The concepts of immortality and death shape the behaviors of Tolkien's characters in The Lord of The Rings. In this blog post, I will analyze the significance of death, particularly for hobbits, and how it provides them with a profound sense of purpose. By examining two poignant quotes from the trilogy, we'll explore the paradoxical nature of immortality within Tolkien's masterpiece.
In Middle-earth, death is not simply the cessation of life but a crucial element that bestows meaning upon it. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the lives of the hobbits. Unlike the Elves, who possess immortality who hobbits are granted the unique perspective of mortality while living in a world where immortality is both admired and feared.
Hobbits, such as Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee, emerge as heroes in the quest given to them by immortals. Surprisingly enough, it is their mortality that gives them their power. Their deep sense of purpose and resilience in the face of danger. As unimpressive individuals in a world of ancient powers, they recognize the fragility of their own existence and are driven by the urgency to protect and preserve the peace of their typical lives of sloth.
The first quote that underscores this theme can be found in The Two Towers, when Gandalf explains the value that he finds in hobbits: "You do not know your danger, Théoden,” interrupted Gandalf. “These hobbits will sit on the edge of ruin and discuss the pleasures of the table, or the small doings of their fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers, and remoter cousins to the ninth degree, if you encourage them with undue patience.”
In these words, Gandalf explains just how courageous these hobbits can be in the face of death. Furthermore, he describes them as discussing the small-doings of those before them. By saying this he reveals just how much purpose mortality gives these hobbits. They must weave their role into the tale of Middle Earth before it is too late, so as to leave their mark in the plot of time. They must find purpose within the constraints of their mortality, and this sense of urgency and vitality allows them to bear burdens that others cannot.
Often Samwise and Frodo describe that they remain on their journey without any sense of hope or reasoning. They simply know that they must see their journey through. Without the constraints of time, I am positive that they would not have been nearly as courageous in the face of evil and strife.
The second quote, from The Fellowship of The Ring, demonstrates the necessity of mortality in bearing the Ring. As Frodo asks Gandalf why he doesn't complete his quest himself Gandalf explanis: "With that power I should have power too great and terrible. And over me the Ring would gain a power still greater and more deadly.’ His eyes flashed and his face was lit as by a fire within. ‘Do not tempt me! For I do not wish to become like the Dark Lord himself." (61)
How could Gandalf the great possibly view himself as less capable of bearing the One Ring than Frodo? It is Frodo's mortality that is his great strength in this case. Death, in its inevitability, lends perspective and drives the hobbits to carry on, for they understand that their actions ripple beyond their own lives and have the power to shape the future.
While hobbits embrace the significance of death, the immortal races, such as the Elves, face a different dilemma. Though they are blessed with longevity and wisdom, immortality is not always sweet. The Elves often exhibit a sense of detachment from the world, for as time grows more abundant it becomes less and less precious. Their existence becomes an unchanging tapestry of memories, devoid of the urgency and vibrancy that mortality brings. They do not possess the capacity for an intense devotion to a greater purpose that the hobbits do. Therefore, the hobbits have the greater ability to combat the evil that lies within.
By contrasting the lives of hobbits and Elves, Tolkien explores the paradoxical nature of immortality. While immortality promises endless time, it also threatens to strip life of its purpose, as one can become detached from the struggles and joys of the mortal realm.
The Lord of the Rings serves as a powerful exploration of the themes of immortality and death. Through the lens of hobbits, Tolkien sheds light on the power behind mortality and how it imbues life with purpose. Death, rather than being feared or shunned, is the driving force for the hobbits. By contrasting the mortality of hobbits with the immortality of the Elves, Tolkien demonstrates paradoxical nature of living forever, highlighting the value and beauty of a finite existence. If one's supply of time is infinite, it loses all value. As we humans embark on our own journeys, we can draw inspiration from the hobbits' embrace of mortality and their unwavering commitment to preserve the world they love.
- WS
1 comment:
I would have liked to hear more how your reflections were affected by Tolkien's own descriptions of his purpose in his Letters. Did reading the Letters change your sense of what the stories were about? Had you recognized this tension between death and immortality in the stories? Did Tolkien's own descriptions of his purpose seem to fit with what he accomplished in the stories? How like or unlike Gandalf in his sending the hobbits on adventure was he?! RLFB
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