Faramir, Eowyn, and Merry had all been given a bed in the Houses of Healing. Through the day Gandalf went from one to the other doing all that he could. He often asked for news from errand runners and tales of shifting hopes and strange tidings emanated from the fight. As the sun began to set things did not seem hopeful for Faramir, Eowyn, and Merry. Ioreth, the eldest woman in the Houses, was weeping at the sight of Faramir and she wished for the Kings of old for she remembered the old tales: "'The hands of the king are the hands of a healer'" (p. 136, The Return of the King). I love this picture of a multi-dimensional king. Inherent are attributes like dignity, honor, and power. But also tenderness: benevolence and healing. It reminds me of Jesus another multi-dimensional King. Gandalf recognized immediately the hope and truth of her words and reminded those of the strange tidings reported on the battlefield (the standard of Aragorn bearing the marks of Elendil). For the first time all day Gandalf left the Houses.
By now Aragorn, Imrahil, and Eomer came to the City walls. Aragorn set his tents outside the City. He wished not to cause dissension. For Minis Tirith had been in control of the Stewards for many long years and he felt some would reject his claim on the throne. Eomer thought it was Aragorn's right to enter but he would not do so. Imrahil could see Aragorn's wisdom, being a kinsmen of Denethor, he knew the Steward's temperament. For the time being Aragorn wished to be known only as a captain of the Rangers and took down his standard. Eomer and Imrahil entered the City and found Theoden's body laid to rest with twelve nights of Rohan and Gondor guarding it. Eomer was upset that his sister was not similarly guarded and Imhrahil revealed to him that she yet lived. "Then hope unlooked-for came so suddenly to Eomer's heart, and with it the bite of care and fear renewed, that he said no more, but turned and went swiftly from the hall; and the Prince followed him" (p. 138, The Return of the King).
As stars rose in the evening they came to the Houses and met Gandalf who was accompanied by a man cloaked in grey. They learned from the Wizard that Denethor was dead and Faramir and Eowyn were near death. Imhrahil felt they should call Aragorn to take command of the City. "And the cloaked man spoke and said: 'He is come'" (p. 138, The Return of the King). Indeed, he was wrapped in his Lorien cloak and bore only the green stone of Galadriel. Once again he declared that his identity not be revealed. He gave command of Minis Tirith to Imrahil until Faramir recovered, if he recovered. He also declared that all should follow Gandalf's counsel until the War ended; Eomer and Imrahil agreed. Gandalf led them into the Houses so that Aragorn might use his healing hands to revive Faramir, Eowyn, and Merry. The House that was guarded by two knights of the Citadel. One recognized him immediately calling out for Strider: it was Pippin. Imhrahil and Eomer stared in wonder at how Pippin spoke to the King. Gandalf told them of the deeds of Merry and Eowyn for they had talked much in their growing darkness earlier in the day. Aragorn saw each one and sighed heavily knowing it would take all his arts which were not as great as Elrond's.
Turning to Ioreth Aragorn asked a simple yes or no question which she answered with 91 (I counted) words. Indeed, Ioreth is verbose to say the least. Aragorn bade her to be quick in her answers and asked for athelas which was also known as kingsfoil. She had heard of it but thought it had no healing virtues, in many more words of course, thinking it wholesome at best. "'Wholesome verily,' said Aragorn. 'And now, dame, if you love the Lord Faramir, run as quick as your tongue and get me kingsfoil, if there is a leaf in the City.' 'And if not,' said Gandalf, 'I will ride to Lossarnach with Ioreth behind me, and she shall take me to the woods, but not to her sisters. And Shadowfax shall show her the meaning of haste" (p. 140, The Return of the King). Those responses made me smile. As Aragorn made preparations and began to tend to Faramir the herb-master of the Houses entered and began to explain the proper names for kingsfoil until he was cut off by Aragorn: "'...I care not whether you say now asea aranion or kingsfoil, so long as you have some'" (p. 141, The Return of the King).
The herb-master was impressed with the strangers herb-lore but went into a lengthy explanation about how it had no healing virtue, though Ioreth and other older ladies knew some odd rhymes from older days about it: Life to the dying, in the king's hand lying!'" (p. 141, The Return of the King). Indeed, the herb-master knew only that some of the older folks claimed it helped with headaches. "'Then in the name of the king, go and find some old man of less lore and more wisdom who keeps some in his house!' cried Gandalf" (p. 141, The Return of the King). Another smile from me. Aragorn proceeded to sit over Faramir and call his name over and over as if in a dream of his own. Eventually Bergil came back with six athelas leaves. Breathing on the leaves Aragorn crushed them and a scent full of life and joy, it seemed, filled the air. Faramir began to stir to the amazement of all, including Ioreth. He opened his eyes and spoke quietly to Aragorn: "'My lord, you called me. I come. What does the king command?'" (p. 142, The Return of the King). I love how Faramir responds to Aragorn.
