August 15, 2002

Your Will, Dread Lord...
Brett C.

I've been busy checking up on the construction of Minas Tirith; although the city is originally described as being white walled and halled when Pippin first sees it in the opening chapter of Return of the King, the chapter on the Siege of Gondor does specifically state that the main wall's '...outward face was like the Tower of Orthanc, hard and dark and smooth...'. I would assume that the white effect in the earlier chapter is the result of such a highly reflective surface mirroring the flat rays of the early morning sun, while the upper walls and buildings are either of white stone or white faced.

[Little side note: the lines given by Boromir in Lorien as he dreams of his return to the 'White City' are an almost word for word lifting of Pippin's first clear look at Minas Tirth; another small tribute to the Professor from PJ in his adaption for film]

Annatar, sorry I haven't been able to speak on your behalf earlier; I've been busy using that ring to stay awake 24/7 studying the FOTR DVD. Smee and Smo, if you're still looking for recommendations on good value in a ring may I mention Annatar's. He's literally giving the things away. [Not that I'm in any way biased or unduly influenced..it is just a ring ofter all...though it very shiny...sooooo shiny...mmmmmmmm......]