Reviews (67)

Galathil · 15 April 2020 · Chapter 1: An Unexpected Meeting

Hi Bodkin once again you have written a beautiful story. Hope someday that Mithrellas and Imrazor will meet again. In the mean time for Imrahil and his family to meet their grandmother would be a special thing indeed. Galathil

Tiinaj1 · 23 August 2015 · Chapter 12: Last Words

I think this was the finest of all your stories that I have read. Thank you.

galathil · 29 January 2012 · Chapter 12: Last Words

Dear Bodkin,I found this story and fell in love with it.I often wondered about Mithrellas and her life.There aren't many stories about her,so it is nice to read one. Espeacialy when she meets with Imrahil and family,before she sails.Hope you do one on Mithrellas in the grey havens very soon.LOL Galthil

galathil · 29 January 2012 · Chapter 12: Last Words

Glory Bee · 5 December 2011 · Chapter 12: Last Words

What an unexpected blessing Bodkin to stumble upon this gem of a story tonight. It is 3 am but I could not stop reading it. I have heard of the elven ancestry of the Dol Amroth lords but never in its fullness in this beautiful and moving way of writing you have. It was very sad and I used up more than a few tissues making my way through it. Since I am a huge Eomer and Lothiriel fan I was thrilled that you included part of their story. I also appreciated the tender moments between Lothiriel and Imrahil. :)

lwarren · 27 November 2004 · Chapter 4: Lost

Whew! I'm with Lothiriel...that was some first sight of Imrazor for Mithrellas. Her explanation of the elven ability to remain hidden, or to remain unnoticed was fascinating. You can really tell in this chapter that Imrahil is very much torn about losing his daughter to Eomer...and Lothiriel is absolutely enchanted with the "love story" part of Mithrellas' tale. Even as she tells the story, she is the elder in the family imparting wisdom, both to Imrahil and Lothiriel. Being as she's part of the family, immortal, experienced, and wise, I expect her words had much impact, even if Imrahil didn't like what he was hearing. LOL (Fathers - pretty predictable where their baby girls are concerned!) Another winner of a chapter (I am trying to not repeat myself over and over by saying "gee, Bodkin, that was great! DUH!) :-) linda (You know, in thinking more about the origin of Thanksgiving, the original Pilgrims based their celebration on the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles. It's possible the day is set in the Bible and the Pilgrims and later Lincoln carried on the tradition. Just a thought...)

Author's reply

It's not easy to have your children leave - and Rohan is a long way from Dol Amroth. Lothiriel and Eomer is a good marriage in social / political terms - but as a widowed father with one daughter who is also his youngest, I wouldn't be surprised if Imrahil would have liked her to marry a local boy. But he does know that his daughter and Eomer are well suited - and having a queen in the family isn't a bad move for the House, so . . . Lothiriel is in the perfect mental state for stories of undying romance! I'm glad you like the explanation of how elves remain unnoticed! I can imagine inhabitants of Minas Tirith trying to tell the stories of the great days of victory and almost doubting their own descriptions of what happened. Myth becomes legend - (was that the way round they said it? Legend becomes myth sounds better to me. No matter.) (Some of these traditional dates are really odd - who, for example, decided to set the date for Easter the way it is? And more importantly, why? They've released a new version of 'Do they know it's Christmas' to raise money for the Sudan here, and somebody last night said, 'Actually they don't. The Christians in the Sudan celebrate Christmas in January.')

lwarren · 27 November 2004 · Chapter 3: The Journey

My goodness, but Nimrodel was a self-absorbed elleth! Poor Amroth, blinded indeed by a pretty smile,(etc.) and hormones! Mithrellas and her thoughts about the trees and the Silvan Elves' relationship to them was exceptionally elf-y *g*. I love the way the elves relate to the trees, and her description of traveling across a flat land with no trees was almost painful. Even being able to feel the trees not familiar with elves had to be better than being cut off completely. The ambush at the pass was well done - creepy, what with the fog that "felt wrong" and that sound of metal striking stone *shiver*, like the sound of doom, I would imagine. When Mithrellas fell from her horse, I assume the Lorien cloak concealed her from "unfriendly eyes". This was another great chapter, Bodkin - had to laugh at the age conversation when one of Imrahil's sons realizes how much older than Imrazor Mithrellas was. And good for her - never reveal the age of a lady (neither her own nor Arwen's). :-) linda (Thanksgiving - first declared a national holiday by A. Lincoln and he decided, I guess,or maybe it was Congress later, that it would always be observed on the fourth Thursday of November...therefore, it's not a set date at all.)

