A Mythology of Hope - The Lord of the Rings

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

Part 1: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJWoiKKcYp2rirs Big thanks to MUBI for sponsoring this video, be sure to check out their awesome streaming service at; mubi.com/likestoriesofold

[@mindmanna8135]

Thank you for uploading part 2 so quickly! Keep up the good work!

[@josuemontes8389]

Let me subbtitle your videos in spanish please

[@nickb2208]

Awesome waiting for a week for this !

[@manuelluislustre8224]

BRAVOOOOO..... AMAZING

[@tesspulido]

"There I am! That is me!"

[@vitorandrade7449]

“I will not say: do not weep; for not all tears are an evil.”

[@kurtjohnston8370]

that's our cue to weep

[@enger6561]

A little thing out of subject for the most sensitives of you. This is an extract of the journal of Faye, a subtile heroine from a totalitarian world so well known

[@liamhawkins1699]

I always felt like the conflict in LOTR was more genuine than any other movie conflict I have ever seen. It felt as if the struggle these people had was real and important and true. Now after this video I understand why. God I love it.

[@Doubleranged1]

I personally finaly understand why i don't like the witcher and got. Because they are hollow in their message. Or they have a message that does not resonate with me

[@Zhohan-]

​@@Doubleranged1 Their messages are a bit simpler and focus less on morality as a whole, but more on smaller aspects of philosophy in a Machiavellian sense. Lord of the Rings has this grand focus on the whole morality of life, and how we live each day. Tolkien really made something special that will never be topped.

[@Chris-jw8vm]

@@Doubleranged1 The books are very different from the show. I've read them probably a dozen times over and plan to again some time this year. Grrm is also giving himself a window to finish the next book in and it's not too long. I think with the show going up in flames he feels obligated to show that his work doesn't end horribly like the show. I imagine much of it will be the same but he won't fuck it up.

[@aqswde110]

It’s because the conflict is real, not the story itself obviously, but the deeper meaning of the battle we all face in life. To struggle and do good, or to fall into grim complacency or evil self service.

[@stanislawpstrokonski2305]

@@Doubleranged1 the Witcher is deeply moral. I haven't seen the show but I've read some of the books. The main character is a freak of nature (more or less) who follows a moral code despite dealing with a world full of corrupt people looking out for themselves and a cruel and apparently uncaring Nature. Nevertheless despite his frequent cynicism he manages to be inspired by those who make brave sacrifices, and pushes through the stereotypes of his own kind to do what good he can in the world, serving the purpose tied to his identity that he freely accepts.

[@joshuafischer684]

I love Jackson's adaptation of the books just as much as the books themselves. A favorite scene of mine is Gandalf talking with Pippin about how "there never was much hope-only a fool's hope". This, coming on the back of someone who has repeatedly been very critical of Pippin, always calling him "fool of a Took", serves to redeem Pippin as Gandalf is acknowledging that his own foolish hope is the only thing they have left.

[@AncientOfDays]

Truly. I especially like that parallel - calling Pippin "a fool of a Took" and saying that there is only fool's hope remaining.

[@franug]

That scene - and of course the one of the Rohirrim entering the Pelennor Fields - is my favorite part of The Return of the King. The idea of hope being almost wiped out but that it still remains, so much that the “foolishness” is worth fighting for.

[@jameswebber359]

I've never made that link, although now it seems glaringly obvious! Thank you for sharing.

[@joshuafischer684]

@@franug The charge of the Rohirrim is such a great scene. In the extended edition its left in doubt for a while if they will make it in time, and right as the Witch King is fighting Gandalf, the horns sound. My favorite part of the scene is Thèoden leading the charge. He might have been weak and even cowardly when we first met him, but he is redeemed here.

[@tomashize]

I love how the filmakers gave Gollum Frodo's beautiful blue eyes. It gives him so much humanity

[@wudu-wasa971]

"We are lifted out of ourselves to see ourselves wholly." Damn, dude.

[@MrgoldenRose]

He's honestly the most interesting thinker of our time maybe

[@StudioGhibli]

god damn . wiping away a tear there.

[@StudioGhibli]

back seven months later. still wiping away the tears.

[@zainrodriguez3937]

@@StudioGhibli lol

[@matthanks1303]

@@MrgoldenRose perhaps to you. his videos are nonetheless the shining gems in this youtube mess

[@AlejandroCardona9502]

Its only appropriate that Tolkien would favor applicability and the reader's free will over the writer's allegorical domination. Even as a writer, he is determined to preserve the flame imperishable. Awesome work!

[@theGuilherme36]

Exactly! I thought the same.

[@dandonnison8301]

Boi got me inspired as fuuck Bout to go build a orphanage or something

[@arhabersham]

"Clean your room"

[@lukadraganic]

Please learn some grammar and cleanse your language first.

[@sashimi879]

@@lukadraganic Shut the up

[@a.morphous66]

@@lukadraganic Cursing is an expression of emotion just as valid as any other diction.

