The Power of Tales: How Aragorn's Discernment and Elvish Lore Saved Frodo

Tales are a powerful thing. You never know what they will call.

When Frodo started reciting the Tale of Gilgalad on Weathertop, Aragorn interrupted him sharply.

“‘No!’ said Strider interrupting, ‘I do not think that tale should be told now with the servants of the Enemy at hand.”

There are times when some tales are better not told. In Tolkien’s world, tales are not words. Tales are summons. To tell means to call. To …