May 13, 2002

Re: To Bob the Builder and Similar People
Olorin

This is just a correction to Tavra's earlier article about the movie's Amon Hen scene with Aragorn. When he jumps off the platform, he clearly yells "Elendil". This makes a bit more sense than yelling "Earendil". Although they are both distant ancestors of Aragorn, Elendil has a much more meaningful impact on Aragorn's motivations.

It is at this point in the movie that Aragorn is deciding to carry on the Numenorian kingship of Middle Earth. Elendil had begun that kingship on Middle Earth, and was fundamental in the overthrow of Sauron in the Second Age. Aragorn wants to remind himself of the strength of his blood at this point, instead of dwelling on the weakness shown in Isildur's decision to keep the ring.

Although Earendil is a great figure in Middle Earth's history, he has not taken part in that history since the overthrow of Morgoth in the First Age. Don't get me wrong, one of my favorite stories is that of Earendil doing battle with Ancalagon the Black and the rest of Morgoth's dragon armada, but it does not make as much sense for Aragorn to be bringing him up in the heat of battle. Aragorn is a great man, of great heritage, but he does not have the wisdom and age of the elves to be recalling figures and events from the first age and before that we often see the elves do in from time to time.

I will agree with Tavra on one point. I think they did put that in the movie for fans like ourselves. And for that, PJ, I salute you.