Lord of the Rings Isn't GAY! It's Bisexual...

[@verilybitchie]

There is a new, superior video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHOrlmh_bp2hrck

[@SebastianSeanCrow]

4:49 I love the way Tolkien frames it honestly. His whole thing wasn’t “this is a story I wrote cuz in a nerd who loves me kids” he was like “I have found these old documents of some far reaching culture and have managed to decipher its language, here is a rough translation/localization of this historical first person account”

[@michelepella2768]

I love that creative solution. I remember studying Italian literature that this trend was started by Alessandro Manzoni, in the novel "The betrothed" ("I Promessi Sposi"). He writes a small prologue telling the reader about how he found an old manuscript with the story in it.

[@AnnaGirardini]

@@michelepella2768 Wow! An English speaker who read The Betrothed! As an Italian student I had to study it twice at school for Italian Literature class. And then I read it a third time as an adult, because a creative writing teacher told me that you can read it as a novel about power dynamics and it is true.

[@TigerPrawn_]

Joseph Smith could never

[@karateinvalids]

I know this video is about bisexuality, but honestly I think you’ve articulated part of what so drew me to LotR as an aroace person. Because the story is coming to us through a million cultural lenses, both fictional and real-world, the characters’ relationships are allowed to exist without being crushed into specific tropey boxes. Frodo and Sam love each other, in a way that is important and affirming and complete and completely specific to the two of them alone. Frodo, Sam, and Rosie’s little household at the end is absolutely something I could picture having with my best friend and her fiancé if we were brave enough. Anyway, your content is really underrated and I appreciate the nuance you bring everything you discuss.

[@MercuriaObscura]

Hey, just commenting to say: discuss living together with them, and perhaps it becomes a reality! I always thought I'd end up alone because I don't want children, but my current partner and his other partner see me as part of the family and now we are actually planning to find a house that is big enough for the three of us and their future kids and perhaps one or two mutual friends. It's amazing, we can actually make these things happen, so it is worth making the leap of faith and broaching the subject.

[@gnomee9447]

Just here to pitch in: Absolutely do be brave. You are the protagonist in your own story and you deserve to be happy. You can do it!

[@dreamingfifi]

Thirding to say "Go for it!" My wife and I (I'm pan, she's a lesbian) live with our aro-ace best friend. We've been sharing meals and a gaming table for 9 years now - It's worth it!

[@paguindignada6392]

@@dreamingfifi omg thats so cute

[@orbismworldbuilding8428]

That's true, it's litterally made to be translated between hundreds, thousands of cultures since the events happened after Frodo, Sam and Bilbo wrote the book(s). This whole story is like a mythology

[@Skag_Sisyphus]

I have been saying "sam is not gay, he's bi" for years and no one listened and it is sooo nice to hear you say why so much more eloquently than i ever could Edit: (i did miss frodos bi-ness though and i am convinced. )

[@squashfei8907]

Sam is also poly, I am convinced now

[@Skag_Sisyphus]

@@squashfei8907 you know what? Yes. And Frodo isn't, which is why it didn't work out with Frodo, Sam, and Rosie.

[@siberiasian]

I was watching LOTR#3 with my family and my dad said: "Well, Sam is, of course, bisexual". I didn't really think about it before but then I realized. Sam IS bisexual

[@siberiasian]

@@squashfei8907 you're so right

[@siberiasian]

@Kristopher Prime holy hell, let people have headcanons

[@verilybitchie]

I've been reminded that Gimli crushed hard on Galadriel, meaning Gimli is also bisexual. I'm so sorry for erasing your bisexuality, son of Gloin, grandson of Groin.

[@Bimtavdesign]

Lol

[@sparksfly6149]

I fucking love this

[@dustind4694]

None should doubt the bicon that is Gimli Gloin's son. He'll steal yo' girl from beneath the menril trees and snuggle yo' boy on the walls of Helm's Deep.

[@dustind4694]

​@@Beregond1861 Point me to one instance of something truly outside of nature in the world as we know it. One thing. Even empire and industry, for all that I find them tragic and embarrassing in their futility, are expressed through the laws of nature into a world composed of all things that emerged... From nature. There is no sudden alchemy that makes a thing not of nature, least of all when it is something we do not like. Not sure how a concept can be definitively, scientifically and biologically 'scum' unless it is in fact describing spirogyra and/or cyanobacteria (admittedly this is strictly for pond scum, there are other kinds). Thank you for explaining that Tolkien wrote fiction, we were very confused, and not at all just another bunch of fans on the internet.

