truest test the fellowhsip would have to overcome. So she showed them what they could do withthe ring. Aragorn knew he was tempted so he didnt waver, and Legolas was an elf so he was tempted but he too knew that.

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

Yet all were strong of heart (with the possible exception of Boromir) so knew that the Ring was perilous so turned all deeds evil so even if Aragorn or Boromir had tried to use it to save Gondor it would have ended up with as Frodo says to Faramir 'two Minas Morguls grinning at each other.'

[Halbarad of the Dunedain]

I don't think that would be the strongest test because if it was everyon would fail it. Galadriel greatest of the Noldor in Middle Earth, Gandalf the White a Maia of the Valar, Faramir of the hous of Denethor II! Everyone has their breaking point. Boromir I don't think was weak persay. I think he just hit his limit with the ring. Had Aragorn went all the way to Mordor he may have tried to get the ring. Frodo became weak at the end of the journy and took the ring for himself. The ring is not a test because it is not changable, the ring is too powerful for all save the Valar and the enigmatic Tom Bombadil. The ring may have been a part of the temptation, or test,of the fellowship but I don't think it was the entire question. I think it is even shown that it is not the whole "question" in that Tolkien gave explaination as to what Samwise had "seen" in his head. To go home and have a nice garden of his own with Rosie as his wife with children running about... With no mention of the ring. The "question" to each member of the fellowship was simply a choice between a great desire and the quest of the ring.

[Attalus]

Actually, I doubt the Ring figured in many of the "temptations" except Boromir and perhaps Aragorn. More tempting to the others would be release from the burden, especially for Frodo, or, as was guessed, power and beauty in Gimli's case.

[Haradrim]

Well maybe that is not what tested them but everyone was still tempted by the ring. Just cause you knew the consequences doesnt mean you arre not tempted. I think maybe those tested in some way with the ring were Boromir, Legolas, Aragorn, and Frodo. Boromir and Aragorn to save Gondor, Legolas to save the elves, and Frodo to be rid of it.

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

Boromir could have been tempted with the Rule of Gondor as well and even to give himself the title, King.

[Haradrim]

yeah probably. I mean what more would he want. He wanted kingship. Im sure he always resented not being king of Gondor. Even if it was subliminal. Denethor probably felt this even more strongly.

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

I've said this in the Denethor, Boromir & Faramir thread. That when Boromir asked how many years does it take to make a steward king, Denethor replies Maybe less in a place of less royalty but in Gondor a thousand years would not suffice.

[Haradrim]

yeah I totally agree. I mean he always wanted to be king but he did not have the blod. He probably alwasy thought that was unfair. And he thought that the ring might give him his oppurtunity.

[The Gaffer]

Also, after Frodo had offered Galadriel the Ring, she herself admitted that she had been testing his heart at his arrival, remarking that he had now got his revenge.
Note that she said tested, not tempted. Nowhere does she indicate that she knew exactly what each one of them most wanted. Also, IIRC, her words to Gandalf were that Boromir was in "great peril", not that he would be overcome by his temptation for the Ring. I would have thought some more direct intervention would have been in order had that been known in advance.

[Haradrim]

Everyone was tmepted. No matter who you were or how much you knew of it. (except old tom bombadil and the valar) I mean Gandalf said he was tempted, Aragorn was tempted, Galadriel was tempted. I think tested and tempted go together in this instance. She was tested by the ring could eeasily be replaced with tempted and it would mean the same thing. No mattter who you were or what you knew of the ring it tempted you. That is why it was so powerful.

[Artanis]

Note that she said tested, not tempted. Nowhere does she indicate that she knew exactly what each one of them most wanted.I agree with Haradrim here, to my mind, tested implies tested by tempting. From what Gimli, Pippin, Sam and Boromir say when they talk about it, it seems clear to me that they have at least felt that they have been tempted with something they find desirable, and that they would get it if they only would give up the quest. I think she did read their minds and guessed what they desired most, this ability to pierce people's mind was one of her gifts.
Also, IIRC, her words to Gandalf were that Boromir was in "great peril", not that he would be overcome by his temptation for the Ring. I would have thought some more direct intervention would have been in order had that been known in advance.I think she meant that Boromir was in peril of being overtaken by his desire for the Ring. Imagine if he had managed to take the Ring from Frodo and tried to use it. It would have led him to a grievious end.

