Lord of the Rings: A book series written in the 1950’s, movie adaptations from the early 2000’s, and now a popular spinoff tv show. It seems like no matter how much time has passed, this story has remained relevant in pop culture. But why? What is it that resonates so deeply with audiences and fans about this world, and what specifically makes this story special?
The Concept of a Hero
There is no denying that Frodo Baggins is the protagonist of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. He is the keeper of the ring. Without him, the story never would have been set in motion. But that doesn’t mean that he’s the hero. The standard image of a hero is the most powerful, the most interesting, and the most extraordinary character in any story. They are the “chosen one.” The epitome of a hero.
Based on that depiction, Aragorn should have been the protagonist. He’s a king, he’s strong, and he’s a natural leader. And yet, J.R.R. Tolkien didn’t make him the protagonist. Instead, he chose Frodo Baggins, an unassuming hobbit of the Shire. He, not Aragorn, is the one to take on this quest to destroy the “one ring.” He’s not all that special, nor all that strong, but he chooses to accept the quest. That’s all. And that down-to-(middle)earth quality is what makes Frodo an incredible, everlasting protagonist.
On top of that, Frodo ultimately fails. He reaches Mount Doom, but he gives in to the temptation of the ring. The only reason he was successful was his own greed. When Gollum stole the ring from Frodo, he was so desperate to get it back that he fought Gollum, which led to Gollum falling into the fires of Mount Doom. Frodo wasn’t successful in the way a hero “should” be, and although he wasn’t perfect, everything turned out for the best in the end.
The World-Building
It is no secret to Lord of the Rings fans that Tolkien was the master of world-building. He created extensive histories of Middle-Earth, languages, and maps, all of which he referred to as his “Legendarium.” These histories, most of which were published after his death, create a grounded world that, despite being completely fictional, feels real and tangible. This type of comprehensive world-building resonates with readers and helps to make the story all the more enjoyable.
The Power of Friendship
As cliché as it sounds, the Lord of the Rings trilogy really emphasizes the power of friendship. The most obvious of which, is the relationship between Samwise and Frodo. Sam’s endless support for Frodo is a huge part of his success. Sam is always looking out for Frodo, and he’s a physical reminder to keep fighting the powers of the ring. Without each other, Sam and Frodo never would have made it to Mordor, and they never would have survived the quest.
But there are so many other wonderful relationships in this story, including the familial love between Merry and Pippin and the unconventional friendship between Legolas and Gimli. All of the bonds between characters give depth to the story and help to create a greater connection between the reader and the story.
Whether you’re reading the books, or watching the movies (please watch the extended editions, you will thank me later), the Lord of the Rings trilogy has something for everyone. It stays relevant because it’s a story about love, failure, and determination. It understands that nobody is perfect, and more importantly…it tells us that it’s okay.