[@sparksfly6149]

@@Beregond1861 Down bad huh?

[@CannibalPrinceTV]

I'm going to quote the hell out of that. "I'm very bisexual, and it only gets worse as you age."

[@themaggattack]

The perfect quote for my astranged mother who "hoped I'd get over my bisexual phase."

[@nitzeart]

I can confirm, it does get worse as you age 😅 or better, should I say?

[@aperson-zf9fy]

why is the part where sam talks about frodo written like a pining fanfic

[@scottylilacleona9193]

Where do you think they get it from

[@renaigh]

ALL Fantasy Literature has its origins.

[@abrilgomez4671]

Aragorn is straight but he kisses his friends and he is caring and he isn't insecure when a women is better at something... And I love him for that.

[@jgr7487]

that used to be seen as the strength of a man in bygone times. it wasn't common, but it was at least something to strive for.

[@shawqin992]

I'm always attracted to the mixture of traditionally masculine and feminine traits in Aragorn (at least film version, because I haven't read the book in nearly 10 years)

[@marksalazar4086]

Me too

[@helvete_ingres4717]

when was a woman better than him at something? The only accomplishment a woman has in the entire story is Eowyn slaying the witch-king and Aragorn wasn't there

[@aelfrey3918]

@@helvete_ingres4717 This is a bad faith argument. It assumes that the only areas that a woman could be better than him at something is on the field of battle. Eowyn protected her people in the caverns of Helm's Deep, and would have been their last defense if the men had failed, and bore the pain of not being allowed to fight. Arwen pushed him to accept his role as the King of Gondor, even when he doubted his worthiness. And those are just a few examples. Aragorn himself showed humility when others did something more worthwhile they he did, as evidenced when he, the newly crowned king, knelt to the hobbits who sacrificed everything to save the world. _He_ would never reduce Eowyn to a singular accomplishment.

[@mollywillo]

as someone who is ace and aro-questioning, i've never understood the difference between romantic and platonic love; if romantic love isn't contingent on sex, then what differentiates it? so this video was cool because it reminded me there's a who spectrum, the labels don't always matter.

[@CristalianaIvor]

Honestly: I don't think there is a big difference. *Maybe* romantic love is a love that makes you crave for spending alot of time with that person and have a household together? But honestly: can't you have that with anyone?

[@mwva13]

I'd equate "platonic love" to the love I feel for my friends and family. I guess the romantic a love (without sexual desire) involves fantasizing about the person, or desiring to have some intimate experiences with them that reminds you of the (often monogamous) romantic pairings in fiction. In other words it's romantic love if you say it is... though this is just the opinion of one kinky stright-man.

[@emily-hj2hh]

IMO, platonic love can border on the romantic if it's deep enough with some friends (ir maybe I'm just confused?) But in general: platonic bonds feel warm and comfortable. You might enjoy shared activities or deep talks, and desiring touch and a love that lasts forever can still occur in the platonic sphere. Whereas, romantic love.That's more selective. I want to stare deeply into someone's eyes and caress their hair. It's more euphoric. If a friend writes a poem about how epic our friendship is, I'm like "awww! I love you too!" and we do a big squeezy hug. I might get kind of blubbery and gush about how much we've been through together and how cool they are and how grateful I am for them. But if a romantic partner composes a ballad about our love, the world completely stops. They glow. And I'm not going to notice if their song is terrible. And for me, kissing is probably going to be involved more, and involve more tingles. When holding hands with a romantic partner, especially at first, my hand is going to be a bit sweatier, embarrassingly enough. But as someone who isn't ace, it probably involves some desire to bone. But that can happen with platonic love and just be fun. Whereas with romantic love, again, the world falls away. Though I thought I was bi for a long time because I can be romantically in love with a man or a male-coded nb. But if we're...doing the thing. I have to close my eyes and imagine.. ANYWAY. Just my experience. I'm going to go cool off -_-

[@sophiejones7727]

Friend: I’m glad when you’re happy, sad when you’re sad. I like spending time with you, but would get uncomfortable if we were forced to be together constantly. Romantic partner: I feel physical pleasure if you are happy, and physical pain if you are sad. There is never a time when I will mind being with you: being with you feels exactly the same as being alone. Not even close to the same thing. As a mostly ace (but almost hyper-romantic) person.

