LotR, Book VI, Ch-1: The Tower of Cirith Ungol

[Serenoli]

The Tower of Cirith Ungol brings to an end a suspense that was started at the end of The Two Towers, and which was brought to a highlight at the end of Book Five: is Frodo dead or alive?

The chapter deals with how Sam uses the weapons left to him- the Ring, Galadriel's phial, Sting and his plain hobbit-sense. After some deliberation, he screws up the courage to walk into Mordor and he manages to pass the mysterious Watchers with the help of the phial. He scares off two orcs- Snaga and Shagrat, the only orcs alive after a bloody battle between the hundreds who were initially there, over Frodo's belongings, in particular, the mithril-coat. Finally, he discovers Frodo, (alive, hurray!) restores the Ring to him, and disguised as orcs, they leave the dreaded tower. Their perils are not over, though; for the Watchers send out a cry that attracts a nearby nazgul who they have to escape as well.

The mood for Mordor is set in this chapter- Frodo becomes the mysterious third person while Sam becomes the lead voice; the fear and suspense of Mordor, where they are forever fleeing from one danger to the next, (be it Nazguls, orcs, or hunger and thirst) is established. And, finally, the advantages of being a small, unnoticed hobbit become paramount in the quest.

Favourite scenes:

Undoubtedly seeing vicious orcs being scared by Sam! And, also the description of Mordor as Sam first sees it… stark, and bathed in a blood-red light from Mount Doom… creepy.

The indirect help the Elves give them… Galadriel’s phial, ‘Elbereth’ the password, and when they try to pass the Watchers a second time, it is a phrase from an Elvish song sung by Gildor that gives the phial enough strength to break the Watcher’s barrier. It is interesting, too, how Sam begins to sing of the Shire when he gives up Frodo and that, unexpectedly, leads him to Frodo.

Key discussion points:

What is the significance of this chapter, in your opinion?

Why does Sam put on the Ring near the start of the chapter?

Is it ironic that the Ring itself aided Sam by making him seem more powerful than he was, to the Orcs? How much of Sam's deeds can be attributed to his credit, and how much to pure chance?

How does the description of orcs in this chapter tally with your previous impressions of them? Does it reinforce the idea that 'orcs deserve no pity'... or does it make you feel sorry for them?

When Sam hands Frodo the Ring, Frodo has a momentary vision of him as an Orc who is trying to steal his Ring. Compare it to the way he felt when Bilbo wanted a look at his ring, back in Rivendell.

At one point, it is said: "He felt that he had from now on only two choices: to forbear the Ring, though it would torment him; or to claim it, and challenge the Power that sat in its dark hold beyond the valley of shadows" Sam takes the first choice, and resists its power. Is this Tolkien's way of showing the choice that Frodo had to face, then and later in Mount Doom? Sam's choice is influenced partly by love of his master, and partly by his unconquered hobbit-sense. Do you think that it was harder for Frodo to resist, as he was less like a hobbit, and more Elvish? (He is called Elf-friend many times in the story)

What if Sam had given up Frodo for dead, or unrescuable, without making sure, and had tried to go on and destroy it by himself? What do you think would have happened?

[Olmer]

What if Sam had given up Frodo for dead, or unrescuable, without making sure, and had tried to go on and destroy it by himself? What do you think would have happened?

The same what had happened. Gollum was still there.

Is it ironic that the Ring itself aided Sam by making him seem more powerful than he was, to the Orcs? How much of Sam's deeds can be attributed to his credit, and how much to pure chance?

Seems to me, much of Sam's luck has to be attributed to the Ring. His miraculous passing of ever vigil Watchers, unexpected instigation of bloody fight between the best corps of Mordor, and subsequent travelling with orcs troops , completely unrecognizable, could be related to the power which chanelled his thoughts as a will in some way to dominate others, thus to overcome obstacles, and arranged it accordingly. The power of the One.

How does the description of orcs in this chapter tally with your previous impressions of them? Does it reinforce the idea that 'orcs deserve no pity'... or does it make you feel sorry for them?