[@aimeem]

@@a.morphous66 In fact, Flyin Munky using the vernacular makes what they said even more expressive -- it's saying that this video is inspirational to everyone, not just educated upper and middle class elite types.

[@meta_username]

When you realize the parallel between Frodo saving Sam in the river and Sam saving Frodo in Mt. Doom

[@sethfarmer590]

Oh shit.

[@miklosselkirk]

Frodo: *tries to leave alone, on a suicide mission* Sam: *plunges into the water trying to either dissuade Frodo from going alone, or--failing this--to accompany him* Frodo: *pulls Sam into the boat* You can't swim... Flash forward *I can't carry it for you, Mr. Frodo. But I can carry you.

[@miklosselkirk]

Fuck, Alpha. You right. It's like every other parallel between them

[@tuckerrobinson5897]

I totally agree. I'll add here a reddit post that beautifully depicted the two. (Not my content) www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/etaicy/my_girlfriend_made_this_for_my_birthday_my/

[@magiv4205]

@@tuckerrobinson5897 This is BEAUTIFUL! Thank you for sharing.

[@serjorahmormont6124]

Boromir, the man who rose up, again and again, until his death. He was not destined to be the leader of Gondor, and surely I do not think many people would aspire to be like Boromir. But in the end, , I think every person, looking back at the life they lived, would be overjoyed to even come close to living as Boromir did. The embodiment of human honour and strength. Talking about means vs ends (choices vs illuvator): Illuvator's hand can be seen by the (soft) magic present in Tolkien's work. In this case the magic of words. In Book 4 he essentially cursed Gollum that, were he ever to get the Ring for himself, he would ensure he Gollum falls in the fires of Mount Doom himself.

[@Doubleranged1]

Gollem swore on the precious. He swore on the ring that he would lead them.

[@13oisvert]

What a trilogy... No but seriously... WHAT A TRILOGY !!!!

[@Chris-rm6hc]

It's an Epic. Much more than a mere trilogy.

[@jeremiet2739]

It’s THE Trilogy!

[@JonBear]

The one to rule them all

[@askefantenthefool8050]

Thats why LSOO must make a part 3 ❤

[@Euclides287]

I believe it surpassed Star Wars the minute *George Lucas* decided to give Vader a *cheesy* and *cringy* back story. Some *masterpieces* are better left *untouched.*

[@ignitetheinferno1858]

There is a rather interesting correlation between magical power and strength when it comes to the wizards and other magical beings in the Tolkien universe. Each character has an insane amount of power they can delve into, as Aragorn makes clear when he tells the hobbits "he is greater than you know; he can only show you his toys as a rule". Yet the more one uses their magic, relying upon it, the weaker they become. Morgoth and Saruman are two characters who decided to delve into the powers they had. Morgoth used more and more magic in the creation of orcs and other foul creatures. The more and the greater the magic he used, the weaker he became to the point that Ungoliant could trap him when he refused to surrender to her the Silmarils and he had to be rescued by his balrogs. Saruman decided to delve into his magic and tried to become a rival of Sauron's. His white was broken and he became many colors, and was supplanted by Gandalf after his resurrection. Gandalf never losses strength because he very rarely uses his power. He remains strong and becomes stronger through the forbearance of his power, only using it at great need. Even when trapped in a tree surrounded by wolves and goblins he only uses a very minor trick to protect himself and Thorin's company.

[@StarStrider99]

Great points!

[@tobiyoarcangel]

Sauron poured his will and power into the "One Ring to rule them all", and therefore wasn't able to maintain a physical form without it

[@simonidastankovic2627]

Bravo

[@timrosswood4259]

@@tobiyoarcangel That's not true. Yes, he is greatly weakened without the ring, but he has enough power to maintain a physical form.

[@tobiyoarcangel]

Least on the movies that was the case. If I recall correctly, on the books he was on Barad-dûr the whole time, but on the movies he didn't had a physical form, unless you count the eye.

[@STho205]

It is reported that a wise person once said "Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends.". Many of us, even those in pursuit of these teachings, often forget those words. No greater Love hath man.

[@c.m.880]

I would add that these were the words of Jesus Christ

[@olivialim7541]

@@c.m.880 and who in all history has shown the truth of those words better?

[@Doubleranged1]

"To show us what drives us through hardship and suffering. And that is the believe that: No matter how bad things get, there is no darkness greater than the light: There is always hope." This has been the core of lotr for me from the first time i read the books and watched the films. This has driven me to keep going and might have saved my life.

[@matthewhowsden1924]

And I pray it continues to save your life, and many generations after. Continue in the light, much love.

[@gilbertsway8868]

As far as we know, darkness is the natural state of things.

[@gloriabaquera5434]

Damn it, you made me cry again :')

[@sheridanfalkenberry5611]

I thought for sure I was the only one

[@enangl2]

Same here

[@StarStrider99]

Yup, same.

[@nikolaiquack8548]

Add me to that list.

[@giulioaprati338]

Mee too in the end

[@Anthony-pq4vr]

I'm a 30 year old man and I cried through this whole thing. Well done.

