The Uncertain Path to Mordor: Could Gandalf and Boromir Have Changed the Course of the War of the Ring?

One of the enduring questions in The Lord of the Rings series is what might have happened if Gandalf and Boromir had not died. In particular, the question arises about the Fellowship's plan to enter Mordor. Given that Gandalf was their guiding light, could he have provided a different route for the quest? This article delves into that very question and explores the uncertain paths and plans of the Fellowship.

Unknown: The Absence of a Clear Plan

It is fascinating to consider what might have happened if Gandalf and Boromir had survived. But the reality is that the path to Mordor remains uncertain, even for Gandalf himself. As stated by several characters, Gandalf did not have a detailed plan on how to enter Mordor until the Fellowship reached Lothlórien. What were the options, and how would the Fellowship's journey have been affected by the departure of Gandalf and Boromir?

Towards Emyn Muil, the Bridge of Khazad-d?m, and Gondor

The choices were straightforward: travel directly east until the Fellowship passes the Emyn Muil and then move south from the north to approach Mordor, or travel directly south into Gondor and then cross the Anduin using one of the bridges. Both routes are dangerous, as demonstrated by Frodo and Sam's perilous journey through Mordor.

Was there any other way into Mordor for individual travelers, apart from the path taken by Frodo and Sam? It is possible that there were other, unexplored ways past the mountains that might have been discovered had Gandalf been able to direct the company. However, this is purely speculative, as we can never truly know what might have been.

Decisions and The Fate of the Fellowship

Armed with this limited information, the Fellowship was always going to split. Boromir had no intention of entering Mordor, and Aragorn was likely to follow Boromir to Minas Tirith. Even if Gandalf had managed to devise another plan, the Fellowship's journey would have been fraught with danger, as it is unclear whether they would have succeeded in their mission.

Midpoint and the Quest's Fate

Three ways into Mordor are mentioned in the book: the Black Gate (Morannon), the Cirith Ungol, and Minas Morgul. Frodo and Sam ultimately went through Cirith Ungol, but it is possible that Gandalf knew of an alternative route or hidden passage. This uncertainty adds to the complexity of the story and leaves room for speculation.

Further into the narrative, it is revealed that the Fellowship might have needed to travel to Minas Tirith first, where they could have planned their next move. However, Denethor, the Steward of Gondor, might have prevented this. Alternatively, the Fellowship might have attempted to sneak into Mordor through another route, but the odds were always stacked against them.

The Fate of the Quest

In a cruel twist of fate, the Fellowship almost certainly wouldn't have made it to Mordor without succumbing to orcs or other dangers. The continuation of the quest would have been contingent on the survival of the Fellowship, and with Gandalf and Boromir both dead, the odds would have been against them.

In conclusion, while the story of the Fellowship of the Ring is filled with uncertainty and dramatic twists, the absence of Gandalf and Boromir would have undoubtedly altered the course of events. What if Gandalf had provided the Fellowship with alternative routes and plans? Would their journey have been more successful? These are questions that will forever remain unanswered, leaving the War of the Ring and the quest for the Ring as a tale of immense tragedy and loss.

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