Frodo and True Heroic Masculinity

Frodo is underrated. Here's why
To support our content consider joining our Patreon: / pilgrimspass
Disclaimer: This video uses copyrighted material for commentary and parody purposes. which falls under fair use. And the material is used in a promotional way to encourage viewers to consume the original content from the creators. But if you are an owner of this material and feel uncomfortable, please contact.us and we can sort it out.
Art credit:
/ 368521181980996711
copyright free music used:
Drunk music link:
• Happy Drunk Background...
Reggae music link:
Rhastafarian by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: audionautix.com/
Author of the memes:
Based Aragorn IV

[@PilgrimsPass]

A video on Gandalf is in the works but it might not be the very next one, since in his case I think I have to deal with his themes with greater responsibility than either Frodo or Aragorn and I have to handle My analysis on Gandalf with greater care and reflection. I'll do my best not to keep all of you waiting for too long.

[@benjaminholcomb9478]

Take your time to put out something you're proud of. Also, it might be interesting to see a conclusion video on all 3, and the comments from people below. Just to kind of wrap up the disparate pieces. Ya know?

[@marshmallowvampire8503]

I really like the way you put all of this. Sometimes seemingly small problems can hav a huge impact, and this is why I hate the way the media or even schools talk about bullying like it's so important, yet they depict sexism, climate change, racism, etcetera like its someone's fault rather than giving us hope that we can fix it. The fact that they are so accusitive and nihilistic is something kids with way bigger problems don't need to endure, bc on top of relationships, puberty, and trying to figure out their future, they also told humans are leeches or that society hates them even those they never met. Yes thank you public schools, double the suicide rate. And not just that, the people that say this don't human well enough to hav any authority over this bc of the way they view masculinity. They complain about toxic masculinity before recovering healthy masculinity, and that's how we get all these people that tell men "don't be a pussy" for showing emotion. Or they they limit their view to either men are toxic for not showing emotion or theyr gay, and to me that is a brand of mesagueny. They lack imagination or they understand humans that little. Totally insane, and that's why the men's suicide rate is high bc on one hand they are told to not be angry bc toxic, then when they are vulnerable they are either weak or gay. And they same goes for woman: If a woman resembles "toxic" masculine traits like aggression she is strong, and tomboy traits are taken as lezbian (just search Princess Merida's sexuality or love life and you'll see what I mean). Or when a girl has vulnerability, like Black Widow being disappointed about not being a mom (presumably her ticket out of being a killer) or Belle's kindness to the Beast, this is seen as weakness. People nowadays can't make up their minds bc they don't know wtf they are talking about

[@dreamer2260]

You're doing a fantastic job with these. Take your time.

[@KARMICHAEL11]

QUALITY trumps QUANTITY bro, like the others here are saying, make it well and give it the time it deserves

[@juzujuzu4555]

It sucks that you can only give one thumbs up! I have spend this whole summer watching LOTR reactions and my soul has screamed everything that this video contains. Men and Women are different, and that's where we get the synergy. We need both sacred masculinity and femininity to survive and thrive as a species. And both of them have been heavily trashed in the last multiple decades. Obviously we all have both femininity and masculinity, and that also gives us synergy benefits within ourself, but on average there's a big difference between sexes. Men can't carry a baby and give birth, breastfeed and transfer all the nutrients and immunity. And on the mental side there's also clear differences. And this is just the easiest simplified example.

[@SplendidFactor]

Frodo's struggle is literally a struggle against Nihilism and hopelessness.

[@_g8dfathr_678]

“Battle not with monsters, lest ye become a monster, and if you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.” -Friedrich Nietzsche

[@pavelthepsychologist9369]

Or any mental ilness.

[@josetapia9606]

@Billy Oak in another video they explained perfectly (something about Sauron, order and Nihilsim) Nietzhe tried to fight destructive nihilism and cult fanatism, but ironically created a philosophy what is suceptible to nihilistic self destructive cultism. The problem with his philophy is what it says what morality is a social construct. When in reality is belive or not part biological of our beings. We needed to create packs and a sense of unity to survive agaisnt pur natural predators. We created packs, a sense of right and family estructure. We feel good when "justice" is done, because survival cannot tolerate psycopaths. In both religion and science, in both belief of GOD or belief in evolution, or both, *morality is part of our* *"humanity/species"* Nietzhes philosphy wilm never help humanity because it's anti humanity. Hence why so many failures like the Nazi todays corporate maddness

[@albodav9602]

@@_g8dfathr_678 "I consider gazing into the abyss utter foolishness. There are many things in the world much more worth gazing into"

[@delta2372]

We are all in frodos boat, I can't pick what I want to do with myself (while I am currently thinking on the reserves to help fund school I am very uncertain about it and have my qualms)

[@supyo3616]

Its funny that people have a hard time appreciating what Frodo is going through when there's a literal embodiment following him showing exactly what it does to someone in the shape of Gollum. Its like not appreciating what an addict is going through while sitting next to a fiending crackhead.

[@rebeccabaumgarten7573]

You'd especially think people would appreciate Frodo given the modern epidemic of depression and other mental illness, but nope. It's all about Sam, and everyone thinks Frodo's a wimp.

[@connorperrett9559]

@@rebeccabaumgarten7573 Perhaps the widespread depression and lack of hope and the inability of the average person to understand the archetype on display through Frodo in the films are linked. People are so atomized and separated from healthy social communities that they can't even recognize when a character is most like them or why they feel that he is a bad character.

[@joel6376]

He even points out Gollum to Sam and while saying he hopes that he can "recover" or similar - because he sees what could happen to himself. All, or a lot of Frodos sympathy for Gollum stems from this.

[@CheeseOfMasters]

@@connorperrett9559 But maybe, just maybe it is the similarities with ones self that is inhibiting people from liking Frodo. For depression is often linked with self loathing, so it's understandable one would look up to people who have the power to do what oneself would never dream of doing, while Frodo's struggle might seem more mundane to someone with cronic depression.

[@mikaeusbznd744]

The mental assault he suffered was unstoppable. I remember a passage from early in the book when, during a night of travel, Frodo looks at the sky and see some stars quickly disappear, and he doesn’t know if that was a creature that passed by or just his imagination, because no one else saw it. This kind of paranoia and struggle gets exponentially stronger by the end and it isn’t so easily depicted in a movie, because it is in the realm of thoughts.

