Why Galadriel's gift to Boromir - a belt?

[Olmer]

I was thinking about gifts which she doled out:some of them were plain stupid (like the hair) or comletely unpractical (like the box of earth, which Sam had to heave to Mt.Doom without a hope of coming back).
Seems only gifts which were suiting for the quest (meaning fighting with the Dark forces) had been given to Frodo, Aragorn and Legolas.

All right, Merry and Pippin was not expected to do a great deeds, so their silver adorements are quite understandable, but Boromir... He was the great warrier, matching in skill and knowledge to Aragorn, and he was engaged in much more open fights with their mutual Enemy than Aragorn. Couldn't she give him something more useful than puny golden belt, like they did not have gold in Gondor?! What was the meaning of such gift?

[Last Child of Ungoliant]

maybe she knew he was going to die soon, and so didnt feel the need in wasting her hard-earned cash on someone that wouldn't need something good.

[Fenir_LacDanan]

Well, for one, Boromir already had quite good arms, being a soldier of Gondor and the first son of the Steward.

I think the giving of a golden belt, as opposed to a simple leather one, is significant. Boromir was from an ancient house, obviously not as old as Aragorn's, and unlike Aragorn, Boromir wore openly the devices of that house.

I do note however, that Aragorn does also have some of the devices of of the house of Elendil, such as the ring of Barahir, but generally he conceals his lineage.

The gift of a Golden belt is merely a gift to a prominent man from prominent elves. After all, he already has a sword.

[mithrand1r]

I was thinking about gifts which she doled out:some of them were plain stupid (like the hair) or comletely unpractical (like the box of earth, which Sam had to heave to Mt.Doom without a hope of coming back).
Seems only gifts which were suiting for the quest (meaning fighting with the Dark forces) had been given to Frodo, Aragorn and Legolas.

. . . What was the meaning of such gift?

Gimli chose the lock of hair, so I do not think it is fair to blame Galadriel's gift in that case.

I cannot think of a good "practical" use for the gold belt, unless Boromir pants appeared to be slipping. ;)

Maybe Galadriel percieved that Boromir had misgivings about the elves and thought that the gift would do something to help repair the relationship between men and elves. If Boromir had a positive opinion of Galadriel and "her elves" he could encourage good will of Gondor towards Lothlorien. Boromir's standing in Gondor could do much to influence the public opinion favorably regarding Lothlorien.

Maybe the belt was really pyrite and everyone else in the party are ignorant about the mineral. (There is Dwarvish silver, maybe this is Elvish gold.) ;) :p

[Gordis]

Not only Boromir got a belt, but Merry and Pip got silver belts as well. I think Galadriel wanted to give isome important and useful gifts: phial to Frodo, ElessarII or is it III? to Aragorn. But she could not leave the others totaly empty-handed. Hence gifts like belts. Nothing of importance, really IMHO.

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

Well, for one, Boromir already had quite good arms, being a soldier of Gondor and the first son of the Steward.

I think the giving of a golden belt, as opposed to a simple leather one, is significant. Boromir was from an ancient house, obviously not as old as Aragorn's, and unlike Aragorn, Boromir wore openly the devices of that house.

I do note however, that Aragorn does also have some of the devices of of the house of Elendil, such as the ring of Barahir, but generally he conceals his lineage.

The gift of a Golden belt is merely a gift to a prominent man from prominent elves. After all, he already has a sword.
According to the Tale of the Years Aragorn gives the Ring of Barahir to Arwen.

2980: Aragorn enters Lorien, and there meets again Arwen Undomiel. Aragorn gives her the Ring of Barahir, and they plight their troth upon the hill of Cerin Amroth

The only token he does bear is Anduril, yet he openly proclaims that as the sword of Elendil.

