Grey Havens - A Middle-earth Theme : Another Path

The Grey Havens Theme

A Theme for Middle-earth: Another Path

GREY HAVENS is a theme for Middle-earth in the subcategory of Another Path. This theme, strongly recognizable as the melody for "Into the West", represents in turn: hope, sacrifice, and blessing. I suspect the theme's name comes from its association with the departure scene at the harbor of the same name.

HS COMMENTS (below)

Places this theme is heard in ROTK:

During Gandalf and Pippins discussion of death. Gandalf says that death is a journey an at the end is, "White shores... and beyond. The far green country under a swift sunrise." (This seems to be a setup for where Frodo is headed at the end but isn't an accurate explanation of death in terms of the book. But either you know that and don't need me to tell you so, or you don't and it would bore you to have a lecture. Regardless, in the movie, this seems to be a reference to the Blessed Realm.)
When Sam picks up Frodo and carries him up the Mountain. see HS Comment below
After Frodo says goodbye to the Hobbits at the Grey Haven and boards the ship to the West. As the theme starts, he turns toward the others and gives the smile we saw at the Long Expected Party... maybe a little more solemn, but a happy smile. The theme continues as the ship sails into the sun. see HS Comment below
The song, "Into the West," sung during the credits of ROTK. see HS Comment below

Howard Shore Comments - both from Music form the Movies, Issue 42:

Regarding 'The Black Gate Opens': ...Sam picks Frodo up in his arms and you hear 'The Grey Havens Theme'. This music evokes the courage of these two little Hobbits, putting both of their lives at stake for the greater good of Middle-earth. The music has an uplifting quality to it; it builds around the strength of these characters.
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'The Grey Havens' (referring to the track) is about the great parting of Frodo from The Shire. The melody here is played by ten cellos. The theme for 'The Grey Havens' was specifically created for the ships sailing away from Middle-earth. I wrote this theme while we were working on 'Into the West' and then the decision was made to use that melody as part of the song. That's why 'The Grey Havens' and 'Into the West' are related.
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