Heroism and Moral Victory - The Lord of the Rings

[@jacobsadler2898]

I've always thought Theoden was the most underrated character. His character development and inner demons hits me deep in my humanity.

[@GodsGrieff]

Well said!

[@richardrose2606]

I think that the most underrated character is Samwise. After all, he's "just" a gardner.

[@druss8052]

@@richardrose2606 Then again, what is a gardener? One that seeds, so that the world may flower. One that feels nature for what it is and plays on the harmony of it, his own melody.

[@K4113B4113]

@@richardrose2606 He's not underrated. Everybody loves Samwise and for good reason.

[@silverhawkscape2677]

The glow up he gets is great.

[@cole4218]

Your video brought me to realize what is so uniquely powerful about the moral victories in LOTR: from Boromir saving Merry and Pippin, to Aragorn letting Frodo and Sam go; from the elves coming to fight alongside men for one last time, to Merry and Pippin refusing to run away and leave their friends behind despite how insignificant they supposedly are in a war of bigger folks; from Theoden leading the Rohirrim to Gondor believing he rides to his own doom, to Aragorn and his men marching to face the full might of Mordor in order to give Frodo and Sam a chance; from Gandalf entrusting such a monumental task to so small a folk such a hobbit, to Sam never breaking his promise even after his friend rejected him----almost every single triumph in LOTR, everything the final victory depends upon, is a moral triumph of virtue, friendship, and courage. This is what sets LOTR apart from the other epics. It tells a story where the victories never hinges on last minute battle tactics, enemy hidden weaknesses, or game changing items. There is no thermal exhaust port, secret Horcrux, or Dracarys. LOTR is almost purely about the triumph of the good things in this world worth fighting for.

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

That's beautifully put!

[@lucasgill7819]

Elgarlen you made me realize that i love Tolkien's world much more than i thought

[@colt4531]

Bringing seasoning for a roast chicken on the way back

[@jameswebber359]

However much I agree with your point I would like to add that Toliken coined the term 'eucatastrophe' to signify that Gollum tumbling into the fires of Mount Town was also another form (in other name) of deus ex machina or luck which you allude to happening in other films/books. Counter point: One could argue that said "luck" was gained by the combined actions you metion of many people within Middle-earth, but more specifically the "The pity of Bilbo.... rule[d] the fate of many". Could this also be said to be a virtue and (as the video states) a form of courage when other choices could prove to be safer. But "for what values are we willing to suffer defeat"?

[@Rahel_Rashid]

Dear sir/madam, you just convinced me that I actually like LOTR more than Harry Potter. What a beautiful piece this was. Thank you.

[@shaggycan]

Theoden wasn't afraid of death he was afraid that he was 'a lesser son of greater sires'. That he didn't live up to the deeds of his long fathers.

[@debrickashaw9387]

In the end, he certainly did live up to his forebears.

[@juanjacobo36]

Maybe he was afraid to die before proving himself. He was in a sense jealous/intimitaded by the great acts of Aragon.

[@shaggycan]

@@juanjacobo36 definitely at first, especially when he learned that Aragorn had fought with his father decades before. So not only was he the heir to Gondor, but he had earned many more honors in battle.

[@lucasgueiros7531]

And he was right to fear so, his reign was a fool's reign until the hornburg battle, he had yet to prove himself as a king

[@celtofcanaanesurix2245]

Your point is made more valid by the fact that he mentions his forebears before he mentions his own son in his dying breath

[@bagfootbandit8745]

I love the point about Tolkien making moral points that transcend things like gender. It underscores something that I think LOTR underlines: no matter what your world looks like and how little (or much) you can do to change it, there is a greater light that ought to shine through every one of us.

[@GroundbreakGames]

Thanks for this.

[@smugprout5698]

Only idiot think of gender when they watch lotr

[@Green.n.Purple]

I hate when americans/europeans see something wholesome and immediately use it to promote their clown politics. Yeah, you can be a good person even if you're a woman, but it's messed up for you to only highlight the 'gender' aspect and pay no mind to the innocent midgets who have no experience with the real world outside of their oompa loompa utopia putting their lives on the line to better the world.

[@strongbear3369]

There is also nothing wrong with gender roles, they are purely natrual and good

[@prisma6799]

@@strongbear3369 ..........what

[@daniel_netzel]

I honestly wouldn't mind if you switched to only ever covering The Lord of the Rings. This was beautifully done, can't wait for part two!

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

Thanks Daniel! Part 2 is almost done but I still feel there's a lot more to talk about so who knows :P

[@DailyDoseOfInternet]

thanks for making this

[@chopperhead2012]

DDOI I LOVE YOU Now if you haven't already done so, come join us at r/JordanPeterson, bucko

[@ilo2224]

Daily Dose Of Internet I love your channel man, great videos.

