Legolas and Gimli LEAVE Aragorn?!?

[Lobelia Celebrian]

The part when Aragorn "tumbles off the cliff" isn't in the book.
And in the movie, after Aragorn falls, and Theoden says "Leave the dead" - Legolas and Gimli do. I know that there's a brief moment where it shows how torn Legolas is, but still - they leave Aragorn.
My question is: Do you think (had Tolkien added this scene or one similiar to it, to the books) Legolas and Gimli would have left Aragorn???

[Ereinion]

hehehe...No way! They are a part of a Fellowship....They have no commitments towards Theoden...They would have never deserted a Fellowship member behind...Otherwise they might as well never persued Merry and Pippin....

[Lobelia Celebrian]

That's exactly how I feel!
They are a Fellowship. And when they started out, Legolas and Gimli declared - "And you have my bow." - "And my axe."
I don't think that they would have deserted him under any pretenses. Like you said, they have no other commitments than that of the Fellowship.
And I don't understand why PJ added that in the movie. - It wasn't necessarily needed.

Do you think that Tolkien would have been disappointed with that addition to the storyline???

[Ereinion]

I suppose PJ wanted more unnesesary drama...And, I think, Tolkien would not have liked some of the changes...PJ really went too far with those...But then again,it's difficult to turn such a long book as LOTR to 3 movies...There's also the money aspect, and what bring money better then presumed deaths and plot twists....:huh:

[Ivyetta]

I don't believe that Legolas and Gimli would have left Aragorn either. They are too loyal to him. And right, there was no reason for them to stay with Theoden. And you know that they didn't leave because they believed that Aragorn was dead, because when he returns, Legolas says, "Your late." And also, he kept his "necklace". So Legolas believed that he was alive, and that he would return.

Maybe Peter Jackson did that to show Aragorn's "kingliness". To show that he will go on even if his friends are not with him. But I think that's already a given, :p.

Actually, I think it would have been neat if Legolas and Gimli stayed behind and searched for Aragorn. Peter Jackson could have done that good.....

[Radagast]

I think
It is because.. You cant have a battle without anything Important happening... So the falling of the cliff, is 1 a symbol of, that even though he is King he can still be slay'n... Second2. It will make the contrasts between Eowyn and Arwen seem bigger.. and it would make people see that Eowyn really was in love with Aragorn..

I think Legolas in his heart knows that Aragorn is not dead... Concerning Gimli im still blank to why he just left..

[Radagast]

Oh, and there is also the Extremely beautyful camera shot.. when the camera goes 360 arround him from a Helicopter... Wonderful shot... and that stands as a symbol of even though he has friends who will help him.. eventually he will have to stand alone..

[Olsonm]

Look for what. It is extremely difficult to find a body in a river, even today. Having them stay and look for him would have beenn ridiculous.

[Lady Melanie]

When I watched that scene I felt like Theoden was having a fatherly moment with Legolas because when he says "Leave the dead" he puts his hand on his shoulder as if to comfort him and guide him. What do u think?:elfeek:

[Radagast]

Olonm Where are you from?... I know its extremly hard to find a body in a river but.. they are a fellowship,.... its also hard to free 2 hobbits they dont no wether or not they are alive... and they are held captured by a lot of man eating Uruk's

[Lady Melanie]

And Legolas has elven eyes. Couldn't he have just looked down the river?

[Melian]

Originally posted by Lady Melanie
When I watched that scene I felt like Theoden was having a fatherly moment with Legolas because when he says "Leave the dead" he puts his hand on his shoulder as if to comfort him and guide him. What do u think?:elfeek: That would be the way it appears, but considering that Legolas is several thousand years older than Theoden.........

[Periantari Andruil]

The Warg attack itself was great...but i didn't like the Aragorn tumbling down the cliff scene at all.... PJ did it only to show Arwen more... :mmmm: pfbbt
and if he did fall down the cliff, wouldn't there be more traces of blood or tattered clothing?
The fake-death Aragorn scene was totally unnecessary in my opinion... :mmmm:

[Iarfirithwen]

I don't know. I do think they would've considered him dead and gone. The confused, torn look on Legolas speaks volumes (poor guy isn't really that used to death and its the second time in a short period where he's had to deal with the death of a friend). While I'm sure a large part of them would've yearned to at least attempt to retrieve a body they would've been aware that their circumstances wouldn't have permitted it. Its not like they were out on a picnic and Aragorn just happened to fall over the edge catching a frisbee or something or other.
It's not necessarily the case that Legolas would've been able to see him if he was out of range or if Aragorn's body was obscured by something.

