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The Return of the King

Questions About The Return of the King

by J.R.R. Tolkien

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Answered Questions (10)

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Yelp! Dear Linh,

I have a possible answer. Namely, in heroic literature, such as the Lord of the Rings, and in classic literature in general, authors always…moreDear Linh,

I have a possible answer. Namely, in heroic literature, such as the Lord of the Rings, and in classic literature in general, authors always strive towards some kind of moral symmetry. Sins must be atoned for, and the proper form of atonement for the gravest sins is a hero's death. Boromir had to die for his sins, and (if you've read the Hobbit) so did Thorin Oakenshield.

Frodo committed serious sins by the end of the story, as the ring overpowered him and he coveted it for himself and himself alone. However, it seems that Tolkien could not simply kill him off. Not because he is the main protagonist, but because he is such an unlikely protagonist - a hobbit willing to go into the very mouths of hell to save his friends - and if in this he was overpowered - so what! So, we cannot just kill him off.

However, the "Undying Lands", while not death (in fact, the opposite) do represent a departure from this world. So, for Frodo the atonement is not merely complete, it is actually transformed in to a reward. He sinned, but the burden was not meant for him, and in taking it on voluntarily (and playing a large part in quite literally saving the world) he went farther than anyone could have expected. The departure must take place, that is the way of things, and the scales of justice must find balance in all things, but for Frodo, punishment is turned into reward - and this reward must be accepted, or the scales will not find their balance.

Please tell me what you think of this interpretation!

Yelp!(less)
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Is it necessary to read the appendices at the end?
Ethan It is not necessary to read them but it provides much backstory and also what happens after the books. I would suggest that you do read them.
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Does 'The Silmarillion' read like the appendices in 'Return of the King'?
Justin Ulmer It reads like the "campfire" sections in the Rings books where they tell each other tales of the past or of their own journeys.

The Silmarillion spans …moreIt reads like the "campfire" sections in the Rings books where they tell each other tales of the past or of their own journeys.

The Silmarillion spans a much larger time frame and involves many more characters. It is basically the Old Testament of The Lord of the Rings. I find it much more literary than the Rings books. Tolkien seems to pay just as much attention to the way the sentences and words flow as he does the world building. Many of the characters within the Silmarillion are mentioned at some point during the four Ring books. There is not a lot of deep characterization within its many tales, save for a select few characters.

I personally found The Silmarillion very enjoyable, but it is pretty dense reading which I would only recommend to people who are interested in the extended lore of Middle Earth, or those who are fascinated by incredible world building.

I hope this answers your question.(less)
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Who else wishes the movies were not made? Does it not feel like Jackson is taking all the credit?
Gabriel I thought the movies were amazing. They are a part of my childhood, more than the books are even. They opened up the mainstream audiences into fantasy…moreI thought the movies were amazing. They are a part of my childhood, more than the books are even. They opened up the mainstream audiences into fantasy. Fantasy may not be where it is now if the movies weren't made and weren't successful. I think that if the movies weren't made, it would be a lot harder for me to read these books. Since they were made, reading the books is almost the same as watching the movies in terms of the nostalgia.(less)
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This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)
Allison I will assume you are referring to the Westfold, which is the area west of Helm’s Deep including the Gap of Rohan, the “fall” of which, mentioned in T…moreI will assume you are referring to the Westfold, which is the area west of Helm’s Deep including the Gap of Rohan, the “fall” of which, mentioned in The Two Towers film, is a reference to the events that lead to the death of Théodred son of Théoden on February 25th, 3019. At that time, Gondor was in the same place it is located during later events: encompassing all the land south of the Ered Nimrais range to the sea. Also, the events to which you are referring took place while the Fellowship was still in Parth Galen, so your question should really be directed at the earlier part of the story often referred to as The Fellowship of the Ring. Also, and most importantly, LOL. :)(less)
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