September 17, 2002

On Boromir and Gandalf
Dave M.

First, with regard to Boromir being braver than either Legolas or Gimli in the confrontation with the Balrog - don't forget, they both knew what a Balrog was, & what it was capable of. A balrog's terrible appearance was only part of its power to intimidate. Basically, Boromir had no idea what he was facing. Perhaps also, when he saw Aragorn running to help, his pride overcame his fear.

As far as Gandalf letting go & falling into the chasm, just remember, the Balrog didn't die in the fall, & Ganddalf has to kill it - part of his task is to rid the world of the servants of Sauron - I suspect he falls to finish off the Balrog. (Also, to get all 'Jungian' for a moment, the Balrog can be seen as Gandalf's 'Shadow', his dark side, which he has to overcome in order to be 'purified' & become Gandalf the White).

P.S. Yes, Aragorn does cry 'Elendil' on Amon Hen.