[@articcenturion8387]

Keep great man.

[@dempz1109]

Hey you

[@finnleason6916]

Awesome, I knew I liked you.

[@akeelbrown7675]

The fact that tolkien used the story as secondary to the worldbuilding goes to show just how much of a genius Tolkien was as he created arguably the best fictional story of all time.

[@332ndcompany5]

"This world was real, more real in fact than the one we left, when we opened the covers of that book."

[@RtB68]

As a boy, I was a poor student. I never read books. I got given by my dad the Lord of the Rings for my 13th Birthday and thought "what a shitty gift". When I was 15, for no particular reason I can put a finger on, I picked it up one sunny Sunday afternoon and opened the cover. I finished it by the Wednesday. I barely slept or ate. I went truant from school and read it all day while hiding in the trees near my house. When I finished it I was utterly drained. When my father found out I'd been truant I thought he'd butcher me. He instead asked me what I had learned. I didn't have an answer... I didn't actually know what I had learned. Over the years that followed I ended up reading everything Tolkien had written and studied the lore of Middle Earth very deeply. The gift was the discovery of the joy of reading. Not such a shitty gift after all. That's what I learned. Thanks dad. RIP.

[@332ndcompany5]

@@RtB68 yeah Tolkien's works are valuable treasures! That's why it is the pinnacle of all fandoms, followed closely by Star Wars and Harry Potter. I am glad to hear the story of a fellow 'Tolkienite'. 😊 I read the Silmarillion 3x about ten years ago. Mainly because I wanted to make a game about it akin to Lord of the Rings Conquest, or the more recent, For Honor. However, I'm still working towards doing that one day. Making smaller games as I go. It's particularly nice though, that Christopher Tolkien published/is publishing 3 novels in that era. The Children of Hurin (2007) but more recently The Tale of Beren and Luthien (2017), and lastly The Fall Of Gondolin (2018). My personal favorite is Farmer Giles of Ham.

[@derpynerdy6294]

@@RtB68 the lord of the rings is a glimmer of light that reminds us what Humanitys fundamental qualities and beliefs. courage, sacrifice, friendship, trust and Hope. in this age where good vs bad was looked down and prefer a black and white scenario, lotr reminds us what we truly are and inspired us back to our roots. in my opinion

[@bagfootbandit8745]

I've never heard of a satisfactory explanation of what the One Ring represents until now.

[@evanmcclellan7267]

Same here

[@JohnDoe-wt9ek]

In layman's terms. It is the embodiment of all evil made manifest in one singular thing, and its profound effect is so deep, that even those who've never seen, touched, or interacted with the one ring, even knowing it from myth and legend after it was lost so long before the events of the Hobbit and LoTR, so desired to have control and manipulate it to their (weak) wills as a weapon against darkness. Boromir's own expectations (found in deceit cloaked as righteous goodness) of the one ring is exemplary of just how profoundly steep, wide and gripping the ever present power of the one ring has on mortal men. The very fact that Gandalf even grew angry and openly rebuked Frodo from the proffered ring, telling him that it would corrupt him and make him incredibly dangerous, tells just how deeply dangerous and vile the ring really was. So much so that the 9 Wraiths who traveled seeking Frodo were bound, eternally, to it and its will and to Sauron as slaves, despite their grandeur, in life, as kings. The One Ring is, by any direct relation, a fictional embodiment of Sin. Greed, hatred, malice, anger, jealousy, lust, deceit, and selfishness. But it is not Sin itself. Its the object of such evil, but not evil itself. That while destroying it may not rid the world of evil entirely, it will rid the world of a powerful entity that embodies every aspect of evil incarnate.

[@Rivershield]

This is why we must protect the works of Tolkien from being perverted by post-modernists.

[@CATboss001]

I know the Lord of the Rings isn't an allegory, but I feel prouder as a catholic none the less! In elementary school I already was obsessed with the lotr, but when I became catholic it was like I had the chance to completely experience it all over again!

[@ronweasley9001]

I don't know if you're still interested or if you already knew, C.S Lewis who is J.R.R. Tolkien's friend also wrote something in a similar nature. The Chronicle of Narnia is a good read :)

[@derrickhighley3762]

I needed this tonight. I have felt so alone and i have always been an avid middle earth fan. And what was stated in this video of how the one ring is singular and that is its weakness. And true strength is with others made me realize. I dont need to be alone. My spirit can heal if i open up to others. Its been very hard as of late. Loss can be so overwhelming. Thank God for people like you. God bless you. You are a beautiful man for this. I never praise youtubers but i think you are in this to help people see the bigger picture weather it be through film or interpretation. Thank you. As i said, I needed this tonight. I know you wont read this but i wanted to state my appreciation to you.

