I really like this analysis. Tolkien's universe is ultimately not morally ambiguous, unlike that of his inspirations. I think it's interesting how much the Bilbo/Gollum stuff did not initially fit into the moral framework, given that the first edition of The Hobbit has Gollum wanting to gift Bilbo the ring as a present upon the losing the riddle game. We would not have the whole 'pity and mercy' discussion btw Frodo and Gandalf if the original version of the scene were still canon.
This was so fascinating! I think Eowyn is another interesting character to bring into this discussion because she really captures a lot of the Northern spirit in her desire to fight, so great deeds, and also in her despair. She struggles to see anything beyond the hope of dying gloriously in battle, and needs the hope Faramir offers her to remember that she should not love the sword for its sharpness, but should love that which the sword defends and protects. And I’m a big fan of loving to hate Feanor. He’s a fabulous character both because of his complexity and the way in which he feels like a figure in a Greek tragedy. And, of course, he’s very memeable
Yes, Eowyn’s journey in the books is such a wonderful one. It’s not a simple “Taming of the Shrew” situation where a man forced her into good behavior. It’s more like he helps bring her strength back into balance. He values it and helps her remember who she was at the beginning before tragedy sapped her spirit.
I really like this analysis. Tolkien's universe is ultimately not morally ambiguous, unlike that of his inspirations. I think it's interesting how much the Bilbo/Gollum stuff did not initially fit into the moral framework, given that the first edition of The Hobbit has Gollum wanting to gift Bilbo the ring as a present upon the losing the riddle game. We would not have the whole 'pity and mercy' discussion btw Frodo and Gandalf if the original version of the scene were still canon.
Good observation.
This was so fascinating! I think Eowyn is another interesting character to bring into this discussion because she really captures a lot of the Northern spirit in her desire to fight, so great deeds, and also in her despair. She struggles to see anything beyond the hope of dying gloriously in battle, and needs the hope Faramir offers her to remember that she should not love the sword for its sharpness, but should love that which the sword defends and protects. And I’m a big fan of loving to hate Feanor. He’s a fabulous character both because of his complexity and the way in which he feels like a figure in a Greek tragedy. And, of course, he’s very memeable
Yes, Eowyn’s journey in the books is such a wonderful one. It’s not a simple “Taming of the Shrew” situation where a man forced her into good behavior. It’s more like he helps bring her strength back into balance. He values it and helps her remember who she was at the beginning before tragedy sapped her spirit.
Exactly! They’re such a wonderful pair