[@philj212]

i'm a 32 year old man and i approve this message

[@atusadav24]

30 year old woman here and I cried too.

[@daveheesen9174]

62 and teared up a little...shows the genius of JRRT dont it...he freakin NAILED it

[@SzymonCelticSlav]

Beautifully done, your editting which blended with the visuals and music and the depth you took to explore the mythology which is applicable to our lives. Thank you so much, works like this deserve praise.

[@lunacouer]

This 😊

[@rexsolomon6325]

Peter Jackson should include this stunningly insightful work as an Appendice in his Lord of the Rings Trilogy DVDs. Bravo! Masterful! Wonderful! I thought that I understood the Lord of the Rings. I was wrong. Thank you.

[@lelavelion1356]

Um but he did. The Appendix of the films aka special features are about as long as the movie there is so much to unpack lol

[@drunkenbuddhalaughingmonke8550]

When the seas and mountains fall And we come to end of days In the dark I hear a call Calling me there I will go there And back again

[@Raidmasterprod]

What you just said is just one more reason why The Lord of the Rings is among the greatest stories of all time. I regularly watch the whole trilogy on a yearly basis, and it is still great enough to make it into my top ten films of all time at number TWO. I love it just as I did when I was twelve, for the spectacle of the locations and battle scenes, as well as the tender and emotional moments that define the film. I did not think of any of the "moral victory" ideas until your videos, and that is among the many things you mentioned that I feel HAVE to be discussed more often, not just in the ​context of Lord of the Rings. You just earned yourself a subscriber. Keep up the great work.

[@liamhawkins1699]

AMEN TO THIS. I always felt like the conflict in LOTR is more genuine than any other movie conflict I have ever seen. It felt as if the struggle these people had was real and important and true. Now after this video I understand why. God I love it.

[@Defender888888]

What is your number 1?

[@Raidmasterprod]

The only film that dares to top this would be Akira Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai," and even now I'm debating which one is better. Oh, I forgot to mention that I had little idea what Gandalf was talking about when he mentioned "The Secret Fire." Thanks to this video, I now realize the concept of "The Flame Imperishable" as a profound idea for all humanity to take note of. It reminds me of a quote in Stanley Kubrick's 'Spartacus,' "but I do know for as long as we live, we must stay true to ourselves." We must not let that Flame Imperishable go out, for as long as we live if we want to stay true to the strong-hearted human beings we are and to each other so we can live in peace and freedom.

[@CoolAsianGuy]

read the books. they're beautiful and classy

[@AncientOfDays]

You are a treasure. Thank you for this masterwork. You have understood the point of Tolkien's view on good and evil. The same thing I myself recognized when I was introduced to Tolkien. Those two are quite distinct in his Middle-earth, yes, but that doesn't mean that his characters are black and white; quite on the contrary, there is a constant battle of his characters with their flame imperishable, whether to chose good, evil or some middle ground. His clear view of good and evil is so obvious and distinct perhaps because he himself possessed quite good and well defined moral compass. Ultimately, if we take into account Eru Illuvatar, and his allowance of both evil and good as essential part of the music of Ainur and of his thought than we come to conclusion that Tolkien's world and his cosmogony is not constructed relying purely on Christian theology but also on some other philosophical teachings, primarily of the East, and even some Zoroastrian ideas and concepts of good and evil... In Zoroastrian theology, Ahura Mazda, supreme god, also intervene by sending his emissaries and guides (similar example is Nordic mythology)... some sort of wizards and wise man to help humanity in material world which is so deeply sink into dualism that will fade when final spiritual battle is won within oneself. In that way every single individual retains free will to go on either side. One thing we do not agree, EVIL in Tolkien's world is not destroyed by accident but by evil itself and by products of that evil, that is a full circle, an ouroboros or RING if you will (rings of power and ring of Barahir). Tolkien was very keen on those symbols obviously, and for a REASON... :) The last chapter of your video, mythology of hope is a pure bliss. You managed to tackle the essence so well, Tolkien successfully overrides and eliminates all the different religions/factions, for they don't matter, they are not what God is, but still maintains the idea of God and his essence manifested in love, compassion and unity of all creation. Once again, thank you for you are the best content creator on KZbin in my modest opinion.

[@habitablefiction7090]

YES! Tolkien simplifies his world through the idea of a clearly defined good vs. evil so he can focus on HOW good overcomes evil. As Like Stories of Old mentions, a large portion of that is friendship and a faith in each other. In Tolkien's view, that method of overcoming evil also includes evil destroying evil and just enduring that evil by being good oneself. These can be seen several times throughout the story. The orcs fight the orcs which allows Merry and Pippin to escape. Sam in the tower to save Frodo who'd been taken. Pretty much all the orcs killed each other there which allowed Sam to just go through the tower with no real trouble. And not to mention the ending with The evil of the ring clashing with the "evil" of Gollum; thus, allowing the destruction of the ring. With examples of being good oneself as, for example, having mercy and pity for Gollum which lets them enter and reach Mount Doom as well as destroy the ring.