[@IHaveNoMouth]

Honestly, this is why I need to read the books. I find that experience relatable. What you described sounds like mental illness and trauma. I need a character I can relate to.

[@basedkaiser5352]

Fuck, man ! I knew that bearing the ring was a nightmare, and the movie depicted it tremendously, but they could not capture the sheer paranoia and anxiety the ring brought to Frodo. They did their best but the way you described it was more haunting. I went through a paranoid phase a few months ago and the way you described it felt more relatable.

[@justingensel157]

I think a better option might have been to create a dark persona for Frodo that constantly tests him from Two Towers to RotK. A version that starts out like him, but degrades and breaks down over time. We see it when he sleeps. It slips into the frame when he spaces out. Calls him a fraud, a weakling and a coward. That he can hide from his friends, but not himself, because who else would know how much of a monstrous failure he is? Here he is, sitting on the power to save them and he makes them risk their lives and get killed to protect himself! He's more like Sauron than he thinks.... Something like that would be a great visual metaphor and show how the ring affects a mind. It also makes more sense than focusing on Gollum's mental struggle, because he lost that fight centuries ago

[@CheeseOfMasters]

@@IHaveNoMouth Berserk might also be interesting to you then. The psychological element of the horror in Berserk is not to be underestimated.

[@anaclararodas4833]

Yes, I totally agree. I love the movies, I watch the extended edition several times per year, but what I always enjoy the least is Frodo. In my personal opinion, PJ should have gone for an older looking actor, not saying that Elijah Wood is a bad actor or that he did a bad job. But great part of Frodo and his struggle was lost in the fact that Elijah looked like a kicked puppy half of the movie rather than a middle aged man/hobbit being gnawed by the weight of something terrible. Frodo is supposed to be older than Sam, and in the movies he obviously didn't look it nor felt like it. I think this as well affected negatively in portraying Frodo's struggles on the film, and made Sam way more noticeable.

[@mirandabaggins501]

“Not too many Fangirls for poor Frodo…” Count me as one of them!! For almost a decade!!!

[@felixyork2755]

Unrelated but I had a huge crush on him lol

[@mirandabaggins501]

@@felixyork2755 I know, right? I think he’s beautiful! 😍

[@CoraCadman]

Same here :))

[@mirandabaggins501]

@@CoraCadman YESS!! Let’s get all the Frodo fan girls out of the woodworks!! 💚🍃💙

[@RoseBaggins]

Me me me!! In every form too!! The books, cartoons, and the live action, he's my absolute favorite!

[@vesnalukic9898]

Thank you for standing up for Frodo. I've always thought that Frodo is THE hero of the story, because he was the only one who was fatally wounded 3 times: by Morgul blade, by Shalob sting and the One ring, and yet he kept going and fighting. Unlike anybody else, he is the only one who really knows what darkness and death and evil looks like. The majority of people would quit right after the stabbing. He barely survived than,and yet, he volunteered to carry the ring whole the way.Who else would do that?And that's why he is THE hero. And because no hero is alone, he had his heroic company with him, who was ready to die to help him achieve his mission. For Frodo!

[@hayleybartek8643]

I wonder if it’s thematic that Frodo takes 3 injuries when just 1 would be enough to kill anyone else.

[@TrangDB9]

Shalob sting? Do you mean the cave troll in moria who broke his ribs?

[@haifama6265]

@@TrangDB9 he means the spider

[@kazuhachi952]

I dont even want to imagine what Frodo saw in the shadow world when Gollum bit his finger.

[@TheArbiter1721]

@@haifama6265yea but the other guy might be confused since it’s explicitly said that the shelob sting is not a mortal wound

[@jacobandersen6075]

I’ve always said that as much as someone may appreciate and love Lord of the Rings, if they don’t understand the essence of Frodo, they don’t understand the fundamental essence of the entire story.

[@lori4021]

Exactly. It always bothered me that many people who claimed to love Lotr does not understand Frodo’s character and his significance in the story.

[@thehierophant1314]

You have to actually suffer like Frodo to really understand what he is going through

[@felixtla93]

Basically frodo sacrificed his mental health for the good of the world. And Sam is your friend or parent who keeps you motivated and drives you forward. And often helps you when needed.

[@rebeccabaumgarten7573]

Exactly what I say! And then I get laughed out of the comments!

[@TrangDB9]

Not to forget that Frodo never really healed from the stab of the nasgul blade.

[@PKTraceur]

It’s also worth noting: 1. Frodo physically cannot take the ring off, if it leaves his possession, someone else will find it, and it will find it’s way back to Sauron. Meaning no matter how much he wants it to end, he cannot let go of his responsibility. 2. It looks small, petty and silly, but it carries the massive burden, just like with psychological issues. “It was just a dog, get another”, “have some money as compensation”, “It’s what you signed up for”.

[@lily8679]

Okay, I've always always been a huge Frodo fan but this line-“If Sam is the true hero of The Lord of The Rings, than am I, who helped my friend, the real hero against his battle with depression?”-just blew my mind

[@PViolety]

Everyone becomes a hero when they do their part.

[@paryanindoeur]

_"(Saying 'Sam is the true hero') is just an acknowledgement of the difficulty recognizing psychological struggles that we can't see."_ Damn, that is a damn good insight. I try to be cognizant of this type of bias in my own life, and yet realize now I've been susceptible to this fault in appreciating Frodo in LotR. It's extremely rare that someone turns me around on anything, and in a single sentence... might be unique. Well done!

[@rebeccabaumgarten7573]

You kno the real reason people think Sam is the hero? Because LOTR was written by a depressed Frodo who saw himself and everything he'd done as a broken failure! If LOTR had been written by Sam, everyone would think Frodo was the hero.

[@paryanindoeur]

@@rebeccabaumgarten7573 Oh, that's good, too! _Red Book of the Westmarch_ and all that... though LotR has stuff in it neither Bilbo, Frodo, nor Sam could not have known.

[@rebeccabaumgarten7573]

@@paryanindoeur Those things were added by Findegil King's Writer or Tolkien as translator/editor.

[@TheAwesomeAnon]

Dude, 100% me too. And it was humbling and enlightening. It made me sub.

[@fillok2204]

I liked one comment, that I once saw, whitch captures it perfectly I think: Sam was the hero. Frodo was the victim (of the Ring).

