In one of my grad school applications I had to write about several works of art/film/writing that shaped me. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings was high on the list.
I'm watching Return of the King (extended version) with my parents right now, and am as ever amazed by the depth of thought that has gone into this cultural classic. No doubt I could write a years worth of blog entries on that topic alone. Here is a brief frivolous list of my favorite quotes.
#3: "I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you!"- Sam, before he scoops Frodo up for the final push up Mount Doom (My other favorite Sam quotes are the ones referencing the fact that he's a gardener and what he yells as he runs up the stairs to rescue Frodo from the orcs).
#2: "If you want him, come and claim him!"- Arwen, daring the dark riders (ring wraiths) to step into her river so she can drown them.
#1: "I am no man!"- Eowyn, just before she fatally stabs the wraith who had informed her that no man could kill him.
I think we love journey stories because they help us to think about our lives as more than a series of moments. They remind us that we grow and change as we face challenges and build relationships and generally toddle along.
Thinking about this at New Years for obvious reasons- it's the traditional time for reflection, when we take the time to look at last year's journey and the year's journey to come. What fears have I overcome, new insecurities will I need to combat, skills have I gained?
No comments:
Post a Comment