As for the comment from Legolas when Aragorn arrives at HD, "You're late!". Its meant as a light hearted, oh my god am I gladdened beyond words that you're alive without getting all mushy. Its not meant literally, in the way of we agreed to be here at 3.30. I've been waiting for 2 hours. You're late!

The look on Bloom's face says it all. A truly nice compact scene.

[Lady Melanie]

Is there a possibility that Legolas knew that Aragorn was alive? I think he knew that he wouldn't die so easily. Why else would he have kept the necklace to give back to Aragorn?:o

[Radagast]

Yeah thats what i think...

[Lady Melanie]

Maybe he was just keeping the necklace as a memory of Aragorn though? Hmmm. Dilemma!

[David D]

Why do people assume that Legolas does not know what death is. His father fought in the battel of five armies as most likely so did he. In this battle he would have seen many deaths.Then there is the locatio of his father's kingdom, Mirkwood. This is where Sauron lived for a time and is inhabbited by giant spiders. Surely Legolas must have seen some elves die by these spiders. Legolas is not a child, and has a lot of knowledge about death.

As for Legolas keeping the necklace, because he thought Aragorn is alive, is a very weak answer. When you find one of your friends dead you do not just leave their most treasured possesion on the floor. It is logical that he would take the ring and give it to Arwen.

[Lobelia Celebrian]

"Legolas in his heart knows that Aragorn is not dead"
---Exactly. well put. Because (just as Ivyetta said) He does say "you're late", and he does keep the necklace.

["Maybe he was just keeping the necklace as a memory of Aragorn though"
---That could be. But there is the line "You're late" - that adds different contrast to the situation.

To Iarfirithwen: I DO think that Legolas' "You're late" is meant to show that he never believed he was dead - I think Ivyetta (and those who agreed with her) don't take it literally, we take it in to be meant *I knew it would just be a matter of time before you showed up! Why wasn't it sooner.*

To Olsonm:
"Having them stay and look for him would have been ridicualous"
Have you not been watching the movie(s)?!? Are you not understanding what everyone means by "Fellowship"?!? Are you not catching on to the fact that Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli are going on a (to put it in your context) "ridiculous" search to find Merry and Pippin?!?
I can't believe that a fellow war-ringer would feel this way. It saddens me actually.

[Lobelia Celebrian]

Originally posted by David D
Why do people assume that Legolas does not know what death is. Legolas is not a child, and has a lot of knowledge about death.
As for Legolas keeping the necklace, because he thought Aragorn is alive, is a very weak answer. When you find one of your friends dead you do not just leave their most treasured possesion on the floor. It is logical that he would take the ring and give it to Arwen.

In defense of our words:::
It's not that Legolas has no knowledge of death - It's that he knows in his heart, he feels, he believes that Aragorn is still alive. HE HAS HOPE!
And the fact that he kept the necklace could have very well been because he knew that Aragorn would come back - he kept it so that he could give it back to him, and it would be in the hands of someone who actually cares about it's sentiment and not some dead orc.
-get it?!?

[Ivyetta]

I thank you deeply for defending me, Lobelia. Your words are accurate and I agree with them, :). Your translation of Legolas' words "Your late" is exactly what I feel that he was trying to say. It's obvious to me that it was not meant to be said in a "light-hearted" manner. Because first of all, he said it in Elvish; which shows that he's communicating with Aragorn in honor of his people, and to take it seriously. And also, the look on his, and Aragorn's especially, face does not show that he just made a remark of relief; but of truth, and valor, and faithful hope...:)

And I think that, of course in any case, Legolas would not have left Aragorn's "necklace" behind. Legolas understands the love between Aragorn and Arwen, and of the "life" that the necklace holds. But I think that he was confident and knew with great wisdom of his Elvish "ways" that Aragorn would return.....I saw it in his eyes when he spoke those first words at Helms Deep, and I see it every single time I watch the movie. That's the feeling that you get when you watch that part, isn't it? That Legolas had hope....

