Trippy! I had noticed that 3+2+1=6, but never thought about the product. Now I want some of what Pythagoras was smoking!
Thanks for the definitions, Eruantalon, I'm quite interested in numerology. However, they don't really seem to fit in so well with the numerology, or significance of numbers, in Tolkien's works. Conspicuously absent is the number 12 (except for the 144 original Elves), so important in the Bible. By this omission, I think it is made clear that while Tolkien may have intended numbers to have significance, it was not the same significance as we might find in our own world.
So, we seemingly have to evaluate LOTR by the Numbers, without reference to our own world, or our own preconceptions. Incidentally, I think I got my own idea of the significance of 6 from the Fire, Water, Burn song:
Quote:
well if man is 5 and the devil is 6 then that must make me 7
this honky's goin' to heaven!
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Also I don't know if Pythagoras' preoccupation with machines, and what could (farfetchedly) be thought of as magic or heresy, would necessarily be in line with Tolkien's version of perfection.
1
Eru, the one god who is over all. The One Ring, made to dominate all the others. One being that is evil incarnate, controlling all the others (Morgoth, then Sauron, before the spread of evil to others such as Saruman). One white tree in Tol Eressëa and in Númenor - no copy was made of Laurelin.
In the first three cases it seems that 1 = power. The one white tree may be just a symbol of reverence to Eru, as carried by the Faithful to Middle-Earth, and rediscovered by Elessar.
2
Two Trees, later becoming the Sun and the Moon. Also two surfaces to the One Ring, which is an important part of its nature (refer to the many threads on the One Ring).
The Trees are silver and gold, and the sun and moon are likewise different forms of light. Possibly a comment on duality, in that Arda apparently needs both. But there is no darkness implied, maybe symbolising that nothing in its beginning is evil.
Frodo and Sam together accomplish the Quest of the Ring (with help from Gollum). Smeagol and Deagol find the Ring. Smeagol and Gollum likewise are two separate wills. So the idea of a couple is tied in with the Ring. Likewise, it takes two (Beren and Lúthien) to regain a Silmaril from Morgoth, and later Eärendil and Elwing to bear it to Aman and beyond. Gollum on his own never achieves anything with the Ring, neither does Bilbo.
3
Three Rings for the Elvenkings. Three Silmarils. The Rings and the Jewels are the central elements of the tales. Also representative of the elements Fire/Earth, Air, Water. This differs from the Greek four elements, the Chinese five elements, and the Egyptian five elements, but remember this is
Tolkien's world we're talking about.
The elvenrings and the Silmarils seem to represent, and to form the sum of, the natural world. No wonder they are associated with the Elves, who are very concerned with nature. They may also represent art, as being associated with the Elves and because they are works of craftsmanship.
Also, "Tall ships and tall kings, three times three." Isildur, Anárion and Elendil, each with their own ship(?).
5
Five Istari. Can't think of any other examples.
Actually, if you include Fredegar Bolger, five hobbits set out on the quest. Fatty stays behind, and similarly four of the Istari abandon the quest. Apparently this number cannot sustain itself.
6
Frodo puts the Ring on six times while he has it in his possession.
7
Seven fathers of the Dwarves, also seven dwarf-rings, possibly because of this. Seven palantíri, seven stars in the Valacirca and on Elendil's banner. Seven Valar, and seven Valier. Seven Durins in the line of the Longbeards.
What does it all mean? I have no idea!
Seven circles of Minas Tirith, probably after the seven stars of Elendil.
9
Nine Nazgûl, nine members of the Fellowship. One member of each company is destroyed before the final triumph (Boromir, Witchy).
??
I think I'm on the right track here, but obviously need a lot of help with it.