Author's reply

'More dangerous and less wise' - in more ways than one. I thought that Nimloth had to be selfish, really, to run off at a time like this. You would NEVER get Galadriel abandoning her duty in times of danger. I suppose Melian left Doriath on Elu's death . . . but I think maybe her existence on the 'mortal' plain was probably tied up in his existence and, on his death, she could not remain. And Amroth - well, Nimloth just made it impossible for him to use his brain to do his thinking. Trees not familiar with elves might be quite exciting, in a way, because the elves could build a new relationship (like Legolas in Ithilien) and heal and develop a new forest. The ambush worked? Good - action is hard and fighting even harder. Thank goodness for Lorien cloak's, I say! She probably landed somewhere out of obvious sight among other grey rocks and it was able to affect the vision of those looking for her. The age gap thing is quite weird if you let yourself think about it. Mithrellas returns after a thousand years to see her descendants - and twenty odd generations have passed, yet she was around for over two thousand years before she became their ancestress - which would be forty generations. It's not surprising that elves and men didn't get wed too often. I hope you had a good Thanksgiving - being on a Thursday must mean that lots of people have to take Wednesday and Friday off to make the journeys home possible.

lwarren · 24 November 2004 · Chapter 2: Leaving Lorien

Nimrodel and Amroth...star-crossed lovers if ever there were any! It was interesting to watch Nimrodel's attempts to manipulate Amroth through Mithrellas' eyes. Mithrellas is actually a very practical elleth, if somewhat blind in her loyalty. Maybe not blind...she certainly saw through Nimrodel's little fits and such...perhaps easily swayed by her friend is a more apt description. Amroth knows his duty and should have told Nimrodel where to get off, but as Galadriel noted, he was lost to his "obsession" with her. Question: Was Amroth related to Galadriel and Celeborn somehow? A son, or nephew, perhaps? Just wondering. I loved the way the forest mourned their leaving and how Mithrellas mourned with them. Also, her ending explanation of how Silvan elves, through their more carefree, careless nature could come to harm on the trip to Edhellond revealed a great deal about the nature of those elves. Great chapter, Bodkin! linda

Author's reply

You can't help but feel that a couple who head off to safety when their home is in danger don't have a lot of staying power. I thought that Nimrodel was probably one of those very charismatic people who seems to be making a lot of sense when she's in the same room - but the longer you are away from her, the more the bubbles of wonder pop to leave a rather tacky aftertaste. And Amroth of course is also being hormone-driven here - once elves were committed to love, they didn't really seem to find changing their minds easy. (Well, Nimrodel could probably have managed.) One of Tolkien's many possibly threads made Galadriel and Celeborn Amroth's parents, but I decided not to go with that, because I really couldn't see either of them taking too kindly to their son throwing up his duty to chase after an elleth - and felt that Amroth's early training would have made it far more difficult for him to do it. I went with Amroth son of Amdir - who would have been kin to Celeborn, (as was Thranduil,) but wouldn't give C and G the kind of parental authority that might have controlled the situation. (Just started explaining some theory that doesn't come into this chapter. Ooops.) I'm glad you liked the chapter!

lwarren · 24 November 2004 · Chapter 1: An Unexpected Meeting

Thank goodness for Thanksgiving break! I have a few days to actually sit down and review this wonderful story the way I've wanted to since you started posting it. One of the parts of RotK that caught my eye when I read the book was Legolas' reaction to Imrahil, recognizing a worthy lord and one of elven descent. When I saw this first chapter, I thought how great, because very little is written about this family, yet his daughter goes on to marry Eomer. You write so well and your descriptive phrases turn me literally pea-green with envy. :-) "...the sunrise turn wisps of cloud to molten gold" "...her voice like the song of a flute on the wind" (I love the fact that elven voices reflect the music so inherent to their character) Mithrellas makes some very telling comments to Imrahil during her conversation with him before the children come. I've always thought it very brave that Arwen was willing to give up her immortality to be with Aragorn, but truly, hers was not the hardest road, was it? Mithrellas said it all "You burn like a flame and draw us with the intensity of your lives, but then leave us aching over endless centuries..." Hers is the true tragedy...after all Arwen can join Aragorn after his death, but should Mithrellas die (even of grief), she would not be reunited with her love. She says "I would rather live and remember, than die and forget him." This is just a tragic story, no matter how you look at it. Now she has come back, prior to leaving for Valinor, to see the family she left centuries ago. How sad! And how very well you tell the tale! I was thoroughly captivated, much like Imrahil, and waiting to hear her story. That's what is so compelling about Tolkien's world...the possibilities of "legend becoming reality". Wonderful beginning, Bodkin. linda