[Gordis]

Quite right, TD!
Perhaps that is why Galadriel has given him the Elessar at this point. The stone's main virtue was to enable the wielder to see things unsullied by time, hardly a necessary thing in the time of war. She could have given it later, after the final victory, before coronation. So why give it in Lorien? As a token of Aragorn's identity most likely, meant for the Dead of Dunharrow, something to prove Aragorn's claim to kinship as a heir of Isildur. Isildur had a similar stone (Elendilmir) worn constantly upon his brow. The Dead could hardly recognise Anduril, as at the time of the Last Alliance when they were cursed by Isildur the sword belonged to Elendil still. And Aragorn (unlike in the movie) did not show it to them. Elendilmir shone bright even in the spirit world, so the Dead could easily see it.

[Manveru]

maybe she wanted to give boromir something that he could wear so that when faramir saw him in the boat later he would notice the belt.

[me9996]

What Tolkein didn't say was that before Lothlorain Borameirs pants cept falling down...

Just kidding, maybe it was magic...

[Artanis]

Quite right, TD!
Perhaps that is why Galadriel has given him the Elessar at this point. Perhaps, but I also think that the Elessar was given as an acknowledgement of the future union between Aragorn and Arwen. Galadriel is after all Arwen's grandmother. This acknowledgement gives hope to Aragorn, and increases his self-confidence.

As for the gift to Boromir, I think Manveru has a good point. Some of Galadriel's other gifts also points forward to some extent. Frodo's phial saves him from Shelob, Sam's box of earth is vital for the re-building of the Shire, the bow of Legolas kills the steed of one of the Nazgul. The golden belt of Lorien is what makes Frodo certain that it really was Boromir that Faramir had seen in the stream. I also think that Galadriel feared for Boromir, that she knew how torn he was between his pligh of helping Frodo to destroy the Ring, and his love for and desire to rescue Minas Tirith. As LCoU said (though I don't know about hard-earned cash :p ), maybe she had some kind of foreknowledge of his fate.

[Gordis]

Perhaps, but I also think that the Elessar was given as an acknowledgement of the future union between Aragorn and Arwen. Galadriel is after all Arwen's grandmother. This acknowledgement gives hope to Aragorn, and increases his self-confidence.Yes you are right. Actually I have reread he UT passage about the green Elessar and the two white Elendilmirs. When I quoted from memory, I confused them, sorry. Aragorn still had the Elendilmir made for Valandil.

[me9996]

It just ocered to me! Tolken had wrighters block... :D

[Olmer]

The only token he does bear is Anduril, yet he openly proclaims that as the sword of Elendil...
…but generally he conceals his lineage .
Generally from the beginning, but after Lothlorien he grew more bold, calling himself in full title without any awkwardness.
The gift of a Golden belt is merely a gift to a prominent man from prominent elves. After all, he already has a sword.
Legolas had the bow too.
If Celeborn had ever allowed to voice his opinion, probably a gift to the prominent man-warrier from the prominent elf-warrier would be one of so fabled elf-made daggers, which would be handy no matter how much of your arms you have in store.
Gimli chose the lock of hair, so I do not think it is fair to blame Galadriel's gift in that case.
Gimli was not in condition to hope for anything more substantial,especially when it was asked in the way like:I know that your kind are greedy and ill-mannered and I dare you to prove one way or another, this why he asked for a piece of hair. Did he know that Noldor princess has estimed her hair so much, that considered 3 hair(!!) as a precious prize! After all she refused to give it even to Feanor, so to Gimli has been given an impression that he got a really big favor.
Boromir's standing in Gondor could do much to influence the public opinion favorably regarding Lothlorien..
But she could not leave the others totaly empty-handed. Hence gifts like belts. Nothing of importance, really ...
... maybe she had some kind of foreknowledge of his fate...
…maybe she knew he was going to die soon…

Boromir was a stop-over between Aragorn and the kingship. Without any doubts his opinion as very popular and well respected leader of Gondor’s army would influence public’s acceptance on the claimant for the throne of Gondor.
But, seems Galadriel was not interested in the endorsement of public opinion in Gondor. In this case I agree with gordis , Artanis and LCoU, she foresaw Boromir’s fate (or maybe has planned it :evil: ), this why the gift was nothing of significance.

