Original artwork, not a still
Certainty of death. Small chance of success. What are we waiting for?
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Gimli treats a terrifying calculation as an invitation he is ready to accept. The bravado expresses loyalty through the comic refusal to dwell on the odds.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the KingShow the scene
In The Return of the King (2003), the leaders of the West gather to plan their last move against Sauron. Aragorn proposes marching on the Black Gate of Mordor to draw Sauron's attention from Frodo. Legolas calls it a diversion, and Gimli answers with this blunt line, accepting the odds before anyone else has said yes; only then does Gandalf warn that Sauron will suspect a trap. The plan goes ahead, and the Mouth of Sauron soon appears at the gate.
Sources (2)
- Wikiquote: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (film)Dialogue around the Black Gate planReference checked
- Wikiquote: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the KingDialogue: the council on marching to the Black GateReference checked
Context reviewed