Author's reply

OK, can you tell me - why is Thanksgiving on a Thursday? It was good to write, because there is information - but not so much that picking through it is a minefield. And there are a few places where you can choose what path to follow - and bits with no information at all! I find it difficult not to get carried away with description (and conversation). And first chapters (with me) get so much more poring over and refining while I decide whether to develop it. I think Arwen's choice was hard - but the effects were possibly harder on poor old Elrond who is left without so many people in his life. (And what exactly happened to Earendil? Where are he and Elwing when he's not piloting Vingilot? Are they stuck in splendid isolation in her tower, just the two of them for ever and ever? Or will they be there waiting for their son?) I'm glad you like it.

SharonB · 23 November 2004 · Chapter 12: Last Words

How wonderful that Mithrellas remembered to gift her family some things as she left for Valinor, especially the necklace for Lothiriel. She did seem to form a brief attachemnt to her while telling them about her life. And good that Galador did at last understand. It took the loss of his wife to make him realize the problems that his mother would have had to dela with if she had stayed. Her life still continues on both in Gondor and Rohan. This has been a great addition to a hole that Tolkien left in his world. You did a wonderful job handling the characterizations in this sotry. Thank you.

Author's reply

I think she did take to them - especially Amrothos and Lothiriel, who reminded her so strongly of her own family. I think a lot of people see things in black and white too much when they are young - as you get older you have a better appreciation of shades of grey. Her inheritance is still there in her descendants - but she is still left waiting for the time beyond the end of days. (The more you think about elf / man romance, the sadder it seems.) Thank you for reading.

Bejai · 23 November 2004 · Chapter 12: Last Words

I really enjoyed this story, Bodkin. It was one that I'd never even thought of, but once you started, it seemed so wonderful that you were telling it. I loved seeing familiar characters and situations through her eyes, and seeing her interaction with her noble descendants. Bravo.

Author's reply

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it. There was one point when it seemed a bit of a project, but it actually rolled out quite smoothily. I'm looking forward to more from you soon!

Lasse-Lanta · 23 November 2004 · Chapter 12: Last Words

This was a beautiful, beautiful story. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the reading, you rendered all the characters so perfectly. I've enjoyed all your 'tying up' of unfinished ends, I believe it would have made Tolkien proud. I don't know what more to say, you've done such a splendid job bringing Mithrellas and Imrazor to life. Thank you so much for sharing!

Author's reply

Thank you very much - I'm blushing. I really enjoyed writing about Mithrellas and Imrazor and their descendants. I'm missing them! It was interesting writing about something that had to fit into the timelines, too, because it's the first time I've done that to any extent.

Lindelea · 23 November 2004 · Chapter 1: An Unexpected Meeting

Started reading this again, interrupted (of course!) and no time to read more. Noticed a typo, tho, and thought I'd tell you about it: ‘Lady – what is yesterday to you is no more than legend here,’ he said, spreading his hands. I have no need to blame you for anything. There's a quotation mark missing, d'you see? Hope to read and enjoy sometime soon. The first chapter is still hauntingly beautiful, with the imagery of the twilight, the glorious colours of the sunrise, the changing sky. I cannot help thinking it reflects the state of the world, the Elves in their twilight giving way to the brilliant light of the world of Men--harsher, somehow, the soft edges gone. But I cannot complete the thought for the distractions around me, so I'd better leave off and hope for a quieter time.

Author's reply

Thank you. There's always something, isn't there! I shall put your words in front of me and appreciate them!

daw the minstrel · 23 November 2004 · Chapter 12: Last Words

This was moving. I actually have tears in my eyes. But before that, I have to admit that I enjoyed the picture of the heartily drinking males spilling their ale!