[@AncientOfDays]

Exactly! Those are all great examples of what I had in mind.

[@avi7845]

Regarding Gollum, do you view him as evil? Or are you referring to the part/element within him driven towards the ring? Which is an element demonstrated in every character, except Tom Bombadil (The wonder he is), to a larger or lesser degree, and is overcome by most (except Boromir briefly, at his fathers demand). I do not see this degree of lust for power that the ring brings out in the individual as evil. I was wondering how you see it? I agree with your great comment, but I never found Gollum/Smeagol to be evil in any real definitive sense, just internally had developed an insatiable lust and need for the ring that he could not overcome, as others were capable of doing for one reason or another.

[@AncientOfDays]

+Benjamin Thiemann I think you are wrong on many things, but that's just me and you have a right on your own opinion. Tolkien could have used many influences, both Eastern and Western, as he did, he was a linguist pretty much knowledgeable in the Eastern cultures too, but that is not what is important, its his story that matters, and he obviously was only interested in God (as first and original category) but not in all various religions for they are only a broken image, an indicator of our incapability to understand "higher truth". Religions are interpretations... and you know what interpretations are! Your quote above is similar to this point of mine, yet you presented it as some sort of Apologia of Christianity or any other religion for that matter, for religion is not that truth or primary category that is sole important thing, its human beings and their hearts, mutual understanding and compassion because that is where God resides, not in scriptures or religions but in common feelings shared by those long before us and by those that are yet to come. Religions pass, many things pass, human also perish but some "things" are constant... That view of Tolkien and his understanding of good and evil are fascinating to me. Best regards.

[@AncientOfDays]

+Avi E That's because Bombadil is an emanation of nature and of Eru Iluvatar's thought. Golum is not apriori evil, but corrupted, fragmented and torn between good and evil. He is in my opinion one of the most tragic anti-heroes of the series. That side of his that at the end leads to the destruction of ring is product of evil, and in that way evil destroys evil.

[@baguettegott3409]

My goodness, this was beautiful. This is the sort of thing that makes me doubtful whether I'm studying the right thing because I can find such endless fascination with things like this - story and mythology, and even history and philosophy.. It's the greatest pain for us humans that we can never study all of that to the extent that we desire, at least that's what it feels like in moments like these... What I'm saying is, I really don't wanna do my physics homework :D

[@oswaldrabbit1409]

Dude I perfectly feel you. I am planning on becoming an engineer, but I love this stuff so much...

[@sulphuric_glue4468]

Yet another powerful video, and further proof that Tolkien was one of the greatest authors who ever lived

[@sulphuric_glue4468]

@SupaPixelGirl Is this a fucking joke

[@TheTarikL]

I feel the lack of good content like yours in this platform. I decided to watch the movies once more because of this review and I had the most emotional run of those movies in a way I haven´t felt before, thank you

[@johndonne8657]

This is really good analysis and it is well-expressed. Plus, the editing is top-notch. I think Western culture needs to recover the essential principles and virtues at play in LOTR, e.g. personal responsibility, personal sacrifice. When some of the strongest societal voices now tell us that we are entitled victims, we need a counter-voice to remind us we are accountable for our actions and have a personal responsibility to improve the world we know rather than gripe about it.

[@andrewjazdzyk1215]

I think you just took values and ideas from a far deeper place, and twisted them for your own purpose.

[@Isuldor9]

@@andrewjazdzyk1215 No. That is a good interpretation for nowadays. Plus he has a point: The Lord of the Rings really shows the strengths of those christian virtues we finally missunderstood as the time passed. I praise individual freedom, fraternity and peace for all human beings. No ethnic, nor gender or any other separation nor blind self identification. Each one different, but brothers of the same kind. Without those virtues, Western culture doesn't mean nothing anymore. Therefore Asiatic, Islamic and other cultures that kept their civilisationnal goals alive logically take their part of the cake. And then you can say goodbye to Human Rights, christian ethics, and all that Tolkien personnaly thought we should fight for.

[@Trowa71]

Whelp, looks like I'll be rereading LoTR and the tales from the Silmarillion again and rewatching this astounding two parter again and again.

[@dominictemple]

Damn man, you're videos are enough to make me wish I was a religous man, and if you knew me that's a hell of a thing. Keep on making these and I'll keep watching.

[@AncientOfDays]

Religion is a false thing "necessary" only in our world such as it is because of us, God on the other hand is independent of all that. Principle beyond our understanding, we can only grasp that "God principle" by our hearts and feelings if we want to.

[@StarStrider99]

Ancient of Days : Not if God has revealed Himself through human history. In that case, there are things that we can objectively understand about Him. Not that people can’t also have an individual relationship with Him. I would highly recommend both. :)

[@thelevishow9454]

Ancient Of Days/Falcon1: Indeed, "religion" as a construct, has done much to disturb the notion of God. In many ways, stories like this one have done a much better job at capturing the personality and substance of what may be our own, real life "Illuvatar". One that goes by a different name.