Aragorn commanded him to rest and to be ready when he returned and he quickly left to tend to Eowyn. He could hear Ioreth speak: "'King! Did you hear that? What did I say? The hands of a healer, I said'" (p. 142, The Return of the King). Rumor of the King spread quickly in the City. Looking over Eowyn Aragorn explained that her wounds were deeper than what the Black Captain inflicted as if those weren't bad enough. Gandalf and Aragorn explained to Eomer that her spirit was as valiant and courageous as his though it was not her role to roam fields and fight battles. Couple that with seeing Theoden, their father figure, fall from grace and the lies of Wormtongue had also dismayed her spirit. Plus the fact that she loved Aragorn whom she could not have. Eomer pondered these things in his heart. Aragorn said, "'Few other griefs amid the ill chances of this world have more bitterness and shame for a man's heart than to behold the love of a lady so fair and brave that cannot be returned...And yet, Eomer, I say to you that she loves you more truly than me; for you she loves and knows; but in me she loves only a shadow and thought: a hope of glory and great deeds, and lands far from the fields of Rohan'" (p. 143, The Return of the King).
That statement, in my opinion, speaks volumes about Aragorn and illustrates and different and honorable thought process of Tolkien. Aragon is betrothed to Arwen; he cannot return Eowyn's love--and won't. Yet, men in our world today (and women too) take too lightly the vows they make to their spouses. It would seem to me that many, if given the opportunity and a willing partner, would seek to manipulate a situation like this for the pursuit of their own pleasure. And yet Aragorn is resolute in his commitment to Arwen. I certainly hope I travel the path of Aragorn. I would be prideful to say I would never falter in my commitment to my wife. May God help me.
Aragorn felt he may be able to physically heal Eowyn but her mind and heart he had no control over. Breaking the athelas plant again he called Eowyn. He felt her right arm warming again, for it had turned icy cold, the sword-hand used against the King of the Nazgul. He commanded Eomer to call her and left. In tears of joy Eomer called as his sister awoke. She asked about Theoden and Eomer informed her that he was gone but that he had bid farewell to her before parting from Middle-earth. While saddened she was pleased with the noble ending of Theoden and then asked Eomer: "'And what of the king's esquire, the Halfling? Eomer, you shall make him a knight of the Riddermark, for he is valiant!'" (p. 144, The Return of the King). When I read that line my eyes were filled with tears. There's just something about those hobbits. Courageous as can be when driven to it. Undaunted for all their lack of size. I love it.
Aragorn went to see Merry. Pippin was very worried. Aragorn broke the athelas and called for Merry. As the invigorating scent filled the room he awoke stating that he was hungry. Gandalf and Pippin caught Merry up to speed and he asked for his pipe but then declined for he would never be able to smoke with Theoden now. Aragorn would not let it be so: "'Smoke then, and think of him!' said Aragorn. 'For he was a gentle heart and a great king and kept his oaths; and he rose out of the shadows to a last fair morning" (p. 145, The Return of the King). Merry was encouraged and asked if Strider might provide him what he needed for he lost his pack with weed and pipe. "'Master Meriadoc,' said Aragorn, 'if you think that I have passed through the mountains and the realm of Gondor with fire and sword to bring herbs to a careless soldier who throws away his gear, you are mistaken. If your pack has not been found, then you must send for the herb-master of this House. And he will tell you that he did not know that the herb you desire had any virtues, but that it is called westmansweed by the vulgar, and galenas by the noble, and other names in other tongues more learned, and after adding a few half-forgotten rhymes that he does not understand, he will regretfully inform you that there is none in the House, an he will leave you to reflect on the history of tongues. And now so must I'" (p. 146, The Return of the King). Another big smile for me. Aragorn, not having slept or ate in longer than a day excused himself but not with out a gentle kiss for Merry.
With Gandalf he left. "Pippin remained behind. 'Was there ever anyone like him?' he said. 'Except Gandalf, of course. I think they must be related. My dear ass, your pack is lying by your bed, and you had it on your back when I met you. He saw it all the time, of course'" (p. 146, The Return of the King). And the last of the big smiles. They reflected on their adventures and the lofty folks they had met along the way; thinking it too grand for them. Merry said, "'It is best to love first what you are fitted to love, I suppose: you must start somewhere and have some roots, and the soil of the Shire is deep'" (p. 146, The Return of the King). That statement is deep. It's simple and profound. Love what you are fitted to love. Start there, be grounded, let your roots run deep. For the Hobbits that's the Shire. Where is it for you? I entered college in 1996 and never really left that town; reflecting on Merry's statements I see that my roots run quite deep here in these flatlands.
Aragorn was able to eat a bite but as the rumors of him spread many in the City brought their sick and wounded to him. Along with Elrond's sons he worked through the night healing many. "And they named him Elfstone, because of the green stone that he bore, and so the name which was foretold at his birth that he should bear was chosen for him by his own people" (p. 147, The Return of the King).
Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 3019, March 15th-16th
Today's reading comes from: The Return of the King, pages 136-147
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