June 27, 2002

Tolkien & Christianity Continued
Dave M.

just to add to my long piece of the other day, as i think there's another aspect of Tolkien's thinking which is central to understanding L.O.T.R. that is his approach to courage.

For Tolkien the important thing is not to seek an ultimate victory in this world, which is not possible, but to fight, to do the right thing, whether you have any real hope of victory or not, but because its the right thing to do.

indeed, Tolkien seems to have felt that to focus too much on achieving victory could be dangerous - take Saruman & Denethor. They both focus so totally on victory for their side that in the end it becomes a case of victory or nothing. For Saruman when it looks like the other side is going to win, he simply changes sides, because winning is the only thing that matters. For Denethor when it looks like defeat is at hand, he kills himself.

Compare this to Theoden, who says to Aragorn that he will go out & fight, & his last ride may be worth a song - if there be any left to sing hereafter. or Eomer, who cries 'Death take us all!', or Eowyn facing down the Lord of the Nazgul, without (as far as she is aware) any chance of victory. Think about Their approach is to do the right thing, even if defeat seems inevitable.

For Tolkien they are showing true courage - as do Frodo & Sam, struggling through Mordor even after they're virtually convinced the Quest will fail.

Again, it seems for Tolkien that doing the right thing is what's important, not focussing too much on an ultimate victory which only God can bring about, & that in a strange way desire for that victory, if it doesn't come about immediately, can lead to desertion or despair.

Don't know what anyone else thinks about this.