[Child of the 7th Age]

This is Sharon who posted the original question. Thanks so much for everyone who's sharing their ideas. I've learned a lot.

Raven_Winter and stone of vision --Welcome to the Downs. Your posts are wonderful, full of insight and expression. From your clear explanations and my own understanding of Frodo's character, I can see how the light would be a reflection of Frodo's own spiritual insight and growth, rather than connected with his designation as an Elf-friend.

Raven_winter--You make a clear distinction between the light radiating within an Elf and that reflected on Frodo's face.

Frodo's light is vastly different than that of the Elves. The Elves are practically pure spirit, very close to all Creation and its radiant beauty, as well as its Creators. They glow faintly with "starlight" because it is a mark of their higher nature.

While Frodo's light is different from that of the Elves, I do sense greater similarity between the two than your words may suggest. The Elves definitely occupy a higher place in Creation, and their light is intrinsic to their spirit and nature. The same could not be said of Hobbits or of Frodo. They are a humbler people, one in which both Good and Evil take on simpler forms.

And yet, in accepting the Ring and its inherent burden to battle on both a physical and spiritual plane, Frodo has set himself, by his own free choice, on a path not far different whan that which you have described for the Elves, one that may lead to extraordingary insight and growth. Either Frodo will fail far from Mount Doom and fall into the shadow, or he will become, in nature, more like an Elf, closer to the Creation and its spiritual foundations. I don't think it's coincidence that Faramir notd that Frodo had an "Elvish air" about him. It's just another indication of his special path.

I still think it is amazing that Frodo's face looked "old and beautiful." He had already held the Ring around 18 years, and he had been more aware than Bilbo of its nature. It seems to show how very strong the light was if it could negate the Ring's ability to trap its bearer in a stretched eternal youth, even if that negation was for just a short period while Frodo slept.

It's also interesting to consider just who could and who could not see the light. Gandalf's description of Frodo implies that not all will be able to see it:

He may become like a glass filled with a clear light for those to see that can.

Not surprisingly, Goldberry was able to see the light in Frodo long before his own companions. Later on, not only Gandalf, but also Sam and to some extent Faramir, are also able to see it. But there is another light which Frodo alone came to recognize, with the help of Gandalf, one which was not seen by either Faramir or Sam. That is the light, not physical but figurative, which still flickered hesitatingly in the soul of Gollum.

There is no doubt that Frodo saved himself from the dominion of the Ring by binding himself to both Sam and Gollum in the final stage of his journey. It's not surprising that Frodo would be able to show love and affection to Sam, but the fact that he could be caring to Gollum in this situation is nothing short of amazing. Frodo's generosity and love were so unlikely that even Gollum could not help but respond. The scene in Mordor where Gollum reaches out to touch Frodo's knee and comes within a hair's breadth of repentence is proof of this. In some ways, this was Frodo's greatest moment, more profound than what happened on Mount Doom itself. And it all goes back to the ability to recognize the light.

I think there's one final point that bears mention. I agree wth you, Raven_Winter, that Frodo's own "light" fails to sustain him and he must sail from Grey Havens for healing and peace of mind. The shadow still in his own soul drove him to the West for healing. But along side this shadow were, I believe, other longstanding traits which also drew him along this special path.

From the very beginning of the book, the author envisioned that Frodo was fated to sail to the West. In Sauron Defeated, in Tolkien's earliest notes, the author clearly stated that "when Bingo (i.e. Frodo) returned to the Shire he would make peace, and would then settle down in a little hut on the high green ridge--until one day he goes with the Elves west beyond the towers." This suggests a second motive for going on, separate from the question of making peace in his little hut. Frodo was no longer a simple Hobbit. He had followed the light so far that he could not stop now. I believe he was touched with some of the same sadness and longing the Elves had when they thought of Elven Home across the sea. There the flowers do not fade, death does not come unawares, and all is unspoiled.

Long before Frodo ever started on the quest, he would roam the woods at night and speak with Elves (or so his neighbors rumored); already he had the title Elf-friend. Something in Frodo always longed for a life beyond the conventional--it didn't just happen with his wounding on Mount Doom. There were his visions, including the premonition in Tom's house regarding a distant and lovely green land as well as his comments at Rivendell indicating his longing for the Sea. Sorrow, grief, and the desire for healing definitely played a role, but so too did this longing in Frodo's soul.

Again, thanks for all the help and insight. sharon, the 7th age hobbit

[ May 02, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]