Return of the King: Part Two
Note: It has been my intent with the five posts on Tolkien to whet your appetite for reading his great trilogy, even if you never do. Even though I have referred to The Lord of the Rings (LOTR) as a “trilogy” it technically isn’t. Although it was originally published in three volumes (largely due to paper shortages following World War Two) Tolkien’s masterpiece is, in fact, one novel of six linked sections or books. Still, it remains a “trilogy” in most minds. There are three subtitles, after all. Of all the many minor characters in the work, Prince Imrahil is my favorite. Imrahil gives some depth to Minas Tirith by representing the strength of Gondor as a nation. He comes with 700 fine cavalry and a strong company of infantry from Dol Amroth , a major fortress far away on the coast of Gondor. Tolkien also uses Imrahil to tie the different pieces of the narrative together; even including him at the grand feast near the end when he meets Frodo and Sam . But, generally, Imrahil is u