Maybe that's why he and Gimli left. Maybe he told Gimli in a time that we will never see that Aragorn will return. That they will meet once more at Helms Deep. Maybe he told him to have hope....

That's what I feel in my heart is true......:)

[Radagast]

That is a great observation!.. And you are rigth!

I think the Necklace stands as a symbol of Aragorn and Arwen's love and how close it is to be broken...

[Ivyetta]

Right!

[Olsonm]

Legolas would never leave the necklace behind, whether he thought Aragorn was alive or not.

They had a trail to follow when searching for Merry and Pippin. Once they believed M&P were dead (burned with the orcs) they were prepared to end their search. But then Aragorn found evidence that they might still be alive, so the search continued.

If Legolas thought Aragorn was still alive *then* it would have been ridiculous for he & Gimli to leave. But they saw no evidence that he survived. It was the same with Gandalf. He survived his fall in Moria, but seeing no evidence of this the Fellowship moved on.

[Lady Melanie]

That is very true. They did see no evidence that he survived.

[Olsonm]

I would like to clarify something about my posts as there seems to be some confusion. I believe wholeheartedly in the Fellowship and their devotion to one another. That is why I have a hard time believing that Legolas knew or had a feeling that Aragorn was still alive. I can't imagine that he would leave him if he felt that way. The only way I can believe that L&G would leave Aragorn behind is if they truly believed he was dead.

[Lady Melanie]

Well, they truly believed that Gandalf was dead, so I think that they believed that Aragorn had died in battle.

[Lobelia Celebrian]

"The only way I can believe that L&G would leave Aragorn behind is if they truly believed he was dead."
I understand that. But when Theoden says "Leave the dead", Legolas has a look on his face of "How could you? He's alive, he's down there, we can't leave him." - and that's what put a different spin on the situation. Plus when Legolas later says "you're late" - that seems kindof obvious that he was waiting for his return.

...I guess the whole of this scene is "in the eye of the beholder"...

[Lady Melanie]

I know. Everyone has different opinions on whether Legolas knew Aragorn was still alive or not.

[Choco Taco]

aragorns falling off the cliff scene prepared them for the battle of helm's deep. if he hadnt fell, the movie would have been different and they wouldnt know when teh uruks would attack and how many of them there were

[Radagast]

veryhappy veryhappy :elfqueen: :elfqueen: :whoohoo: :whoohoo: :whoohoo: Welcome to the WOTRC"!

I agree good point Taco.

[OBsession]

I don't reckon they would have left him but I think Pj needed them to leave him so that Arwen could have her part in the movie!

OB

[Miruvor]

That's true Chaco Taco and Obsession - The filmakers strategy probably motivated the script as to the major plot line. I understand the discomfort, and I was uncomfortable with it myself when I first saw it. But I am good at rationalizing, so I tell myself that Legolas and Gimli's actions were not finalized. I questioned Theoden's choice, but I also see him as the commander of the force, and Legolas and Gimli were, for the moment, part of that force. It is Theoden's perogative to make the hard choices on the spur of the moment. If there had been no immediate danger of more attack, they would have stayed and collected the dead - all of them. And, I presume, after all was secured at Helm's Deep, they may still have gone back to look. Also, Legolas and Gimli, if I know human nature, would not have believed that Aragorn was dead until they saw the evidence of a dead body. They knew him and trusted him to be able to take care of himself, if he had any chance at all. Even Sam had to leave Frodo's 'dead' body in a pinch, even though he promised to come back 'when the job is done'.

[Daeron]

The way I tend to interpret it (rightly or wrongly of course) is that Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli were bound by a bond of trust to Gandalf to work to the defense of Rohan and its people.

After that battle with the Wargs, they had no way of knowing whether or not they would face them again before reaching Helm's Depp - burdened as they were with many hundreds of civilians. As much as they will have wanted to search for Aragorn, they were duty bound to protect the Rohirrim on their long march (much though they may rue their difficult choice with every marching step).