[@eytschayim26]

How are you?

[@derrickhighley3762]

@eytschayim26 I am doing much better nowadays. Thank you for asking. Things have been hard as of late, but I am choosing to look at it as an opportunity to do something different then as a setback. I do appreciate you asking. Hope you are well these days mellon.

[@brucetucker4847]

One correction: the three Elven rings were NOT given by Sauron, he never touched them. Unlike the other great rings they were forged without Sauron's direct participation. That is why they don't corrupt the wearer the way all the others do. However, they were still made using knowledge Sauron had taught the Elves, so they were subject to the One just like all the others. During the Second Age, while Sauron still had the One, the Elves were unable to wear or use their rings lest their minds and wills be opened to Sauron's domination. (In the appendices to LotR it is said that the Dwarves believe that Durin's ring was given to him by Celebrimbor, the Elf who made it, and had never been possessed by Sauron, but Sauron still would have participated in forging that ring.)

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

Ah my bad, thanks for the correction!

[@nathantcampbell]

Colbert is that you?

[@ratcaca9798]

The reason people think wrong is because the movies imply differently.

[@Sivart343]

The lack of corruption was because the wielders of the Three did not wear their Rings while Sauron held the one. Whether this insight was due to Sauron's lack of direct participation in their forging or the power of Gil-Galad and Galadriel is unclear, but since all Ring-lore was derived from Sauron, him not overseeing the creation of the Three ultimately is semantics and they are subject to the One as much as the Seven and the Nine. Save that the power of the Three was in preservation and staying, not domination of others' wills.

[@bradwilliams7198]

Another subtle point about the One Ring: Tolkien says in one of his letters that Gandalf probably could have used the ring to defeat Sauron militarily. The same is likely true of Saruman, and (possibly) Elrond and Galadriel. But, they all would be morally corrupted were they to try (Saruman already was!). In his letter Tolkien states that Gandalf as Ring-Lord would be far worse than Sauron (from a moral perspective). Tolkien says that Gandalf with the Ring would have remained righteous, but self-righteous, and would have made Good seem like Evil, causing his subjects to make morally correct choices by force and coercion rather than free will.

[@earganon]

Amazing review of Middle-Earth's underlying philosophy, but a quick correction: You had it the other way around Theoden wanted to gloriously ride out and meet Isengard's forces in the field and it was Gandalf to discourage him from this course knowing of the defeats at the fords of the Isen (the way you describe the events is from the Movies). To me, Theoden never came across as afraid of death, but rather afraid to die unworthy. Even when going down in a heroic blaze of glory, he stood by: As orcs raided across his lands unopposed, as his son died needlessly, as Mordor commonly stole and corrupted what his people and culture held most dear (their horses), and worse of all as he submitted his subjects to the advice/will of a tyrant. He feared shame and condemnation from his kin in death, not mortality in and of itself. In contrast, Eowyn (pre-redemption) appeared to me someone who gave into nihilistic hopelessness, where the ennoblement of death in battle comes across more as an excuse rather than an aim. As you said, in his writing Tolkien isn't opposed to the pagan concept of the glorification of death in battle, as long it's in the pursuit of a nobler goal and not the goal itself.

[@reimaginethesounds6694]

I noticed the same mistake, but (like a lot of other details) I prefer the way is portrayed in the movies. Peter and Co. made the trilogy with enormous respect for the books, but twisted the little details to making the story a little more heartbreaking, like Faramir arc, the elves in Helm's Deep, or the Sam line "there's some good in this world".

[@_Fornad]

Adrian Heimpinenr They missed Faramir's point completely. His character was butchered.

[@reimaginethesounds6694]

Yes, but I prefer him like that, with flaws, instead of the all mighty Numenorean that can resist the power of the Ring. Giving him insecurities creates a better arc for him, specially in the relationship with his father and the sacrifice in Osgiliath. Same for Aragorn, instead of being this "I'm a king because kings are great and have all the pretty chicks", the changes made him more appealing, and growing as a strong character with the loss of Boromir, the fights side by side with Théoden, and the final contrast with Denethor. Characters that were more butchered are Denethor, by not showing the Palantir or Gimli as a persistent comic relief. While I can pass Denethor, because he is portrayed like those Numenorean's kings whome listen to Sauron because of the blind necessity of having undying power.

[@kurtjohnston8370]

Beautiful, incredible. Faramir & Eowyn describing what is to come and what they hope for brings me to tears, the life of simple joys and happiness after seeing wrath and destruction.

[@haidengeary8277]

You, sir, have an absolutely incredible mind. This is the single greatest channel, IMO, on YT. Not only your mind, but your voice as well. You seem to be such a humble person, this , above all else, I think, is what I enjoy. Sounds kind of odd, I suppose. It is wonderful to sit back in bed, and just listen. Thank you for sharing your passion with us.