Elendilmir shone bright even in the spirit world, so the Dead could easily see it...
Actually, Elendimir ,which he supposedly was carrying around, was of lesser kind and did not have the potency of the original.

[me9996]

Gimli was not in condition to hope for anything more substantial,especially when it was asked in the way like:I know that your kind are greedy and ill-mannered and I dare you to prove one way or another, this why he asked for a piece of hair. Did he know that Noldor princess has estimed her hair so much, that considered 3 hair(!!) as a precious prize! After all she refused to give it even to Feanor, so to Gimli has been given an impression that he got a really big favor.

Gimli had his own resons for makeing the request for hair:

1.Gimli was bald (Just kidding but were in LotR did tolken say he had hair?)

2.Gimli was asking for something to remember Gladreal by.

[Gordis]

How about that:
Gimly: May I have that shiny ringie Frodo told you had on your finger? It is just to remember you by...

[The Wizard from Milan]

Among the gifts, those the purpuse of which I can understand seem to me to have mostly a symbolica meaning, albeit some of them also have an incidental practical meaning.
Frodo's phial is the quintessential symbolism
Aragorn's gift is also easy to see as symbolical
Legiolas's more majestic bow, is also obviously about his "growth"
Gimli's is a great gift, symbol of eternal remembrance to somebody who overcame his prejudices towards her
Sam's is the symbol of regrowth after what he saw in the mirror

Indeed Boromir's gift is the most difficult to understand. I wonder whether the fact that it was "gold with no purpose" is indeed the symbolical meaning of it

comletely unpractical (like the box of earth, which Sam had to heave to Mt.Doom without a hope of coming back).
No. Sam brings the box back to the Shire and uses both the earth and the mallorn seed in it

[mithrand1r]

No. Sam brings the box back to the Shire and uses both the earth and the mallorn seed in it

I think (If I understand correctly Olmer's question) that Olmer meant that gift was not practical for the current quest (fighting with [probably should have used against ;) although I am not always certain with Olmer's posts] the Dark forces).

Seems only gifts which were suiting for the quest (meaning fighting with the Dark forces) had been given to Frodo, Aragorn and Legolas.

It is not that Sam's gift was not useful (eventually), it is that it did little good for the current quest.


Gimli was not in condition to hope for anything more substantial,especially when it was asked in the way like:I know that your kind are greedy and ill-mannered and I dare you to prove one way or another, this why he asked for a piece of hair. Did he know that Noldor princess has estimed her hair so much, that considered 3 hair(!!) as a precious prize! After all she refused to give it even to Feanor, so to Gimli has been given an impression that he got a really big favor.

I will need to read up of this part again. I some how do not remember that wording in LOTR.
I do not know if Gimli knew ". . . that Noldor princess has estimed her hair so much, that considered 3 hair(!!) as a precious prize!"
I am ignorant of Galadriel's refusal to give hair to Feanor.

Do you have any statements from LOTR (or if needed from other Tolkien sources) that back up your statement? I am just curious.

[Snowdog]

(like the box of earth, which Sam had to heave to Mt.Doom without a hope of coming back)Actually, this most likely gave Sam hope of returning because Galadriel saw hope in the gift she gave him.

[durinsbane2244]

the knowing of boromirs fate is a good one, but also, boromir was a very materialistic person. he thought the ring could be used and didnt thin about it overcoming them. and materialistic people love gold. its shiny. so dont touch mine. its mine. my own. my preciousssssssssss. :D

[me9996]

the knowing of boromirs fate is a good one, but also, boromir was a very materialistic person. he thought the ring could be used and didnt thin about it overcoming them. and materialistic people love gold. its shiny. so dont touch mine. its mine. my own. my preciousssssssssss. :D
*Donk* That's it! It's a gold ring! Get it?