In that sense, what happened is in part in keeping with the spirit of the book (once again, in my understanding of it, rightly or wrongly) - fraught with cold decisions, no guarantees, loss.

[Ivyetta]

Ooh, good thoughts.....

And, Miruvor, the way you related Sam leaving Frodo to Legolas and Gimli leaving Aragorn does make sense.....But then again, Sam turns around, and goes back to Frodo. He does not bound himself to Mount Doom alone. He can not leave his Master......

[Lady Melanie]

Originally posted by Daeron
The way I tend to interpret it (rightly or wrongly of course) is that Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli were bound by a bond of trust to Gandalf to work to the defense of Rohan and its people.


This is a very good explanation. That had to make sure that Rohan's people would be safe before attending to the dead.

[OBsession]

That's right good thoughts Daeron. :thumbs:

OB

[Miruvor]

Ivyetta - I was relating the intentions in both cases. Sam planned to eventually come back, and I think Legolas and Gimli would have eventually come back, after their work was done. Sam did not go back immediately out of rational thinking, but only impulsively, when he saw his master's body might be dishonored.

[Ivyetta]

Well, right. And I believe, like you said before, that Legolas and Gimli would know that Aragorn could take care of himself. And maybe it was a chance for each individual to go on their own path, as Frodo and Sam, Merry and Pippin, etc. And I do believe that Legolas knew that Aragorn lived. But I just think that, in a threat of war upon you, you would discard the rules and order if it means to save a friend (as Pippin did to save Faramir). And I think, in a threat of war upon you, it would be very hard to leave a friend, even if you do believe that he can take care of himself. And no mistake it was hard for Legolas and Gimli......even though Legolas had hope, and a light heart, :)......

[Lady Luthien]

Great question, Lobelia. And my answer is: yes, because first off they were told he was dead, and secondly they didnt have time to search for him when they needed to prepare for the battle. They know Aragorn is intelligent and strong and that if he was alive, he would find his way to Helm's Deep. There was nothing they could have done for him whether they had found him dead or alive...so I think the film was realistic in that aspect.

[Iarfirithwen]

It is indeed a good question for discussion.
I personally believe that in the context of the situation their actions were the most appropriate, regardless of what Legolas, Gimli or even Theoden "knew". I personally don't believe that Legolas knew with certainly that Aragorn was alive, atleast there hasn't been evidence in the movies to convince me of that. He may have, but i haven't been convinced of that and in the context of those scenes I think it becomes irrelevant to the reason for leaving. (And since this scene is unique to the movie verse we can't really know what PJ, the screenwriters and Bloom intended for Legolas to "know" of Aragorn's "death" without asking them. Up til that point it's opinion, and everyone is obviously welcome to their own :)).


Ahhhh, I note its been a while since I've been in this thread:Originally posted by Ivyetta
I thank you deeply for defending me, Lobelia.
There was no need for any defending of you Ivyetta. My comments certainly weren't directed at you personally, neither from what I can read, were anyone else's. It's what (is usually) wonderful about WORn: people can express a variety of opinions without people getting into personal attacks. Someone can disagree with a comment it doesn't mean they are attacking you, especially when their comment isn't directed to you by name. [And to this point I might add to Lobelia, since a comment was directed at me personally, it wasn't necessary to either get snippy with me or shout at me. I was merely expressing my opinion, and while it might differ from yours I would've thought it would be welcomed in a discussion thread]

Some people have different views and different interpretations, it makes discussion interesting. :)

[Gwaihir]

I don't think Legolas or Gimli would have left Aragorn. After all, they are a part of the Fellowship and Aragorn was their leader. Why leave him just to go to Helms Deep? And that scene wasn:t supposed to be there in the first place. PJ just wanted to add some action and excitement.

[Ivyetta]

Well, alright, larfirithwen. Thank you for not intending to attack me, :grin:.

That's put very bluntly, Gwaihir! Well said!......

[Thranduil]

Of course they were all a fellowship together, and stuff...but do you think Legolas and Gimli were going to stand on that cliff all day staring into the river below?! Was Legolas going to push Gimli down there, saying, "go get him"? Honestly, I think they had no other choice but to go back with Theoden instead of crying their eyes out. If Aragorn really had died, he would have wanted that instead.

