The Barrow-Downs? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Rikae · 06-14-2008, 12:21 PM

I thought I'd add something, too. To me, Tom has always somehow represented the power of all that is good in the hobbits - the quality that made them able to do what more powerful, wiser beings could not. He embodies the joy, simplicity, humility and closeness to the earth - the "groundedness", which the hobbits at their best also have, and which seems to give them their unexpected strength. When we see Tom triumph over Old Man Willow and the Barrow Wight, it echoes the hobbits' eventual triumph over their adversaries - and the loyalty they show to each other when faced with these dangers also gives an inkling of the source of their strength. Think of the way the memory of the Shire strengthens the hobbits later in the tale, in "dark places" - this simple, humble sort of happiness gives them courage and ability to resist the ring. It seems that Tolkien is setting up Tom's (and the hobbits'?) kind of power as different from, and in some ways stronger than the power of men, wizards, elves, etc. in opposing evil (or at least, less prone to corruption).

MatthewM · 06-14-2008, 05:03 PM

Rikae - I never thought of that. Very interesting!

Eönwë · 06-16-2008, 11:18 AM

I always thought that these chapters show that LOTR is not just a story with a world built around, but world that just happens to have this particular story inside it. It shows that entirely unrelated things to the main plot can happen and still be part of the story

Just because they're not about the War of the Ring, it doesn't mean that it has no place or that it is irrelevant.

06-14-2008, 05:03 PM	#2
MatthewM Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New York Posts: 628	Rikae - I never thought of that. Very interesting! __________________ "Loud and clear it sounds in the valleys of the hills...and then let all the foes of Gondor flee!" -Boromir, The Fellowship of the Ring

06-16-2008, 11:18 AM	#3
Eönwë Flame Imperishable Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Right here Posts: 3,928	I always thought that these chapters show that LOTR is not just a story with a world built around, but world that just happens to have this particular story inside it. It shows that entirely unrelated things to the main plot can happen and still be part of the story Just because they're not about the War of the Ring, it doesn't mean that it has no place or that it is irrelevant. __________________ Welcome to the Barrow Do-owns Forum / Such a lovely place

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06-14-2008, 12:21 PM	#1
Rikae Mellifluous Maia Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: A glade open to the stars, deep in Nan Elmoth Posts: 3,489	I thought I'd add something, too. To me, Tom has always somehow represented the power of all that is good in the hobbits - the quality that made them able to do what more powerful, wiser beings could not. He embodies the joy, simplicity, humility and closeness to the earth - the "groundedness", which the hobbits at their best also have, and which seems to give them their unexpected strength. When we see Tom triumph over Old Man Willow and the Barrow Wight, it echoes the hobbits' eventual triumph over their adversaries - and the loyalty they show to each other when faced with these dangers also gives an inkling of the source of their strength. Think of the way the memory of the Shire strengthens the hobbits later in the tale, in "dark places" - this simple, humble sort of happiness gives them courage and ability to resist the ring. It seems that Tolkien is setting up Tom's (and the hobbits'?) kind of power as different from, and in some ways stronger than the power of men, wizards, elves, etc. in opposing evil (or at least, less prone to corruption).