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The White CouncilDeath of Gil-galadTolkien and Inklings Discussion |
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The White CouncilDeath of Gil-galadTolkien and Inklings Discussion |
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Posted by Stephen Geard on June 23, 1999 at 07:08:40 A question has arisen re the death of Gil-galad and Elendil. I have always understood Tolkien as saying that Sauron formally challenged those two to combat, in an attempt to end the seige. They were in effect, fighting a duel. However Michael M. has raised the possibility that Sauron may have just come out of the Barad-dur and attacked Gil-galad, whereupon Elendil went to Gil-galad's rescue. Thus they fought, but it was not a 'duel' or a 'challenge.' In evidence of my understanding I present three passages: 1. From Elrond's words at the Council in the LotR: "I beheld the last combat on the slopes of Orodruin, where Gil-galad died, and Elendil fell ..." This does not say much, could be understood either way. 2. Elrond later at the same Council: "But few marked what Isildur did. He alone stood by his father in that last mortal contest; and by Gil-galad only Cirdan stood, and I." To me this strongly suggests a formal combat, with each champion having one or two assistants. 3. "The Disaster of the Gladden Fields" in UT, note 11: "Elendur, Isuldur's heir and dear to him, had accompanied his father throughout the war (save the last challenge upon Orodruin) ..." Again, to me, this suggests a duel, a "challenge." I grant that issuing a formal challenge to his enemies is not Sauron's style. He would, I am sure, have much rather stabbed them both in the back, rather than fought them face to face. But after seven years of seige he was probably getting desperate, and deemed he was strong enough to defeat them. Stephen Geard Tasmania
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