-Thranduil, King of Mirkwood :rock:

[Lady Melanie]

Seeing as Legolas and Gimli were part of the Fellowship and they were now trying to proctect Rohan and its people, they couldn't exactly stay and search for Aragorn, they had to protect Rohan.

[Aragorn's Hope]

I think Legolas was in fact close to tears at this point and we know Gimli was crying when they saw Eowyn so I think they both thought that he was dead other wise why would one be crying and the other look ready to start crying? Anyone know the answear to this question? :(

[brandy]

Of course they were all a fellowship together, and stuff...but do you think Legolas and Gimli were going to stand on that cliff all day staring into the river below?! Was Legolas going to push Gimli down there, saying, "go get him"? Honestly, I think they had no other choice but to go back with Theoden instead of crying their eyes out. If Aragorn really had died, he would have wanted that instead.

I agree. I really think Aragorn would have wanted Legolas and Gimli to leave him and go to help defend Rohan. Aragorn is very selfless (giving up his heritage to become a Ranger, vowing to help Frodo to the end, etc.), and he definitely would have not wanted them to stick around and mourn or try to find him When Sharku says, "He's...dead. He took a little tumble off the cliff," Legolas looks down and sees the river, and knows that Aragorn is probably still alive. He takes the Evenstar so he can return it to Aragorn (and because he doesn't want to leave it with a dead Orc), because he knows that Aragorn will return. When they return to Helm's Deep and Éowyn runs to Gimli and asks where Aragorn is, he doesn't say that he's dead, he says that he fell. Then when Aragorn returns and Legolas says, "You're late," he says it with a bit of a smile, as if teasing Aragorn and saying, "What took you so long?"

Of, course, I could be wrong. :shhh:

[Lady Melanie]

woah, good to see that this thread has been revived!
Oh on the other hand brandy, Legolas could have taken the evenstar necklace to give to Arwen incase he had to prove to her that he was dead or something like that. And when the fellowhip were asked where gandalf had disappeared to they also didnt say he was dead, they said he had fallen even though they all thought he was dead.

[brandy]

Ah, good point. Although with the Gandalf thing, I assumed that "fallen into shadow" more or less meant death, just a sort-of more poetic way of saying it. I can't imagine Legolas looking at Celeborn and going, "Yeeeeeah, he died. Moria, Balrog, big flaming whip...you fill in the rest." Then again, one never knows ;)

And WHAT is wrong with my signature?

[Silverbridge]

There is no way as movie viewers that we would have accepted them leaving Aragorn dead on the ground (a close-up on Aragorn's face with Legolas in the background pulling a struggling Gimli away.)

That is why PJ had to have Aragorn out of site....ie....tumbling off a cliff. That is the only logical way to have Legolas and Gimli leave that area and for the viewer to think there's nothing they could do. Can you imagine them actually "leaving" Aragorn dead on the ground.

I understand how changes from a book can make one annoyed (I've been plenty annoyed before) but some changes have to be made when turning a book into a movie, otherwise we would have watched Aragorn's dead body draped over a horse with flies flying around him, as they took him to Helms Deep.

[Aragorn's Hope]

I'm sorry but.....That is GROSS!!!!! :angry: Poor Legolas looked like he waqnted to fall to his knees and weep. :(

[MaidenLulu]

nope. Legolas and Gimli would never have left without first finding out if Aragorn was dead or not, and finding him or his body. they would never have left when there was still a chance of him still being alive.
mind you - it does kinda work well with Eowyn's surprise and joy at seeing him return, doesn't it?

[Glorfindel]

I agree. I really think Aragorn would have wanted Legolas and Gimli to leave him and go to help defend Rohan. Aragorn is very selfless (giving up his heritage to become a Ranger, vowing to help Frodo to the end, etc.), and he definitely would have not wanted them to stick around and mourn or try to find him When Sharku says, "He's...dead. He took a little tumble off the cliff," Legolas looks down and sees the river, and knows that Aragorn is probably still alive. He takes the Evenstar so he can return it to Aragorn (and because he doesn't want to leave it with a dead Orc), because he knows that Aragorn will return. When they return to Helm's Deep and Éowyn runs to Gimli and asks where Aragorn is, he doesn't say that he's dead, he says that he fell. Then when Aragorn returns and Legolas says, "You're late," he says it with a bit of a smile, as if teasing Aragorn and saying, "What took you so long?"

