The Top Five Reasons Why The Lord of the Rings is for Everyone

By Kersten Jaeger on January 9, 2013

I truly believe that The Lord of the Rings is an incredibly inspirational series that can relate to anyone. I have chosen five themes that clearly demonstrate the power of these books and movies. I will attempt not to spoil anything huge in case you have not read or seen them, but there may be a few generic giveaways.

5. The Power of Nature

Through clear juxtaposition of natural environments with industrialized areas, a message is being conveyed. The Shire, where the hobbits lead their happy lives, is “all that is good and green.” On the other hand, Mt. Doom and Isengard, the homes of the evil sorcerers and violent orcs, are completely industrialized. The trees are burned and metal is forged from the fires. Metal, fire, and darkness are associated with evil, while nature and lights are associated with good. This includes animals, as the protagonists are assisted by eagles, horses, and talking trees. A river even provides a heroine with an escape at one point! The environment is portrayed as something that needs to be both protected and respected.

4. The Power of Hope

Throughout this series there are multiple occurrences that attempt to destroy the hope of the heroes/heroines. Many times characters falter and waver in their determination, and repeatedly some characters lose hope. With good reason, Frodo says multiple times that he cannot make the journey and complete his task, and every time his friend Sam reminds him that they are struggling for hope for a better future and Frodo is able to continue a bit further. When Arwen is told by everyone to abandon hope, she refuses and her optimism fuels other characters to persevere. When all hope seems to be lost, one person will dare to continue hoping and in refusing to give up they move closer towards completing their goal.

3. The Power of Friendship

There are clear distinctions in this series between the races of elves, men, and dwarves. There are prejudices and betrayals that cause mistrust and mutual dislike. However, one of the strongest storylines is the evolution of a friendship between a man, an elf, and a dwarf. While these are obvious fantastic characters, their bond of friendship is a beautiful depiction of overcoming prejudices and cultural differences to create a fiercely strong relationship.

2. The Power of Loyalty

Sam is fearsomely loyal to Frodo throughout this entire saga. When Frodo gives up, when people attempt to hurt Frodo, when Frodo can’t possibly walk any farther, Sam is there to help in any way he can. It is the most touching friendship. Sam’s strong love for his friend is what makes any success ultimately possible. On the other hand, an act of disloyalty can have detrimental effects. This is seen through Frodo’s interaction with Smeagol/Gollum. When Frodo is loyal and kind, then Smeagol reflects this, and when Frodo betrays him in some way, Gollum turns against him. Loyalty fuels every character to continue fighting: loyalty to their friends, loyalty to the thought of home, or loyalty to their love.

1. The Power of the Weak

Ultimately the most inspirational aspect of this series is the triumph of underdogs. Those seen as small, those seen as inconsequential, those seen as unfit are those that triumph the strongest in the end. The hobbits prove themselves to be bigger than their physical size, the women prove to be stronger than anyone supposed, and the neglected prove to be more worthy of praise than they were ever allowed. I believe it to be nearly impossible to read or watch these stories without connecting to something.

I recommend these epic tales to everyone, because I believe you all should know how powerful it can be to hope, to love, and to try.

What do you think of Lord of the Rings? Comment below!

 

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