I think there is actually a direct correlation here. There are, broadly speaking, two types of knowledge in LOTR-practical experience, intelligence, and discoveries (identified with "masculinity"), as opposed to wisdom, lore, and intuition (identified with "femininity"). While it is not wrong to possess the former-indeed it is admirable-it can obscure the still more important latter asset. (It does not always do so; witness Gandalf, who is practical and intuitive, and realises that intuition can be a solution to practical problems.)
Examples: Boromir knows the state of the war, the attitudes of the Rohirrim better than Gandalf himself does, how to conduct battles, and can see the obvious courses of action. Subtler things elude him, and Celeborn identifies this weakness, telling him to heed old wives' tales more closely.
Eomer and Theoden are both slow to grow accustomed to the legends springing up around them, though few know better the more material factors of the situation.
Saruman is so enslaved by "reality", as he perceives it, in light of his (illicit?) knowledge, that he neglects wisdom altogether.
And in the end, Sauron falls to enchantment, mercy, intuition and providence, while orchestrating a militarist and practical strategy (in contrast with Aragorn, who is led by friendship and compassion.)
__________________
Among the friendly dead, being bad at games did not seem to matter
-Il Lupo Fenriso
|