On the path, Boromir momentarily comes into possession of the Ring when it falls off Frodo’s neck. Again, Shore uses the Seduction of the Ring theme, but now for the first time the boys chorus is able to articulate the text. The Ring’s seductive message is not lost on Boromir.
Saruman’s powers block the Fellowship’s progress by way of an avalanche, and so Frodo, the Ringbearer decides that the troupe shall pass through Moria. The corrupted White Wizard is pleased, both he and Gandalf know what dangers lay in the Dwarves’ lair. Distant bass and taiko drums presage the harsh Dwarf music that will soon meet the band.
TEXTS
THE SEDUCTION OF THE RING
Text from J. R. R. Tolkien
Quenya Translation by David Salo
FIRST HEARD: DISC TWO | TRACK TEN
I tuo, i macil – | The strength, the weapon –
Astaldaron mauri. | The needs of the valiant.
Nai corma macilya | Be the ring your weapon
A lelyat túrenna! | Go to victory!
INSTRUMENTS
THE ORCS
The Orcs’ unique instruments are particularly important to this base and uncivil race. Here Shore represents the ferocity and anger that melody would be far too eloquent to articulate. The Five Beat Pattern is designed to showcase these joltingly sharp industrial tones of pounded metal and stretched skins.
TAIKO DRUM
Listening Example: Disc Two| Track Ten| 2:37 [Playing the Five Beat Pattern]
These ancient drums, which have been used in Japanese music for over a millennium, exist in four basic sizes. The rich, rumbling tone of the drum was associated with the power of the gods in traditional Japanese culture, and the drum was used on the battlefield to strike fear into the hearts of enemies. It serves much the same purpose in the music of the Orcs where its pounding, unforgiving tone represents their brutal force.
(c) The Annotated Score (The Music of The Lord of the Rings Films)
The Pass of Caradhras
Howard Shore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
text by J.R.R. TOLKIEN, translation by DAVID SALO
( QUENYA )
I tuo i macil...
Astaldaron mauri.
Nai corma macilya.
A lelyat túrenna!
(( The strength, the weapon...
The needs of the valiant.
Be the ring your weapon.
Go to victory! ))
The lyrics to Howard Shore's song The Pass of Caradhras, specifically the section titled "The Seduction of the Ring," is a beautiful piece that speaks to the power and temptation of the One Ring. The lyrics are originally in Quenya and were translated by David Salo, a linguist who worked on the languages of Middle-earth for the Lord of the Rings films. "I tuo i macil" represents "the strength, the weapon," while "Astaldaron mauri" translates to "the needs of the valiant." These two lines together suggest that the power of the ring can be seen as a weapon in the hands of the powerful and brave, but also that its lure can convince even those who are brave to bend to its will.
The next two lines are particularly poignant, with "Nai corma macilya" meaning "be the ring your weapon" and "A lelyat túrenna!" translating to "go to victory!" These lines suggest that the ring itself can be a powerful force for good if it is wielded correctly, and that if the right person were to take it up, they could use it for the good of all. However, the final line also suggests that possessing the ring may come at a cost, and that the road to victory may be challenging and filled with peril.
Overall, these lyrics are a beautiful and introspective look at the power and temptation of the One Ring. They suggest that while the ring itself may be a dangerous and seductive force, in the right hands it may be used for good.
Line by Line Meaning
The strength, the weapon...
Acknowledge the power and might of the weapon.
The needs of the valiant.
Understand the requirements to be courageous and brave.
Be the ring your weapon.
Use the ring as a tool of defense and offense.
Go to victory!
March boldly towards success and triumph.
Contributed by Anthony B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.