[@antithoughtpolice7497]

Sam can even technically be the "real" hero, but Frodo is the protagonist hero archetype. He struggles the most and gets the farthest. Sam doesn't actually change fundamentally as much as Frodo; it was makes him (seem) stronger.

[@PilgrimsPass]

that's a good point

[@shawnwarrynn8609]

@@PilgrimsPass Frankly I think it also has to do with what kind of an individual the hero is, or the type of hero the people are looking for. In the case of Sam he seems to embody the Paragon/Superman hero archetype. I know this sounds weird especially when we think of such a role being more for someone like Aragon or Gandalf, but based on how Tolkien himself described sam, one can draw many similarities between his character and the archetype. Now let's look at Frodo. Based on what we're shown Frodo embodies the Everyman hero archetype.

[@shawnwarrynn8609]

@@PilgrimsPass Both are very important heroic archetypes.

[@ChroniclerV]

@@shawnwarrynn8609 Wait, I thought both Frodo and Sam are Everyman hero archetypes?

[@antithoughtpolice7497]

@@ChroniclerV Sam is more every man than Frodo, technically. While The Shire is an every man paradise, Sam is a gardener, and Frodo's family pays him to do it. Sam's blue collar and Frodo is middle class in the scenario.

[@Auldrin1]

I recently spent a week in a mental institution under suicide watch after an almost thirty-year invisible struggle with autism that I wasn't even made aware of until twenty-five years in. Others had to play the role of Sam to me and helped me see my innate value. Thank you for being there for your friend and for making this beautiful video. It much further helps me see that the burden I carry has meaning. I never gave that full of thought to before. I just discovered your work, love it, and look forward to what other insights you'll offer.

[@TrangDB9]

Stay strong buddy.

[@jamesgoodman186]

One of the few additions to the hobbit that I actually liked was Gandalf's words to Galadriel about why he chose a hobbit to join them "Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I found it is the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Simple acts of kindness and love."

[@PViolety]

It was a warm moment

[@turinturambar1688]

The movies took Frodo’s best scenes, the barrow downs, at the Ford against the nazgul, the tamping of smegal, window to the west. Some of his most powerful moments are either cut or downplayed

[@LisaWallaceDesigns]

I will always remember the cold, nightmarish terror of the barrow downs scene. I feel a chill in my spine now, even though I haven’t read the book in around 15 years.

[@juzujuzu4555]

FINALLY someone who truly gets it. Watching LOTR reactions, and the comments, has been really enjoyable and absolute hell. SO many people actually dislikes Frodo and praise Sam to the moon. Just one aspect even on the superficial level should change that, Sam was ready to kill Gollum from the start and would have been willing to do that for multiple times after that. There was no victory without Gollum, as the good side also needs the evil side to destroy itself. But then again I didn't get the messages of the film when I first saw it. Only in my 30s I really began to analyze Tolkien and found him to be amazing, and LOTR is pretty much as perfect adaptation as humanly possible. But the comments are what bothers me the most. It's obvious that the people are fans who have read the books multiple times, and watched the trilogy God knows how many times. It's like the trilogy shows how short memory people have, and how easily they can switch their feelings towards a character. The hell Frodo suffered should be obvious. Maybe people who have never really faced any massive hurdles and years of mental agony just cannot even realize Frodo's sacrifice when he promised to take the ring to Mordor. He knew the power of the ring already quite well. He had wore it for a long long time by that point. #ForFrodo #FrodoLives

[@RoseBaggins]

Agreed. #ForFrodo

[@gthewolf7948]

ForSam

[@kylewoodward9006]

The ring sat in an envelope in a set of drawers for 17 years.

[@petrilofberg1758]

​@@gthewolf7948 for frodo and sam

[@templarioaph]

"the most extraordinary thing in the world then an ordinary man and an ordinary woman and their ordinary children". Deus abençoe, irmão! Brasil!

[@PilgrimsPass]

Amem! igualmente

[@fantasynerd3695]

@@PilgrimsPass opaaa brasil brasil!

[@thenot-so-smartfox4145]

Nada como brasileiros se encontrando na internet kkkk Frase fantástica por sinal, já ouvi antes mas não lembro aonde... De quem é?

[@igorg.gaston2949]

@@thenot-so-smartfox4145 Chesterton

[@hannahb.9828]

I would like to offer Frodo my formal apology. I have generally chosen to dismiss him in favor of Sam, and I realize how much I’ve missed the significance of these themes in light of psychological and mental pain. 🖤

[@callanturner4749]

Frodo goes into the quest knowing he will unlikely return, Sam goes through loyalty but still thinks he will come home again. Frodo for me is more or at least an equal hero. But for me the theme of LOTR is we can all make a difference regardless of your status or skill.

[@redbloodbluemoon1423]

It's cute when people say "Frodo is at least an equal hero" while comparing him with Sam. I mean, Frodo had THE hardest job to do. Towards the end of the quest, you know the author wasn't bluffing when he said the quest was impossible right from the start. Frodo went in, sacrificed EVERYTHING, paid the price so that Sam, Aragorn, and the rest can have their happy endings. How is that no the most remarkable thing someone ever did? Just because Sam helped him literally doesn't mean he bore the worse burden or suffered more than Frodo. He just had an advantage of not being a Ringbearer. That's all.

[@israelp348]

Well you're wrong about one thing. As they got closer to destroying the ring, Sam completely changed his mind about going back home. He said "I don't think there will be a journey back, Mr. Frodo."

[@sunsetsky9885]

I absolutely love Frodo and Sam. I hate it when people act like Sam did all the work, Frodo is the only one who could have taken that much evil so far and Sam is the one who has to help him. Yes, if Sam wasn’t there Frodo wouldn’t have made it but Frodo is the hero. I love Frodo and he’s my favourite character as well as Eowyn (from the books)

[@PViolety]

Everyone had their part to play

[@orboakin8074]

I think the reason why most people downplay Frodo's awesome character is because (and I hate to use this overstated reason) most people have not read the books and the movie did a poor job of characterising him as a more pro-active and assertive and long-suffering but steadfast character he was in the books.

[@downloadgoblin]

Frodo may have carried the most weight. But, Sam was the bro-ist of bros.