[@mollywillo]

@@sophiejones7727 wow I have never heard it explained like this, that is very interesting! I guess I must really be aro then, and it’s kind of sad to me. But who knows, life is crazy!

[@atticuspappin2504]

"He does sound like a bit of a virgin but it's ok" I actually laughed so hard. Great delivery . So funny.

[@ashe1317]

I'm no longer identifying as bi, but Italian™ 😏

[@michelepella2768]

Mamma mia

[@michelepella2768]

@Francesco Damiani siamo in due lol

[@AnnaGirardini]

@@michelepella2768 o siamo in tre

[@qradrer4276]

Isn't that the same thing

[@KaleaJordan]

"I used to write all my notes in dwarvish runes" ME TOO

[@jennybartle]

"It's a very cool thing, it's like larping while reading" XD

[@Felixiroflife28]

Sam felt torn in two... bisected if you will... Samwise’s feelings... were bisectual

[@StormiArt]

hahahaha

[@stawpicouldvedroppedmycroi5127]

Then I couldn't read my notes...that affected my grades , XD I'm dead

[@guy-sl3kr]

Her deadpan delivery had me rolling hahaha

[@glitterberserker1029]

I've never been happier with a reading of LOTR. I didn't know my soul needed for Frodo, Sam and Rosie to be some sort of bisexual throuple until right now

[@casssidyy711]

ikr?? hearing that made some sort of piece click in my brain. :) i’m very happy

[@goyonman9655]

Except sam is straight

[@inzhuna]

This is amazing, I'm thoroughly convinced, and I'd honestly watch a whole series of you discussing LOTR.

[@verilybitchie]

"Don't tempt me, Frodo!"

[@Ella-gj7vr]

Yep I would love to watch it too. :D

[@themaggattack]

I think you'd make the most beautiful Tolkein larper, but I'd be happy enough just to keep hearing you interpret Hobbitish and Elvish. My pan-sapio nature is enchanted by your humor, knowledge, heart, and beauty, m'lady. 😍

[@ryannishikawa1356]

Pleeease

[@CygnusTheSilly]

And the Silmarillion

[@Eris_Norregard]

Once the video ended I realized that my cheeks are hurting and then I realized that I've been sitting here listening with this stupid huge grin on my face, probably this whole time. Amazing video. And a good analysis, I honestly dislike it so much when people deny Sam's love for Rosie. It's clear that he loved both Frodo and Rosie very much.

[@squashfei8907]

Probably because it wasn't portrayed very much in the movies

[@DingoTheDemon]

Hobbit culture really reads (to me) like an easygoing bisexual commune where everyone shares with each other.

[@themaggattack]

Except those petty, judgmental, basic, thieving Sackville Baginses!

[@casssidyy711]

everyday i wish i were a hobbit more and more

[@redhippopotamus9144]

That's just Communism

[@rageagainstthemicrowave1313]

in that case i wanna be a hobbit

[@mxanarchycake]

As if I needed more evidence that my life goals are to become a hobbit

[@elinacarter7985]

Absolutely love this! I think one thing people forget is that we don't actually know Tolkien's orientation. Now I have no doubt that Tolkien was attracted to women - I say this because I've read some articles that conjectured Tolkien was 100% gay and repressed, but I DON'T see this as the case. However, Tolkien's descriptions of male characters are very...not what I would expect from a man who was 100% straight: "[Feanor] grew swiftly, as if a secret fire were kindled within him. He was tall, and fair of face, and masterful, his eyes piercingly bright and his hair raven-dark; in the pursuit of all his purposes eager and steadfast." "But Turin was young, and only now reached his full manhood; and he was in truth the son of Morwen Eledhwen to look upon: tall, dark-haired and pale-skinned, with grey eyes, and his face more beautiful than any other among mortal men, in the Elder Days." "And Voronwë cast back his hood, and his face shone in the ray, hard and clear as if graven in stone; and Tuor marvelled to see its beauty." Tolkien describes male beauty a lot - these examples are not from The Lord of the Rings, but in LOtR, he does mention how beautiful Legolas is quite a bit, in particular he keeps going back to how "fair" and "slender" his hands are. Now in the case of Legolas, it could be said that Tolkien is trying to distinguish Legolas as an Elf, a different species, but Tolkien still has a habit of describing male characters as beautiful and having other male characters notice it. In contrast, I don't remember this being a pattern in the works of C.S. Lewis, a contemporary and friend of Tolkien's. (Tolkien was also a big fan of the works of Mary Renault, a bisexual author who was noted for writing openly queer characters and relationships.)