Author's reply

Thank you. Last lines are awful to write - trying to find something that sounds final is really tricky. I rather like the image of Eomer and Lothiriel's brothers sinking a few jars of ale in an excess of brotherly love. And of Imrahil sneaking away to sip tea with Lothiriel. I enjoyed writing this - even with timelines and so on to track. It's the first story I've tried that had to fit into actual happenings. Sorry it's finished, really.

elliska · 23 November 2004 · Chapter 12: Last Words

Wow, you do endings really well. That's the hardest part for me. I wondered how you would end this story. I did not expect this and it was well beyond my expectations in the tear-factor. I cried reading this right at my desk at work. I love the casket. I love that Mithrellas learned her son finally understood (he would at that point, I think). I love that Mithrellas copied for them Imrazor's words. And I love the heirloom Mithrellas gave Lothiriel. That was so touching and I am a sentimental sap for that sort of thing. But the "last words" of the story spoken by Imrahil were what did me in. Very wise and very Tolkienesque. Exceptionally well done. I am, as usual, exceedingly impressed with your story.

Author's reply

You have no idea how many times I rewrote, chopped bits, reworded, rearranged and so on, those last speeches. They just didn't want to stop talking, and I couldn't get a last line that equated with closing the book on 'the end'. I've read it out loud about fifty times trying to get the rhythm and I still wasn't totally happy with it. But you liked it! Phew. It had to end with Imrahil really to have that feeling of completion, but there was a tiny bit of me that wanted to follow Mithrellas (- only goodness knows what could have happened to her.) No, it was a story of the line of Dol Amroth and had to stick with that. I love your reviews - they are so flattering!

Ellie · 21 November 2004 · Chapter 11: Endings

Wow! What a beautiful story! The feelings of loss and gain and acceptance and resolution were simply wonderful! Nicely done.

Author's reply

Thank you very much. I'm glad you liked it. There are a few more words to come in conclusion, but not a lot. This has made me think rather more about 'happy ever after' - I don't think elf / man romance had much potential for that.

SharonB · 20 November 2004 · Chapter 11: Endings

AH, it still was a bittersweet reunion for Mithrellas. But so nice for her to see the family still go on. It sounds like she became somewhat attached to them even though she did not want to. Intersting that Imrahil gave her a copy of Galador's journal. It sounds as though Galador must of repented of some of his thoughts of his mother from what Imrahil said. Mithrellas and Galadriel supported each other well when they needed it. Each has an edge to give the other the advice they needed at certain turing points. How wise of Galadriel to send her back. She did need to see them for herself and talk with them to feel right about leaving for the west. Ah, but I see that you still have not completed the story even though it certianly is winding to a close. It this has been a great story so far, I can't wait to see how you end it up.

Author's reply

I think she saw Galador and Gilmith in Amrothos and Lothiriel - and was able to find them some consolation. I expect Galador was angry at first, but as he grew older he was better able to see his parents' reasoning. It must have been good for Galadriel to have the company of someone who had similar 'Lady' leadership experience and an opinion worth expressing on some key issues. In fact, those conversations could be the underlying reason for the 'fate' that took Mithrellas back to the Wood rather than take ship. Mithrellas did need to make this visit - and the journal might well give her even more reason for having made it. She and Imrazor will not be reunited, but happy memories might make her long wait easier. Only one more snippet to come. (Although other thoughts are coming into my head as I type. No, no - that would upset the symmetry. Can't go beyond the circles of the world.) I'll stick with the simple ending. Thanks for reading.

daw the minstrel · 20 November 2004 · Chapter 11: Endings

"Its exclusive tranquillity had fractured and the sound of the world beyond seemed to creep in through the cracks."--That's a great sentence. It shows what Lothlorien was like and what it lost. I also liked Celborn complaining about the amount of baggage his wife and granddaughter were taking! I suppose he was on his horse, impatiently doing whatever elves do instead of honking the horn when they were late leaving! What a lovely ending. Mithrellas is right. Her life with its joys and sorrows contributed to this outcome.