[@chengkuoklee5734]

Agree, Sam is the buddy of buddies. He has unmatched loyalty. A friend that care for you and follow you to hell. Man....

[@anormalguy511]

Honestly I liked both Frodo felt relatable Sam on the other hand was just a homie

[@SilhouetteSE]

Regardless of how loyal and supportive Sam was (and I have tons of respect for him because of those qualities), it was Frodo who carried the ring, not Sam. Frodo endured not only the physical torment that the ring was causing him, but also felt the weight of responsibility, as the entire future of ME was in his hands, and he could not turn back. Yes, the Fellowship was there, but Frodo's burden was the heaviest. Even with Sam next to him, he must have felt so alone, so vulnerable... It gives me chills every time I think about it.

[@AlisonBryen]

I struggle with my anxiety every day. Honestly it's like a daily internal battle against myself. I appreciated this video on a *personal* level that I wasn't expecting.

[@TrangDB9]

Turn to Jesus and pray for strenght and inner tranquility. Also pay attention to your mind, what you think on a daily basis.

[@magorzatarzepka7165]

Frodo was my favourite character in the book. I hate the fact that in the movies they didn't include his acts of courage, such as saving his friends from the Barrow-wight or standing up to the Ringwraiths (near Wethertop Frodo put on the Ring to better attack the Nazgul, not to hide from them as it was seen in the movies). I think that this lack of this kind of his heroics in the movies made him so unbearable for most of the viewers - he always hides behind the backs of his friends and is mostly passive in the films. I prefer the bookish take on Frodo, because it better - IMO - shows the devastating influence of the Ring. It turned a once resolute hobbit into a train wreck and it impress me more than the change of Frodo in the movies.

[@nathang6376]

I don’t think your take on the film Frodo is accurate. He was prepared to take the Ring to Mordor on his own, leaving his friends behind. Granted, he didn’t get very far, but he still took decisive action with no one at his side. He fought Gollum alongside Sam, held Sting to the creatures throat, and spoke with authority. His heroics are of a gentler variety, such as how he believed in and fought for the possibility of Sméagol's return, or how he consoled Sam on the slope of Mount Doom after the destruction of the Ring. These acts may not win him the spotlight or roses at his feet, but they are far from passive or cowardly.

[@jakewoods8847]

or when he attacks the troll, "for the shire," in moria. badass.

[@eliesh3833]

17:17 "Let's be real, we don't see hordes of fangirls for poor Frodo." Actually man, you'd be real surprised.

[@jarskil8862]

Tho are we talking about Frodo, the character, or Elijah Wood :D

[@eliesh3833]

@@jarskil8862 Both, I guess.

[@RoseBaggins]

@@eliesh3833 definitely both for me, lol. Though was a fan of Frodo's before the movies came out, but, still, definitely 5fan of both.

[@nikiii_.]

REALLY REALLY SURPRISED XD I'd literally die for this little hobbit!

[@southernfriedscandal9004]

Oml i love him

[@aia8036]

Thank you. I've been defending Frodo for years while my friends just criticize him. It makes me sad that my favorite character ever is so hated for such toxic reasons :/

[@alexanderkis9041]

I started watching lotr before sleeping. I cry all the time when I watch Frodo's struggle. He helps me to move forward in this very difficult time. The time is difficult not because I have to fight enemies or deal with a lot of stress. It is loneliness, purposeless, etc. The only person who I can relate to is Frodo in this journey. That's why I got pissed when people talk trash about my hero

[@terra1133]

“Courage is found in unlikely places.” ― J. R. R. Tolkien

[@peacefulwarrior9518]

Frodo is White Council levels of wise by the end of the movie. He makes so many correct choices that Sam disagrees with. Trusting Stryder, not killing Golum, leaving the fellowship. Sparing Grima and Saurumon at the end. He makes the most sacrifices and has no jealousy over the fact he doesn't get to enjoy his victory. Just happiness for Sam who he leaves everything to.

[@redbloodbluemoon1423]

I can write an essay describing why Frodo is the most heroic character in LotR but you sum it up extremely well. People often bring up the Sam carrying Frodo on his shoulder scene and describe how useless Frodo is and how brilliant Sam is. While I agree Sam is AMAZING, people forget that Frodo had been crawling on his own. He didn't ask Sam to lift him up. If Sam hadn't done that, Frodo would have crawled on his own too. It wouldn't make things any less heroic for him. And furthermore, while Sam lifts Frodo, he describes how light Frodo had become. How Frodo didn't weigh more than a Hobbit child. Why are these points ALWAYS missed out by the people bringing THIS incident into picture. Just why?

[@JuanPNavarrete]

I need this channel to grow, love these character studies.

[@Maliniasredmask]

yes indeed!

[@suburbanboi2404]

Fr fr. Honestly one of my favorite channels rn. I just hope it can get big enough to where he can do it full time. I want more of this content

[@felixtla93]

@@suburbanboi2404 I prefer a weekly or monthly video where he talks longer. KZbin can't guarantee you in life.

[@suburbanboi2404]

@@felixtla93 yeah you’re probably right

[@josiahmonin211]

HAHAHAHA "As a KZbinr, I am aware that I am also extremely useless" - mate you got me. The way you manage to pull off great perspectives and have that kind of humour is what I strive towards

[@alexissey4023]

I first got into LOTR back in 2011, when I was 13 and I saw the films. I really identified and felt for Frodo, and going through dark and scary times in my life, I thought I had a good understanding and respect for his character, and the struggles he was going through, which weren’t easily seen by others. As I had felt the same with my depression and demons. Now in 2021, and doing a lot better than I was then, and going through the books again (I breezed through them at the earlier time, but didn’t take my time to really reflect about them), and as someone who respects the storylines from the original source over film sources, I just feel torn now between the differences from book Frodo over that of movie Frodo. I really feel like the moments of strength from the book version was really stripped of him, in place to have a more young, naive, more easily swayed character than the older, slightly more wiser and mentally stronger character, until he fully breaks at the cracks of Mt. Doom when trying to destroy the ring. I feel like it was easy for most people not to like movie Frodo because they made him so helpless, weak, easily hurt and so swayed by the ring and hurting Sam, not to mention the addition of the scenes not from the books that really deviated what kind of person he was. Frodo did not hurt Sam in the books like they made him do in the movies. I think it was a better portrayal of how much the ring can corrupt and take control over someone, but it’s still heart wrenching watching a character break more from it than was demonstrated in the books. I don’t know, I know regardless even book Frodo is thrown under the same bus, but if feels as though a lot of the problems of how he is seen stems from the films portrayal of him. I think the difference he portrays does bring light to certain qualities of him, from movie Frodo showing his innocence and resilience of a young hobbit, from book Frodo showing his maturity in knowledge and emotions. Frodo is a strong and capable character, and I wish more people could understand that.

