Journey to the Crossroads

Summary

When day comes and the Hobbits have eaten, Faramir gives them their packs, which he has graciously stored with food. He presents them with staffs adorned with carved leads and plaited leather thongs, to help them with their treacherous climbing. Gollum, who has been blindfolded, protests until Frodo and Sam don blindfolds too, in order to appease their companionÂ’s sense of injustice.

They travel by day and sleep by night for three days. Gollum hurries them along, and Frodo wonders why he does so. They come to a crossroads and Frodo sees the stone figure of one of the kings. The head has been replaced with a round stone with one single eye on the forehead, symbolizing Sauron. As he looks around he sees the original head lying on the side of the road. The setting sun casts a yellow glow about the discarded head.

The setting sun creates a crown for the discarded head, symbolizing a return to power by the old rulers and a deposition of the new dictator, Sauron. Frodo finds meaning and comfort in this scene, knowing that they have not come on it by accident.

Table of Contents | Printable Version