This is the third and final part looking at wisdom in The Lord of the Rings trilogy (Part 1 and Part 2). We conclude with Return of the King. The two main categories of wisdom I found in this film revolve around roles and restoration.
Roles
There are some amazing roles in Return of the King, which serve to illustrate the fact that we are a community, and we each serve a different function (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Let's look at a few roles in this movie:
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| Aragorn |
We knew since the first film that Aragorn the ranger was in fact the heir of Isildur, and as such the rightful king of Gondor. We also knew that he was reluctant to claim his heritage, fearing that the weakness of his ancestors might run in his veins as well. He recognized that power corrupts and evaded it for decades. However, in Return of the King, the end is at hand, and he can run no longer. Elrond re-makes the sword wielded by the kings of old and delivers it to Aragorn with a message:
"Become who you were born to be." We cannot escape our destinies (Jeremiah 1:5, Romans 11:29).
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| Denethor |
Due to Aragorn's situation, Gondor is ruled by a steward. Denethor has long forgotten his role, however- he says "rule of Gondor is mine!" and attempts claim what is not his. Gandalf delivers a powerful retort: "Authority is not given to you to deny the return of the king, steward!"
We, too, are stewards of the Earth (Genesis 1:26-28), called to remember that it is not we who are in control but rather the Lord (Romans 11:18) and the Earth is His (Psalm 24:1-2). May we act accordingly.
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| Sam |
Sam has been with Frodo from the beginning, and as they near Mount Doom, Frodo's remaining strength fails. Sam recognizes that his task is not to carry the Ring, but to support the one who does. "Come on, Mr. Frodo. I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you." He even saves Frodo after being betrayed by him. Sam is the ultimate servant, one who would lay down his life for his friends (1 John 3:16).
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| Gollum |
Smeagol/Gollum has been with the party since The Two Towers, and his infatuation for the Ring is coming to its ultimate conclusion here. Though his intent is evil, it is ultimately for the good (as in Genesis 50:20)- and his treachery saves the day. It's a blessing to know that even failures can serve a purpose.
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| The Army of the Dead |
The Free Peoples' need is dire; and in that desperation, Aragorn turns to a supernatural source. The Army of the Dead betrayed Aragorn's ancestor long ago. As punishment, they have found no rest and now live in the dark recesses deep in a mountain. Aragorn offers them a choice: fight for him, and he will hold their oaths fulfilled and allow them to rest in peace. Of course, they help him, and are finally freed of their curse.
Works are important, and work along with our faith (James 2:14-26). The Army needed faith to trust Aragorn, but then worked according to their faith. We must do the same- faith without works is dead.
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| Rohan rides to Gondor's Aid |
Rohan was spurned by Gondor in The Two Towers, and Theoden (Rohan's king) is justifiably furious about that. However, he looks beyond the slight, forgives Gondor, and rides to their aid knowing that many of his people will die in so doing. Mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13), and repaying evil for evil is forbidden (1 Thessalonians 5:15).
Restoration
Return of the King is ultimately about restoration- about removing evil from the world. "I do not think this darkness will endure," reflects Sam, who adds "There’s light- beauty up there, which no shadow can touch." Yes- this world is evil and dark (Mark 7:15-23, Romans 3:10-12), but Christ is reconciling all things (Colossians 1:15-20) and the new heaven and earth will be perfect (Revelation 21:1-5). There is hope!
Conclusion
So concludes a wonderful story. I recommend The Lord of the Rings trilogy heartily. Few films combine action, adventure, and wisdom so well.
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