posted
In The Two Towers movie Eowyn says, "Long ago we learned that even those who do not live with swords can still die upon them," or something to that effect. What I want to know is, is that a direct quote from the books? I don't have them on hand right now, so I was wondering if you guys could help me out.
I wanted to know because if that is directly from Tolkein, it'll be one instance in which he actually goes against something from the Bible (Those who live by the sword die by the sword.). Or at least, a character of his does.
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posted
Yes it is from Tolkien, though in the books it takes place in Dunharrow, Eowyn speaks to Aragorn, "The women in this country long since learn those who do not carry swords can still die upon them"
posted
When I heard that quote it struck me as something that was not ever said by her in the book.
I wish however, Faramir's line about how he does not love the sword for its brightness or the arrow for its swiftness, but loves only that which they defend had been in there.
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The closest I can find is at the beginning of chapter 5 of book 2 of The Return of the King.
quote:'There are no tidings,' said the Warden, 'save that the Lords have ridden to Morgul Vale; and men say that the new captain out of the North is their chief. A great lord is that, and a healer; and it is a thing passing strange to me that the healing hand should also wield the sword. It is not thus in Gondor now, though once it was so, if old tales be true. But for long years we healers have only sought to patch the rents made by the men of swords. Though we should still have enough to do without them: the world is full enough of hurts and mischances without wars to multiply them.'
'It needs but one foe to breed a war, not two, Master Warden,' answered Éowyn. 'And those who have not swords can still die upon them. Would you have the folk of Gondor gather you herbs only, when the Dark Lord gathers armies? And it is not always good to be healed in body. Nor is it always evil to die in battle, even in bitter pain. Were I permitted, in this dark hour I would choose the latter.'
[ April 01, 2004, 04:55 PM: Message edited by: Jon Boy ]
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posted
I thought what she meant was something along the lines of "The peaceful are the first to die. In order to survive one must lose that innocence they wish to protect."
Something like that.
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posted
I figured it was along the lines "One can suffer the consequences of violence without choosing a life of violence. If we are going to die by the sword anyway, give me a sword and a fighting chance."
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