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In Reply to: This is exactly WHAT'S wrong WITH it! posted by Troy on December 23, 2003 at 08:30:06:
Variations on classic mythic themes are generally fairly predictable(at least after you have read several of them), but there are some novel elements in Tolkien's trilogy. It is rather unlike the Greek and Roman mythic stories that the humblest character is the only one capable of the act that would defeat evil. And it was not entirely predictable that even Frodo would turn out to be incapable of willingly parting with the Ring. And Gollum is a rather unique character. And while it was stated repeatedly that he would have a crucial role in facilitating the defeat of evil, it would have been impossible to predict the precise role that he would play, beyond the obvious role of guiding Frodo to the Mountain of Doom. The Hobbit characters and the roles they play, the dynamics of the relationship between Samwise and Frodo, and the way that the humble gardiner helps keep Frodo focused are unlike anything I know of in Homer, Virgil, or Wagner (I have taught Homer and Virgil in college courses annually for the last 15 years). Tolkien's treatment of Frodo's ultimate failure to willingly resist the power of the Ring is more profound than Wagner's treatment of Parsifal's ultimate resistence to Kundry. And speaking of Parsifal, I think Tolkiens' view that it is the lust for power that is the ultimate obstacle to the defeat of evil is more true than Wagner's view in Parsifal that is is sexual lust that threatens to prevent Parsifal from performing his redemptive role. And I was stunned to see that Alex Ross apparently failed to understand the appeal of the Ring. It is not merely a hyperbolically facinating trinket! Incidentally, I am much more of fan of Wagner's Ring than Tolkien's. But this has not made me incapable of seeing the great superiority of the Lord of the Ring to Harry Potter or Star Wars.
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Follow Ups
- Not entirely predictable - Tadlo 16:14:00 12/23/03 (0)
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