In the first chapter of the Two Towers, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli make a pact to pursue the Uruk-Hai to save Merry and Pippin. Aragorn boldly proclaimed, "We will make such a chase as shall be accounted a marvel among the Three Kindreds: Elves, Dwarves, and Men." This triune bond clearly represents cultural unity and how collaboration can result in the best possible outcome when faced with a perilous situation. The three run almost endlessly for days on the trail of the Uruks, utilizing each of their ethnically inherent abilities. The concept of an extraordinary action done by a few representatives of different societies as a way to bring them together is another example Tolkien used to condone pluralism. The "New Fellowship" of Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli essentially set out on this chase because of their loyalty to their friends and the quest. As a result of this hunt, it is implied that a legacy will be created, which would bring prestige to the three ethnic groups through this unification. One could compare this to the alliances many different ethnic groups made in Medieval Europe, such as the Crusades (in a trans-European sense), and the Romans aligning with the Franks in order to save the Papal States from invasion, and especially the Convivencia in Spain; when Christians, Muslims, and Jews lived together in the south. This theme of uniting under a common goal seems to be an ever recurring one in the Lord of the Rings.
Any thoughts?
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5 comments:
I think that you're on to something good here. And we can't forget the allied nations of the wars that Tolkien lived through...if we look at it in that modern context, Aragorn can be seen as a stand-in for Britain (he was of a race of mighty kings, their power diminished, and now they are fighting once again).
I think that it's also interesting to contrast the three with the group of Orks they were hunting. That group of Orks was also made up of several different "kinds" of Orcs, but they were not held together by the bonds of friendship as Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli were. Those who have a legacy are more than just allies, they shared a common bond that held them together.
I think Jacob is onto something here, esp. in light of the Second World War. The Allies could be distinguished from the Axis powers in terms of cooperation vs. domination.
Would this analogy make the ring the atomic bomb or secret weapon of mass destruction?
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