[@iamrubenmes]

Your pace, your voice, your writing. I enjoy listening.

[@chucknorris202]

Great video! I must remind me you though, as a lifelong fan of Tolkien I must say this: Aragorn didnt reject Eowyn because "the image of a battle hardened warrior he projects is mistake or false" no indeed Gandalf himself said Aragorn is the greatest warrior and commander of Men of the Third Age and recalls the glory and valor and prowess of the numenorean kings of old(like Ar Pharazon who conquered Sauron). Even Boromir accepts him as superior and King, and Boromir is a character who only truly honors, more than himself, great warriors, such as Gandalf...and Aragorn. The reason Aragorn rejects Eowyn is threefold. One, he is betrothed to Arwyn and this more than all the other reasons is why he rejects her advances. Two, Elrond foretold/made Aragorn promise that he would be alone and not find comfort in a woman until his toils were over and he had not only defeated Sauron but reunited the North and South numenorean kingdoms and then he could marry Arwyn. Theres also the impression that since Aragorn is the greatest of his race to ever be, equal to Elendil and perhaps even greater, that he could not marry Eowyn and find happiness - for long. because he would outlive her by many many times her lifespan, and it seems he would only marry once. That leaved only Arwyn as his option for a queen due to his long lifespan(he dies at age 210; he is 87 during the events of LOTR). And three Aragorn has the gift of foresight to a degree; much like Gandalf. He is constantly compared to Gandalf in fact. I think he foresaw that Faramir would be the right Man for her; and he for sure knew about Faramir long before even meeting Eowyn. Great video though! it is inspiring and reminds me why I love Tolkiens world so much.

[@mariatag6396]

I love Rohan so much because it, of all the races and kingdoms of Middle Earth, it feels so real and raw and human. It feels like something that could easily have existed somewhere in distant history, as well as its characters.

[@H1940-z7z]

Can I just say that you have one of the most emotionally explanative and thought provoking channels on youtube. Your work really gets at the essence of what it means to 'Be' a human being.

[@Freshwater121]

I never saw this aspect of LOTR as prominently before this video. You’ve opened my eyes to new value of the story, even after years of me knowing it.

[@cameronkinsella6981]

I swear to god dude every video you make is a masterpiece, like there hasn't been a single one that hasn't drawn me to emotion or made me feel better about the world. You retroactively make every movie/book/game/tv show better by analysing it so for that, thank you.

[@felixtla93]

Lotr is very much relevant these days. Triumph against evil and inspire hope is some of Mankind's greatest themes.

[@davidcross9811]

The Lord of the Rings is the only book I have ever read that has moved me to tears; and I’ve read many, many books.

[@mdb4292]

LoR is also so appeling because it describes the fundamental archetype providing example of each of them their darks and good sides. For example, it provides an example of the ideal king, the bad king and the king in between who almost felt in the bad side but manage to overcome it. And the impact each aspect of the archetype can have on people. It is a really didactic book and seems like a guide not to how being heroic and have success but to how to be in peace with ourselves and bring value to our lives.

[@jamieyoung9392]

A very scholarly and personal analysis. You have a real gift.

[@guitarman0365]

God I hope I don't live to see these remade. Hopefully Hollywood has at least some small amount of restraint left and leave these alone. Yes I do also understand these are in themselves somewhat remakes of the original animated versions.. but still! At least leave enough time for us who grew up with these versions to enjoy them before they are revisited.

[@drakenfist]

In many ways we have already seen a poor remake of LOTR...The Hobbit trilogy. It almost follows the exact same story beats, but with uninteresting characters, terrible romances..fight scenes that go on for too long and aren't even remotely interesting and a main character who gets lost in his own story.

[@tylus126]

Amazon TV is producing a LOTR series as we speak, so please reconsider! I would agree with you in the trilogy's sanctity, yet compared to any other 'franchise' that have been remade, LOTR would have the potential to produce the most public good as far as I am concerned and demonstrated in this video.

[@eggsybenedict7014]

I heard Amazon's series will be based on materials other than LOTR and the Hobbit - likely the Silmarillion. I really hope they can make them good, because there are so many great stories in the Tolkien Legendarium.

[@drakenfist]

Eggsy Benedict Yeah, by involving The Tolkien Estate (who own's the rights to The Silmarillion and other Tolkien works). They really have the potential to dig into some amazing work's that the films were unable to touch, mostly cause The Tolkien Estate didn't like Peter Jackson's version and forbid him from touching the aforementioned works.

[@eggsybenedict7014]

nolan palmer I heard it's mainly Christopher Tolkien who didn't want his father's works to be adapted (and turned into merchandises). Considering what happened with the Hobbit, I can't say I don't understand his decision. He's retired from the Tolkien Estate now, and clearly his successor took no time at all to change direction...