[@AncientOfDays]

The Levi Show Truly.

[@davidhawley1132]

The Levi Show LOTR comes from Tolkien’s Roman Catholic heart. The real story is grander still.

[@sengiko]

"I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you!" still brings me to tears just by thinking about it. Never give into the dark, and there will always be hand to carry you when your legs can't go no further

[@SadCatSad]

I will always keep this trilogy in my heart and my life. I will show these movies to my kids and cherish every memory I have of watching them with my parents or by myself

[@gadamis]

I didn't think I could enjoy Tolkien's work more than I already do. It truly is a mythology. I understand that now. Thank you.

[@harivatsaparameshwaran4174]

Something very refreshing and believable about your optimistic and hopeful worldview in a time when all everybody can think of is nihilism and pessimism. EDIT: My question because the reply may seem out of context : How did u transition from Gandalf saying that it was Frodo's fate to find the ring to saying that all creatures of middle earth have free will?

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

Hey, I think the quote I mention later explains it best; “Iluvatar’s intervention does not remove the significance of the choices made by the Children of Iluvatar, but in many ways it can redeem those choices. Or; to put it in another way, the characters are responsible only for their own choices and not for the outcome of those choices; they are responsible for the means, while the ends are in Iluvatar’s hands.” Characters are free to chose, but not free to decide the outcome of those choices. Plus, like I also mention; Iluvatar's intervention to us seems like little more than lucky events or coincidences, just as the film portrays the 'will' of the ring in a rather silly way when it 'decides' to leave Gollum and we just see it bouncing off the rocks without any further context.

[@harivatsaparameshwaran4174]

Found an answer to my question in the video so just replaced it .

[@harivatsaparameshwaran4174]

Thanks I hadn't watched the whole video when i commented . Amazing video as always.

[@sophiejones7727]

he said the creatures of middle earth had free will before talking about Gandalf's message to Frodo. The point was that because Iluvatar has gifted his creations with free will, and is unwilling to contravene it, he works towards their salvation in round-about ways: like putting Bilbo in a position to get the Ring and write a story about his adventures for Lord Elrond, which "serendipitously" puts Frodo in a position to find the Ring when Gandalf is around to tell him about it (because Bilbo skipped his birthday party to go to Rivendell). This then sets up the events of Lord of the Rings which ends in the destruction of the Ring and Sauron. Iluvatar can see the future so Iluvatar can think of these things. While Sauron and Morgoth treat their servants as things, Iluvatar not only respects but indeed *desires* that every being make choices despite his omnipotence as their creator. He not only is fine with seeing them create their own works, but indeed wants them to do so. He is genuinely curious about their opinions, desires and interests: not simply tolerant or indulgent. *that's why they have free will in the first place*.

[@globmonkey200716102]

5 months late and question already answered, but I figured I would sum it up a little less verbosely. The nature of choice and consequence is not that everything will be ok because of the choices, but in spite of them.

[@poseidonc1259]

The Rich Tapestry of history & meaning behind J.R.R. Tolkien’s story is so vast you can hear it’s echoes in the events of the tale & feel the vibration of those resounding echoes in your bones. The goosebumps rising on your skin in response to the fundamental Solace that comes through the Moral Victory. “What are we willing to sacrifice for Victory?” Nay, “For what values are we willing to suffer defeat?”

[@markbyers4435]

Love these! It is interesting how different aspects of God are presented in Tolkien’s and his friend Lewis’s fantasy works. Whereas Elu Illuvitar represents the sovereign aspects of God(Him working in the distance), Aslan represents His direct work in history.

[@StarStrider99]

^^^ This.

[@tesspulido]

Read and watch both.

[@angelus823]

Absolutely.

[@trequor]

I think it has more to do with representing different parts of the trinity: Lewis was obviously writing Jesus. Jesus is the active portion, God the Man who walks and talks and does things in the world. Tolkien is more writing God the Father (or perhaps the Holy Spirit as far as the Lord of the Rings is concerned). The benevolent creator who watches from a distance and allows the mankind to choose its own destiny.

[@zainrodriguez3937]

@@trequor interesting perception!

[@eddy7ronaldo]

It’s pretty incredible that videos like this have (a) been created (thank you) and (b) so easily accessible, and completely free. Madness.

[@officialoaksey]

LSOO: This is the most fantastic overview of The Lord Of The Rings I have ever seen. Every word was a light bulb in my head. I watched the trilogy over the last 2 weeks and I couldn't help but find myself in tears multiple times throughout each film. Then I watch your videos and again, tears. Much love for taking time to delivery such beautiful words about this wonderful myth. Thank you, Oaksey :)

[@ARGhostie]

This brought me to tears, especially the cuts between Sam saving Frodo on Mount Doom and Frodo saving Sam on the Anduin, combined with that music and those beautiful words.

