Summary

In Chapter 9: “The Last Debate,” the Hobbits ask about the Paths of the Dead. Gimli refuses to speak of it, but Legolas describes it. Aragorn holds a meeting of the lords in his tent. Gandalf suggests an assault on the Black Gate in order to divert the Eye of Sauron. He believes they have a duty to defend against evil while it is in their power to do so. The Captains agree to the plan.

Analysis

The story Legolas tells about the Dead’s assault on the forces of Mordor takes the reader from firsthand accounts of the events of the story and relates events secondhand. This reminds the reader of the importance of oral tradition in Tolkien’s world, and emphasizes the idea that the story of The Return of the King is on the same level as the myths and legends told...