Of, course, I could be wrong. :shhh:
I don't agree on that; he looks like someone who has lost a very close friend (he thinks he has). He simply takes the Evenstar so it doesn't stay behind in the hanfs of an Orc.
If they would have known Aragorn was still alive, they wouldn't be so sad. Gimli wouldn't be in tears.
And then when Aragorn arrives at Helm's Deep, there's someone he shouts "he's alive!". And I don't think you say that when you know someone is alive; only when you thought he's dead. :)

[Melian]

I agree that it is one part of the movie that just doesn't ring true with me. L & G would never have left Aragorn, alive or dead. They would have gone after him.

[ImDaMom]

I think they were actually following Aragorn's lead, in that he took them from Moria when they believed Gandalf had died, without finding out "for sure". The drop certainly looked fatal, and what would they have done then? They're facing imminent battle, and the time needed for finding then burying a body was not available.

[Aragorn's Hope]

I don't think they would've cared about Helm's deep at all. Theoden was acttally being pushy to Legolas and I think the only reason they left is so Theoden would shut up. I really don't like Theoden when he does that. In fact if someone did that to me I would hit them.... Legolas was just doing his best to hold his anger in. :legolas: :gimli: :( mecry

[Lalaith of Rohan]

Well, Theoden's gotta do what he's gotta do. He's got a kingdom to protect, and I don't think he really wants to leave Legolas and Gimli behind if he can help it.
I'm pretty sure that Thranduil said this before, but I'll say it since I just popped in. :grin: They know that Aragorn would have wanted them to go on and fight the battle for him. He wouldn't have wanted them to abandon the people of Rohan; he would have wished that they continue the fight that he started.
I think Legolas took the Evenstar as sort of a token of Aragorn...something that was so important to his close, and dead, friend. And if he did happen to be alive, then he could give it back to him.
My impression of Leggy's "You're late" statement was that he was trying not to be overly emotional (being Legolas, after all), but still showing that he was happy Aragorn was back. (and I loved the "You look terrible" part with the look of revulsion on his face. lol lol)
I think PJ added the scene (well, he's already admitted he wanted to stick Wargs in ;) ) because, well, partially anyway, he wanted to 1)show the deep bond between Aragorn and Legolas and Gimli (Leggy in particular), and 2)show Eowyn's devastation at Aragorn's death, and 3)It was a way to show that he and Arwen are still connected at heart, and show us a little more of the love of his life, since she's not in the book. Deepens the Arwen/Eowyn thing a little, and shows Aragorn's tough choice. His love is going overseas, and there's a very nice lady who may be attracted to him. She's even mortal, which will save them both the difficulties of one partner being immortal. But Arwen, it seems, is still part of him.
*phew* Long rant there, wasn't it? :blush: I apologize if this has all been said before, but I just couldn't resist, especially when I got my ranting cap on. lol
P.S. The look on Leggy's face is just heartbreaking. mecry

[ImDaMom]

I don't think they would've cared about Helm's deep at all. Theoden was acttally being pushy to Legolas and I think the only reason they left is so Theoden would shut up. I really don't like Theoden when he does that. In fact if someone did that to me I would hit them.... Legolas was just doing his best to hold his anger in. :legolas: :gimli: :( mecry

I think you are misinterpreting Theoden's actions. He wasn't being pushy, but rather trying to save what's left of his forces. For all he knew, there was another wave of wargs on the way (a classic battle ploy) and he needed to get his remaining men out of there. Leggy, I believe, understood this. His reaction was more of a being who was still dealing with the sadness and final-ness of death. Being a young immortal, he had few instances where people he loved and respected had died, and already Leggy had lost Gandalf and now Aragorn. Very tough on someone who did not understand the grief of death.

[Aragorn's Hope]

I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to make Theoden a bad guy. Why did Legolas look like he was ready to hit him though? Or am I seeing things that aren't there?