[@rev.davemoorman3883]

You help shape the real power and need of mythic structures. Tolkien marvelously shared the most salient points of Christianity without being tied to the obvious Christian tropes. These two videos could be the foundation of living faithfully through the LOTR.

[@brunop3845]

Thank you, a marvelous synthesis of a marvelous masterpiece.

[@JulieShock]

I’ve always loved how eagles are at the tipping point for the battles, and St. John’s symbol is the eagle.

[@danielphipps6309]

This is, very easily, one of, if not, the very best video essays I have ever had the privelage of watching. I have spent hundreds of hours watching material like this, but your content stands above the others as a beacon of light, hope and truth, not just for for this medium of communication but for mankind across the world. Thank you. You've made my day.

[@ohhoworiginal]

This was amazing, LSOO. Thank you for your faithfulness to Tolkien's intentions and the heart of his writing. Kreeft is a powerhouse interpreter for his works. This made me appreciate how the essence of Christian faith shines so bright here that it is no wonder Tolkien did without allegory. He had no need. Spoke to my soul so much that I was intermittently in tears

[@vicenteortegarubilar9418]

I was going to make a " My Precious " joke because I like this videos. But I am going to let someone else more creative do it.

[@caiopatric]

I'd rather not waste my precious time with puns.

[@rebekahfitzner7863]

I've loved this trilogy with my whole heart since I first watched it at age 9, 15 years ago. I've never been able to put into words why I love it so much as beautifully as you just did.This is truly one of the most touching videos I've ever seen. Thank you so much.

[@bestbeloved2704]

Unbelievable video - thank you so much for this. I've been stuck in nihilism and hopelessness for a while now, and searching for a way out. The details, the writing, the incredible analysis of Tolkien's beliefs and LOTR's theme - this has given me hope to live again

[@leloupdessteppes3228]

Then Tolkien succeed in his purpose.

[@dantuskausmas]

Well this was fortunate. Just finished watching part1 and was wondering when will part2 come out. BAM! Its just went live :-D

[@carlbrittain1993]

"The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again."- Robert Jordan

[@laceyo1993]

Almost had me in tears. The story is just so profound. It hits me at such a spiritual level.

[@JonnyBurkholder]

Your analysis of Boromir's character arc had me in tears. This is my new favorite youtube channel You've earned yourself a sub, good sir

[@cal7961]

“The victory isn’t everlasting, no victory over evil is.” Tolkien knew this as he began to write The New Shadow.

[@stevenmackey582]

Started the simerilian recently, thought game of thrones was a better version of LOTR. Coming back to realize Tolkien was expressing a celestial philosophy greater than any fiction. Appreciate the video.

[@melissaberges702]

So ready for this! Your videos are amazing!! 👌🏼🙌🏼

[@yaterodst]

You sir are a gentleman and a scholar.

[@djmerlin5]

Am I the only one who cries watching your movies? They are so touching and inspiring. You bring us hope! Thank you so much! 🙏🏻 I always end up saying “there I am” in the end of your movies. Many thanks from Brazil.

[@kreia187]

I'm an Atheist and this video was literally the first time I understood why people want to believe in god. It doesn't change my view on the real world but it gave me insight into something i just couldn't grasp before.

[@CoolAsianGuy]

same

[@justchilling704]

Patrick Mieslinger It’s not that people “want to” believe in God it’s simply that most unlike atheist aren’t in denial and deny that their is a creator, you see it is mentally, spiritually, and intellectually and even emotionally impossible for someone to be an atheist, in other no one is an atheist it is scientifically impossible for us humans to be as we naturally know of/believe in God.

[@justchilling704]

@Cultöerectus Hoes the Christian God contradictory?

[@37view37]

So, after your excellent Tarkovsky work I chose this as my second viewing. Take this the right way: I could hug you, sir. When I saw your Kreeft quotes I knew I was in good hands. I was tearing up during some of your work here (just like the films themselves). You have a God-given talent for editing, story, and music editing. Keep your flame glowing brightly. So good.

[@vondamn9943]

Last 5/10 mins your voice tone + the music + the topic treated.... I cried my ass out

[@theMad_Artist]

This literally made me cry. Thank you.

[@nicolasabelleira3664]

I meditate for about now, 10 years, sometimes 3 hs per day... i found that, as the mind adquires a calmer and calmer constant state, more obvious and brillant it gets the fact that everything is talking about everything, this movies, even the music, ive always felt that they talks us about higher truths, so direct, so obvious that mayority embrace unknownly... the videos of this channel are jewels for me, to meditate and dig in me an life even more... thank for this channel, i love movies that dig so deep like this, you have a new follower! love to all from Argentina, sorry my english

[@Neerepha]

I cried for the entire duration of the video. So beautiful and intense.

[@olympus8940]

🥲Every time. This channel always gives me hope.

[@thesmallwolf]

This has got to be one of the most brilliant video essays you have ever published -- if not one of the most brilliant video essays I've ever watched. Thank you for contributing so much with what you've created.

[@jameslund93]

I've been waiting very patiently for this!!

