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Museum-Quality Matte Paper Print available in two sizes:
12" x 16" (30cm x 40cm): $35.00
24" x 32" (60cm x 80cm): $48.00
“'Celebrant is already a strong stream here, as you see,' said Haldir, 'and it runs both swift and deep, and is very cold. We do not set foot in it so far north, unless we must. But in these days of watchfulness we do not make bridges. This is how we cross! Follow me!'” - The Fellowship of the Ring, Book 2, Chapter 6: Lothlórien
In one way, we enter Faërie on page one of The Hobbit, meeting a Little Folk who are different from Men in numerous ways, but there are particular scenes in J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium in which the reader crosses a specific threshold deeper into the beautiful but "Perilous Realm." The crossing of Haldir's rope bridge over Celebrant toward the heart of Elvendom on earth is just such a scene.
The Fellowship must trust that this mysterious, fair-spoken, but stern and commanding elf will guide them safely over the swift river to a much needed haven. And in traversing this span, another kind of bridge is being built between the kindreds. Gimli and Haldir have exchanged sharp words, but the elf then bows to the dwarf and begs his pardon. It is an act of healing of inter-kindred prejudice, and presages the reverence Gimli will shortly come to feel for Galadriel. The friendship of all the free peoples of Middle-earth is a necessary component to the downfall of the enemy, and so these moments of entering into the cultures and feelings of one another's fellows are of real significance.
Meanwhile, the little hobbits inspire us to courage. Only Merry and Frodo would have had much experience with water from their youths in Buckland, but as Sam says when he has safely reached the other shore of the Silverlode,
"Live and learn! as my gaffer used to say."
This original, hand-done painting may be a touchstone in your home for remembering both the good work of building bridges between kindreds, and of sometimes taking necessary risks with hobbit hardihood. How good it is to think that much-needed recovery, escape and consolation await the beloved Fellowship in Lothlórien on the other shore.