[Haradrim]

Thanks Artanis.. Yeah I think she tempted them with whaat they wanted and for many of them what they wanted could eb a cheived by the ring so that is wha they saw.

[Attalus]

This is the actual passage: All of them, it seemed, had fared alike: each thought that he was offered a choice between a shadow full of fear that lay ahead and something that he greatly desired: clear before his mind it lay, and to get it he only had to turn aside from the road and leave the Quest and the war against Sauron to others. If that is not temptation, I don't know what is.

[The Gaffer]

OK, but does it say that Galadriel knew what each was being tempted with?

[Attalus]

Well, she was tempting them using a highly developed mental power, not using some sort of Auto-Detect function. She read their minds to see what each would want, and then offered it to them as an alternative to going on the Quest.

[Haradrim]

Yeah I toally agree but I also think that many of their desries corresponded directly to the ring. So she may have used both as an extra precautionary thingimigig. :)

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

I don't think she tempted the hobbits with the Ring even if she did the other members.

[Haradrim]

well she definately tempted Frodo withthe ring. The removal of the ring. But you are right. Sam wanted more than anything to go home and marry Rosie Cotton and to have children. and Merry and Pip just wanted to havea good time. :)

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

I wouldn't say she tempted Frodo with the Ring I'd say she tempted him without the Ring if you get my meaning.

[Haradrim]

But the ring is still there. he wanted more than anything not to have the ring so she probably shwoed him what that would be like. Therefore the ring is part of the temptation but its the opposite of Boromirs temptation.

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

But had he said he acctepted do you think he would have been ably to give it away. I mean I get the picture that part of the reason h accepted the quest is so that he could stay with the Ring a little while longer.

[Haradrim]

oh I disagree with that last part. I mean maybe a little but not so much that without better reasons he would have done it. Also I think he could have given it up at that point. It would have been hard but I think he could have done it.

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

Yet only three days from then he couldn't give it to Boromir.

[Haradrim]

That is a faulty argument cause he knew what Boromir would do with it. ANd he knew it wouldnt be good. He thoguth maybe Gakadruek could control it or something

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

But Gandalf told him that he (a Maia) couldn't control it so why would an elf of the Noldor be able to.

[Haradrim]

Im sure he didnt know what Gandalf really was. I mean its never really explained to Frodo until like the third book so there is no way. I mean he may have even thoguth GAladriel was more ppowerful. There is no way to know.

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

Maybe but I thought Sam put it best in the Fellowship when he was explaining what Frodo would do if the quest wasn't so important.

[Haradrim]

Yeah that was actually quite moving. Just rea that over again. Sam has sucha way with words. No wonder he became mayor of the shire. :)

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

Yeah but his Dad was Gaffer Gamgee so it must run in the family.

[Haradrim]

yeah you are right the GAffer always struck me as someone who was good with words. I mean he probably had all kind sof clever puns and witty remarks. SO SAm probably did inherit it from the GAffer. Also is the Gaffer his real name?

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

Yeah Gaffers provers are classics

[Haradrim]

yeah If i were to have a father in LOTR it would definately be him because h has a ll thos efunny words of wisdom

[Attalus]

I don't think that Merry and Pippin were only out for a good time. They could have stayed in the Shire and done that. They could easily have gone back from Rivendell. They came out of loyalty to Frodo and because they knew how important the Quest was. I am quite certain that Frodo could have given the Ring to Galadriel if he had wanted. It had not begun to grip on him so, and Bilbo gave it up after bearing it a much, much longer time, though not without a wrench.

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

Yes but later on in the book he gets all angry at just a mention of it but maybe thats got something to do with them getting closer to its birthplace.

[Nurvingiel]

You mean Boromir? I agree - being closer to home would have reminded him of the pressures from his father, and his conflicting loyalties. (To the Quest and Aragorn, and to his father.) Also, he spent more time under the influence of the Ring as time went on.

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

I didn't mean by Boromir I was referring to Frodo and the Ring but it is also true abou Boromir.