[@bagfootbandit8745]

I started watching your videos when I came across your one on Interstellar. Since then, I have been continually inspired to push myself and my creative writing further, in the hope that I'll continue the cycle of inspiration. You keep pulling out these golden thoughts, sometimes giving me entirely new perspective, sometimes giving me the phrase that was just on the tip of my tongue. For LOTR, I thought I had got the gist of it, but you showed me that I could push myself to go deeper. And not just deeper in LOTR, further than I've ever dreamed in the stories I've authored. So thank you for the inspiration. You're doing a great work here.

[@Eudomac99]

I'm too busy humming along to the music to listen to what you're saying, I guess I need to watch it again

[@jeremiet2739]

Euan Macdonald in my humble opinion, these are the most moving soundtracks I have ever heard!

[@danw.1250]

It's going to take a forklift to get my jaw off of the floor after this viewing your LotR work. Well done.

[@philipeick-vocalmusic]

What a beautiful essay. You've outdone yourself again! Thank you!

[@TheKurtboss1]

Please don't stop making these. Wonderful and moving

[@crumdogy]

Absolutely stellar work. While I was aware of these elements of Tolkien’s work, being a fan for most of my life, I have never heard them so eloquently put into words.

[@gfmundial]

Cryin' and cryin'... This was a beautiful experience! Again Thank y.

[@PeteAmachree]

Great analysis as always. The film doesn't mention that Gandalf secretly wore Narya, one of the three elven rings, which had the power to galvanise hearts and banish despair.

[@KarinSch18]

I started crying while watching it. I became a sence of hope. Hope for myself and for humankind's. You have given me a gift with the two videos. And that made the world a little bit better for me. Thank you.

[@Vincent-fv1ch]

this channel is a gift, keep doing what you are doing!

[@paryanindoeur]

Excellent analysis! Even LotR fans such as myself did not dare to hope for the impact that the films would have, first on the direction of cinema, and two decades later, on the worldviews of new generations of fans who need the hope and guidance of these characters in their own lives.

[@flrethlef]

The parallels between Tolkien’s story and ours that has been given to us by God is fantastic and beautiful.

[@petercofrancesco9812]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge of Tolkein. It is easy to be swept away with the visuals of the movies, the physical battles and over look the deeper meaning.

[@ting102989]

You've managed to grow my love for Tolkien and Lord of the Rings and for that, I thank you.

[@christianrr]

Such a brilliant analysis! You trully made me shed a great many tears of gratitude. The Lord of the Rings has had a special place in my heart for so many years now, but in the more recent past I've struggled to find my way back to Middle-Earth. I've considered myself "outgrown", or "alien" to such a fantastic world; and even though Myth still presents itself as such a fascinating subject to me, this first one that I was allowed to experience fully, this most precious symbol to my own inner workings, has somewhat barred its entrance for me. These two videos of yours had a redeeming quality and for the first time in what feels like ages my heart got reminded of what my head has never forgotten: that there is so much truth in this world, in Middle-Earth, in mine, in the world out there, the world of all of us. So much truth and hope and redemption. In a way, this video made me realize what it means to "go full circle" in an emotional sense; even though I feel like I have grown emotionally since I first was touched by Tolkien, I found myself mesmerized by how close these metaphysical and ethical positions are to my own, after all the reflections and experiences that I was confronted with in the meantime... such a fascinating experience. Thank you so much!

[@christianrr]

Oh, and I really like how you've made it clear that it is too simple to reduce Illuvatar's invisible hand to a storytelling device (or Deus ex Machina). Nowhere is it exemplified so brilliantly, nowhere substantiated with such a full-fledged philosophy than in this work. I've often discussed this very thing with friends and you can see that this is one of the things in Tolkien's works that are the most controversial, both among literary novices as well as veterans: "In the end, it is always the eagles"; "why didn't they just fly the ring straight into mount doom"; etc. etc. I have always felt that this does unjustice to the mythical quality of this work. In the end, this is not how life works; we cannot control forces of nature, they have their own will; however, every now and then, if we are lucky enough and do not give up hope (or succeed morally) we are allowed to experience Eucatastrophe (or are granted fundamental forgiveness). I guess the reason why it comes up so often is that this world feels so real to many that they need the story to conform to literary rules of Realism. And, indeed, some aspects (especially the more administrative, chronological or "neurotic" about this "Worldbuilding" approach) tempt such a view. However, in the end, this is the fate of a work that is in many ways both the "last myth" and the "first fantasy" ... there was fantasy before Tolkien and probably myth afterwards, but I have yet to experience a more timely and universal myth of the modern world that benevolently counteracts the pitfalls of an extreme form of (post)modern (moral) relativism in such powerful way. Another thing you brilliantly exemplified: there can be (logical) moral objectivism while still acknowledging that both sides are found within every human being. While I still struggle with the first notion (intellectually rather than emotionally), the second is absolutely clear. Most realistic fantasy focuses on this latter aspect, often being silent on the first. What makes Tolkien so powerful is that there is still faith and hope to be gathered from accepting the former at heart...