[@alexissey4023]

Oh wow I wasn’t expecting a like, thanks!

[@alterego9618]

Damn dude, thank you for pointing out his “invisible” struggle is more than anyone can handle. This happens a lot with just people who are depressed or angry or something. We can’t see their pain so the pain usually gets ignored and just sits there never healing.

[@rebeccabaumgarten7573]

Exactly. Last fall, I’d been struggling with depression for months that I couldn’t explain to anyone, and I was hearing from so many places messages to the effect of “You’re having the wrong feelings, so stop having them. It’s selfish.” There was one day that it was all bearing down on me so I couldn’t stand it, and I kept saying things to my family that came out as petty and whiny but were supposed to be cries for help, and all my sister could say was that I was “in a mood,” and then, “You’re being another level of B**chy today, and I’ve had enough of it.” And then she wondered why I disappeared for several hours! This is what it’s like to be Frodo. He was just lucky enough to have someone who, although he didn’t understand, never called him b**chy. Now the world does it instead.

[@franug]

I appreciate how you talk about feminine heroism. It's so stupid that nowadays "strong women" characters are just ...men🙄. I became a mom recently and, trust me, now I understand that men have nothing on true feminine strength and heroism

[@PilgrimsPass]

Ave Maria.

[@Aspir7]

@@PilgrimsPass I would love to see your take / conclusions on true femininity in future videos! As you before and Francisca above point out, true femininity (which includes feminine heroism in its sphere) has Her own distinct, corresponding and complementary characteristics to masculinity! I totally agree that modern takes on strong women in recent movies etc just basically show women as gender-swapped "men". Or they show women playing the "man's game" by his rules. She has her own dance and her own rules. It seems Hollywood doesn't understand femininity one bit. I love how in reality the two sides of true masculinity and femininity perfectly complement each other. We are stronger together and complete each other. It is by no coincidence that a culture which doesn't understand femininity and has lost its connection with Her, also has a huge problem with weak men. In my opinion, a culture which represses women or holds them back (which doesn't necessarily mean an overt repression, such as denying their rights etc, but can be more subtle by not knowing how to let them truly flourish and blossom in their own feminine way), is in fact revealing a lack of strength in the MEN of that culture. Weak men leads to repressed or under-expressed femininity. Strong masculinity offers a direction or channel for the force of nature which is the feminine, basically giving her the space or platform to reveal and unfurl herself. Weak masculinity fears the "chaos" of a strong "unpolarised" femininity (unpolarised meaning unmatched by the corresponding masculine) and instead tries to cage her or reduce her down to his level, rather than raising himself up to meet the challenge of reaching her fully. These are divine principles which are sourced much deeper and higher and then reflected in our genders & human behaviours. I read a few years back the theory that, in essence, the principle of masculinity harkens back to this principle of pure consciousness of God the Father, and the principle of femininity harkens back to the principle of pure energy, which is the manifestation of the Holy Spirit (or Mother Nature somehow). We're reaching the limits of what I have learned and can get at least some grip of understanding on as I am today, so I'll stop here, but either way I found this perspective on this Divine nature of the masculine and feminine deeply, deeply fascinating. I felt it touched me somewhere way under the surface, in a surprising way. My gut then told me this means there are beautiful seeds of truth to it, somewhere. The full extent of which are currently unknown to me, and I long to know more! Thanks again for the great work you do which is sorely needed to be spread out into our world! And to all those who add to the discussion and exchange of ideas in a meaningful way!

[@tiago.suares]

A Silent Place does a excellent job portraying a REALLY strong female, i could see myself carrying the burdens the 'Father' needed, but what the 'mother' did... It is another level of strength.

[@killianmiller6107]

A Quite Place Great movie.

[@PeloquinDavid]

There are a lot of strong women in Denis Villeneuve's filmography (especially Polytechnique, Incendies, Arrival and Bladerunner 2049, not to mention Dune) that would make fine case studies. Of those, the strongest would be the mother ("the woman who sings") in Incendies.

[@birdofhermes3506]

As someone who deals with his mental demons on a constant basis and tries his best to be a good man to me, Frodo is the real hero in LOTR... Like it is in our world, unless you deal with the same problems you won't understand, you can help and we're eternally grateful; but you will never truly understand. Frodo shouldered a burden that no one would or could handle, Sam's great for real but he's basically Frodo's anti-depressant

[@turinturambar1688]

Something to take note is how Frodo and Sam start their journey, bilbo went on his hero’s journey and came back more ‘enlightened’ and when raising Frodo taught him, at the start of the quest Frodo isn’t clueless or anything he knows how the world is and works he just hasn’t done it himself, same starts the quest far more like bilbo with his and goes through more of the hero’s journey. Not from Frodo not being a hero but as someone who starts further down the path of maturity

[@ivanturic388]

Frodo is a much better and stronger character in the books, than in the movies... In the movies he is like a lamb sent for the slaughter... In the book, he is a mature person with doubts and insecurities, but prepared to do his duty to the cause, because no one else can, he does it so diligently, with dignity and strong will...

[@MrJdapp]

I love that Aragorn is the king, leader, warrior, hero, gets the princess, and becomes king but Frodo is the hero of the story. The scene where he bows to Frodo during his own inauguration is my favorite movie scene of all time. Both characters greatly represent true masculinity.

