Lord Of The What?

[yawningdog]

I just finished reading Lord of the Rings, and I've a question. I hope somebody here can help me. If you plan to read it or see the forthcoming movie series in its entirety, stop reading here.

At the end of the book, what is the significance of the gray havens and the ship that carries away Frodo and co.? Is it some kind of metaphor for death? I suspect not because Aragorn eventually dies for real in the timeline appendix.

[Paul Komski]

The Grey Havens is where the Ringbearers (in the company of elves) leave middle earth for the "West". Tolkein always denied there was any special significance in his work (other than it being a good story) but it is perhaps significant that CS Lewis (a Chrisitan who wore his Christianity on his sleeve) highly praised the work. Perhaps he saw a metaphor along the lines you suggest. For me, what is significant is that they were "Ringbearers"; those that had carried a "special burden".

[mjc]

To put it very simply, the Elves that live in Middle-Earth are but temporary inhabitants, their true homeland is across the sea to the West. The Grey Havens is the port from which they set sail to that homeland....the Ringbearers are allowed on that voyage because of the special burden/service they performed.

[yawningdog]

Okay, good answers. But I got the feeling that the ringbearers, elves, and Gandalf somehow cheated death, especially Bilbo. Do you suppose this is what Tolkien intended? And what do they all have in common that grants them this status? Also, in the timeline appendix, Gimli and Legolas build a boat and head west too.

And if the elves were to leave middle earth from the gray havens, I would think they would have taken greater part in the war. After all, grey havens was just south of Gondor, right? Sauron could have prevented their exodus if he had won, and they would have been stranded.

I can't believe I'm getting so involved in a fantasy novel, but it was soooo good.

[mjc]

You are right about the not dying part....

And yes, he could have, and many Elves left before things go too "hot"...

Bilbo and Frodo "earned" it by helping to defeat the "ultimate evil" of the time.

Ther are several more books that detail the 'pre-history'; The Silmarillion, The Book of Lost Tales I, The Book of Lost Tales II, and a couple of others that I can't remember the titles. These were all compiled by Christopher Tolkein from J.R.R's manuscripts, they were not quite ready to be published when he died, but the stories were mostly complete.

[Budfred]

The elves, Gandalf and I believe the dwarves are immortal by Tolkien's description, so they cheat death as an aspect of their existence, if they are not killed in battle.

Budfred

[kenz]

I thought Lord of the Rings was real, a history book, not a fantasy novel.

[Paul Komski]

HeHe; that must be because you hail from God's Own Country, where you can live a fantasy life!! :D

[Budfred]

Now you are aware that even though Xena and Hercules used to hang out
around there, that they were fictional too???:D

Budfred

[kenz]

Gee thanks Paul & Budfred, you have spoilt my day now.
I suppose I will have to write to Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and Bill Gates for solace, or are you going to tell me they are fantasy as well !

[Budfred]

Well I am sorry to let you know that Bill Gates is a fantasy character intended to elevate geeks to a higher social status, but obviously failing at the task.:eek:

However, you can rest assured that Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy are real and if you don't believe me, you can ask the Easter Bunny.:p :D

Budfred

[Paul Komski]

I believe a colony of leprachauns emigrated and can be found happily living on Rangitoto. ;)