Your feelings at the end of LotR

Samwise Gamgee · 05-31-2002, 12:06 PM

I just wanted to guage how people feel after reading LotR. Not just the feelings, but what you take from the read, whether it changes depending on your circumstances.
This may sound weird, but the reason is thus: I think of LotR as a tragedy. Many disagree, but my reasoning is thus: at the end of LotR I shed a tear, but not only because I've come to the end. We all know that the return to the Shire things are just not what they were. Sure, things get better after a year or two with the help of elven magic, but the Shire I imagine when Sam and Frodo ride away is not the Shire I have in my mind when I begin reading The Hobbit. This is kind of a reflection of Tolkien's despising technology. He loved the kind of rustic existence the hobbits enjoyed before any of this happened, but would despise the foul chimney pumping out fumes and raping the Shire which the wanderers encountered on their return. Because of that, I just never see the Shire in the same way.
Furthermore, there's just that overwhelming feeling that things will never be the same. You can argue all you like that LotR isn't real, but you'll never convince me. I just can't imagine what Middle Earth would be like without Frodo, Bilbo, Gandalf, Elrond, Galadriel... you get the idea! Just imagine M.E. without the elves. It's actually painful. So, when the Ringbearers sail West from the Grey Havens at the end, despite knowing they will be content, I am sad. Sad as I think of the way Sam must feel. He gave everything for Frodo, and now he is leaving. How must Sam feel. Sure, he must know it's for a greater good, but it must nonetheless hurt like hell. It's a weird thing that I am actually happy Tolkien never finished the book on the fourth age that he began. I don't want to read a M.E. book missing characters I have grown to love.
I know it sounds weird, but these are my feelings. When I finish reading 'He drew a deep breath. 'Well, I'm back,' he said.' I cry. I cry because I think of the journey and all that happened, and i know things will never be the same in M.E.
How about you?

Starr Polish · 05-31-2002, 12:08 PM

My heart feels broken at the end.

Reading LOTR made me realize how special my friendships are.

Lizra · 05-31-2002, 12:49 PM

Gee Samwise, you just described life! It's not that bad though, cheer up. Things never remain the same but new good things take their place (as long as someone makes sure to go out and make it happen!). Even though the "Glory days" are over, life is still dear, as I'm sure Sam would tell you. I was sad as the procession rode along and one by one the big players dropped off. Talk about the party being over! I felt good for Frodo and Gandalf though, what a burden had been lifted from their shoulders. The elves kind of seemed 'gone' already. The new generations of hobbits wouldn't even know what they missed and ME probably heals itself well (thanks to Galadriel's soil) I wonder what goes on in the West. What do they do there? That's the story I want to hear, and it better be happy!

Comic Book Guy · 05-31-2002, 01:37 PM

I'm sorry, there is already a thread about this here. It's Entmoot's policy to close threads that are redundant.

05-31-2002, 12:06 PM	#1
Samwise Gamgee Hobbit Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 17	Your feelings at the end of LotR I just wanted to guage how people feel after reading LotR. Not just the feelings, but what you take from the read, whether it changes depending on your circumstances. This may sound weird, but the reason is thus: I think of LotR as a tragedy. Many disagree, but my reasoning is thus: at the end of LotR I shed a tear, but not only because I've come to the end. We all know that the return to the Shire things are just not what they were. Sure, things get better after a year or two with the help of elven magic, but the Shire I imagine when Sam and Frodo ride away is not the Shire I have in my mind when I begin reading The Hobbit. This is kind of a reflection of Tolkien's despising technology. He loved the kind of rustic existence the hobbits enjoyed before any of this happened, but would despise the foul chimney pumping out fumes and raping the Shire which the wanderers encountered on their return. Because of that, I just never see the Shire in the same way. Furthermore, there's just that overwhelming feeling that things will never be the same. You can argue all you like that LotR isn't real, but you'll never convince me. I just can't imagine what Middle Earth would be like without Frodo, Bilbo, Gandalf, Elrond, Galadriel... you get the idea! Just imagine M.E. without the elves. It's actually painful. So, when the Ringbearers sail West from the Grey Havens at the end, despite knowing they will be content, I am sad. Sad as I think of the way Sam must feel. He gave everything for Frodo, and now he is leaving. How must Sam feel. Sure, he must know it's for a greater good, but it must nonetheless hurt like hell. It's a weird thing that I am actually happy Tolkien never finished the book on the fourth age that he began. I don't want to read a M.E. book missing characters I have grown to love. I know it sounds weird, but these are my feelings. When I finish reading 'He drew a deep breath. 'Well, I'm back,' he said.' I cry. I cry because I think of the journey and all that happened, and i know things will never be the same in M.E. How about you? __________________ ...as if struggling with tears. “No, I’ll go home the long road with Mr. Frodo or not at all...

05-31-2002, 12:08 PM	#2
Starr Polish Elf Lord Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Slow down and I sail on the river, slow down and I walk to the hill Posts: 2,389	My heart feels broken at the end. Reading LOTR made me realize how special my friendships are. __________________ “The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.” –Bertrand Russell

05-31-2002, 12:49 PM	#3
Lizra Domesticated Swing Babe Join Date: May 2002 Location: Reality Posts: 5,340	Gee Samwise, you just described life! It's not that bad though, cheer up. Things never remain the same but new good things take their place (as long as someone makes sure to go out and make it happen!). Even though the "Glory days" are over, life is still dear, as I'm sure Sam would tell you. I was sad as the procession rode along and one by one the big players dropped off. Talk about the party being over! I felt good for Frodo and Gandalf though, what a burden had been lifted from their shoulders. The elves kind of seemed 'gone' already. The new generations of hobbits wouldn't even know what they missed and ME probably heals itself well (thanks to Galadriel's soil) I wonder what goes on in the West. What do they do there? That's the story I want to hear, and it better be happy! __________________ Happy Atheist Go Democrats! Last edited by Lizra : 05-31-2002 at 12:57 PM.

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05-31-2002, 01:37 PM	#4
Comic Book Guy Best Ex-Administrator ever Join Date: May 2001 Location: Ireland Posts: 60,547	I'm sorry, there is already a thread about this here. It's Entmoot's policy to close threads that are redundant.