On This Day in Middle-earth

July 18th

Éomer returns to Minas Tirith.

Éomer had gone back to Edoras to set his people in order and coordinate the rebuilding of Rohan. Saruman’s power in Isengard laid waste to many lands around them. Unfortunately, he missed the wedding but as promised he returned to celebrate and return King Théoden’s remains. When he entered the city he was welcome and they held a dinner in Merethrond, the Great Hall of Feasts. That night Éomer had quite a comical interaction with Gimli. You see, when they had first met Éomer had said some disparaging things about the Lady of the Golden Wood. Gimli having seen her beauty was ready to do battle in her honor.

“And before he went to his rest he sent for Gimli the Dwarf, and he said to him: ‘Gimli Glóin’s son, have you your axe ready?’

‘Nay, lord,’ said Gimli, ‘but I can speedily fetch it, if there be need.’

‘You shall judge,’ said Éomer. ‘For there are certain rash words concerning the Lady in the Golden Wood that lie still between us. And now I have seen her with my eyes.’

‘Well, lord,’ said Gimli, ‘and what say you now?’

‘Alas!’ said Éomer. ‘I will not say that she is the fairest lady that lives.’

‘Then I must go for my axe,’ said Gimli.

‘But first I will plead this excuse,’ said Éomer. ‘Had I seen her in other company, I would have said all that you could wish. But now I will put Queen Arwen Evenstar first, and I am ready to do battle on my own part with any who deny me. Shall I call for my sword?’

Then Gimli bowed low. ‘Nay, you are excused for my part, lord,’ he said. ‘You have chosen the Evening; but my love is given to the Morning. And my heart forebodes that soon it will pass away for ever.’”

A comical interaction in deed, these two warriors agreed to set their differences aside.

Thank you for your time, and remember, a light from the shadows shall spring.

– The Wandering One