[@theoldsaxon6484]

These two productions were amazing, inspiring even. Thank you for opening my eyes further to the depths of Tolkien's story, and a reminder of the great story it reflects.

[@PreludexRhapsody]

Ever since watching and reading Lotr, hope has always been my favorite word and a thing that keeps me going. Now that the word is explained even more in this video, I can't help but appreciate the movies even more. A mythology of hope was such a beautiful ending and closure of a beautiful series. I'll be sure to also check out the books that you mentioned for these videos. Thank you as always!

[@crowley445]

Watched this three times in a row. Excellent video. Almost had tears in my eyes by the end of it.

[@jonathanwilson6043]

Its interesting that I am subscribed to you and yet youtube will barely ever recommend your videos on my homepage, but I always think of your videos and the amount of thoughtfulness and powerful words you use that bring me back to search you again and again to find a new video I haven't watched yet on your page. You inspire me, make me cry, and give me hope. I don't know who you are, but thank you. You are doing a great thing with these videos.

[@MisterMonsterMan]

This is elite LOTR content, no matter the topic, tone or media. If I could give more than one "like", I would give many.

[@AS-fu1kd]

So thankful I'm alive after the writing of this beautiful story, and the maling of the movie

[@drunkenbuddhalaughingmonke8550]

this has truly put tears to my eyes. Please do a video series on Hayao Miyazaki's works

[@michaelguernsey1206]

Greatest story ever told. I also love that evil is not portrayed as powerful in this universe, but actually less powerful than good.

[@rounakmukherjee1009]

your videos are the absolute treasure that youtube has to offer...pure gold

[@alanparsonsfan]

These provound quotes about the greatest mythology of our time are so well pulled together, and the themes are much to think about. I need to re view this several times and think on all of these. As we are in our own dark hours in a divided and entranced country, crucial to focus on the imperishabe flame and hope.

[@xephonprodigy47]

As a lover of all things mythological, I gotta say, as you put it towards the end of the video, myths give us the example of past goodness and darkness and with that the strength to say there I am, that is me. Only in that recognition are we on the path to be the strongest version of ourselves in our own dark times. Well done for giving that perspective and bringing a tear to my eye. I will be eagerly awaiting your videos from now on.

[@JJ-oh4sc]

That was so powerful and inspiring. I've been a fan of LOTR for quite some time, but thanks to this video I just now realized how amazing this story actually is. Whenever I've watched the films or read the books again and again it was an uplifting influence, but now someone put a name on the things I was feeling and made the story even deeper and closer to the heart. Amazing video - the message, montage, pace, even the voice! It makes me want to be better (and rewatch LOTR 😂) Thanks a lot!

[@markvandenberg4606]

I can barely fathom how much time, energy and dedication you put into these videos and how thoughtful of a presentation you’ve created. Absolutely incredible. I’m just blown away.

[@neilmarcolumanog8458]

Moral Victory is better than Physical Victory. You made cry. Great Job 👍

[@OneMeInMyself]

I attended a talk on the Bhagavad-Gita last week and the lessons of LotR highlighted in this video correspond practically exactly with the lessons taught in the Bhagavad-Gita!

[@ondreatorrence4322]

This video is art . You really brought my favorite movie into my current stage in life . Thank you for this ❤️

[@jon-umber]

It's been more than 15 years and Boromir's death still makes me tear up a little bit.

[@MeRLiNdaWonda]

Unbelievable discussion on the essential meaning of the work, I finally understand why it appealed to me so much as a kid. Thank you for taking the time to translate the symbolic into the semantic so that we all may recognise the great power and truth that resides in such stories.

[@Malk007]

Amazing. I always loved lord of the rings, it's just an amazingly deep story in every aspect. I also think it's fascinating when you think about all these ideias guiding Tolkien in his life specially at his darkest time during WWI and at the Somme. I have to say as a catholic that was away from the church for some time and recently came back: I really like the idea of all kinds of people being able to still learn so much from centuries of theology and moral philosophy that tolkien put into his works, consciously and unconsciously.

[@LyricBent]

I genuinely cried watching this video. Thank you.

[@MorgothsBalrog]

This is the greatest thing on KZbin. I literally got chills watching this.

[@durinsgates1127]

I love lord of the rings so much it brings me so much joy.

[@username4570]

You touch on why I find these stories so meaningful and why I am bothered by others connecting them to religion. God or gods may or may not exist, but having faith in them should not be regarded with any value, have faith in those around you, search and act on what is good not because of a belief in anything but because it is beneficial to everyone around you as well as yourself.

[@zenocarrow4671]

I hope you didn’t forget that Tolkien valued his own religion very much. The Lord of the Rings wouldn’t have ever transpired the way it did if he didn’t believe in God. And object morals and values wouldn’t be worth anything if there isn’t a Moral Law Giver.

[@lisaashpole8066]

the editing on this video series was beautiful, and the music and picture perfectly matched the mood and the message being conveyed