Shell-shocked Frodo .... or .... PTSD in LOTR

[Raynor]

Originally Posted by mark12_30

I think it's very significant that Bilbo AND Frodo went west. Frodo needed someone to care for. Bilbo was it.

Indeed!

Originally Posted by Letter #246

Bilbo went too. No doubt as a completion of the plan due to Gandalf himself. Gandalf had a very great affection for Bilbo, from the hobbit's childhood onwards. His companionship was really necessary for Frodo's sake – it is difficult to imagine a hobbit, even one who had been through Frodo's experiences, being really happy even in an earthly paradise without a companion of his own kind, and Bilbo was the person that Frodo most loved.

[Boromir88]

Here's the poem I was talking about...somebody has kindly pointed me in the right direction. It was written by Sigfried Sasson...I notice that I butchered it from my poor memory, but this should do it justice.

Does it matter?--losing your legs?...
For people will always be kind,
And you need not show that you mind
When the others come in after hunting
To gobble their muffins and eggs.

Does it matter?--losing your sight?...
There’s such splendid work for the blind;
And people will always be kind,
As you sit on the terrace remembering
And turning your face to the light.

Do they matter?--those dreams from the pit?...
You can drink and forget and be glad,
And people won’t say that you’re mad;
For they’ll know you’ve fought for your country
And no one will worry a bit.