[Gordis]

the knowing of boromirs fate is a good one, but also, boromir was a very materialistic person. he thought the ring could be used and didnt thin about it overcoming them. and materialistic people love gold. its shiny. so dont touch mine. its mine. my own. my preciousssssssssss. :D
Now that is unfair! Boromir "was a man after the sort of King Eärnur of old, taking no wife and delighting chiefly in arms; fearless and strong". . Surely he would have preferred an elven blade to some flashy belt! He may have been materialistic, that it doesn't mean he was greedy of gold as such. He wanted the One ring not as a shiny trinket, but because of the power it contained: the power to win the war and save his country.

Actually Boromir is tragic. He was the most formidable man in ME after Aragorn (and Denethor maybe). But Fate has put him in such a place where he could do nothing to resist the lure of the One. Men were always the least resistant to ring influence, and the most powerful and strong willed were even more tempted than average ones. Nobody has even bothered to explain Boromir in detail why he could not use the One. Aragorn had been taught from childhood the story of Isildur and had time to reflect on it, I am sure he was reflecting on it over and over again. It was foolish for Erlond and Gandalf to let Boromir join the fellowship, it was criminal for Galadriel to let him continue, after she learned of his lust for the Ring.

But it is quite typical for Elves to let men down. :mad: How do you think, back in the middle of the Second age, when Sauron distributed the nine rings, has any keeper of the Three bothered to warn Men about the danger of the Elven rings? I bet not!

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

I agree Gordis. I also think that if Faramir had been around the Ring for the same amount of time as Boromir and been at the Council, he also would have lusted for it.

[Forkbeard]

Well, do remember that the gifts were given SPECIFICALLY as a remembrance of Galadriel and Lothlorien. And they are parting gifts. Aragorn, long known to Galadriel and soon to be part of the family, received 2 gifts: the ring for hope, and a sheath for Anduril. Boromir, a golden belt, M&P silver belts. Expensive gifts, and we aren't told what kind of belts--mere trouser holders? belts that hold swords etc?. Legolas a bow of Lothlorien--not a bad gift either, not just a weapon which is expensive enough, but also a badge of acceptance, Sam his box of earth and mallorn seed, and Frodo--Frodo's gift seems to be the only one specifically useful for the Quest. The others have a kind of passive use, and all are symbolic in some way, but Frodo's was specifically prepared and given for the Quest.

So what would the belts signify? Well, belts gird one's loins (courage), hold weapons as well as pants, and are expensive having been made out of gold and silver--worthy gifts for worthy men.

[Halbarad of the Dunedain]

Indeed Boromir's gift is the most difficult to understand. I wonder whether the fact that it was "gold with no purpose" is indeed the symbolical meaning of it

It doesnt seem that anyone has touched on this theory since you mentioned it Wizard from Milan, but I like it a lot. Boromir's father Denathor and even himself Bromir were like the belt, noble, majestic, high class, but in the time of the return of the king... close to useless.(If you get my meaning) Furthermore the golden belts seeminly uselessness could be symbolic again in Boromir's understanding of the ring... the golden belt, golden one ring. The ring should not be used, although it is a golden treasure beyond treasures it should not be used and therefore would be rendered useless. A lesson Boromir failed to learn. The belt along with everthing else at the least had a symbolic value and I feel that that at least can be said on the purpose on each gift.

[Olmer]

A lesson Boromir failed to learn.
Some people, even those who read the book, percieve Boromir as a person driven by the greed to the point of disgust. His inner gentle sides , his honesty and straightforwardnes, his bravery defending his country, for which he was high esteemed amongst his people, his noble notions to use the ring not for his sake, but to SAVE THE PEOPLE are very easily discarded, labeling him "corupted".
Nothing surprising if he, as experienced in the war with Sauron commander, did not believe in this rag-tag's ability to breach Saurons bastion! He knew the terrain and Sauron's capabilities much better than anybody else. Nobody was brave enough to oppose the decision of the Elves. Only Boromir had the guts to stand up and voice his opinion, for which he gained in my eyes much higher respect then Aragorn.

