I don't think Gandalf is being secretive-- just cautious.
Although the contest may seem callous to some, I think Tolkien used it as
another way to strengthen the bond between Legolas and Gimli. I also think the
glittering caves and Gimli's heart felt description serves the same purpose. I
think it's beautiful how he compares it to Legolas' wood. What better way to
win the elf's heart and heighten his curiosity than to compare it to his
friend's own home?
Gimli's description also shows that he deeply values his heritage-- of which
caves are a part. Many times in Tolkien's work we see dwarves as being depicted
as greedy-- not Gimli. Here when Gimli describes the caves he talks about
preservation. I love
it!
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤
Hither are you gone from me
To this longing-- to this strain.
Neither are we far from free
From this aching-- from this pain.
Burden lost or lest sustain
All our misery--delay.
Drink in deeply to detain
What we can not quench today.
--C.A. Jolin
Boromir's Betrayal by
Gullygilly
class web site
Anti-Clown Alliance of America
