The Lord of the Rings movies (reviewed here, here, and here) are among my favorites of all time. Don't tell anyone . . . but I probably enjoy them more than the books (also excellent, and reviewed here, here, and here). One reason I enjoy the films so much: it's more than just action and adventure. Genuine wisdom is pervasive throughout the trilogy; today, I look at wisdom in The Fellowship of the Ring (hereafter, FR), nominally grouped by category.
On Life in General
The Hobbits know that "it is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life." They love the simple things- but most of all, they desire peace. The Bible speaks of peace hundreds of times. Blessed are the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), and seeking peace (Psalm 34:14) is commanded. We could learn a thing or two from that mindset.
On relationships, Bilbo delivers a classic line:
On relationships, Bilbo delivers a classic line:
I don’t know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
I use this routinely. I desire to know many better than I do . . . but in my sinful state, I also think less of many people than I ought.
On adventure, Bilbo has another classic:
On adventure, Bilbo has another classic:
It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.
Later in the film, Frodo responds:
On the Nature of ManI spent all my childhood pretending I was off somewhere else . . . off with you on one of your adventures . . . my own adventure turned out to be quite different.We're all on an adventure in this world, and it is both dangerous (at times) and tempting to wish we were part of someone else's story. Our own is worth telling; there is no greener pasture.
"Men," the film tells us, "above all desire power." Yes, "the hearts of men are easily corrupted." It's the reason for the trilogy in the first place- a man had the power to destroy the one ring eons ago, and chose instead to keep it for himself. The ring eventually destroyed him, and its presence allowed evil to remain in the world. Throughout the films, the fellowship is affected by the corrupting ability of the ring due to their natures. It's always tempting to give in to evil; Scripture says that none is righteous (Romans 3:9-18) and our temptations are due to this (James 1:13-15). Yes, FR nails the condition of man.
We get only hints of Gollum in this film- the one who had the ring for decades as it consumed and destroyed him. Gollum "hates and loves himself," which is related to our sinful condition. More on that in parts 2 and 3.
On Unity
To accomplish their quest, the fellowship must be unified. "You will unite or you will fall," says Elrond as he addresses the fellowship before their departure. Later in the adventure, when the group is grieved and beset by trouble, Galadriel adds, "hope remains while company is true." Unity is important in this world- and we see it several times in Scripture (including Philippians 2:2 and 4:2). We'd do well to remember this today; the temptation is to nationalism and protecting 'us' at the expense of 'them.' Yet, our best hope moving forward in society lies in mutually beneficial (and sacrificial) relationships.
On Sacrifice
Sacrifice is a theme prevalent throughout the films. Consider:
- As Frodo is (at one point) ailing, Arwen speaks "what grace is given me, let it pass to him."
- Later, she (an immortal elf) states to her love (a mortal human) that "I would rather share one lifetime with you, then face all the ages of this world alone."
- Boromir speaks of his people's sacrifice: "By the blood of our people are your lands kept safe."
- Frodo sacrifices a life of peace and comfort to carry the ring. "What must I do?" he asks, adding "I will take the ring to Mordor . . .only, I do not know the way." There's both courage and humility in this statement- a willingness to do what is necessary for the good of all coupled with acknowledgement that he has no idea how to get the job done.
- Gandalf tells the ring bearer "I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear."
Sacrifice is a great theme in Scripture, too. Jesus came to serve and give his life for many (Mark 10:45), we're called to be a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1), we need to look to the interests of others (Philippians 4:2-7), and the greatest love is laying down our life for our friends (John 15:13). We may be wounded in this process, as Frodo was by a Nazgul ("The wound will never fully heal . . . he will carry it the rest of his life."). Yet whoever would save their life must lose it (Luke 9:24).
On Sacrifice
Sacrifice is a theme prevalent throughout the films. Consider:
- As Frodo is (at one point) ailing, Arwen speaks "what grace is given me, let it pass to him."
- Later, she (an immortal elf) states to her love (a mortal human) that "I would rather share one lifetime with you, then face all the ages of this world alone."
- Boromir speaks of his people's sacrifice: "By the blood of our people are your lands kept safe."
- Frodo sacrifices a life of peace and comfort to carry the ring. "What must I do?" he asks, adding "I will take the ring to Mordor . . .only, I do not know the way." There's both courage and humility in this statement- a willingness to do what is necessary for the good of all coupled with acknowledgement that he has no idea how to get the job done.
- Gandalf tells the ring bearer "I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear."
Sacrifice is a great theme in Scripture, too. Jesus came to serve and give his life for many (Mark 10:45), we're called to be a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1), we need to look to the interests of others (Philippians 4:2-7), and the greatest love is laying down our life for our friends (John 15:13). We may be wounded in this process, as Frodo was by a Nazgul ("The wound will never fully heal . . . he will carry it the rest of his life."). Yet whoever would save their life must lose it (Luke 9:24).
On Mercy & Purpose
It's tempting to look at unfortunate events and think on what might have been in an alternate reality. Frodo does this below, as he mourns Gollum's tracking of the fellowship. Gandalf, however, has a different perspective.
FRODO: It's a pity Bilbo didn't kill him [Gollum] when he had the chance.
GANDALF: Pity? It was pity that stayed Bilbo's hand. Many that live deserve death, and some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them, Frodo? . . . Do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment...even the very wise cannot see all ends. My heart tells me that Gollum has some part to play yet, for good or ill, before this is over. The pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many.
FRODO: I wish the ring had never come to me...I wish none of this had happened.
GANDALF: So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides the will of evil. Bilbo was meant to find the ring. In which case, you also were meant to have it...and that is an encouraging thought.
Mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13), and God has a purpose for all of us (as with Jeremiah, who God knew before he was in the womb (Jeremiah 1:5). It's comforting to know that nothing can separate us from His love in Christ (Romans 8:35-39), and who knows whether or not we've come for such a time as this (Esther 4:14)? Therefore (as Elrond says to the fellowship), "hold to your purpose." "Even the smallest person can change the course of the future." Let's not forget that God chooses the weak to shame the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27).
On Power
"To bear a ring of power is to be alone." I quoted this in a post on leadership. Being in any position of power is indeed lonely. Appreciate your leaders.
Conclusion
On Power
"To bear a ring of power is to be alone." I quoted this in a post on leadership. Being in any position of power is indeed lonely. Appreciate your leaders.
Conclusion
The Fellowship of the Ring is probably my favorite Lord of the Rings film, in part for the wisdom summarized above. If you haven't already, watch it and enjoy these pearls.
No comments:
Post a Comment