The fact that he withstood the Ring's allure longer than so hight -estimed and so unfailable Galadriel somehow is passing unnoticed.What would she do if would has been in close proximity to the Ring for such long time, when she almost grabbed it at the first sight!

[Forkbeard]

Some people, even those who read the book, percieve Boromir as a person driven by the greed to the point of disgust. His inner gentle sides , his honesty and straightforwardnes, his bravery defending his country, for which he was high esteemed amongst his people, his noble notions to use the ring not for his sake, but to SAVE THE PEOPLE are very easily discarded, labeling him "corupted".
Nothing surprising if he, as experienced in the war with Sauron commander, did not believe in this rag-tag's ability to breach Saurons bastion! He knew the terrain and Sauron's capabilities much better than anybody else. Nobody was brave enough to oppose the decision of the Elves. Only Boromir had the guts to stand up and voice his opinion, for which he gained in my eyes much higher respect then Aragorn.

The fact that he withstood the Ring's allure longer than so hight -estimed and so unfailable Galadriel somehow is passing unnoticed.What would she do if would has been in close proximity to the Ring for such long time, when she almost grabbed it at the first sight!


Olmer makes a good point here. Boromir's "fall" was not one of greed, it was one of pride. He thought that he or his father would prove able to master the Ring and by mastering it throw down Sauron and so save Gondor and the rest of the Free Peoples of Middle Earth. Misguided intentions, but good ones nonetheless. The nature of the Ring was to take good intentions and twist them to evil ends, as Gandalf himself indicates when he describes what would happen should he (or Saruman) take the Ring.

So I have to disagree that the gold belt signifies anything to do with greed or moral failure or "uselessness."

Naturally I also disagree with Olmer's reading of Boromir vs. Aragorn. Boromir was young, and Boromir had a point: how long does one need to be a "steward" when there is no king who will return? The quest was a hopeless one, but so equally, if not more so, would be turning aside to take the Ring to Gondor and expect a man, Numenorean or not, to master the Ring in time to be a threat to Sauron.

Aragorn eschewed the Ring and the path to power, and if any man could have mastered the Ring it would be he (after all he likewise wrested the palantir from Sauron's control) and he certainly had greater claim on the Ring than Boromir by lineage and for all the same reasons, had the greater spirit, knowledge, and insight. So, yes, honor Boromir for his courage, but don't take from Aragorn for his part.

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

I agree with you Olmer, apart from the Boromir vs Aragorn part and the Galadriel part.
FB explained my POV in his post so I'll just skip straight to Galadriel.
I think it is unfair that you compare her 'lust' for the Ring with Boromir's. Boromir wanted the Ring to help his country and his land, but he didn't know the Rings potential and full power whereas Galadriel did. Naturally a object of high power attracts for attention and creates more lust than one of little power.

[Halbarad of the Dunedain]

Yet you digress, the point of the matter is not Boromirs decent or Galadriels, but what the purpose of the golden belt given to Boromir was? I stand by my theory because pride can be born from and feeds off of greed. Greed for more renown, more respect from his people, greed for the defence of his land... never does he mention the protection of theelven kingdoms, or of Rohan, or of anywhere but Gondor... his pride is born of greed and they both feed and develop from each other.

[Forkbeard]

Yet you digress, the point of the matter is not Boromirs decent or Galadriels, but what the purpose of the golden belt given to Boromir was?[/QUOTE}

What if it is nothing beyond what Galadriel said it was? A remembrance of Lothlorien?

[QUOTE]I stand by my theory because pride can be born from and feeds off of greed. Greed for more renown, more respect from his people, greed for the defence of his land... never does he mention the protection of theelven kingdoms, or of Rohan, or of anywhere but Gondor... his pride is born of greed and they both feed and develop from each other.