[@DB-xc5xd]

I personally never disregarded frodo, I don't know anyone who did. But to read and feel what he is going through was pure agony. It was easier for Sam to support Frodo because he was a friend to him, however, Frodo was given this responsibility without any direct incentive (like feeling elated when you help a friend), he didn't ask for it, he didn't know the consequence, and most importantly he didn't have a choice like Sam, he could leave if he wanted to. Sense of choice can give you power, give you a feeling of control which laked in case of frodo, the uncertainty, injustice of being given unasked responsibility, the unpredictability and the sheer lack of control made my heart break for Frodo. And the ending gives away so much of what frodo went through since Sam went on to live and frodo just couldn't live a normal life anymore. Love frodo

[@MkZuO12345]

Also a thing (at least in the movies) when Sam recoils when asked to give ring to Frodo, they try to portray it as if he's being tempted out of greed. Actually I see him doing it out of pity and wanting to spare Frodo further suffering, however his belief in his friend makes it possible for him to give it back. Also the Frodo's insistance on returning the ring is also framed as addiction but I also see it as Frodo wanting to protect Sam from the torment he has to endure. I love how it reinforces the need for trust in a relationship, how sometimes a situation that will be more painful (but based on trust and love for each other) for both sides (Frodo's struggle with the ring and Sam's witnessing Frodo's torment) can lead to a much better results.

[@jack_skeean]

Awesome video. I really enjoyed the Aragorn video as well. As a brother Catholic, I appreciate how your faith permeates your work even though this isn't an explicitly Catholic channel. Kind of similar to Tolkien in that regard! Looking forward to seeing your channel grow!

[@KnightLincoln]

Where would Boromir stand among these masculinity archetypes? Seeing how he gives in to darkness but in the end rights his wrongs.

[@TrangDB9]

To right ones wrong is very tough, because it's humiliating and one has to overcome pride. Nowadays they even celebrate pride, the first sin ever comited, the queen of the cardinal sins. So yes, in his own way, he was heroic. Besides that he was fighting for the two hobbits giving his life. And he was defending Gondor for years, prior to the LotR story line.

[@ReavinBlue]

hes an aragorn that "failed". until the last second, where he was redeemed in death (or right before death)

[@celeridad6972]

@@ReavinBlue right before indeed, he saw what he had done and dedicated his last moments to correct it even if he didn't manage to

[@Enetide]

Well, he was the best of the best the human race could offer. And the ring unfortunately seduced him. But he corrected that in the end, since after all, he is the best of the best.

[@ianchorne8129]

Aragorn is who good men strive to be, Boromir is who good men usually are. We all fail, we can't be perfect, but we can still pick ourselves up and right our mistakes

[@edenmckinley3472]

Your content is amazing, man. I really appreciate your honesty and depth of insight. And as to what you said about youtubers being useless... well, you're not useless because what you are saying has value. Even though I am not a man, I appreciate what you say about masculinity. A lot of people nowadays avoid talking about what it means to be a good man, which is weird, because it's probably the most wholesome subject on adulthood. Anyway, thanks!

[@mrmoviemanic1]

Wait do people actually dislike Frodo? First I've ever heard about this. The worst I've heard it how some people consider Sam the true hero, which they are not wrong as Tolkien himself even thought Sam was the hero at the end, I don't think LOTR's is a one true hero story as much as it is the bonds of friendship and teamwork, one doesn't work without the other. But in all honesty, Frodo sacrifices the most in order to destroy the ring when he didn't have to do any of this and could've just gone back to the Shire. Overall Frodo is my favorite character in all Middle Earth and I think a good amount of people agree on this as well as loving other characters too. Really good video by the way, please give good vibes to your friend from all of us and let him know that his mother will always love him and is in his heart and memories.

[@gianna526]

There are a lot of people who dislike Frodo. I think it's because they just can't grasp mental struggles, and I've heard more times than I can count, people saying things like he's so weak because he doesn't throw the ring in Mount Doom, that all he does is whine and let Sam do everything for him, and so many other things. It's really refreshing seeing some people who acknowledge mental struggles, and realize how incredibly hard it is. Frodo is my favorite character too, and I hope that more people watch this video and realize.

[@mrmoviemanic1]

@@gianna526 well it might be a small portion of people if that’s the case, literally everyone I’ve seen has said he’s one of the best and that Elijah Wood should’ve got an Oscar nom, which in all honesty yer a few of the actors deserved a nom, Sean Astin and Viggo.

[@rivertwygzbed543]

@@gianna526 Do people not realise Frodo sacrificed everything to save everyone from Sauron and the fact that in the space of a few weeks he endured a lifetimes worth of psychological suffering from the horrible symptoms of holding the ring and the fact he suffered a stab wound so severe even the Elves couldn't fully fix it and he never fully recovered. Frodo is anything but weak, he's an average guy that held a powerful and corrupting artifact for months and travelled to the most dangerous nation in Middle Earth and walked into a volcano In order to destroy it and he had Sauron's big eye staring him down which would make even Gandalf or Aragorn have a heart attack.

[@kevinramos9587]

Your videos on this topic have answered a lot of my questions on what it means to be a good man. I feel like there is a lack of clarity on the issue in society, so these videos are incredible.

[@TheNavyboy333]

There is a lack of clarity on these topics because they are not clear. One could argue that the endurance to tirelessly seek an answer to that question and to simultaneously tirelessly pursue living up to what you have found is the core part of being a "good man." The decision not to become exasperated or cynical in the face of "permanent" uncertainty is admirable to me. Edit: but I definitely agree with you.

[@carloscruzhuanca239]

The problem is not the lack of clarity, the problem is the people who don't want to seek clarity.

[@theproplady]

I always look at Frodo as the one bearing the brunt of the Ring's assault. The Ring had also tried to tempt Sam, but it didn't have much to work with, so it spent most of its energy on Frodo. But who knows what effect it might have had on Sam if he'd been the only one around?

[@MoonDrops33]

THANK YOU!!! I have always said that Frodo is so underrated as a protaganist. The scene where he collapses on the side of Mount Doom and begins to crawl to the top is always the most emotional moment of the film to me.

[@darrenparker284]

Great video. I asked my wife to watch LOTR to help her understand how she was my Sam while I struggled through depression. It really helped us both to simultaneously explain and understand each others feelings and experiences throughout the process.

[@alexwatson7068]

I've been a Frodo fan ever since I read the books! Would you ever do a video on the character of Ashitaka from Princess Mononoke? I feel he is also a great example of noble masculinity.

[@PilgrimsPass]

I love that movie. You're not the first person to request a video for Ashitaka and I agree that he's an awesome character. I might just do it.

[@cecilwhinter]

I always seen Frodo & the ring as a metaphor for depression too actually. I was dying for 5 years waiting for a transplant & I've seen my depression & health problem as Frodo's hardship in the movie so I relate a lot to this video. I also seen me waking from the hospital bed as the scene of when Frodo see Gandalf & everyone else again. However it wasn't at all like that & my days at the hospital were hell itself & still frightens me sometimes.

