I think of all the stories in UT (and i read UT alot) this is the one I like
best. Perhaps it's because this is a defining point in the history of ME in the
third age. It sets the scene for everything the comes later. Not only the
re-discovery of the Ring, but also the slow decline of both Arnor, and
eventually, Gondor.
Isildur probably would've had some of the more important people of the North
Kingdom with him, in addition to his sons. Not an easy loss to overcome.
And there's something about tragedies that i find appealing. And you might say
that this short story is all about wasted potential.
I'm disappointed i only came in on the tail end of the discussion.
Demosthenes