[Attalus]

Yes but later on in the book he gets all angry at just a mention of it but maybe thats got something to do with them getting closer to its birthplace.Yes, that was after the Ring had grown in power upon him. True, he was angered at Bilbo when he merely wanted to look at it, but that was the Ring not wanting to go back to him, IMO. Later he had greater insight into the thing and, with Galadriel's help, would have been able to give it to her, also IMO.

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

Maybe but do you think it was when Gollum found Frodo and Sam that Frodo would have found it impossible to give away.

[Attalus]

I do not think that Frodo would have given the Ring to anyone but someone he trusted and admired, like Gandalf and Galadriel. As a matter of fact, he tried to give it to both of them.

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

No but when Gollum arrived he seemed to get even more atached to it and wouldn't have been able to give it Gandalf, Galadriel or anyone.

[Haradrim]

yeah I mean. In the beginning of the quest he was among lots of friends and didnt always worry about the irng so it didnt always weigh so heavily upon him so he probably could have given it to Galadriel, Gandalf, or Aragorn people he thought might be able to cocntrol it but when He and Sam spilt off he started thinking about it more and more then Gollum came and he began to distrust him for awhiel so he grew more attached and ten eventually he just go t so drawn into it.

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

But it could have helped him aswell because he could see what the Ring had done to Goluum.

[Haradrim]

yeah truew but I think the negative would work harder againsthim then the positive so all inall gollum is a bad influence in the end.

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

Bad influence but he helped them into Mordor and to destroy the Ring.

[Haradrim]

Its true he was helpful in leading them but not in frodos deccent into the ring. THey wouldnt have suceeded without him but anyone else would have been better.

[Artanis]

Hmm - I hate to interrupt an ongoing discussion, but - please keep to the topic, guys.

[Haradrim]

Well its kind of on topic since we are dicussing when Frodo was able to give up the ring and then that relates to could frodo have given Gladriel the ring which in turn relates to did galadriel tempt him and the otheres with the ring.


Jus tread that And I am sorry I will go back on topic. :)

So Gladriel.......... :) I think she tempted all of them.

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

Yeah and I still think she tempted them all with the Ring (with the possible exception of Merry, Pippin and Sam).

[Haradrim]

yeha cuz they cared nothing about the ring. Becasue they just wanted a good pipe and some ale. And Sam wanted Rosie so the ring was nilll to them.

[Thorin II]

I don't think she would've tempted Aragorn with the Ring, either. He may not have been able to resist it if he held it, but apart from that, I don't think Aragorn was interested in the Ring. A life with Arwen seems more likely.

[Attalus]

I don't think she would've tempted Aragorn with the Ring, either. He may not have been able to resist it if he held it, but apart from that, I don't think Aragorn was interested in the Ring. A life with Arwen seems more likely.
I think that probably this is correct. Aragorn never shows any interest whatsoever in the Ring.

[Haradrim]

but it doesnt matter whether he actually wanted it or not. The ring affects everyone. IT doesnt matter if you have known you dont want iut your whole life or anything like that. IT affects everyone. Gandalf himself was effected so wouldnt Aragorn be? :)

[Attalus]

I think that the Ring had little temptation for Aragorn because he was so focused. He wanted to be King of Gondor and Arnor and marry Arwen. The Ring's appeal was for universal dominion, and he wouldn't have wanted that, clearly seeing that Ringlordship would quickly overmaster those things. When you are in love, that is much more important than vistas of power. They would be distracting. How can you be sitting in the garden with your darling, listening to her sing and letting the Tree grow and flower when you have a bunch of Orcs to order around? I know which one I would want, and it ain't the Ring.

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

If he had wanted it he would have taken it in Bree when there only 4 hobbits who had never travelled so far in their life.

[Attalus]

If he had wanted it he would have taken it in Bree when there only 4 hobbits who had never travelled so far in their life.True. He even said as much. "If I wanted the Ring, I would take it - now!"

[Nurvingiel]

True. He even said as much. "If I wanted the Ring, I would take it - now!"
Faramir says a similar thing much later when the Hobbits find themselves in his power, so to speak, at Ithilien. (The Hobbits were pretty much at Aragorn's mercy at Bree too.)