[@sujaynair4666]

This is one of the best video essay channels out there.Seamlessly blends storytelling with philosophy and spirituality ...Great, sincere, meaningful exploration of LOTR ... Cant wait for part 2 !

[@shara1979]

You are so insightful, well read, thorough, diligent and intelligent!

[@dreamer2260]

Very sensitively put. Great to see someone getting to the spiritual and moral values that make the LOTR so powerful and transcendent. Also moving to hear someone talk of compassion and pity and empathy in this way; of course as you say it’s all in the books and films, which is why I love them so much. Anyway, great video. Brought tears to my eyes a few times, so thank you!

[@viiking01]

No profanity, no nudity, innocent at heart, pure in it's approach to a narrative of good vs evil, uplifting, untainted, encompassingly embracing in warmth and breadth of its characters and locations, Peter Jacksons addition of the cinematic flair with the perfect choices of music and art direction, tales of taking the moral high ground at all costs, Christian comparisons of following the correct path and having faith. In this modern day and age the books and movies are as near perfect as we may ever see.

[@ashleyromero8941]

This video put all the words to express my love of LOTR that I didn’t know how. I’m in tears because the story makes me feel happy, safe, strong and capable of facing any foe or struggle. Thanks for such excellent care for this video. Cheers!

[@mk45gunnr25]

this video touched the righteousness (is that the proper way to say it?) inside my soul. Tolkien's work, since I was a boy, has always spoken to me in a way that only my Love for God has. Especially today, when those cloaked in the "greater good", are trying so hard to enslave the common man, his work is relevant to the sharpest point. Beautifully put. May God see us though safe. Deus Vult!

[@lennysmileyface]

I'm not religious and one thing I like about LotR is that it isn't overtly Christian and it allows the story to appeal to all people religious or not. I haven't read the books but the films never directly reference Eru Iluvatar and I don't remember really even noticing anything coming across as Christian in influence. Most likely to do with the fact that Tolkien hated allegory.

[@21stCenturyCatalyst]

@@lennysmileyface idk that he was saying LotR was overtly Christian anyway. But most people misunderstand Tolkien. Yes he hated allegory, meaning he hated stories that were straightforward copy and pasted symbols. However he specifically defends what he calls "applicability," so interpretation, metaphor, symbolism, etc. LotR is full of themes and motifs directly inspired by Christianity. They're also universal. That's the great thing about art, it speaks to universal themes. Have a good day!

[@fattylumpkin5899]

Oh my goodness, my favourite uploader here with a video on my favourite series. I'm too tired right now to give it the attention it deserves but I will be back!

[@Trowa71]

Brilliant. I recently reread Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe. I see how CS Lewis's protestant faith, with it's slightly more relaxed rules, found it appropriate to mirror the story of Jesus. A more staunch Catholic may find such techniques sacrilegious. I didn't understand at the time, though, how Tolkien's faith played a role in his stories. But now you explain it as him putting a catholic spin on his beloved pagan myths, and I'm floored. Well done! Can't wait for part 2!

[@blablabubles]

All Catholics appreciate what Tolkien does. One of the key points of Catholicism is that throughout history it uses and elevates whatever is good and true in non Christian cultures.

[@piodominichartnett]

The word 'Catholic' comes from an old greek word which simply means 'universal'. One of the effects of a Catholic faith on one's work can be that, rather than being worried about being sacriligious by using direct allegory, it is more open to using anything and everything in the world (universal) and seek to find God there. So you could say Tolkien may have preferred the 'history' method because doesn't try to force a more narrow and particular message at you, but rather is open to a lot of different facets of truth being discovered in it, which are going to look a little different for everyone who watches it. For example... in CS Lewis, Aslan is Jesus. Pretty much simple as. But Tolkien, who is, let's say, Frodo? He saves everyone by destroying evil. So maybe he's like Jesus? One of looking at it, sure. But he also messes up, and gives in to evil at different times, just like any of us. So he couldn't be supposed to represent Jesus and no more than that. He could also be us, in a lot of ways, sometimes. That's the beauty of the 'universal' method - there is a rich, and wide amount to uncover in a story or a character, because the author has left it as open-ended as possible, while still being particular enough to give you something which is real and true and authentic, and not nonsense. Sorry, just some thoughts on that, given what you'd mentioned. I'm a Catholic and I don't find Lewis' approach sacriligious. But I do probably overall prefer Tolkien's method, because it allows a more open-ended exploration for lots of different people from different backgrounds to be able to find something enduring and universal in common.