Author's reply

It must have been awful to watch Lothlorien begin to fade even as the leaves were starting to turn Eryn Lasgalen green. I wonder if Galadriel began to doubt her judgment about the rings. Probably not. Yes - Celeborn's horse prancing around with impatience, and him asserting that there would be nothing they couldn't get in Minas Tirith if they needed it. And yet, getting really irritated if his favourite tunic or official Lord of Lorien mithril circlet had been left behind. Nice memories for Mithrellas to take with her over the sea - completes the circle somehow. Thank you for reading.

elliska · 20 November 2004 · Chapter 11: Endings

There were so many parts of this that made tears come to my eyes. I liked the contrast of Eryn Lasgalen and the Golden Wood--we know that from canon but you described it well. The 'too much baggage' comment had me laughing--too typical. Elrond and Mithrellas' conversation was sad but she was right and frankly, it probably helped Elrond to hear what she said. And Mithrellas' observations in the presence of her descendants were very sad. Galadriel's advice to go see them was characteristically wise. Mithrellas would have never felt...I hate to use a stupid pop psychology term, but 'closure' is the best word. I love image of her sitting in the garden that night, alone with her memories. And I hope we get a little glimpse inside that journal. What a wonderful gift.

Author's reply

Thank you. I don't think a male exists who wouldn't complain about the amount of baggage required for a wedding! And can you imagine trying to transport it all on horseback. It must have been awful for the elves of Lothlorien to see the wood start to fade even as Eryn Lasgalen began a process of healing. And perhaps the first time that Galadriel really began to doubt the wisdom of using the rings? I think Galadriel was wise to take Mithrellas to Gondor - and to send her back to make her farewells. Perhaps she was intended by fate to receive the journal at this time . . . It's unlikely to make more of an appearance though. Only one bit to come. I haven't written anything today at all, and I'm suffering from withdrawal.

Jay of Lasgalen · 18 November 2004 · Chapter 10: The Long Years

'If we keep her out of his way for a century or so, he will cease to be a problem,’ Galadriel pointed out. ' Well, that's blunt! I loved that line. She knows herself, though: 'You counsel me not to interfere?’ Galadriel mused. ‘It goes against the grain to let matters take their own course.’ That sounds so much like her! For some reason I hadn't twigged that of course Boromir is one of her descendants, and had forgotten that he had a trace of Elvish blood - yet I knew his mother was Imrahil's sister. Thanks for reminding me! Jay

Author's reply

True though. But I suspect that Fate and the hand of Iluvatar are probably involved with Arwen and Aragorn. I think Galadriel does know herself well - she's had a long time to learn - (she might even amuse herself when she observes the way she reacts.) She knows deep down that this is one she can't change, however much she might want to. Boromir just doesn't seem to have much elfy-ness about him. Faramir, on the other hand, seems (in my opinion) to have inherited Boromir's share of the family's elfy traits.

SharonB · 16 November 2004 · Chapter 10: The Long Years

Oh, Imrazor did have reason to think his son might destroy the journal. Galador really was hurt by his mothers departure. How sad. But I am glad that the journal heped Mithrellas heal and know how truly loved she was. And she spoke up to Galadriel about Aragorn and Arwen. Let them be and what is supposed to happen will. Who knows how things would have changed if Galadriel had not heeded her advice? And to have met Boromir and talked with him. That certainly does seem an unsettled meeting for Boromir. More so than the inital one with the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood? That may be so, after all Mithrellas was a part of his own personal history. Funny, in a way, that Aragorn was more comfortable with her that Boromir her own descendant. It certaily does show that environment part of growing up. Nurture or Nature does make a difference. And those meeting are what inspired her to make the effort to meet her family again before she left for the west. This has been really good so far. Thanks.

Author's reply

He might have destroyed it - and then it's too late to change your mind. I'm glad she received it. At least Galadriel knew when to listen. I don't think Boromir felt hugely comfortable in Lothlorien - all a bit too airy-fairy for him. Not one much into metaphysics. More into ale and fighting. Aragorn, of course, was very comfortable around elves - I wonder how he coped with life as king, actually. I think he would have found that hard. I'm glad you're enjoying it. There's not much left, I'm afraid.

daw the minstrel · 16 November 2004 · Chapter 10: The Long Years

This tale is going on beautifully. I especially liked Aragorn's explanation of why he could accept Mithrellas, but I also liked her scrutiny of her distant descendant, Boromir. Mithrellas has nerve to advise Galadriel, but Galadriel seemed to value the experience she drew on. And I also liked the contrast between the two sets of leaders of the Golden Wood. Celeborn and Galadriel are indeed far better leaders for this time, so perhaps things worked out for the best.

Author's reply

Galadriel is no fool - she's been watching Mithrellas for 1000 years and probably knows her value. C and G are much better leaders for any time really. Well up on the meaning of noblesse oblige. I liked the idea of Mithrellas meeting Boromir and Aragorn and spectating on A and A. (Shame the rest of the Fellowship couldn't fit in really, but it would have been a stretch).

