The two towers

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J.R.R. Tolkien

"The Two Towers" is the second book in one of the world´s most famous trilogies – "The Lord of the Ring". The epic is written by J.R.R. Tolkien, and is famous throughout the world.

In "The Two Towers", we continue to follow the lead characters from the last book ("The Fellowship of the Ring"). The book is in a way parted in three, which then merges to two. One of these parts follows Aragorn the man, Gimli the dwarf and Legolas the elf in their search for their comrades, Merry and Pippin, who have been taken by Orcs. On their journey to get their friends back, the three meet both friends and foes, and a character, whom was lost in the last book, returns. Merry and Pippin´s journey at the hands of the Orcs, and later with other kinds of folks, can be seen as a second part of the book.

The third, and maybe the most exciting part of the book is the story is about Frodo Baggins – the Ring Bearer – and his best friend Sam Gamgee. In the last book, Frodo set out alone to go to Mordor and Mount Doom to have the Ring destroyed, but Sam followed and Frodo finally allowed him to go with him. Their journey towards the dark city of Mordor is long and dangerous, and the burden of the Ring gets heavier and heavier for Frodo. The situation gets worse, when an old foe makes his presence known.

The book is written in such amazing detail, it is impossible to notice everything the first time you read it – which is why I am going to re-read it.

Every character has his or her own typical traits. Tolkien seems to think that all humans are greedy and needy by birth, and thus all the human characters throughout the book is made to look that way. For example, the Ringwraiths (nine riders that work for the Dark Lord Sauron) were once great kings, but their greediness made them accept rings from Sauron, that he said would make them powerful and rich. Only thing was, Sauron was controlling these nine rings, and the kings fell under his power.

Another example of a greedy human is Boromir, who dies early in this book – he wanted to take the Ring from Frodo and use it himself, instead of destroying it in Mount Doom. Aragorn seems to be the only exception from the rule in this epic, though many more humans come into the picture.

Just like the humans, the other creatures and characters have their own special attributes. Gimli the dwarf is suspicious by nature. He can seem gruff, but has a good heart. He is a great warrior, who fights with his axe.

Legolas the elf is a happy character, though he can be rash. He does not always think through what his actions will do. Legolas is also excellent with his bow and arrows.

This is an outtake from where two separate stories – the one about Gimli, Legolas and Gandalf – is about to merge into one, as the Company of three meets Merry and Pippin again. Legolas and Gimli are on one horse, Gandalf on another.

"There are eyes!" [Legolas] said. "Eyes looking out from the shadows of the boughs! I never saw such eyes before."
The others, surprised by his cry, halted and turned; but Legolas started to ride back.
"No, no!" cried Gimli. "Do as you please in your madness, but let me first get down from this horse! I wish to see no eyes!"
"Stay, Legolas Greenleaf!" said Gandalf. "Do not go back into the wood, not yet! Now is not your time."

This passage shows Legolas´ impulsiveness, and Gimli´s reluctance to face anything he does not know nor recognize. It also gives you an idea of the way Gandalf the Grey – a powerful wizard – leads the group.

This following passage is from a part of the book that is about Frodo and Sam, both Hobbits. They have reached the Black Gate that leads to Mordor, and discovers it is closed, locked and unable to get through. Gollum, also known as Sméagol, is the creature whom first owned the Ring and he is with them. He is their guide (though he is none too happy about it).

"I suppose it´s no good asking ´what way do we go now?´ We can´t go no further – unless we want to ask the Orcs for a lift."
"No, no!" said Gollum. "No use. We can´t go further. Sméagol said so. He said: we´ll go to the Gate, and then we´ll see. And we do see. O yes, my precious, we do see. Sméagol knew hobbits could not go this way. O yes, Sméagol knew."
"Then what the plague did you bring us here for?" said Sam, not feeling in the mood to be just or reasonable.
"Master said so. Master says: Bring us to the Gate. So good Sméagol does so. Master said so, wise master."
"I did," said Frodo. His face was grim and set, but resolute. He was filthy, haggard, and pinched with weariness, but he cowered no longer, and his eyes were clear. "I said so, because I purpose to enter Mordor, and I know no other way. Therefore I shall go this way. I do not ask anyone to go with me."

Frodo is a very strong character – he has to be, since he is the one destined to take the Ring to Mount Doom and destroy it. He is honest, passionate and fair. He gives Sméagol a second chance, even though he might not deserve it.

Sam is Frodo´s right hand. The two start out as friends, but their relationship grows into something stronger and deeper. It is like a brotherhood, even though Sam looks upon Frodo as his Master. Sam himself can be grumpy and childlike but he would protect Frodo with his life.

The language of the book is at times very simple, and at times hard. Tolkien uses a huge amount of words, often different words for the same object. This creates an interesting text. He describes how objects, surroundings and characters look, but he supplies only just enough information, and lets the reader´s imagination run wild instead. There are a few times I think he explains too much in detail, but more often than not, he writes just the right amount.

This outtake is from a section about the road Frodo, Sam and Gollum are travelling on, when they are walking away from the Black Gate.

The road had been made in a long lost time, and for perhaps thirty miles below the Morannon it had been newly repaired, but as it went south the wild encroached upon it.

This leaves us with enough wording about how the road looked, but the reader is still free to use his or her imagination to decide for herself how he or she wants it to be.

Tolkien has also created several new languages for the book´s different people. I did not study Elvish or any other language any further than what is in the actual trilogy, but I know they exist and I know it is built on signs tha...