Reading “The Lord of the Rings”: Chapter 8: “Farewell to Lórien” (Book Two)

Having very much enjoyed their stay in the enchanted wood of Lothlórien, the Company must at last confront the reality that their time there draws to a close. And so, reluctantly, they set out, though Galadriel and the other Elves offer them gifts, each of which is uniquely matched to each person. As the chapter draws to a close, they leave the wood behind and embark on the next, uncertain step of their journey.

Perhaps the most notable thing about this chapter is its emphasis on Boromir and the changes in his character. There were signs even at the Council of Elrond that he wasn’t on board with the idea of destroying the Ring. For him, proud (if diminished) man of Gondor that he is, it’s folly to throw away something that could save his beloved homeland, and one gets the sense that Galadriel, when she probed his mind and offered him his dearest desire, forced him to confront the reality that what he really wanted was to take the Ring and use it. Of course, it’s equally certain that the Ring, sensing that desire, used his weakness to lay hold of him. Though it is only hinted at in this chapter, it’s clear that it is growing on his mind and that it won’t be long before he makes a fateful decision regarding Frodo and the Ring.