September 29, 2003

More to This Hobbit Than Meets the Eye
dwian

LoTR is awash with heroes but Frodo stands out because without him no other deed, however heroic would have saved Middle Earth. In another story Aragorn would have been the obvious hero as the loyal friend and brave fighter transformed from the rough 'Strider' of Bree to handsome King of Middle Earth but Aragorn's destiny lay elsewhere so he left Frodo at Amon Hen to lead the last battles of the War of the Ring with the other members of the Fellowship.

Frodo on the other hand is a small and insignificant hobbit, neither strong nor brave but Gandalf & Elrond saw something in him. He was chosen "not for power or wisdom" but rather because Gandalf trusted in the friendship between the hobbits. Against the power of Sauron they had as good a chance as the most powerful wizard. So Frodo alone, except for the faithful Sam, faced Sauron through the Ring. This battle was a relentless one, both mentally & physically as his will was worn down day by day.

All members of the Fellowship (and countless others) accomplished great deeds and in their turn helped in the War of the Ring (and its destruction) but someone had to take the Ring, Frodo did, and it cost him his life. That sacrifice makes him the true hero in my eyes.