TOLKIEN’S MIGHTY OF THE FIRST BORN.
KINGS AND PRIESTS UNTO OUR GOD.
The black riders, the servants of the dark lord, are closing in on Merry, Pippin, Frodo, and their companion Strider. Fortunately they are close to the Elvin Kingdom of Rivendell and one of the Elf Lords has ridden out to help them. He is one of the few who can confront the nine black riders and drive them back. He tells the little band that he came across two of the riders on a bridge a few days back and when they fled from him, he pursued them. Later he met two more and they turned away as soon as they saw him.
Later when they are safe, Frodo asks Gandalf about Glorfindel, the Elf Lord. Gandalf’s answer is one of my favourite portions of the Book and confirms that Tolkien wrote from a deep understanding of true Christianity.
(From the Book) “And here in Rivendell there live still some of the dark lords chief foes; the Elven Wise, Lords of the Eldar, from beyond the furthest seas. They do not fear the black riders, for those who have dwelt in the blessed realm, live at once in both Worlds, and against both the seen and the unseen they have great power. Frodo says, “I thought that I saw a white figure that shone and did not grow dim like the others, was that Glorfindel then”? Gandalf replied, “Yes, you saw him for a moment as he is upon the other side; one of the mighty of the First Born. He is an…
