Most Tragic Moment? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Tuor in Gondolin · 01-02-2007, 10:50 AM

I don't have "Letters" with me at the moment, but I think
Tolkien concurs that perhaps the most tragic moment in
LOTR (at least) is when Gollum almost repents but is
dissuaded by Sam's (granted well-meaning) intervention.

Amras Oronar · 01-02-2007, 12:33 PM

Yes the gollum story is very tragic indeed, Frodo finally get's a bit of hope, but then by a misunderstanding Gollum turns all evil again and everything almost fails, I also pitie Frodo soooo much in the bit where he doesn't realize Gollum is against him and trying to get rid of Sam...

Elladan and Elrohir · 01-02-2007, 03:02 PM

I don't think Boromir's death is at all tragic, either in the movies or the book. He earns a noble and honorable death, atoning for his seduction by the Ring. "I am sorry. I have paid." Sad that he dies, sure. Not tragic.

Well, actually, according to the Princeton glossary I can access from my cell phone, tragic means "very sad; especially involving grief or death or destruction". So by that definition, it is tragic. But to me, the word tragic implies a lot more than merely "very sad."

Perhaps this term we must also define.

01-02-2007, 10:50 AM	#1
Tuor in Gondolin Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Southeast Pennsylvania Posts: 3,651	I don't have "Letters" with me at the moment, but I think Tolkien concurs that perhaps the most tragic moment in LOTR (at least) is when Gollum almost repents but is dissuaded by Sam's (granted well-meaning) intervention. __________________ The poster formerly known as Tuor of Gondolin. Walking To Rivendell and beyond 12,555 miles passed Nt./Day 5: Pass the beacon on Nardol, the 'Fire Hill.'

01-02-2007, 03:02 PM	#3
Elladan and Elrohir Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Halls of Mandos Posts: 332	I don't think Boromir's death is at all tragic, either in the movies or the book. He earns a noble and honorable death, atoning for his seduction by the Ring. "I am sorry. I have paid." Sad that he dies, sure. Not tragic. Well, actually, according to the Princeton glossary I can access from my cell phone, tragic means "very sad; especially involving grief or death or destruction". So by that definition, it is tragic. But to me, the word tragic implies a lot more than merely "very sad." Perhaps this term we must also define. __________________ "If you're referring to the incident with the dragon, I was barely involved. All I did was give your uncle a little nudge out of the door." THE HOBBIT - IT'S COMING

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01-02-2007, 12:33 PM	#2
Amras Oronar Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Zoetermeer Posts: 29	Yes the gollum story is very tragic indeed, Frodo finally get's a bit of hope, but then by a misunderstanding Gollum turns all evil again and everything almost fails, I also pitie Frodo soooo much in the bit where he doesn't realize Gollum is against him and trying to get rid of Sam...