[@crimsonthumos3905]

@@piodominichartnett Tolkien was a zealot who opposed Protestantism or anything vut Catholicism so he definitely wasnt taking the universalist mentality you're saying. Catholicism is universal because it applies to everyone and its for everyone, it does not entail universalism of ideas

[@jonahnolastnameneeded3130]

“Whether you were introduced to LoTR through the movies, or through the books...” *Me in the back playing the Lego game on my DS*

[@karlsengupta7185]

Beautifully crafted and philosophically and theologically acute. Bravo!

[@pattraHrn]

I’m a bit late to the party but I just want to say that your videos are so beautifully done. Amazing work!

[@lukashuettner]

Rohan was a true homecoming for me. In such a way that I can't hold back my tears when revisiting it in Jacksons work. It's magical.

[@bagfootbandit8745]

LSOO doing a video on LOTR? OMG

[@davidsirmons]

so would that be.....LSOTROO?

[@Morg8685]

please don't stop making these , please your type of videos give comfort to my soul

[@aaronstark5060]

:20, I actually cannot remember when I was introduced to Lord of the Rings. That’s because my dad much loved Lord of the Rings and it was part of my life before I was even making memories. So for me, there wasn’t a time before LOTR, it’s just always been there.

[@Fieroxe]

After being fired by Gandalf, theoden doesn't hide at helms deep! He immediately rides to reinforce to ford's of isen, and only redirects to helms deep after hearing that the defense had already been scattered, choosing instead to fortify the still strong position of helms deep. That seems like a pretty massive difference from the film that's worth mentioning

[@andrewjazdzyk1215]

Yeah I think in the books Gandalf even suggests going to Helms Deep. The, "You have to fight," was ridiculous considering they had nowhere where they could possibly withstand a force of that size with the time they had.

[@getAliKhan]

“…it was the right thing to do and so…the outcome of the battle no longer matters…” Damn! This is what is meant when they say the fight is won or lost before the battle begins. When we give ourselves to a greater cause we cannot be defeated, even if we are destroyed.

[@PhilosopherJEB]

And yet, he still managed to outdo himself. I think LSOO may have just set his own high water mark. Your stuff is amazing and it only seems to get better. Shared this to my Facebook, because your insights need more exposure! Cannot wait for Part 2!

[@ratcaca9798]

This video is beautiful. For a mad tolkien fan like me this has gone deep in my heart and i am literally in tears.

[@coronisk.1564]

So often, I see people upload videos that should be 21:9 format as a 16:9 format and think "that's dumb. if you just upload it in 21:9 format then people w/ 21:9 get a better viewing experience and it literally wont change for people w/16:9". Thankfully, you're not dumb. You have my respect.

[@choppalouie8883]

This was fantastic, makes me want to read the books again. Can’t wait for part 2, keep up the good work man.

[@jameswebber359]

Ask not what are we willing to sacrifice for victory? But instead for what values are we willing to suffer defeat? Simply wow. Thank you for another brilliant video.

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

Watch Part 2 here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXm8nZWda7d-g6M

[@mindmanna8135]

Haven't seen it yet and I know Ill watch it at least 10 times. Thank you for continuing the good work. Keep at it, please! Your videos are like water in a vast existential desert.

[@SpaceChimpProduction]

One of the only channels that I'm dieing for a new post keep up the good work

[@FortranScientific]

Some of the best videos on KZbin. Can’t wait for part two!

[@veen23]

you should read works by Mircea Eliade about religion, myth, spirituality. he is a Romanian historian of religions. i am sure you will find his works worth your time. i can recommend you some if you like

[@mindmanna8135]

Sure!

[@nlvtv]

Wow man, fantastic video! I can't wait for prt. 2!

[@Kvetinacovic]

Oh, best news before sleeping. Cant wait for Breakfest to watch it and motivate me! Much Love LSoO!

[@Kvetinacovic]

Yes, that was great breakfest! Thank you! :-)) I might watch LOTR again soon, right after finishing my first reading of Hobbit tale. Or maybe read the whole LOTR :-)

[@HeroixseFtw]

If I had knew this excisted, id gotten A instead of B on my Lord of the rings analyze i did a while back. Damn bro, this video was pure joy, Im so glad I witnessed this masterpiece.

[@connorstansfield6461]

All of your videos are works of art and deeply respectful tributes to the films they represent. KZbin has never been so poetic and thought provoking. I am so glad I discovered this channel. Thank you.

[@MrDreadEnd]

I don't know if you still see these comments but I love what you are doing and the questions you see being posed and answered in cinema! I hope you continue to be well!

