The Red Book: The Falls of Rauros

THE DAY

February 25, 3019 TA

Now then, after the Argonath, they arrive at the falls of Rauros and Tol Brandir.

“At the far southern end rose three peaks. The midmost stood somewhat forward from the others and sundered from them, an island in the waters, about which the flowing River flung pale shimmering arms. Distant but deep there campe up on the wind a roaring sound like the roll of thunder heard far away. ‘Behold Tol Brandir!’ said Aragorn…”

To the right of Tol Brandir is Amon Hen, and the lawn of Parth Galen is at the feet of Amon Hen.

“Aragorn led them to the right arm of the River. Here upon its western side under the shadow of Tol Brandir a green lawn ran down to the water from the feet of Amon Hen.”

They spend the night here, and of course one must not forget that Gollum has been tracking them since Moria. I have noticed that a lot of Aragorn’s lines in the book were given to Legolas in the movie. This does not particularly bother me, because to me it is more important that things get said at all, then who ends up saying them. But it’s interesting to point out that Aragorn and Legolas were switched up a little in the movies. In the books, it tended to be Aragorn who explained where they were and told the hobbits what they were seeing. Legolas was quieter and more reserved and mysterious. In the movies, Aragorn is the broody one, and Legolas the explainer. One of Legolas’ lines at Parth Galen in the movie is “a shadow and a threat has been growing in my mind” or something to that effect. In the book:

“’Why are you waking?’ asked Frodo. ‘It is not your watch.’‘I do not know,’ answered Aragorn; ‘but a shadow and a threat has been growing in my sleep. It would be well to draw your sword.’”

Another thing that occurred on this day was the first battle of the Fords of Isen. Today is the day that Theodred, son of Theoden King, was killed. Quite tragic that.