Why save them? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Kath · 07-27-2006, 05:48 PM

Not sure if this has been asked before, and not sure if it belongs here. Yell at me if either is the case.

Why does Tolkien save Frodo and Sam after the Ring is cast into Mount Doom?

We know that Tolkien was a fan of the noble sacrifice and a fantastic writer of bittersweet moments. Boromir's heroic death to try and save Merry and Pippin; the suicidal charge of the Rohirrim; Theoden's death; Gandalf's 'death'; returning to find the Shire torn to pieces - to name but a few.

To have Frodo and Sam die on the mountain after saving Middle Earth as Mordor crumbles around them would have been the ultimate noble sacrifice. Could it be that Tolkien got too attached to these characters and couldn't stand to see them die? Or that he thought after they'd been through so much they deserved a break?

Please, opinions greatly welcomed.

07-27-2006, 05:48 PM	#1
Kath Everlasting Whiteness Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Perusing the laminated book of dreams Posts: 4,533	Why save them? Not sure if this has been asked before, and not sure if it belongs here. Yell at me if either is the case. Why does Tolkien save Frodo and Sam after the Ring is cast into Mount Doom? We know that Tolkien was a fan of the noble sacrifice and a fantastic writer of bittersweet moments. Boromir's heroic death to try and save Merry and Pippin; the suicidal charge of the Rohirrim; Theoden's death; Gandalf's 'death'; returning to find the Shire torn to pieces - to name but a few. To have Frodo and Sam die on the mountain after saving Middle Earth as Mordor crumbles around them would have been the ultimate noble sacrifice. Could it be that Tolkien got too attached to these characters and couldn't stand to see them die? Or that he thought after they'd been through so much they deserved a break? Please, opinions greatly welcomed. __________________ “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”