As Theoden and Eomer both remark, if Mundburg falls, there is no hope for Rohan, so Boromir talking about the defense of Rohan in contrast to the defense of Gondor is silly. As for protection of the Lothlorien and Rivendell and Thranduil, Gondor has for many lives of men been sundered from those kingdoms, and besides 2 of them have survived quite well without Gondor's help. His "greed" in the terms you mention are what every hero of Germanic legend sought, the legends on which Tolkien drew so much.

[Halbarad of the Dunedain]

Yet you did not say that my statments were wrong, just not neccessary, persay. Yet if Bormoir took the ring and defeated Sauron and saved his lands... would Rohan be safe? I think not, Boromirs pride and greed would lead him to conquest, to domminate over Rohan, and Arthedian, and anything else he could. As he says, "It could have been mine, it should have been mine!" not it should have been gondors, for gondor... its greed... the ring makes everyones greed and lust come out more but that was Boromirs underlying flaw... greed for more power, more influence, more followers, more status!

[mithrand1r]

the ring makes everyones greed and lust come out more but that was Boromirs underlying flaw... greed for more power, more influence, more followers, more status!

I am not sure about that. I think the quote from the book (Gandalf in particular) is the ring will turn everything to evil. (I am paraphrasing a bit)

This I think would mean different things to different people. Sam would have an interest in Gardens across ME, Gollum would have fish morning, noon, night. Boromir would have Gondor become an invincible country secure against all the rest. (etc.)

[CrazySquirrel]

Yet you digress, the point of the matter is not Boromirs decent or Galadriels, but what the purpose of the golden belt given to Boromir was? I stand by my theory because pride can be born from and feeds off of greed. Greed for more renown, more respect from his people, greed for the defence of his land... never does he mention the protection of theelven kingdoms, or of Rohan, or of anywhere but Gondor... his pride is born of greed and they both feed and develop from each other.
I disagree that you can call the desire to save one's land "greed". And he would have defended Rohan for sure, were it attacked, as there was a treaty.
And why should he care for defence of Elven kingdoms. Had Elves ever helped Gondor?

And, suppose you are right about the meaning of the belt. So Pippin &Merry got their belts to emphasize THEIR greed?

[Forkbeard]

Yet you did not say that my statments were wrong, just not neccessary, persay. Yet if Bormoir took the ring and defeated Sauron and saved his lands... would Rohan be safe? I think not, Boromirs pride and greed would lead him to conquest, to domminate over Rohan, and Arthedian, and anything else he could. As he says, "It could have been mine, it should have been mine!" not it should have been gondors, for gondor... its greed... the ring makes everyones greed and lust come out more but that was Boromirs underlying flaw... greed for more power, more influence, more followers, more status!
Would anyone be safe if anyone mastered the Ring? No. So this seems a "wrong" argument to me, period. Even Sam has visions of marching ahead of armies and defeating everything. But his gift is a box of dirt with a seed. Sorry for the quick response.

[Forkbeard]

I disagree that you can call the desire to save one's land "greed". And he would have defended Rohan for sure, were it attacked, as there was a treaty.
And why should he care for defence of Elven kingdoms. Had Elves ever helped Gondor?

And, suppose you are right about the meaning of the belt. So Pippin &Merry got their belts to emphasize THEIR greed?
Excellent points!

[Earniel]

[..] or comletely unpractical (like the box of earth, which Sam had to heave to Mt.Doom without a hope of coming back).
I disagree. Frankly, I can't think of a better gift to give to a gardner than good earth and a viable and seed.

[Olmer]

I disagree. Frankly, I can't think of a better gift to give to a gardner than good earth and a viable and seed.
To a gardener - yes. But he was not going to the Hobbiton. He was going to the Mount Doom to die , because he ”can’t turn back” without completeng the quest. Whatever Frodo's actions would be, his actions would be to "help" him to get rid of the Ring, or to die in attempt.
Galadriel definately knew of such bleak perspective for Sam, but nevertheless she gives him totally useless for the quest box , like he had not enough stuff to carry. :(
Even if it was kind of encouragement to give him hopes for coming back, I still think that it was a cruel mockery to burden somebody with useless and uncomfortable to carry stuff. After all she could give the earth and etc. after his return from Mordor.
I some how do not remember that wording in LOTR.
I do not know if Gimli knew ". . . that Noldor princess has estimed her hair so much, that considered 3 hair(!!) as a precious prize!"
I am ignorant of Galadriel's refusal to give hair to Feanor.