No one race of humankind deserves total annihilation. Especially orcs, since their story have never been heard, and whatever information we have got on them was basicaly writen by theirs enemies and by brainwashed individuals.

[Gordis]

Thank you for the neat chapter review, Serenoli. And sorry it had taken me so long to reply.

Why does Sam put on the Ring near the start of the chapter?

Curious, indeed. Probably he acts unconsciously, mechanically, being distressed and uncertain what to do. The Ring had seized the opportunity, and made him put it on without thinking.

Is it ironic that the Ring itself aided Sam by making him seem more powerful than he was, to the Orcs? How much of Sam's deeds can be attributed to his credit, and how much to pure chance?

The Ring did help Sam. After all it was made to dominate those around, the orcs surely.

How does the description of orcs in this chapter tally with your previous impressions of them? Does it reinforce the idea that 'orcs deserve no pity'... or does it make you feel sorry for them?

It makes me sorry for them. They are so VERY human-like in mind... Not some alien monsters as in the movie. They are not automates, they misbehave and act contrary to their orders. We learn in the chapter that they live in fear of the High-Ups, in fear of the Black Pit. It is not explained what it is, but sounds ominous. In the next chapter we will learn that everyone has a personal number - Mordor accuracy and high organisation is evident. No wonder the orcs dream of getting away on their own.

At one point, it is said: "He felt that he had from now on only two choices: to forbear the Ring, though it would torment him; or to claim it, and challenge the Power that sat in its dark hold beyond the valley of shadows" Sam takes the first choice, and resists its power. Is this Tolkien's way of showing the choice that Frodo had to face, then and later in Mount Doom? Sam's choice is influenced partly by love of his master, and partly by his unconquered hobbit-sense. Do you think that it was harder for Frodo to resist, as he was less like a hobbit, and more Elvish? (He is called Elf-friend many times in the story)

I believe it was harder for Frodo. But not because he was an Elf-friend (Sam was also enchanted by Elves) but because he had the Ring longer - for almost 20 years. Also, he was weakened by the Morgul-wound, wich seemed to accelerate the effects of the Ring. He really became less of a hobbit, more of a wraith. And he started to train his will to dominate the others - willingly or unwillingly. Look how he cowed Gollum.

What if Sam had given up Frodo for dead, or unrescuable, without making sure, and had tried to go on and destroy it by himself? What do you think would have happened?

Perhaps, Sam would have killed Gollum before they got to the Cracks of Doom. And then... I don't think that even the steadfast Sam would have thrown the Ring in.

[CAB]

Thank you very much for the summary Serenoli.

I would second pretty much everything Gordis has already said. I think she makes a very good point about Frodo willingly or unwillingly (or unknowingly) training himself to dominating others. I had never picked up on that before.

Originally Posted by Serenoli

How much of Sam's deeds can be attributed to his credit, and how much to pure chance?

In a sense, Sam deserves all the credit. He had to have the courage and will to do these things. He did have some help though. Aside from the Ring, I think he also received some aid from some “higher (or maybe even highest) ups”.

Originally Posted by Serenoli

When Sam hands Frodo the Ring, Frodo has a momentary vision of him as an Orc who is trying to steal his Ring. Compare it to the way he felt when Bilbo wanted a look at his ring, back in Rivendell.

This is an interesting question. I had always thought that the vision of Bilbo was due to the Ring’s effect on Bilbo while the vision of Sam was due to the Ring’s effect on Frodo. After thinking about it though, I believe probably in both cases it was primarily the Ring acting on Frodo. The first vision may have been an early example of the Ring’s hold on Frodo.

[The Gaffer]

Excellent summary; nice discussion points. I'd like to add one:

Does anyone else think that the two tribes of orcs exactly killing each other off was.. er .. a bit challenging in the credibility department?

[Gordis]

Originally Posted by The Gaffer

Does anyone else think that the two tribes of orcs exactly killing each other off was.. er .. a bit challenging in the credibility department?

I agree...
I think it would have been OK if they killed each other over the Ruling Ring. But over a mithril shirt - doesn't sound true. Especially the actions of Morgul orcs. They had to remember their orders better and also think about the Black Pit and the Houses of Lamentation.