September 22, 2003

True Hero of LotR
Gwaihir

Greetings all. I've seen this question posted at various Tolkien debate forums, and have yet to recieve an insightful answer. Just who is the true hero of The Lord of the Rings?

In my opinion, it is not necessarily Frodo. True enough, he goes through his own trials, but Frodo's struggles are centered upon an intellectual level as he plays the game of hide and seek with the enemy. Frodo is not required to witness the price of life payed in the fight with the dark powers. Unlike many other characters, Frodo does not experience the sorrow and toil involved in the war effort. The definition of a hero, is not necessarily, the one who deals the final stroke defeating the enemy, but the ones who would continue fighting when they knew in their hearts that even hope was lost.

Yet, as expected, opinions are essential in a debate forum, and many of you will think my accusations ludicrous. However, my ideas are logical. What are your thoughts?

- Gwaihir