Category: Lord of the Rings

Good vs. bad. Positive against negative. However you describe it, there are always two polar opposites. As they exist on a global scale, so do they also reside within us. To know what is right and what is wrong is sometimes not that visible or palpable. Sometimes it is a matter of perspective, of self-reflection and decision.

All types of relationships go through the ebb and flow. There is a constant stream of energy between two people. Depending on the phases of life that two people find themselves in at any point in time, the energy will always reflect on the relationship. Sometimes it will be rewarding, supportive and kind, and other times it may only be a strain on both participants.

When it becomes difficult for any reason, people tend to forfeit, not willing to try and sustain it. The easiest way to deal with any kind of unpleasant situation is to simply extrapolate oneself from it. 

I am ready Gamling. Bring my horse.

Théoden

A strong confident King, clothing himself in his kingly garment, preparing to take his people out of harm’s way and onto the path to Helm`s Deep. He seems assured in his decision, confident in this course of action. 

Backed into a corner – it must be a terrible feeling to endure. Knowing your own strength, and yet afraid of losing it all. Anger is the first form of response that comes naturally, defend what is left. Strike back as quickly and ruthlessly as possible to assert your position.

Nothing else matters now than saving face and reestablishing the order of power. But for all the cunning, fear is what drives him. His eyes seek solutions, his pacing indicates self-doubt and his hands show us how nervous and fearful he really is – Saruman. 

They had no warning. They were unarmed. Now the Wild Men are moving through the Westfold, burning as they go. Rick, cot and tree.

Éowyn

Death. A prominent theme in Tolkien`s writings. It is hardly a surprise, given the amount of grief he himself suffered upon losing his closest friends to war. However, in the following scene, death comes from the perspective of a father who lost his son and heir. 

The flag of the horse masters cracking at the seams, flying off into the air and landing in front of the oncoming company – a metaphor for a Kingdom in ruin. The last standing symbol of this beautiful realm, torn away. Aragorn catches this symbolism as they enter Edoras. 

Frodo, Sam, and Gollum stand on the threshold of the Black Land. There is nothing there but poisonous fumes, flames, and ash. A dead land, a land governed by pure evil. Torture and malice are the behavioral standards regularly enforced. All evil is gathering behind the Black Gate.

The veiling shadow that glowers in the East takes shape. Sauron will suffer no rival. From the summit of Barad-dûr, his Eye watches ceaselessly. But he is not so mighty yet that he is above fear. Doubt ever gnaws at him.

Gandalf

Talking trees. What do trees have to talk about? Except the consistency of squirrel droppings.

Gimli