Thank you for that wonderful essay. The context it provides enriches my experience of the work. The part about sparing Gollum and the consequences of that act of mercy by Bilbo got me thinking about some of the choices made by other LOTR characters which illustrate the difference between choosing a course of action based solely on selfish or apparently pragmatic concerns (but are immoral or amoral), and choosing based on morality – doing the right thing – without being able to foresee whether the outcome will be favorable or not.
Sauron and Saruman are examples of the former. Sauron, of course, is wholly evil so his choices are purely selfish. Gandalf calls him a ‘wise fool’ because Sauron can only imagine the Ring being used to replace him. As Gandalf observes, “that we should wish to cast him down and have no one in his place is not a thought that occurs to his mind.”
Saruman falls because he seeks knowledge and understanding only for power over others. The speech he gives to the captive Gandalf could have come straight out of the Enlightenment and would have had St. Simon and his disciple August Comte nodding in agreement. They foresaw the rise of the professional managerial class of technocrats who would come to rule over all due to their superior knowledge of an increasingly complex world, and would do so using a morality of their own invention suited to their convenience. When Gandalf offers Saruman freedom if he gives up his power, Saruman rejects the offer through fear of betrayal. As Gandalf wearily says, “the treacherous are ever distrustful.” Like Sauron, Saruman is trapped by the limitations imposed by his immorality.
Other examples illustrate the opposite. Aragon faced a difficult choice at the Emyn Muil – to follow after Frodo and the Ring, or to pursue the Orcs to rescue Merry and Pippin from certain torture and death. Gandalf later comforts Aragorn by telling him that his choice was just, and was rewarded by his timely and unforeseeable reuniting with Gandalf.
Galadriel imagined what she would do if the Ring came within her grasp even if she would have to take it by force. And then it comes within her reach as a freely given gift. But she makes the moral choice, and by refusing to take it, will diminish, and remain herself.
Even the Wise (or maybe especially the Wise) require humility in making choices. As Gandalf says about sparing Gollum, even the Wise cannot foresee all ends. And Elrond, when marveling at the rise of the Shire-folk to “shake the towers and counsels of the Great. Who of all the Wise could have foreseen it? Or, if they are wise, why should they expect to know it, until the hour has struck?”
This is one of the many reasons I can never let go of reading in a world that increasingly rewards speedy consumption.
I’m so grateful I get to come across a piece like this, where the conclusion isn’t served on a platter. You have to work for it and connect the dots yourself, but the payoff is really good. I want this feeling over and over again.
Beautiful and thoughtful reflection on the meaning of LOTR. My only comment is that while Tolkien's story clearly weaves in religious themes, these threads appear to be far older and deeper than Catholicism or Christianity itself. This is evidenced by the many mythological references that predate the birth of Christ. If Tolkien was not conscious of these archetypes he sure did a wonderful job of subconsciously channeling the ancient mythos!
Very enlightening and much to think about. Thanks.
Thank you!
I am almost in tears reading this. God bless you.
Thank you for that wonderful essay. The context it provides enriches my experience of the work. The part about sparing Gollum and the consequences of that act of mercy by Bilbo got me thinking about some of the choices made by other LOTR characters which illustrate the difference between choosing a course of action based solely on selfish or apparently pragmatic concerns (but are immoral or amoral), and choosing based on morality – doing the right thing – without being able to foresee whether the outcome will be favorable or not.
Sauron and Saruman are examples of the former. Sauron, of course, is wholly evil so his choices are purely selfish. Gandalf calls him a ‘wise fool’ because Sauron can only imagine the Ring being used to replace him. As Gandalf observes, “that we should wish to cast him down and have no one in his place is not a thought that occurs to his mind.”
Saruman falls because he seeks knowledge and understanding only for power over others. The speech he gives to the captive Gandalf could have come straight out of the Enlightenment and would have had St. Simon and his disciple August Comte nodding in agreement. They foresaw the rise of the professional managerial class of technocrats who would come to rule over all due to their superior knowledge of an increasingly complex world, and would do so using a morality of their own invention suited to their convenience. When Gandalf offers Saruman freedom if he gives up his power, Saruman rejects the offer through fear of betrayal. As Gandalf wearily says, “the treacherous are ever distrustful.” Like Sauron, Saruman is trapped by the limitations imposed by his immorality.
Other examples illustrate the opposite. Aragon faced a difficult choice at the Emyn Muil – to follow after Frodo and the Ring, or to pursue the Orcs to rescue Merry and Pippin from certain torture and death. Gandalf later comforts Aragorn by telling him that his choice was just, and was rewarded by his timely and unforeseeable reuniting with Gandalf.
Galadriel imagined what she would do if the Ring came within her grasp even if she would have to take it by force. And then it comes within her reach as a freely given gift. But she makes the moral choice, and by refusing to take it, will diminish, and remain herself.
Even the Wise (or maybe especially the Wise) require humility in making choices. As Gandalf says about sparing Gollum, even the Wise cannot foresee all ends. And Elrond, when marveling at the rise of the Shire-folk to “shake the towers and counsels of the Great. Who of all the Wise could have foreseen it? Or, if they are wise, why should they expect to know it, until the hour has struck?”
Thanks a lot for this comment!!
Love lord of the rings but this has changed my whole outlook. Brilliant!👍👍👍
Wow, thank you!
One of the best articles on Tolkien I've ever read
Thanks so much!
It’s so, so good.
Fascinating read, thank you
Thank you!
Fascinating.
Thank you very much!
Tolkien was characterized by his friend C.S.Lewis as Gandolf.
This is one of the many reasons I can never let go of reading in a world that increasingly rewards speedy consumption.
I’m so grateful I get to come across a piece like this, where the conclusion isn’t served on a platter. You have to work for it and connect the dots yourself, but the payoff is really good. I want this feeling over and over again.
Thank you so much!
Great and moving article, thank you.
Thank you very much!
Beautiful and thoughtful reflection on the meaning of LOTR. My only comment is that while Tolkien's story clearly weaves in religious themes, these threads appear to be far older and deeper than Catholicism or Christianity itself. This is evidenced by the many mythological references that predate the birth of Christ. If Tolkien was not conscious of these archetypes he sure did a wonderful job of subconsciously channeling the ancient mythos!