Lord of the Rings

The Lord of the Rings laid the groundwork for all the fantasy novels that were to follow. It was probably the most original novel of the twentieth century and has been voted by many as the novel of the century.

Unfortunately, there are people who despise fantasy and consider it to be the lowest form of literature. I would agree that there have been some abysmal fantasy stories. But that is the case in any genre where writers are attracted because of the huge demand. What I find perturbing, however, is the feeling among some Christians that fantasy is evil.

Why do they think this?

All good fantasy stories are a retelling of the Bible. Good versus evil. People must choose which force they belong to. The characters are forced to leave their safe lives and go on a quest to rid the world of the evil. Along the way they improve themselves and learn what is really important. There is more to life than the pursuit of riches or comforts. Their focus is switched to otherworldly things. These all sound like fine things to me.

In The Fellowship of the Ring, the first of a trilogy of movies directed by New Zealander Peter Jackson, the evil is very real and very menacing. Sauron is the Dark Lord of Mordor, who forged the Great Ring of Power to rule and enslave the races of Middle Earth. This ring falls into the hands of the most unlikely of heroes, Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit of The Shire.

Most of you reading this won’t need me to tell you the story. You’ve read the book. For those who haven’t, this is a great epic far deeper than the Star Wars saga. The mythology is far richer and the themes far more ennobling.

The ring is a symbol for power. It is the ultimate power to control the world. Those who wield the ring are eventually enslaved by it, no matter how noble their intentions. There is no mistaking the maxim that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

It is decided that the ring must be destroyed in the very place it was created. It must be taken into the heartland of the Dark Lord. Bilbo’s nephew, Frodo, sets off with three of his friends on what is to become a most un-hobbit like-thing: an adventure. Two men, a wizard, an elf and a dwarf eventually join them. A representative from each of the free races of Middle Earth. This fellowship must find a way through legions of Orcs, goblins, trolls and other minions of Sauron to ensure the ring is destroyed.

The movie looks beautiful. Gorgeous New Zealand scenery and spectacular computer-generated scenes. The acting is very good across the board. I was especially taken with Ian Holm, who plays Bilbo. He plays him with great charm and the turns he takes when the ring affects him are brilliant. The way he recovers from these spells is very touching.

There are a few departures from the book. Tom Bombadill is omitted altogether and Arwen, who hardly appears in the book, is given an expanded role. Overall though, the film is true and faithful to Tolkien’s vision. I felt like I was inside the novel and I didn’t want it to end.

The movie ends at the conclusion of the first book in the trilogy with the fellowship in complete disarray.

After the movie ended I heard someone say, “I’ll have to wait a year to find out what’s going to happen!” I know what is going to happen because I’ve read the books, but I still can’t wait to see it on the big screen.

Sure, it was great escapism. But more importantly I had a glimpse of something far bigger. There is a supernatural world where there are forces far greater than me, but they’re worth nothing without the fighting spirit of humanity. I was reminded that there are some things in life worth dying for. Life has meaning. Friendship and love are more important than earthly possessions.