[amyrlis]

The themes of courage and love are what always get me. The four hobbits, these small, quiet, good-natured creatures, who barely make it through the Old Forest alive, ultimately face unspeakable challenges and enemies. Sam battling Shelob and overcoming his fear to continue the quest on his own, he does it out of courage and his love for Frodo. Frodo leaving the Fellowship to face Mordor on his own because he loves his friends too much to have them face the evil with him. Merry desperately stabbing the Witchking after seeing that it has smote Theoden, someone he cares for. One has to wonder, “If I were 3’6” and came face to face with a monstrous spider or a dreadful black sorcerer, where would I get that kind of courage?” I think it comes down to love. The hobbits’ enduring friendship with each other and their respect and devotion for those they encounter on their journey are what ultimately get them through it all.