[Lalaith of Rohan]

I think he's just containing his anger and sorrow in the best way that he knows how. He's definitely unhappy with Theoden's order, but Leggy knows it's for the best and so isn't leaping on Theoden and strangling him. lol lol I don't think he really blames Theoden for what he's saying; after all, his people take priority over one stranger. Theoden can't stick around and search for Aragorn and leave his people in the middle of nowhere with the possibility of Wargs returning, like IDM said.
His reaction was more of a being who was still dealing with the sadness and final-ness of death. Being a young immortal, he had few instances where people he loved and respected had died, and already Leggy had lost Gandalf and now Aragorn. Very tough on someone who did not understand the grief of death.
Quite true...mecry But no worries, I shall make sure he's all right. :naughty: *cough*

[ImDaMom]

I'm sure you will LoR...I'm sure you will! lol lol Go take care of the elf.

[Aragorn's Hope]

I will Spank you if you don't behave.... lol jk Mellon nin! :grin: Little kids! Shhhissshhhh!!!!! lol

[brandy]

I don't agree on that; he looks like someone who has lost a very close friend (he thinks he has). He simply takes the Evenstar so it doesn't stay behind in the hanfs of an Orc.
If they would have known Aragorn was still alive, they wouldn't be so sad. Gimli wouldn't be in tears.
And then when Aragorn arrives at Helm's Deep, there's someone he shouts "he's alive!". And I don't think you say that when you know someone is alive; only when you thought he's dead. :)

If one of my friends fell off a cliff, regardless of whether or not I knew they were still alive, I'd cry.

And the Rohan woman who says, "He's alive!" when Aragorn comes to Helm's Deep more than likely heard the story of the battle with the Wargs through a third party. It's really easy to just assume that someone is dead, but neither Gimli nor Legolas wanted to make any kind of assumption on Aragorn's fate, no matter what it was. Basically like an "assume the worst" situation with a "cling to the hope that he survived" mentality.

I apologize if that made no sense; I've been sick for three weeks now, and have only been awake for a few hours today.

[Cassandria]

I think both Legolas and Gimli thought Aragorn was dead. The shock and sadness in their eyes looked to me to say "there is no way he could have survived that fall". :(

I think Theoden's tone was disgust and frustration at the destruction the wargs had caused. (He wasn't being mean) Also, I felt Legolas was more startled by the reality of Theoden's words "leave the dead" because truly he knew they did not have time to stay and take proper care of them, much less look for Aragorn's body. mecry

I sure got grossed out by that orc dying, it was hard to look at him. Yuk, those gurgles were gross too!! squinchy

[Aragorn's Hope]

They gross me out anyways. I hate orcs!!!!!!!

[WaMoZ]

I think Gimli's statements to Aragorn when he finally makes it to Helm's Deep are very important, because they touch on the aspect of fate which underlies the whole saga.

He says "you are the luckiest man..." and later as the uruk-army approaches "lets hope that luck of yours lasts the night".

What Gimli really means is that Aragorn has been blessed by fate to be the king. Gandalf and Elrond at various times in LOTR make it clear that Frodo is fated to be the Ringbearer. Thus, Aragorn, like Frodo, is essential for the happy ending of the whole saga.

So, when Legolas and Gimli are looking down into the river, they are probably hoping in desparation, "He HAS to be alive, somehow, because this world needs him to survive and prosper. He has to make it!".

Of course, they can't rescue him, with Rohan's warriors decimated by the Warg attack and hundreds of unarmed men, women and children exposed to further attack. However, they know that if any man in Middle Earth could survive, I would be Aragorn the Dunedain, Chieftain of Rangers of the North, the greatest tracker and huntsman of his time, and a warrior without peer.

Having said that, to leave him for dead would be the hardest thing they could do, and this is shown by Gimli's joy and Legolas's 'manly greeting' when good old Brego carries Aragorn through the gate of the Hornburg.

[Aragorn's Hope]

I really like that part too. I wonder if that's why they start fighting in front of all those people. I mean they both have to be shakeing in there boots knowing that they might never see each other again after Helm's deep is over. :( I would feel and do the same thing as Legolas I think.