Iruni Kalupahana JadeTimes Staff
I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Entertainment
The Legacy of The Lord of the Rings
"The Lord of the Rings" is a monumental fantasy novel by J.R.R. Tolkien, originally published in three parts, The Fellowship of the Ring (1954), The Two Towers (1955), and The Return of the King (1955). Conceived as a single, continuous narrative, it is the epic quest to destroy the One Ring, forged by the Dark Lord Sauron to control all the other magical rings and dominate Middle earth. Since its publication, the novel has attained the status of a cultural phenomenon, it reached cult status in the 1960s on college campuses and was voted "Book of the Century" in several polls. Its reach went well beyond literature, from music from Led Zeppelin songs to what plays during the Golden Compass soundtrack to Peter Jackson's three part series of blockbuster films that started with The Fellowship of the Ring in 2001. At the beginning of the 21st century, the novel had sold more than 150 million copies in more than 40 languages, making it one of the best selling novels ever written.
A World Rich in History and Language
The creation of Middle earth by Tolkien is inextricably linked to his academic background as a philologist and a scholar of ancient languages and their myths. He drew inspiration from Anglo Saxon, Celtic, Finnish, and Norse mythologies and created completely new languages, like Elvish Quenya and Sindarin which are complete with grammar, vocabulary, and history. This scope within linguistics also gives life to the many diverse cultures of Middle earth, from the Elves of Rivendell to the Rohirrim of Rohan. There are extended histories, myths, and geographies, such as the plush Shire, the mysterious Lothlorien, and the tainted realm of Mordor. These give a feel to the story, making it seem to be some sort of ancient, undiscovered history rather than just fantasy. As C.S. Lewis noticed, Tolkien's world "admits us to a world of its own a world that seems to have been going on before we stumbled into it."
Heroes of a Moral Universe
The characters of The Lord of the Rings are bearers of an insightfully deep moral framework that starkly contrasts with the way so many narratives are built nowadays. An unlikely hero the small hobbit named Frodo Baggins finds himself compelled to inherit the perilous task of destroying the One Ring. He showed immense bravery and resilience, despite his small size and humble background. Besides him, Samwise Gamgee his loyal friend and gardener represents loyalty and selflessness, he often puts Frodo's wellbeing before his own and develops from a humble gardener into a hero. Aragorn is the noble ranger, the rightful heir to the throne of Gondor, with leadership quality and sacrifice for a greater cause. The temptation of the One Ring is resisted by the wise wizard Gandalf the Grey, who fears the corrupting power that would be bestowed upon him. Even Boromir the one who momentarily falls to the influence of the ring presents a human struggle between good intentions and the seduction of power. Their tales are framed by the setting of a world in which good and evil are sharply distinguished, along with a cosmic struggle in which an even minimal act can have great significance.
A Tale of Hope and Purpose
Essentially, The Lord of the Rings is a narrative of hope and hanging on against desperate odds. Throughout the work, Tolkien interweaves the concept of providence, where things seem to work out according to some sort of higher plan. It is Frodo who is "supposed" to carry the ring, as Gandalf frequently reminds him, and his journey is punctuated by instances of miraculous assistance, like the rescue provided by Tom Bombadil, or the river that rises to sweep away the pursuing Ringwraiths. Herein lies the recurring motif of "eucatastrophe," as Tolkien coined the word, illustrative of his belief in sudden, fortunate events, which turn despair to joy, epitomizing a divine mercy in operation. That moment, for instance, when the destruction of the One Ring takes place not by brutal force nor by effective strategy, but by trickery and fate is where the concept of eucatastrophe is realized. This plot device alone helps underscore the notion that in even a world rampant with darkness, light and goodness have a powerful and mysterious role.
A Lasting Impact on Fantasy Fiction
With his work, Tolkien created the grounds for the fantasy genre, establishing many of its staples, the epic quest, the struggle between good and evil, and the articulation of a secondary world. Indeed, The Lord of the Rings launched a whole generation of authors into their imaginary realms, including the likes of Terry Brooks, Robert Jordan, and George R.R. Martin. The novel's ingenious plot, moral clarity, and immense world building indeed set into motion a guide by which most modern fantasy stories turn, including the creation of languages, myths, and cultures. The success of Tolkien's work further opened the way for the popularization of fantasy as a mainstream genre that formerly had remained at the margins. It continues to inspire, to this very day, new adaptations, video games, academic studies, and fandoms a surefire testament to the fact that its appeal is as enduring as it is all encompassing. The story is not only entertaining but gives deep reflection on human nature, the cost of power, and the enduring strength of hope and fellowship.
