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Heroes of
The Lord of the Rings

Heroism in The Lord of the Rings is seen as a portrayal of Christian virtues rather than acts of bravery or victory in battle, although these are present in the films. The films also show that many of the heroes may not be exceptional at the beginning of the story but grow toward wisdom.

Frodo and his companions (the Fellowship) form a community of good. They have unyielding faith in their mission. Most importantly, they have hope that their cause will be successful, even when they encounter great obstacles, and they show undying love for each other and those that help them.

Critics and scholars have determined that the heroes of The Lord of the Rings are Aragorn, Frodo, Gandalf and Sam yet many other characters also show moral and heroic virtues.

Aragorn, the true king of Gondor, is both heroic in battle and is a born hero. He is the traditional quest hero, one who passes through many dangerous paths. The films also show a virtuous side to Aragorn. He forgives Boromir as he lays dying, ensuring that Boromir is absolved of his guilt for trying to take the ring from Frodo. Aragorn possesses healing powers as was common for ancient kings shown when he helped Frodo and Eowyn.

Frodo was not a born hero but a simple Hobbit living a quiet, unpretentious life in the Shire. He grows as the story progresses into a wise and noble being. He has an unwavering commitment to the task he has been appointed. Frodo exhibits the strength and courage to carry on to Mount Doom and the willingness to sacrifice himself for the greater good. He knows that he and Sam will not likely survive to return home. Despite the power the ring tries to exert over him, he is able to resist using the ring until the very end. He, too, shows mercy and compassion to Gollum.

Gandalf is willing to offer his life, as shown when he sacrifices himself to save the Fellowship from the Balrog in Moria. He has hope and courage and fights against the dark forces. He is shown as a wise leader who takes responsibility for the welfare of the hobbits and motivates many others to fight against evil.

The love of Sam for Frodo is the most heroic of all relationships in the films. Sam constantly provides emotional support for Frodo who is suffering because of the ring. When Frodo loses hope, near the end of their journey, Sam continues to provide that hope and when Frodo is physically unable to go any further, Sam carries him up the slope of Mount Doom. Heroism did not equate with strength and intelligence but rather was seen as a spiritual depth. Devotion, loyalty, and friendship, rather than valor, made the hero.

One of the key elements of heroism was that of mercy and forgiveness. The outcome of the story hinges on the mercy that was shown to Gollum by Bilbo Baggins. Frodo does not understand, initially, why Bilbo did not kill Gollum when he had an opportunity. Gandalf explains the importance of pity and mercy (to listen to the audio clip from the move, please click the button to the right) – “the pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many – yours not least.”*
*Jackson (2001)

Mercy and Forgiveness

"It was pity that stayed Bilbo's hand..."

Archetypes
Two archetypes are evident in The Lord of the Rings, that of the Hero and the Old Wise Man. The Hero may have an aura of the supernatural yet is vulnerable and may be of royal origins. The hero is a semi-divine figure with powers of healing. Aragorn falls most closely into this description of hero. Yet, The Lord of the Rings portrays heroism from a different perspective – the humble faithful servant. It is the small people, the Hobbits, that are given the most important task.The Old Wise Man is a helpful figure that assists the hero when he is in a difficult situation. He is a magician and the personification of wisdom – Gandalf may be seen as the Old Wise Man. There is another Old Wise Man that does not fit the archetype for he has become evil – Saruman.

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