[@philipbenhardb.velasco369]

Never understood the movies as a kid. I rewatched it this year and man oh man. It's so good. Frodo OP. Not even the greatest of heroes can carry that burden.

[@samuelnicolau4355]

Sou Brasileiro e aprecio seu trabalho. Estou consumindo mais conteúdo em inglês para desenvolver o idioma e fiquei surpreso que um dos canais mais interessantes que encontrei em inglês seja na verdade de um brasileiro. Gosto de como você faz brilhar os valores eternos que essas histórias carregam.

[@HighRoadSoldier]

When I think about Frodo’s struggle and overcoming the power of the Ring, I always think about the scene at the harbor in RotK. “We set out to save the Shire, and it has been saved… but not for me.” To me this perfectly embodies the sentiment that Frodo, while victorious, is no longer that person he used to be. Bits of him remain, but that struggle left him changed and still a little broken.

[@robitussinbrohan718]

Wow, this video couldn’t have come at a better time. I’m struggling with depression right now as well. Aside from God, Frodo also inspires me to keep moving forward.

[@noheroespublishing1907]

This is why I absolutely love Hayden Christensen's Anakin Skywalker. He's a man who was born into slavery, abused and forced to leave his mother in slavery. He has untreated PTSD, is trained as a child soldier, has very few people he is able to communicate with and who can deal with him as best they can. Honestly, his social awkwardness makes total sense, how socially normal could a former slave turned soldier with untreated PTSD actually turn out?

[@dreamer2260]

Not sure I necessarily agree with your politics from what impression I get, but these videos on the Lord of the Rings are just fantastic. Humane, sensitive, interested in spirituality, honour, loyalty, love, with great sense of humour as well. And I've always lamented the lack of respect Frodo receives from many, and the way you addressed it here, valuing his inner struggles etc. was absolutely perfect. Thanks.

[@horatiussonofrome812]

What dont you like about his politics?

[@dreamer2260]

​@@horatiussonofrome812 Well, I don't have a full impression, but I sense he's much further right than me; a slight preoccupation with some of the right's culture war stuff perhaps. But by these videos I can tell he's an honourable and humane person so I can respect someone whose views differ on that account.

[@marshmallowvampire8503]

Same I really like the way he put all of this. Sometimes seemingly small problems can hav a huge impact, and this is why I hate the way the media or even schools talk about bullying like it's so important, yet they depict sexism, climate change, racism, etcetera like its someone's fault rather than giving us hope that we can fix it. The fact that they are so accusitive and nihilistic is something kids with way bigger problems don't need to endure, bc on top of relationships, puberty, and trying to figure out their future, they also told humans are leeches or that society hates them even those they never met. Yes thank you public schools, double the suicide rate. And not just that, the people that say this don't human well enough to hav any authority over this bc of the way they view masculinity. They complain about toxic masculinity before recovering healthy masculinity, and that's how we get all these people that tell men "don't be a pussy" for showing emotion. Or they they limit their view to either men are toxic for not showing emotion or theyr gay, and to me that is a brand of mesagueny. They lack imagination or they understand humans that little. Totally insane, and that's why the men's suicide rate is high bc on one hand they are told to not be angry bc toxic, then when they are vulnerable they are either weak or gay. It's stupid

[@JohanHerrenberg]

@@dreamer2260 I commend you for your stance as someone more in line with the maker of this video.

[@dreamer2260]

@@JohanHerrenberg Cheers!

[@Lothiril]

Frodo is one of my favourite characters, so I appreciate this video a lot. I'm not much of a fan, however, of how the movies represent him. They take many of his heroic scenes and give them to other people or remove them all together, making him very passive in the movies. Mostly he's carried around by others, but that's only the case towards the end. He is still making hard decisions and faces his enemies head on, and it's sad to see that the movies removed so many of them.

[@laruriel7419]

Don’t stop making videos dude, you are onto something!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@martian_turtle4070]

God dammit I can't stop watching your videos. Your calling out of fans who disregard Frodo is spot on, and something I felt too, but couldn't quite explain until I heard your description of how the ring affects Frodo, and how your friend had to deal with depression. Powerful stuff.

[@Lexmorningstarnz]

I’ve said it all along: Frodo is absolutely a true hero by literally bearing the full burden of the ring, especially after we see what it does to characters like Gollum.

[@annaroselarsen4218]

I normally don't subscribe 7 minutes into a video but man this hit home I lost my violin teacher 2 weeks ago she was a grandmother to me and we been in the middle of playing In Dream of the violin and we ever got to finish the song together we both loved lotr and a Sam in my life is helping me with I can't even carry the heartache with in and frodo is close to me at the moment he can't even control his behavior because of the ring and he is broken and your video wraps it up beautifully

[@tanyamoretz]

ugh thank you! it's became trendy to hate on Frodo just because of one minute of weakness and elevate Sam to a hero just because he followed him as a true friend would. i love Sam, don't get me wrong. i read LOTR when i was 8 or 9, and Sam was my favorite character (i know, weird). he was loyal to the core, but it doesn't make him the main hero. he carried the ring for a very little time when he thought Frodo died because of Shelob, and it was enough for him to stumble when he was returning the ring. Frodo had it for months and it didn't change him a bit, he even became more understanding towards others (Gollum for example) i mean, just one thing makes things clear who's the hero - the fact that Frodo knew that he was going to die if he agrees to destroy the ring. Sam was following him with a hope that somehow they will survive; Frodo knew that it's not possible. he purposely chose death because it's what he had to do so others can live. yes, he almost failed at the end, but he was in a place where the ring was created, so it had enormous power. remember, even Isildur, who was destined for greatness, failed there. so no, that minute of weakness doesn't erase his struggles and sacrifices

[@RammingSpeed-lk8kk]

Yeah..well.... Wanna become my waifu?

[@arhamalhameed7719]

This is beautiful. I actually got a little emotional

[@barbarabaker1457]

17:54 Never again drinking water while watching you good sir.

[@edmonddantes563]

This channel gonna be fire

[@fab7an758]

Thank you Pilgrims pass. As someone struggling with depression right now. I needed to hear that

[@jogymogy3691]

I love LotR so much. I am so glad I grow up with the movies.

