Which book have you read more than any other?
It’s a common cliche, to love the classic title by J.R.R Tolkien. But sometimes, cliche answers are honest ones.
I first read the Lord of the Rings when I was eight years old, only a few short years after my prodigy of a brother read the complete series at what I remember to be five (show off).
From the first time reading it, I was captivated. I wasn’t truly old enough to understand the all of the themes that a man like Tolkien played on, but with every reading I find some new kernel of knowledge that he shared with his readers, if only we are willing to look.
Courage in the Face of Despair
Tolkien fought in The Great War, known to us in America as the First World War. I believe that this experience likely shaped his perspective on courage and despair, both of which the Lord of the Rings is fraught with.
The tale is one that features a great deal of endurance, both in the face of a long journey and of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Long marches, steep climbs, and the loss of friends along the way are all elements that lend themselves to the despair of Aragorn and Frodo, both of whom are on heroes journeys.
Each of them is seen to be despairing often, and yet, packing their gear and setting off again despite it.
The Reconciliation of Old Enemies
The story of Legolas and Gimli is one of the best tales of enemies to friends on could have. Two people who have been raised and taught in ways that are very oppositional to one another for so long a time come together under common goal.
In Tolkien’s world, Elves and Dwarves have a somewhat antagonist relationship, tracing its roots back to the beginning of creation. This theme is carried forward by Gimli and Legolas, who join the Fellowship at Rivendell, at the very beginning of the great adventure.
Both of them bring their preconceptions about the other into the party, neither fully trusting the other.
The initial friction between the two is clear from the jump, and only over time with the help of good leadership, do they begin to see each other as true friends and allies.
The Redemption of Man
Boromir is a hero, in every sense of the word. Tall, muscular, and courageous, he stands firmly in defense of his country, a steady hand in times of trouble.
But Boromir is a flawed man, and makes a great number of mistakes, ultimately putting his friends at risk. He behaves in ways that seem self centered, and gives the Fellowship reason to doubt him.
Ultimately, Boromir redeems himself of his mistakes, through an act of remarkable self sacrifice. He allows himself to be humbled, and takes upon himself the mantle of defender of the weak in a valiant stand.
Boromir is a tempted character, who ultimately succumbs. But he is a man redeemed, because even after his fall from grace, he rises up again and chooses to do right.
Ultimately, Tolkien’s world has captured the imaginations of millions across a span of almost a century now. The lessons one can expound from it are numerous, and these few examples are but a few of the ones I could come up with.
I highly encourage anyone taking up the series to look deeply for the meanings Tolkien interspersed in this great literary masterpiece, and share them with others.
Modern Survival Arkansas 