Lecture Notes: The Journey and Decision on Routes

Introduction

• Discussion on uncertainty and fear over a seemingly small but significant object: "the ring."

Characters Involved

• Gandalf: Mentioned as a guide.
• Frodo: The ring bearer and decision maker.
• Boromir: Suggests a path to his city.
• Gimli: Suggests going through the Mines of Moria.

Main Discussion Points

Route Options

• Over the Mountain: An attempted route but faced challenges.

  • Concern about a dangerous voice on the air trying to bring down the mountain.

• Through the Mines of Moria:

  • Gimli's suggestion.
  • Boromir expresses fear of what lies within due to the Dwarves' excessive digging.
  • Danger described as "shadow and flame."

• Alternative Route:

  • Boromir suggests moving towards the sea of Rohan, but it is closer to Isengard, which is risky.

Decision

• Frodo, as the ring bearer, decides to proceed through the Mines of Moria despite the risks associated with it.

Conclusion

• The current location is not safe, necessitating a decision on the next path.

Observations

• The narrative deals with themes of leadership, decision-making under duress, and confronting fears.