The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - frodo was both the weakest and strongest person in the Trilogy?

Child of the 7th Age · 05-28-2002, 12:42 PM

Mark12_30 ---

I've really enjoyed reading a number of your recent posts and ideas. I think we probably view Frodo quite similarly.

No, I'm not certain he did the right thing. Just look under "Frodo's Sacrifice" in Books I and you'll see I just posted a thread where I'm regaling everyone else to give me their opinion on that critical question. I swing back and forth for a number of reasons.

I'm familiar with the Milos essay and have mixed feelings about it. She does a great job listing all the negative things which caused pain in Frodo. She pulls in more references than I ever could. And the poem in Bombadil that became known as "Frodo's Dreme" certainly suggests how hurting he was.

But I still think it's half a picture. Take a look at the HoMe books on the LotR. As early as the very first drafts, while Frodo was still known as Bingo, Tolkien said he would send him on to the West at the end of the book. This was even before he knew how hurt Frodo would be.

In Tolkien's earliest drafts of the manuscript, Frodo doesn't show such strong evidence of hurting; he takes a very active role at the Scouring and the Shire is very appreciative of Frodo's sacrifice (all this will later change). But the author is still certain that Frodo must move on. Frodo, hurt or not, is just different, I think.

Someone who has a deep and serious longing for the Sea, who sees visions (including one of the West), and who looks Elvish (according to Faramir and Sam) and who has the light of an Elf-friend in his eyes---is this a person who can comfortably stay in the Shire? I have my doubts. And Frodo loved Bilbo as deeply as he loved Sam.

Yet, it's still hard to get around the sadness of Grey Havens, and the feeling that Frodo is going somewhere we simply can't follow. I understand the beauty of the Shire. I have more trouble relating to the mystical and spiritual vision which, I believe, is inherently part of the West.

As for myself, I'm between Frodo and Sam as far as practicality and idealism go. And I'm a definite pathbreaker and non-conformist so I've always identified closely with Bilbo, but I always look up to someone who has a special gift like Frodo to see beyond the everyday world. (Bilbo must have also seen this in Frodo.)

Anyways, interesting questions.

sharon, the 7th age hobbit

05-28-2002, 12:42 PM	#78
Child of the 7th Age Spirit of the Lonely Star Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 5,133	Mark12_30 --- I've really enjoyed reading a number of your recent posts and ideas. I think we probably view Frodo quite similarly. No, I'm not certain he did the right thing. Just look under "Frodo's Sacrifice" in Books I and you'll see I just posted a thread where I'm regaling everyone else to give me their opinion on that critical question. I swing back and forth for a number of reasons. I'm familiar with the Milos essay and have mixed feelings about it. She does a great job listing all the negative things which caused pain in Frodo. She pulls in more references than I ever could. And the poem in Bombadil that became known as "Frodo's Dreme" certainly suggests how hurting he was. But I still think it's half a picture. Take a look at the HoMe books on the LotR. As early as the very first drafts, while Frodo was still known as Bingo, Tolkien said he would send him on to the West at the end of the book. This was even before he knew how hurt Frodo would be. In Tolkien's earliest drafts of the manuscript, Frodo doesn't show such strong evidence of hurting; he takes a very active role at the Scouring and the Shire is very appreciative of Frodo's sacrifice (all this will later change). But the author is still certain that Frodo must move on. Frodo, hurt or not, is just different, I think. Someone who has a deep and serious longing for the Sea, who sees visions (including one of the West), and who looks Elvish (according to Faramir and Sam) and who has the light of an Elf-friend in his eyes---is this a person who can comfortably stay in the Shire? I have my doubts. And Frodo loved Bilbo as deeply as he loved Sam. Yet, it's still hard to get around the sadness of Grey Havens, and the feeling that Frodo is going somewhere we simply can't follow. I understand the beauty of the Shire. I have more trouble relating to the mystical and spiritual vision which, I believe, is inherently part of the West. As for myself, I'm between Frodo and Sam as far as practicality and idealism go. And I'm a definite pathbreaker and non-conformist so I've always identified closely with Bilbo, but I always look up to someone who has a special gift like Frodo to see beyond the everyday world. (Bilbo must have also seen this in Frodo.) Anyways, interesting questions. sharon, the 7th age hobbit __________________ Multitasking women are never too busy to vote.