Do you have any statements from LOTR (or if needed from other Tolkien sources) that back up your statement?
The wording is a little bit different, but the meaning is the same:"Let none say again that Dwarves are grasping and ungracious! Yet, surely, Gimli son of Gloin, you desire something that I could give. Name it, I bid you!"
Of course he DID NOT KNOW know about Galadriel's hair! Otherwise he would ask for something less valuable, like her nails clippings for instance. :D

About Galadriel's refusal you can read in the "UT".

[mithrand1r]

The wording is a little bit different, but the meaning is the same:"Let none say again that Dwarves are grasping and ungracious! Yet, surely, Gimli son of Gloin, you desire something that I could give. Name it, I bid you!"
Of course he DID NOT KNOW know about Galadriel's hair! Otherwise he would ask for something less valuable, like her nails clippings for instance. :D

About Galadriel's refusal you can read in the "UT".

Thanks for the source. Some day I will need to read the other Tolkien books on Middle Earth. (Only read Hobbit, LOTR & and abour ½ of Similarion.)

[Gordis]

Even if it was kind of encouragement to give him hopes for coming back, I still think that it was a cruel mockery to burden somebody with useless and uncomfortable to carry stuff. After all she could give the earth and etc. after his return from Mordor.
Well though I don't like Galadriel myself, it seems to me she has given the box to Sam as an encouragement. Sam did see the Shire defiled in her mirror and she knew it. Perhaps she could even foretell that Sam would survive.

[Olmer]

Well though I don't like Galadriel myself, it seems to me she has given the box to Sam as an encouragement. Sam did see the Shire defiled in her mirror and she knew it. Perhaps she could even foretell that Sam would survive.
If she could foretell his survival, then she, certainly, could foretell something about her own future, particularly her another meeting with Sam before he would head towards Shire. At that time her gift would be timely, well appreciated and no burden.

[Gordis]

Well, you despise Galadriel more than I do! Than IF you are right, she would hardly think of Sam more than "of a worm in the mud". Would she really bother to mock him?

[Last Child of Ungoliant]

of course galadriel was evil! she was of the noldor, and we all know the only noldorin elf who was not evil was turgon the magnificent, turgon the splendiferous

[Olmer]

Well, you despise Galadriel more than I do! Than IF you are right, she would hardly think of Sam more than "of a worm in the mud". Would she really bother to mock him?
No, I did not despise her.
She was the most powerful person on Middle Earth at that time. In the Third age she manage to do a thing which even Lord Fingolfin was not able to do - she reunited the Elves of Middle- earth, and since that time a political direction of the elves was cardinally changed.
She was very farseeing politician, charming intrigant, and cold and calculating person , who with a strong hand was reshaping political picture of Middle-earth into more favorable for the Elves.
Her unique combination of power, brains and beauty amazes me, but I don't like her and have no sympathy to her sorrows for what she has done in the Middle-earth .

[Gordis]

of course galadriel was evil! she was of the noldor, and we all know the only noldorin elf who was not evil was turgon the magnificent, turgon the splendiferous
Why Turgon? Finrod was the only decent one, IMHO.

[Last Child of Ungoliant]

Why Turgon? Finrod was the only decent one, IMHO.
finrod the caveman? finrod the simpleton? finrod the fool?
turgon is supreme divinity on arda :D

[Gordis]

turgon is supreme divinity on arda :D
Mmm... Was he a communist deep in his heart then?

