Today, I want to start out with a little satirical humor about the ending of LOTR. I think you all know where this is going. (And if you don’t, prepare yourself. You’re in for a treat lol.)
Yes. Indeed. That (according to some very odd, creative minds with computer, animation, and technology capabilities with access to the Internet) is one way that some have believed LOTR should have ended. The reactions to such a video are indeed interesting. For my own part, what I get most of the time (besides fan-anger at the video lol) is, “Well, yeah, that would have made more sense. Why didn’t Tolkien (or Peter Jackson for that matter) just do that?”
My own reaction? I LOVE the video. It’s hysterical and gives me a laugh when I need one. But I think what makes my reaction not one of anger or disgust (compared with my reaction to other AWFUL videos made about LOTR on YouTube, oh my goodness) is that this video, this alternate ending of LOTR, is JUST A VIDEO. I can’t even begin to imagine a different ending, or any detail from the films or books, being changed in the course and plot line of LOTR. It can’t change. Then LOTR would change, and it would not be the same as it is now. I know I am probably stating the obvious, but it’s true. LOTR in and of itself is such a blessing from God that picturing anything changed would be horrendous to the everything, to the depth and great beauty that is in LOTR. So, in the end, the video is fun to quote (which my brother Jake and I can quote word for word ha ha) and fun to watch, especially with the security that the beauties, strengths, amazing tensions, and ultimate celebrations of good versus evil will never leave, that the story is unchangeable and that it will always be one of the BEST fantasy stories, fiction stories, and stories in general ever written.
For the sake of argument, what would it be like if it was that simple? What if Gandalf simply called on Gwahir (sp? sorry! lol) the Lord of the Eagles and simply dropped the One Ring into Mount Doom. What if Frodo never traversed across the great land of Middle Earth with Sam at his side; what if Aragorn never took the throne of his lineage and became one of the best, if not the best, king Gondor had ever or would ever see; what if Gandalf had never given his life in service of the safety of his fellowship and friends, and became Gandalf the White, a great prophet, guide, and war general and leader? What if?
These what-if’s trouble me. I can’t even begin to picture LOTR without any of those things. Let’s face it, without every little bit of conflict that makes LOTR so realistic and so pain-stakingly real and raw to the hearts of all who experience it, THERE WOULD BE NO LOTR. It would not be brought to the forefront of the world culture, the culture of fantasy, film, and literature (and so many others that are beyond count.) It would not have caught the public eye. There would have been nothing to show. It would have been a pointless, neutral, baige story.
Who can picture the fantasy world of film and literature without the wide-eyed stares of fear from Frodo as he struggles with the horrific evil of the Ring? Who can picture a battle scene without Aragorn wielding the sword that seems to be an extension of his very arm? Who can picture such a scene? I can’t, and certainly won't.
Who can picture the fantasy world of film and literature without the wide-eyed stares of fear from Frodo as he struggles with the horrific evil of the Ring? Who can picture a battle scene without Aragorn wielding the sword that seems to be an extension of his very arm? Who can picture such a scene? I can’t, and certainly won't.
Sure, it would’ve been easier for the Fellowship if they’d just thrown the Ring in Mount Doom using the Eagles. But what about the glories in suffering, the beauties in carrying your cross, and being purified? Frodo’s character, just as well as Sam’s, Pippin’s, Aragorn’s, and every other character is defined with the journey, more than the ultimate accomplishment of their journey. They would never have become who they were supposed to be without the taking of that journey. It would not have happened the way it was supposed to without the journey and War of the Ring.
The reality of LOTR is astounding and amazing to behold when you examine it. I know that’s a big part of the reason I connect so easily with LOTR versus other fantasies. It’s much easier to relate to. I don’t have to have flying powers, x-ray vision, or the like in order to understand what these characters are going through. The storyline is realistic, and there is even a great underlying spiritual theme, with the evil of the Ring and so forth (which I will discuss in a later post eventually), that makes this story appealing to all people of any age, background, or culture. It’s heartening to see something so family-oriented (not meaning cutesy, but family oriented as in of a wholesome character) that enriches such a wide audience.
Thank You, Lord, for LOTR. It would never have happened without You and Your inspiration. And thank you, J.R.R. Tolkien, for listening to the call of the Lord on your heart to write such amazing things and share them with the world. I know that it has and continues to completely change my life, and has indeed saved my life on more than one occasion (a story I will get to later.) Thank You Lord. You are awesome.
Next time I will (hopefully, if everything goes well) be talking about the slight alteration of the scenes in the book to the scenes in the movie in regards to Frodo and Sam, when Frodo tells Sam to go home in the Return of the King, and how that differs from the book, and my justifications for it. =) Yay! lol Alright, goodbye, my friends! =) I shall see you again soon! (A figure of speech of course ha ha)
And....the word is....drum roll please! (here’s where you tap your desk or lap with your fingers)....
The word is....napkin!!! (thanks Laura my nerdy friend and sister for the random word =)
Adios and God Bless you all!!! Have a great and amazing day!
-Jenn