There are actually a lot of parallels between Aragorn and Faramir.

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

Did Faramir say that. I thought Sam said it was a chance for him to show his quality but Faramir told his he wouldn't take it if it lay by the road. So wasn't it Sam who made that suggestion?

[Attalus]

Sam wouldn't need to make the suggestion. The Ring would be doing a lot of suggesting. Faramir just wasn't having any.

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

No but it was Sam who actually voiced those thoughts.

[Attalus]

True. It was the burning question on both the Hobbits' minds.

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

But I don't think that Frodo would have said it though. He's the Ring bearer and at this stage of the journey he wouldn't even suggest that.

[Attalus]

You are correct, IMHO. Frodo was much more circumspect, as he had been burned, at Bree.

[Nurvingiel]

No but it was Sam who actually voiced those thoughts.
Oh, I think you're right. This is how he accidentally mentioned the Ring, right?

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

Yeah. The exact quote is 'rushes off to find copy of LotR'

"Now look here sir!" He turned facing up to Faramir with all the courage he could muster. "Dont you go taking advantage if my master because his servant is no better than a fool. You've spoken very hansome all along, put me off my guard, talking of elves and all. But hansome is as hansome does we say. Now's a chance to show your quality"

[mewhmag]

this topic covers the maybe most important issue of all, in my opinion. haven´t read the whole thread yet, but i will do so sometime and throw in my views. for now i only want to add that what fascinates me so much is that the whole story, and the quests, are a tale of rejection (i am sure this has been discussed already) in many ways - not only the fellowship is tested, everyone is, also Galadriel and Gandalf of course. to reject temptation, not to become a slave of it, is important for all of them - for everyone. i am especially interested in the implications of christian values that make LotR so valueable - whatever the readers personal beliefs or views are.

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

Well everyone who came into contace with the Ring was tested. The Fellowship, Galadriel, Faramir etc.

[Attalus]

this topic covers the maybe most important issue of all, in my opinion. haven´t read the whole thread yet, but i will do so sometime and throw in my views. for now i only want to add that what fascinates me so much is that the whole story, and the quests, are a tale of rejection (i am sure this has been discussed already) in many ways - not only the fellowship is tested, everyone is, also Galadriel and Gandalf of course. to reject temptation, not to become a slave of it, is important for all of them - for everyone. i am especially interested in the implications of christian values that make LotR so valueable - whatever the readers personal beliefs or views are.Of course, the Christian view that resisting temptation makes the soul stronger is emphasised time and time again. Welcome to Entmoot, mewhmag. :)

[eyesofsorrow]

I think that she tested Merry with something that embarassed his honour and courage, because quoting, he said, " But, well, I don't think I'll say anymore," and ended lamely. (Beg pardon if its wrong, I don't have TT with me now)
But why would he be so... secretive...if he wasn't ashamed of some matter?

[Jon S.]

A perhaps controversial observation:

>> If she knew that Boromir wanted the Ring that badly, would she have let them wander off together without warning Aragorn or Frodo?

Assume, for a moment, this is not Middle Earth we're talking about but an analogous sitatuation in our real lives where someone allows a person she has a basis for knowing is a real and imminent danger to others walk and then exactly what she foresaw occurs.

Like, say, you know someone who you're aware is planning a terrorist act like shooting up a school cafeteria but you don't stop, you don't warn the authorities, you just let him walk.

In today's world, someone who did that in real life would share in the ethical - if not legal - responsibility for the consequences.

The Elves of Mirkwood jailed Gollum when they knew he was after the ring (yes, Gollum escaped, but it was not intended).

IF (and I admit, I don't know for sure) Galadrial KNEW Boromir intended to take the ring and would act on that intent, she showed a surfeit of judgement and ethics in allowing him to depart with the Fellowship.

[Jon S.]

Having slept on it, I would amend my above post in one respect. If Galadrial also foresaw the critical-ness of Frodo (and Sam) leaving the rest of the company to travel on alone, then perhaps there's an argument, however weak and incredibly risky (Boromir came *so* close to actually getting the ring), for it being the correct thing to do to not interfere by detaining Boromir.