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

of course galadriel was evil! she was of the noldor, and we all know the only noldorin elf who was not evil was turgon the magnificent, turgon the splendiferous
You forget his father. Fingolfin the Great

[Morelen]

This is probably a stupid theory but I've always thought that maybe Galadriel put some magic-yness into the belts (like protection or whatever, kinda like in the cloaks) and gave them to Merry and Pippen because they were small and everyone else was busy protecting Frodo, and to Boromir because maybe she could tell that he was walking on the edge of death (as it were) and was trying to protect him with the elvishness. Eh?

[mithrand1r]

This is probably a stupid theory but I've always thought that maybe Galadriel put some magic-yness into the belts (like protection or whatever, kinda like in the cloaks) and gave them to Merry and Pippen because they were small and everyone else was busy protecting Frodo, and to Boromir because maybe she could tell that he was walking on the edge of death (as it were) and was trying to protect him with the elvishness. Eh?

Possible. (although I think Faramir should get a refund for Boromir's belt :D)

Do you have any documentation to support your theory?

[Morelen]

um...*scuttles around collecting all her books* well...no, not really. :rolleyes:

[Gordis]

This is probably a stupid theory but I've always thought that maybe Galadriel put some magic-yness into the belts (like protection or whatever, kinda like in the cloaks) and gave them to Merry and Pippen because they were small and everyone else was busy protecting Frodo, and to Boromir because maybe she could tell that he was walking on the edge of death (as it were) and was trying to protect him with the elvishness. Eh?
You are probably right. There definitely was some magic in all other Galadriel's presents. Glad to have you here, Morelen. Hang around!

[me9996]

It just hit me!!! You know how it's a gold belt? And how heavy gold is? She gave it to him so he couldn't catch Frodo!

[The Wizard from Milan]

What would [Galadriel] do if would has been in close proximity to the Ring for such long time, when she almost grabbed it at the first sight!
My impression was that Galadriel was tempted at first sight, but that after overcoming her first temptation should would not be tempted again

[Jon S.]

Perhaps there more to the "belt" than meets our eyes.

Belts feature prominently in various mythologies.

For example, consider Hercules' ninth labor, capturing the belt worn by the queen of the Amazon women. When he arrived at the mouth of the Thermodon river, he anchored his ship and was visited by Hippolyte herself. She was apparently sufficiently enamored of him to give him her belt as a token of her affection.

Also consider Thor. He got three gifts from the dwarfs, his magic hammer, a pair of magic gloves to protect Thor's hands from the hammer, and a belt which doubled his already impressive strength when he wore it.

In Greek mythology, in discussing the chariot of Artemis, Callimachus was to have said, "In golden armor and belt, you yoked a golden chariot, bridled deer in gold."

In Roman mythology, it is said, Turnus killed the young prince Pallas who had rashly challenged him to single combat and wore his belt as a trophy.

Finally, in modern day America, you are said to really excell at something when you have it "under your belt."

Tolkien was a student of mythology so be open to the possibility that at least his own intent, in having Galadrial give Boromir a belt, was truly to honor him.

[Curubethion]

Wow-good points!

[durinsbane2244]

two thumbs up! [puts two thumbs up]

[King of The Istari]

of course galadriel was evil! she was of the noldor, and we all know the only noldorin elf who was not evil was turgon the magnificent, turgon the splendiferous

I don't believe Galadriel or Boromir were evil in they're lust for the ring:

Boromir: he wanted the ring's power to protect his country and his people, it is not until the end is it that the ring shows him the power HE could have, but he then saw that this was wrong and redeemed himself for his wrongdoing in the only way he knew how, in combat.

Galadriel I always see as a lot like Saruman, they both hae had a secret lust for the power to rival Souron, saruman's turns from the want to destroy Souron to looking on him as his equall and trying to best him in power. But Galadriel knows exactly what will happen to her if she possesses this ring and the consequences of owning it but I believe her being the highest of elves did slightly envy Souron's power but her knowing of what would happen to her and to middle earth stopped her from taking it

these people shouldn't be looked at as evil for lusting after the ring's power but looked on as good for renouncing that power!