September 21, 2003

Re: Shire Scouring
Ar-Pharazon

This is one of the most hated or loved parts of LOTR. IMHO, it is one of the best parts. This ending to LOTR brings realism to the story. Only in make believe and lala land does war and evil have no affect on the "perfect imaginary land." The evils of Saruman and Sauron have a direct impact on all in Middle Earth and this is Tolkien's way to show how the Shire is affected. It is also another way for Tolkien to subtly show how good cannot be obtained by depending solely on others. The Shire was safe for hundreds of years because of the untiring protection given to it by the Dunedain. Evil began to entire the Shire even with their protection and it laid claim to the land once the Dunedain left to help Aragorn. Only when the hobbits fought the evil themselves were they able to drive it from their land. As Sam says in the movie, "there is good worth fighting for."

It is also excellent in the way it shows the change in character of Sam, Merry, Pippin, and Frodo. In my eyes it makes Frodo even more of a hero. He truly sacrificed all that was important to him, his very lifeblood and soul, to free Middle Earth from tyranny. You see his wisdom in his treating of Saruman, and you see "the best Hobbit in the Shire" that Gandalf saw years before. Sam, Merry, and Pippin are no longer mere hobbits concerned with breakfast and drink, but true leaders who now appreciate what they have, do not take it for granted, and are willing to make sacrifices to protect it.

I love the scouring of the Shire. There are many other reasons I can list, but I'm sure Tinowien has stirred a hornet's nest which will create more responses.