[@markotts]

Just wanted to say thanks for your eloquence and attention to detail, my students have loving this series after watching your video on the banality of evil. You manage to convey the essence of how stories are so intrinsically linked to us as human beings in a way that I never could, and have given them great insight into how crucial it is to think critically when consuming texts. It has also given rise to fantastic discussion on where the line of a moral victory stands and at what cost is 'victory' achieved. I know its about three years late, but even now you are contributing to help shape young minds all over the world, and if that isn't clear validation for all the work you have put in for this series and your channel, than I don't know what is. Keep up the fantastic work, we all appreciate it

[@TheBritomart]

You’ve done it again, LSOO! Am thrilled that you have taken on the much beloved LOTR, a personal favorite. As usual, you have illuminated the universal themes of an epic work with simplicity & depth. Am proud to sponsor your work & look forward to your future installments.

[@MasterDrewboy]

Perhaps it is a matter of age and your being wiser and more learned, but your work is so much better and deeper than many of the younger film and book analysts in booktube. Your work is truly amazing and I hope booktubers can learn from you sir

[@otilialampman7850]

Thank you for adding to my understanding of one of the greatest stories ever written.

[@Mahrimae]

Congratulations on finding a sponsor you can endorse so wholly :) looking forward to checking it out!

[@pocenha]

Best video about LoR on KZbin. God bless you

[@drinnoshika4233]

Got into listening to the audiobook with my husband before we got married. Now i plan on transitioning mtf and living this sorta moral victory because of this story as well as listening and gifting advice to my friends and new family. Recently had a friend thank us and call his God's messengers because these months of us being besties he's been helping us out as much us helping him out. Even had his 5 year old daughter say happy bday to my husband and it melts my heart. This life had a rough and cruel start and wished not to do the same mentally bankrupt and horrific things they did to me. I almost killed my brother multiple times for his years of constant physical violence as well as manipulation and...... used me up. I'm happy i survived and didn't kill myself due to my parents and my older sisters abuse and im happy this existence has rewarded me with amazing people these days.

[@Imrahilx]

Every once in a while...KZbins recommendations gets it right. I have binge watched a majority of your videos today, but like the story of Lord of the Rings, I keep coming back to where I started. Thanks to you I have six new books in my wish list and a new subscription to watch for. Keep up the good work! Your channel deserves more success!

[@jamesjoelholmes4541]

What always gets me about Middle-Earth mythology is that we are all in-between. We can cooperate with one another in an effort to overcome great challenges, or we do not. From a flat tire to war. We must work with each other to have any chance surviving this world while we can. Follow our conscience-for good or ill-help our neighbor or stranger to fix the broken tire, or not. Encourage one another to find a way to help our fellow in trouble or not. The cost may be high (or not so high), but our humanity drives us to help when disaster occurs. That term, "Middle-Earth" gives us a sense that none of us are either in heaven or hell, but struggling between. Help if we can (mustn't we?) Or not. At the end of the day-this is who we are? In my experience, folks are almost always willing to pull over-from whatever they are doing-to help a stranger along their way. Fix the tire, help with some small change from your pocket, or just lend a helping hand, help dig through through the rubble. Because we are all in this world together. Help or don't. Find fellowship or remain isolated. If I have the courage, I choose to help if I can.

[@franug]

Amazing video, can’t wait to part 2!! I recently re-read The Silmarillion, after around 15 years, and found so much new interpretations and meaning in it. The mythology is so vast and profound that one can read it in different stages of our lives and find new things. LOTR, both the books and movies, are so important to me.

[@Annatar]

LOTR, The Witcher, Interstellar... you always pull on all my heartstrings! Thank you so much for providing heartwarming and edifying content. God bless you and yours!

[@endpoint76]

This is one of the best videos I have ever seen.

[@beregond67]

I'm a simple man, I see a video essay about LOTR, I subscribe

[@boyandimitrov3655]

The lord of the rings will always be my favourite fantasy story of all time. I am thankful for this video because i cannot fully explain the significance of this masterpiece to my friends but in this video you do an amazing job! Congratulations!

[@smithjack1741]

I don't understand how months later this doesn't have more views. I come back to these. These have enhanced the experience of several stories I've loved but couldn't find the words to describe why.

[@temporarymomentary]

That feeling when I saw it for the first time is like fall in love for the first time. You will never forget it.

[@MrDreadEnd]

I watched lord of the rings as a child and I was always so shocked by galadriels inner demon witch mode that I never recognized her vicory over her desire for dominance.

[@qntm.e]

I have to say - this was so moving. I have been engaged with Tolkien's work as a professional composer for a long time, and I felt that you verbalized what I have been trying to do with music with this beautiful work. Congratulations on a job well done and for bringing us the underlying values and emotions of Tolkien's brilliance.

[@bobbybooshay5854]

You deserve way more subscribers. This is an unbelievable video. 👌

[@danlax9961]

He that is slow to anger is better then the mighty , and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city - "proverbs 16:32"

[@ErikGruber]

In the book I believe Theoden actually rode to war against Isengard but was warned of a large host of orcs and retreated to helms deep.

