The quote about Sam and Aragorn and love stories, in letter 131 is commonly quoted to imply this idea: “But the highest love-story, that of Aragorn and Arwen Elrond’s daughter is only alluded to as a known thing. It is told elsewhere in a short tale, of Aragorn and Arwen Undómiel. I think the simple ‘rustic’ love of Sam and his Rosie (nowhere elaborated) is absolutely essential to the study of his (the chief hero’s) character, and to the theme of the relation of ordinary life ...
Questions
Why does LOTR end with Sam?
LOTR ends with Sam coming back into the Shire, because he was coming back from meeting his friend for one last time at the Grey Havens. Logically, this type of ending seemed to make the most sense. But what does that mean really? There are many reasons why Tolkien decided to have this ending, and it has led some to wonder if it was saying anything about who the main character is. However, in my opinion it does not seem to immediately tell anything about the main character or ...
How did the Númenóreans turn evil?
As they were great mariners, they began to yearn for the West. “The more joyful was their life, the more they began to long for the Immortality of the Eldar.” (Fall of Númenór, “The Shadow Falls on Númenór”) Thus they would desire to have more time to enjoy their crafts and what they’ve made. The first sign of the shadow was from Tar-Minastir, the 11th king. While Ciryatan, his son, scorned the yearnings of his father, he was able to ease the restless by voyaging. They’ve become ...
Does Frodo know Legolas?
“Here follows one of the last notes in the Red Book: We have heard tell that Legolas took Gimli, Glóin’s son with him because of their great friendship, greater than any that has been between Elf and Dwarf. If this is true, then it is strange indeed: that a Dwarf should be willing to leave Middle-earth for any love, or that the Eldar should receive him, or that the Lords of the West should permit it. But it is said that Gimli went also out of desire to see again the beauty of Galadriel; and it ...
Sam’s Speech Two Towers Explained
Did you know that Sam’s iconic speech in the movies, was also in the books as well? Much like the movie, it was in The Two Towers. though it was in the stairs of Cirith Ungol, and starts with “Yes, that’s so.” “‘Yes, that’s so,’ said Sam. ‘And we shouldn’t be here at all, if we’d known more about it before we started.’”JRR Tolkien, The Two Towers, "The Stairs of Cirith Ungol" And it goes on until: “Things done and over and made into part of the great tales are different. Why, even ...
Why was Frodo’s compassion to Gollum so significant?
Frodo’s compassion to Gollum was significant because it was referred to by Tolkien as an instrument of Providence. "His humility (with which he began) and his sufferings were justly rewarded by the highest honour; and his exercise of patience and mercy towards Gollum gained him Mercy: [Frodo's] failure was redressed." (JRR Tolkien, Letter # 246) Finding of the Ring 17 years after Bilbo’s and Frodo’s big birthday celebration, Gandalf shows up at Bag End for big news. He shows up ...