Written by Sewsen Abubeker

for Prof. Rebecca Million

In several literary works, it is common for authors to abide by the guidelines of the archetypal hero described by Joseph Campbell. Indeed, this is true about J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. However, a particularity that can be observed in Tolkien’s work is the fact that he presents various elements of the Hero’s Journey by means of several characters. In addition, each personage has a specific way of portraying their heroism. Thus, in The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien creates a complicated and well-thought-out ensemble of distinct heroic adventures that contribute to the book’s clever development of its themes. Throughout the story, it seems that Frodo and Aragorn have the most fascinating journeys, and this is so because of their life-changing calls, their creeping shadows, and their dreadful visit to the underworld.  

The call is one of the most important aspects in a hero’s journey, for it is a step where a character has to make a drastic transition; they must interrupt their habitual course of life in order to take up a new responsibility and grow both psychologically and spiritually. By doing so, they are introduced to a new reality that may initially seem overwhelming, and in which they must accomplish a certain task. In Frodo’s case, he receives his first unexpected call at the Shire, when Gandalf the Gray tells him that he is to become the ring bearer. At this point in the story, the hobbit’s reaction is to refuse his assignment and pass it on: “You are wise and powerful. Will you not take the Ring?” (61). As the readers continue the book, they see that Frodo does eventually accept his task. When he reaches Rivendell, he realizes that he has only partially completed his quest, for the Ring has to be destroyed in Mordor. Hence, Frodo is faced with a second calling, and this is evident during the Council of Elrond, when he volunteers to carry the Ring, despite the fact that he does “not know the way” to do so (270). The latter event could be explained by his personal growth as an individual, which is one of the themes in the story, that begins to take place within Frodo when he accepts his first call. As for Aragorn, his calling is not as explicit as his companion’s. Being the heir of Isildur, Strider is next in line to become the King of Gondor. Sadly, perhaps because he feels guilty for his ancestors’ mistakes, he does not feel worthy enough to assume his role as a ruler. Therefore, he is presented as a hero with a lingering and ongoing calling that he keeps refusing. However, there comes a point in The Lord of the Rings where Aragorn is obliged to accept the commencement of his heroic journey, and this moment occurs right after the fall of Gandalf, caused by the Balrog, in the Mines of Moria: 

With a terrible cry the Balrog fell forward, and its shadow plunged down and vanished. But even as it fell it swung its whip, and the thongs lashed and curled about the wizard’s knees, dragging him to the brink. He staggered and fell, grasped vainly at the stone, and slid into the abyss. “Fly, you fools!” he cried, and was gone. The fires went out, and blank darkness fell. The Company stood rooted with horror staring into the pit. Even as Aragorn and Boromir came flying back, the rest of the bridge cracked and fell. With a cry Aragorn roused them. “Come! I will lead you now!” he called. “We must obey his last command. Follow me!” (331)

This passage demonstrates a turning point in Aragorn’s life where he finally acknowledges his role as a leader. Hence, the readers are witnessing the beginning of his evolution, which will eventually lead him to becoming a king.  

Another element in Campbell’s Hero’s Journey that is crucial to the development of Tolkien’s characters is the presence of a shadow. The latter is depicted as the evil contrast of a hero, which ironically is also very similar to the hero. Indeed, this embodiment of darkness is a way of reminding a character of what they risk turning into if they give in to the temptations of wicked forces. In The Lord of the Rings, Frodo’s shadow is represented by Gollum. Essentially, they share several traits in common, such as the fact that Gollum, formerly known as Sméagol, originates as somewhat of a hobbit creature and that he and Frodo both unwittingly come across the ruling Ring. The reason Sméagol becomes evil can be explained by his poisonous attachment towards his “Precious,” which is controlled by Sauron (56). Interestingly, it was only after Frodo gets stabbed by the Ringwraith at Weathertop, thus starting to become like his attackers, at least figuratively, that his senses are heightened enough to feel the presence of Gollum. On the other hand, the shadow of Aragorn is presented through the group of Dark Riders. In essence, they were men like Aragorn, except that they were given rings of power, and eventually, they fell under the power of the dark lord. As a result, the Ringwraiths have become scary, ghostly figures that serve the enemy. Although Strider is strong enough to resist the ring, the story points out how the weakness of mankind has an effect on Boromir, who unfortunately betrays the fellowship, for he really desires to acquire the jewel, especially at Aman Hen, where he tells Frodo “It should be mine. Give it to me!” (399). Consequently, the readers see how these examples of the shadows in this story relate to the theme of the nature of evil and how it corrupts the heart and promotes treason.  

The archetypal Hero’s Journey is also recognized for momentarily placing a character in a hellish environment, called the underworld. The latter is a place that is not necessarily accessible to most people and where the hero may face their own death or the death of someone they know, perhaps only in a figurative sense. In The Lord of the Rings, this horrendous location is called the Mines of Moria, a place where a lot of Dwarves had once perished. Moria resembled the Christian interpretation of Hell. Indeed, the mines are dug far below the ground. There is fire, “a fierce red light,” and “Wisps of dark smoke” that “wavered in the hot air” (328). In addition, Gandalf mentions that there is “some new devilry” in Moria, which turns out to be the Balrog, a very threatening and extremely powerful being (328). Unlike the other elements of the Hero’s Journey, Aragorn and Frodo, along with the fellowship, are simultaneously exposed to the same dangers that are found in Moria. Sadly, their adventure below the earth leads to the loss of their mentor, Gandalf, on the Bridge of Khazad-dûm. Therefore, Aragorn has to assume the new role of a leader and Frodo has to pursue his quest without the help of the trustworthy wizard. Thus, not only do these characters have to fully accept their heroic position, but they also need to work hard with their other travelling companions in order to escape their sort. Hence, this connects to Tolkien’s themes of alliances and the need for friendship amongst different sorts of people in order to fight the evil forces and the threats that they may encounter. 

In conclusion, one can say that J.R.R. Tolkien offers an exquisitely delivered piece of literary art to his reader that conforms to Campbell’s description of a Hero’s Journey. It not only gives the readers different variations of the phenomenon, but also communicates the author’s main themes in his book. Indeed, Tolkien’s portrayal of the hero’s call teaches his readers a lesson about personal growth. His depiction of the shadow showcases the dangers of a powerful enemy at work and the constant fight between good and bad forces even within us. Finally, the writer demonstrates how some people’s hardships can lead to an everlasting bond of friendship. In light of that, would it not be intriguing to ask oneself the following question: “If I were a character in The Lord of the Rings, how would Tolkien portray my heroic evolution, and what themes would my character help develop?

 

Works Cited

Tolkien, J.R.R. The Lord of the Rings. London: HarperCollins, 2004. Print.

 

 

About the Author: Sewsen Abubeker is a commerce student attending Dawson College. Throughout her academic progress, Abubeker has developed a love for learning, mathematics, physics, English and French literature and psychology being her most cherished subjects. Furthermore, she has a deep appreciation for the works of authors Carlos Ruiz Zafón and Paulo Coelho. Abubeker is also greatly inspired by the accomplishments of social activists Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi and, like them, wishes to make a difference in the world as she pursues her studies in commerce and law. In her essay entitled “A Perilous Quest: The Awakening of True Heroes, ” written for her course Tolkien’s Fantasy: The Lord of the Rings, taught by Rebecca Million, the author discusses Tolkien’s use of the Hero’s Journey in The Fellowship of the Ring.