Window of the Sunset

Faramir led Frodo and Sam toward a secret location. He spoke with Frodo again about Isildur's Bane. Faramir surmised that whatever Isildur's Bane was it had caused contention in the Fellowship, perhaps between Boromir and Frodo. Frodo spoke a little more about the Ring but was still guarded in Faramir's presence, for his brother, after all had almost taken it by force. Faramir apologized to Frodo for pressing him so hard about Isildur's Bane in front of so many men. Indeed, that was why he changed his line of questioning to Boromir. Faramir explained his family history and their descent from the house of Mardil, the line of Stewards. Faramir shared about how this had always displeased Boromir. He would ask Denethor: "'How many hundreds of years needs it to make a steward a king, if the king returns not?'" (p. 278, The Two Towers). This he shared to give Frodo insight into Boromir's mindset.

Faramir went on to share what he knew of Isildur's Bane and much of that he owed to the Grey Pilgrim. Frodo asked who he was and Faramir shared the Pilgrim's response: "'Many are my names in many countries, he said. Mithrandir among the Elves, Tharkun to the Dwarves; Olorin I was in my youth in the West that is forgotten, in the South Incanus, in the North Gandalf; to the East I go not'" (p. 279, The Two Towers). Frodo shared that Gandalf had been in the Company and was lost in Moria; this dismayed Faramir. After more discussion Faramir at last revealed his full thoughts to Frodo in hushed tones: "'...Isildur took somewhat from the hand of the Unnamed, ere he went away from Gondor, never to be seen among mortal men again'" (p. 279, The Two Towers). Though he did not know what Isildur took Faramir guessed it to be a thing of great power; perhaps even a weapon. Faramir assured Frodo that he had no desire for such a thing. Boromir sought for victory in battle and glory that came with it Faramir wished only to see the White Tree in bloom and the crown return. Indeed, Faramir said he would let the subject of Isildur's Bane be and not even ask if he was now nearer to the mark.

Faramir said only that if Frodo would trust him he would be able to advise the journey the hobbits must take. Frodo was silent feeling he must, as bound by Elrond, speak not of his errand. Sam had been silent this whole time listening to them speak. He was also listening to the sounds around them; many men he heard all around though unseen. Once he thought he saw a small shape dart behind a tree but since neither Frodo nor Faramir mentioned Gollum he decided not to mention anything. At long last they reached a point where Faramir declared the hobbits must be blind-folded for all who would enter this secret abode, save Gondorians, must not know the way. Frodo did not resist and Faramir ordered Damrod and Mablung to lead them surely so they would not stumble. They could hear water around them at times but lost all sense of direction as they were turned around several times during the journey.

When Faramir called for them to be unbound they saw an amazing sight--a waterfall with the setting sun beyond it. "The level shafts of the setting sun behind beat upon it, and the red light was broken into many flickering beams of ever-changing colour. It was as if they stood at the window of some eleven-tower, curtained with threaded jewels of silver and gold, and ruby, sapphire and amethyst, all kindled with an unconsuming fire" (p. 282, The Two Towers). Faramir told them the name of this place: "'This is the Window of the Sunset, Henneth Annun, fairest of all the falls of Ithilien, land of many fountains" (p. 282, The Two Towers). Faramir led them into the caves where they were given beds to rest while the evening meal was prepared. Faramir question the men as they came into the caves  a few at a time. No enemy had survived the ambush, save the mumak and none knew where it fled. No Orcs had been spied but one of the last to return, Anborn, had seen something. A strange creature, perhaps a large squirrel, darting in the trees and almost hissing. Anborn let no arrow fly for Faramir commanded no beast be slayed without purpose and because he doubted what his eyes say as dusk set in.

Sam listened to the conversation as Frodo slept. He did not trust Faramir and would not let himself sleep and leave Frodo unguarded. Somehow, despite his exhaustion, Sam stayed awake until the meal was brought; splashing himself with cold water before eating so that he would stay awake. "Before they ate, Faramir and all his men turned and faced west in a moment of silence" (p. 284, The Two Towers). Frodo and Sam were then seated by Faramir and he explained the ritual. "'...we look towards Númenor that was, and beyond to Elvenhome that is, and to that which is beyond Elvenhome and will ever be" (p. 284-285, The Two Towers).

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 3019, March 7th
Today's reading comes from: The Two Towers, pages 276-285