Original artwork, not a still
What’s this? A Ranger, caught off his guard?
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
A playful tease with a lot behind it: the great Ranger of the North caught off balance by the woman he loves, sword at his throat. It shows Arwen as quick and armed and in command of the scene, which is how the film sells her as a rescuer. Fans quote it when someone has been sneaked up on, and as the Aragorn and Arwen romance in one flirty line.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the RingShow the scene
With Frodo dying of the Morgul wound after the attack on Weathertop, Strider asks Sam about athelas, the herb called kingsfoil, and the two search the dark Trollshaw forest for it. As Strider kneels to pull the plant, a sword blade touches his neck from behind. The wielder is Arwen, who has ridden out from Rivendell to find them, and her teasing greeting is this line. She then takes charge, telling the company that Frodo is fading and must be got to her father.
Sources (2)
- IMSDB: Fellowship of the Ring screenplay (draft)Trollshaw Forest athelas sceneReference checked
- Wikipedia: The Fellowship of the Ring (film)Plot summaryReference checked
Context reviewed