[@Monki_29]

It was after the uruks attacked helms deep though.

[@chemicalman53]

This alone was worth a sub from me, for it touches upon things that I have thought "around the edges" so to speak, but never could clearly articulate for Tolkien's work.

[@nicholasbestevaar6064]

Thank you so much for another incredibly insightful analysis. Several times I laughed out loud in joy because you expressed what I felt but couldn’t articulate so clearly. I realised this is what I’ve loved these books for, the triumph of the spirit in the moral victories. I’d like to offer an opinion, at 11:44 - I don’t think Faramir ever wanted glory. That was the difference between him and Boromir. He wanted acknowledgement and acceptance for who he was, rather than who his father wanted him to be. When he finally realised he would never get it, he surrendered himself to his fate in a hopeless battle. He almost martyred himself, but like Theoden & Eowyn, was spared a pointless death so he and Eowyn could together find their spiritual victory. (To me, this is the real love story of the trilogy.)

[@Eikonofawesome]

That is just beautiful, man.

[@gloriabaquera5434]

I love your videos! And I absolutely love the lord of the rings. Ever since I was a kid, like 9 years old and watched the movies with my family. The ending of this video made me cry a bit, because things like empathy and kindness are truly the way we defeat darkness and hate. We all need to work together and love each other as siblings. We're all different, and that means we're all the same.

[@Geep1778]

What always gets me when I watch this is the female elf arragorns boo that to me represents the perfect archetype of the goddess. She always picks him up in the face of doom and encourages him to fight on. She loves him so much she’s willing to die for him and willlingly gives up her immortality. In a world filled w women trying to be men and feminists gone wild it’s a breath of fresh air to see what the ideal woman looks and acts like. She’s easy on the eyes too...

[@MrComputerCoder]

5 minutes in and you realize it was just the introduction. Still blown away!

[@heathersstories6765]

Your video essays are a gift. They will shape how I structure my future books. Once I'm not broke as hell, I will seek to support you financially.

[@HalconiisdaBuonarroti]

Thank you. You have changed my perspective about LOTR. What I thought was an exceptionally well-written fantasy story turned out to be a true epic, and one of the most spiritually significant narratives I know of. The concept of "Sanctification" and the supreme importance of a moral victory were ideas that really really stuck with me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

[@jeffs2518]

Stuff like this makes me so grateful to be alive in this time in history. Thank you, this is brilliant.

[@CreativeCat333]

Man, your videos give me the best of sleeps. In a good way.

[@h3rbst_schm3rz14]

That was beautiful, thank you! Looking forward to Part 2 :)

[@onatgz]

btw this may be *THE* best video i've seen on lord of the rings. be it books, movies, both, contrasts, comparisons, ALL OF THEM. hory shittû!

[@kon310]

I can't believe this is just half! So much great material. Can't wait for the next!

[@bard5865]

I had been waiting. From the first video I found of yours to many more I watched with great delight, I was waiting for you to indulge in my most beloved story of all. And you delivered! Excellent. I will wait for the next part with the utmost patience.

[@mateusbr263]

The most underrated channel in youtube. Congratulations on your moral victory in content creation.

[@kennethkim1221]

This content makes me a proud LOTR fan. Thank you LSOO :)

[@lyannawinter405]

This... is a masterpiece. Incredibly well put into words. Wow.

[@chickenchasr1]

What an outstanding video. I know this is a year old, but thank you.

[@gfmundial]

The best video about Lotr that I ever saw! Wow, so eloquent and precisely pointed. Great, great work. Thank You sir.

[@thomaslecky5301]

5 minutes in, I knew that this is a video I will be coming back to many times.

[@iamignasio]

Hello from South Africa! Just Wow! Where do I start? Your channel is so incredible! Ever since I watched the video on Interstellar and then Arrival (my two favorite films) I have been a huge fan! I just love your unique perspective and insights, they are really illuminating. Keep up the good work!

[@deusexmachina9776]

it is almost 3 am, we should be sleeping

[@iamignasio]

Indeed we should be 😂😂😂 but when one gets a notification that one's all time favourite channel has a new video, one watches right away!

[@Djaybird]

Your videos make my day, its so stimulating after having a joint, my mind wanders and i get very cerebral when i think about everything you're saying!! Thank you!!

[@Jack-Steel]

Here's a second thumbs up because YT would only let me give you one

[@heatherlou-v9c]

Just found this channel. Love it! The narrator's voice is beautiful and so relaxing xx

[@Jahremz]

Your work is beautiful. As a child, I've knew that stories give a mighty important vision of reality. The so called "adult world" took that away from me, and among other things, your videos help me reclaim that. Thank you :')