The Company is nearing the woods of Lothlorien after Gandalf's fall in Moria, and here we come to another instance of racism in Middle-earth. Boromir has heard of Lorien that "few come out who once go in, and of that few none have escaped unscathed." Aragorn corrects him, saying that actually none who enter come out unchanged, but Boromir remains unconvinced. Gimli also is wary; in the beginnings of time Elves and Dwarves were friends, but by the Third Age of Middle-earth, enmity has ruled between them for years.

As we (the readers) know, Lothlorien, like Rivendell, is one of the last great strongholds of light and wisdom in the West. Yet those who are not Elves are often anxious about coming to these places, even to receive rest and a blessing. Why is this? Is it simply a natural fear of the unknown, or has Sauron used his dark devices to plant doubt in the minds of people who were once friends?

To what extent does this happen in our own lives? We fear the unfamiliar, though it holds potential for great blessing, and we hesitate to open ourselves up to new people or situations because of this fear. How much of it is natural, and how much is the work of the Enemy to divide people who could be great influences for good? Something to think about...