[@gretaclayton6173]

17:17 I've been a Frodo fangirl since I was 14! There are definitely Frodo fangirls out there. You just have to look for 'em 😂💕 And I appreciate you making this video because I agree! Frodo doesn't get the recognition and respect he deserves in the fandom, and it's sad that he's completely overlooked. Yes, I agree that Sam and the other members of the Fellowship were an important part of destroying the Ring. Heck- the others helped provide a distraction in Return of the King to help out Frodo and Sam. But seriously, who do these people think was carrying the Ring the whole time? I swear... 🤦‍♀️

[@KlonoaTorqueBow]

This is the first "longer" video that I've sat and watched in one sitting in years. Thank you for making this. It was concise, and you went in-depth more than well enough for me to see your points. Relatable content, and I enjoyed it.

[@yoshikagebuma7941]

Ever since I was a kid Frodo was always my favorite character, and out of all the characters Frodo's life was changed the most to the point where he has to leave Middle Earth, and his friends behind to help him deal with all the mental, and physical trauma his journey with the one ring has brought him.

[@PKTraceur]

As a young widow, I knew exactly what you were referring to when you spoke about what he was going to, though I’ve only realised this now. You really don’t see the internal battle, because someone like me, who has suffered one of many pains that people should never go through, couldn’t even see or empathise with him…

[@matthewkearney8570]

Dang this is a hidden gem of a channel

[@Jitterzz]

I love this channel, it agrees with many ideas I’ve been thinking for years that no one else says.

[@milo_thatch_incarnate]

I think video essays are undoubtedly one of the best things to ever come out of the Internet-and certainly KZbin. Yours is especially excellent. Thank you for all the work you put into making it.

[@reddnacpil4420]

whenever i watch you content, i always rethink some of the choices ive made in the past and recent times. And i feel like i always change for the better. thanks man.

[@emilianocaballero8518]

This was insightful, as per usual. Thank you.

[@drewskee380]

Excellent breakdown and most thorough and accurate analogy on this topic. Well done sir!

[@lolbitbot4791]

People forget that the ring turned a normal completely sane and upstanding hobbit into Golum a monster. Lesser rings turned the 9 human kings into ghouls only hungry for power and completely subservient to Sauron. A literal angel refused to touch the thing.

[@glowingaura185]

Thank you for making this video!! I've always loved Frodo for all the reasons you explained and I would always get funny reactions from people when I'd express I was a Frodo fan girl lol It's awesome to see so many years later more people start to recognize how amazing he truly is!

[@TrangDB9]

They all depended on each other in order to fulfill the task. Even Boromir, who saved Pippin and Merry, who then did their own part.

[@nikkolaplagiues9552]

Amazing work! Thank you!

[@qujmilton]

I came to this channel for the Brazillian imperial banner and stayed for the content your videos are top tier you deserve more subs.

[@idiotengineer3925]

These are great breakdowns of masculinity in characters for frodo and aragorn. I always feel off watching the modern movies that just seem so bad today. I am literally not excited for any movies that have been announced since Endgame

[@thecause456]

Keep these types of videos coming man you’re doing great work

[@ATEN_DNAR]

Beautiful insight. You are putting excellently into words what many men need to hear.

[@sheenabaharudin]

I truly enjoyed this, particularly your impression of Saint Bernard. Thank you :)

[@axeljakobsson7480]

Absolutely love the videos, and the underlying thoughts and reflections! It expand and serves as a great way for me to meet and try to understand a school of thoughts which I very rarely stumble upon in my own world. It is truly a shame that not more people reflect in these terms, but rather dwell deeper into other, I would say, even more paradoxical thoughts. ( this is in relation to other videos as well not only this on, so it might not really make a lot of sense;). Thinking of the dune video). Love the internet for this!

[@jbcrazy]

Excellent content. Your remarks about strong women and bumbling men portrayed in media is spot on. Very deep analysis makes this a great essay and a "subscribe" is in order.

[@Greasy__Bear]

My best friend from the age of 7 committed suicide without warning in the middle of 2019 I sank into depression with the only thing keeping me afloat was being expected to go to church. Then the covid madness came along and my last support was pulled out from under me. But by the grace of God am I still alive. Now I find that when I criticize the the church's policy of shutting down for a year in a half and stating that it was the cause of the return of my porn addiction. Multiple people have told me I should have reached out, or should have coped with the weight that crushed me. I don't quite relate to frodo's because my actions don't affect the world, and I didn't have a sam to pick me up. I do relate to being crushed completely by what was given to me.

[@tiago.suares]

Yeah, mandatory nudity at a military base, now that's what i call a real Brazilian experience ™ Cheers from Paraíba man, it's good to see a fellow Brazilian producing good content.

[@christinemerritt974]

Wonderful Job on interpreting Frodo’s Agonizing and HEROIC Struggle!!❤

[@Cryomancer21]

Stumbled upon your channel a couple of days ago. Loving these videos about Aragorn and Frodo. Waiting for the one about Gandalf. It would aldo be interesting to hear your thoughts about other members of the Fellowship. Greetings from Russia

[@fathermikeschmitz4355]

This is a fantastic assessment. I'm super grateful for your insight.

[@fernandobazilio4110]

Cara, gostaria de te parabenizar pelo conteúdo, de verdade! Cada vez mais eu me apaixono pelo universo de LOTR, e caras como você ajudam bastante a gente a entender melhor as nuances e o significado por trás da estória! E sabendo que tu é brasileiro dá mais orgulho ainda hehe

[@ameenalaxman127]

Frodo was and will be my favourite character! He is the protagonist of the trilogy for a reason

[@Eruvador1]

Love it! On pronunciation, you do you, technically we have Tolkien’s translation of various languages so mostly it’s people being mean not accurate lmao

[@malachite5338]

Love the channel man! You are really inciteful!

[@dopejoel]

Wow, your sincerity and empathy combined with reason and sound arguments is really a breath of fresh air.

[@DarkAquaVII]

Watching this video and reflecting on my life for the last 3 years, it has made me so emotional and to understand things better. I love Frodo and Sam, they are a true inspiration. Thank you for making this video and opening up my eyes! ❤ I'm so thankful to have LotR throughout my life. I wish other people can see why us LotR fans love this trilogy.