The Two Towers // Book 3, Chapter 5 // The White Rider

I love this chapter so so much.

What with all the personality dynamics... Gimli stamping and snorting and being all suspicious and even Legolas asking questions too and Aragorn being his diligent self.

And then there's the surprise and the joy. The rich, stirring, piercing joy. *sniffs* <333

We discussed this a little earlier in reference to beauty, but here Gandalf says something slightly different:

"Dangerous!' cried Gandalf. 'And so am I, very dangerous: more dangerous than anything you will ever meet, unless you are brought alive before the seat of the Dark Lord. And Aragorn is dangerous, and Legolas is dangerous. You are beset with dangers, Gimli son of Gloin; for you are dangerous yourself, in your own fashion. Certainly the forest of Fangorn is perilous -- not least to those that are too ready with their axes; and Fangorn himself, he is perilous too; yet he is wise and kindly nonetheless."

Not all kittens and flowers but a roaring storm and a thunderclap, goodness can be a dangerous and a fearsome thing.

 

Quotes:

• "The old man was too quick for him. He sprang to his feet and leaped to the top of a large rock. There he stood, grown suddenly tall, towering above them. His hood and his grey rags were flung away. His white garments shone. He lifted up his staff, and Gimli's axe leaped from his grasp and fell ringing on the ground. The sword of Aragorn, stiff in his motionless hand, blazed with a sudden fire. Legolas gave a great shout and shot an arrow high into the air: it vanished in a flash of flame. 'Mithrandir!' he cried. 'Mithrandir!' 'Well met, I say to you again, Legolas!' said the old man. They all gazed at him. His hair was white as snow in the sunshine; and gleaming white was his robe; the eyes under his deep brows were bright, piercing as the rays of the sun; power was in his hand. Between wonder, joy, and fear they stood and found no words to say."
• "We meet again. At the turn of the tide. The great storm is coming, but the tide has turned."
• "It was not in vain that the young hobbits came with us, if only for Boromir's sake. But that is not the only part they have to play. They were brought to Fangorn, and their coming was like the falling of small stones that starts an avalanche in the mountains. Even as we talk here, I hear the first rumblings. Saruman had best not be caught away from home when the dam bursts!"
• "He laughed, but the sound now seemed warm and kindly as a gleam of sunshine."
• "Gandalf laughed again. 'Yes, my good Dwarf,' he said, 'it is a comfort not to be mistaken at all points. Do I not know it only too well! But, of course, I never blamed you for your welcome of me. How could I do so, who have so often counselled my friends to suspect even their own hands when dealing with the Enemy. Bless you, Gimli, son of Gloin! Maybe you will see us both together one day and judge between us!"
• "A thing is about to happen which has not happened since the Elder Days: the Ents are going to wake up and find that they are strong."
• "...we have met in time, who otherwise might have met too late."
• "Go where you must go, and hope!"
  

 

For thought:

• Do you think of goodness as being perilous (i.e. the two things tied together)?