Day 321: Stewards

elena_tiriel gave me the quote

'Unless the king should come again?' said Gandalf. 'Well, my lord Steward, it is your task to keep some kingdom still against that event, which few now look to see. In that task you shall have all the aid that you are pleased to ask for. But I will say this: the rule of no realm is mine, neither of Gondor nor any other, great or small. But all worthy things that are in peril as the world now stands, those are my care. And for my part, I shall not wholly fail of my task, though Gondor should perish, if anything passes through this night that can still grow fair or bear fruit and flower again in days to come. For I also am a steward. Did you not know?' And with that he turned and strode from the hall with Pippin running at his side.

The Return of the King, LoTR Book 5, Ch 1, Minas Tirith

and asked me to "compare and contrast".

Day 321



Stewards

He pores over maps, seeing Gondor spread before him, as when he climbed to the high hallow on Mindolluin’s peak. He ignores the edges that show territories long-lost, or the lands of allies providing bulwarks for Gondor’s borders, or almost-forgotten realms who shelter behind Gondor’s skirts but give no aid.

***

He ponders plans, seeing the Nor’-West of Middle-Earth spread before him in mind’s eye, as when Gwaihir bore him from Zirak-Zigil’s peak. From here he has gathered the half-forgotten kin of ancient kings of Men, from there home-fast Shirefolk, and fading Elves, and dwindling Dwarves, to deliver Arda from Evil.