Bejai · 16 November 2004 · Chapter 10: The Long Years

Oh, this was a fun chapter! Good to see all these familiar events through someone's else's eyes. And a canonical character, no less! She had wonderful insight into Arwen and Aragorn, as well. Loved the meeting with Boromir! I hadn't thought about it before, but when I realized what you were doing -- that he was meeting his many-times great grandmother, you took my breath away. Loving this story.

Author's reply

A lot of years packed into a small space! It began to feel a bit like a history essay. She is - with Luthien and Idril who aren't there - probably the best person to understand Arwen's love for Aragorn and the only one qualified to give meaningful advice. I've seen Boromir meets Mithrellas somewhere else (although I'm afraid I can't remember where) but it really is a likely meeting - they were both in the same place at the same time. Faramir will be green with envy when he realises that he has missed out on the opportunity.

Imrahoil · 16 November 2004 · Chapter 10: The Long Years

The exchange between Mithrellas and Galadriel about Arwen's choice is just great, the concept of forsaking immortality for love however great was why I always had a problem with Arwen. You make it easier to believe. And "‘It goes against the grain to let matters take their own course.’" had me in stitches, Galadriel is one of my most favourite characters, but I have to admit that sums her up rather too well.

Author's reply

Arwen is quite an undeveloped character, I think, so it is difficult to understand her. She seems to represent the literary convention of 'beautiful bride as reward' type of heroine. Not to mention the 'let Elrond suffer' convention that Tolkien likes to employ! (There seems to me to be a lot of 'fate' involved in it all.) Galadriel made me grin too - I don't think she is one to find it easy to let things just happen. She definitely feels that she knows best! Thanks for reading.

elliska · 16 November 2004 · Chapter 10: The Long Years

This must have been incredibly hard to write. I have found in the fic I did that the chapters where you have to pass through centuries covering important details without dedicating entire chapters to them are by far the hardest to write. You want to do justice to the event but you don't want to dedicate a whole chapter to it. You did a really good job here. Much better than I could imagine. I loved the talk between Galadriel and Mithrellas about Arwen and Aragorn. The fate of the world and the fate of Arwen--that was well handled. But what I didn't see coming was the conversation with Boromir--well done! I would have missed that opportunity and it was very interesting. I loved the reference to how fascinated Faramir would have been to meet Mithrellas. Too true and a touching brotherly moment. And I liked the contrast between Boromir's incredulity and Aragorn's easy acceptance. He would see things differently indeed given the environment that raised him. Loved that speech, by the way. And I liked I liked Elphir's comment about the elves. That is something that I think is interesting in LotR--everyone is in their proper place to bring about the end of Sauron. Everyone did play their role. Even the people that supposedly 'failed' (Radagast, for example--did he fail or was he in the right place to send the eagles to help Gandalf escape from Orthanc / and Boromir as you pointed out--did he fail or did his presence at the Council of Elrond set into motion the events that would bring aid to Gondor). I love that line of reasoning and it is very interesting to me. You packed so much into this chapter. Loved it.

Author's reply

It was a bit tricky - it was just so much time, and yet most of the events would have been fairly irrelevant to Mithrellas in the Golden Wood - and you can't have characters telling you what year it is. I'm flattered you think it worked. Galadriel probably would talk to Mithrellas about this subject - she's the only one around with actual experience, since neither Idril nor Luthien are available. I'm sure I've read another story where Mithrellas met Boromir - but if she were in the wood, she would want to see this man of Gondor - from sheer curiosity, even if she didn't know he was a descendant. I never felt that Boromir was very comfortable with elves (unlike Faramir) but Aragorn would have been pretty at home. And you're right - there was more to success than being at the Black Gate or up Mount Doom. So many of the smaller events were vital to the outcome - Merry and Pippin in Fangorn, Gandalf turning up at Edoras, Frodo's compassion towards Gollum, Faramir's willingness to let the Ring go. Boromir's failure to resist the Ring and then his redemption sent Frodo and Sam on their way in the nick of time, sent Merry and Pippin on their way to lead Treebeard to Isengard and pushed Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli towards Edoras, the Paths of the Dead and Minas Tirith. Without his 'failure' maybe the whole house of cards would have collapsed and no-one would have succeeded.