[@sophiejones7727]

I mean true in the sense that Lewis only does that when the perspective character is female. Whereas Tolkien has Frodo and Bilbo notice this stuff. Of course, with the Silmarillion, we don’t know whose perspective we’re reading. Tolkien was a fan of Mary Renault? Where did you see that? That is ummm...interesting to say the least, if it’s true. LOL Tolkien gay and repressed? These peeps be tripping.

[@elinacarter7985]

Tolkien mentioned being 'deeply engaged' with Mary Renault's novels in a letter he wrote in 1967. He also said that Renault wrote him a fanletter and that it was "perhaps the piece of 'Fan-mail' that gives me most pleasure." So they were mutual fans of each other's works apparently.

[@mysterylovescompany2657]

Tolkien was unabashedly a ho for the Bishie Sparkle.

[@sophiejones7727]

@@elinacarter7985 ah ok, 1967, I’ll look that up. Neat, thanks!

[@themaggattack]

@@mysterylovescompany2657 🤣🤩😍💖 So true!

[@Bandajify]

What an amazing and thorough video! I found myself stuttering a bit through it "but.. but.. but love!" but then you tied it together neatly at the end. Awesome job

[@verilybitchie]

XD Thank you, glad you liked it!

[@CristalianaIvor]

Reminds me of the gay/bi erasure stories where they are like "THEY ARE ROOMMATES" 😂😂😂

[@mysterylovescompany2657]

OH MY GOD THEY WERE ROOMMATES

[@CristalianaIvor]

@@mysterylovescompany2657 is it gay to marry your roommate?

[@mysterylovescompany2657]

@@CristalianaIvor only if you're homies, not if you're gal pals. ;-)

[@grafinvonhohenembs]

Haha! This is great! And motivates me even more to re-read LOTR this year through a different lens.

[@warriorcatskid003]

The way Tolkien writes relationships is just so so good. There’s a lot of room for interpretation when it comes to if they’re romantic, platonic, or somewhere in between but that almost doesn’t matter bc they’re just so…warm, so genuinely touching. And as someone who is both bi and acespec they make me very happy

[@goyonman9655]

Honestly, there's nothing in the book to suggest Sam being LGBT

[@SingingSealRiana]

​@@goyonman9655 . . . .funny there IS also nothing sugesting that Adam and Eve ever slept with eachother in the bible .

[@SingingSealRiana]

Yeah, you can read the Love, but No one cares about what exact Kind ist IS, No need for Labels. ITS what I call queer friendly though Not representetive fiction

[@goyonman9655]

@@SingingSealRiana They had children

[@gianna526]

@@SingingSealRiana ?? They were the only two humans in existence of course they did

[@layla-8369]

You got me teared up with the lster part of the book. Yes, Frodo and Rosie would not tear Sam in two

[@swannbenziane7880]

Legolas and gimli are friends but frodo and sam seem pretty much like a couple.

[@stormewolfe4565]

I am utterly ashamed that I have never come across your channel before. THIS IS BEAUTIFUL

[@lorenzomaldonado2050]

This was absolutely amazing ! I loved how you deconstructed the love dynamic of this series - it's honestly one of my favorits ashwel most of all becsue my boyfriend legit friend reminds me so much of sam - a short, affectionate, curly haired, honest harded, Irish, bi guy. that I love with all my hart ☺️💕 - and when you read that part about there affection when they held hands and kissed eachothers foreheads made me just blush and remeber how we do that at the begging and end of our dates 😭💕

[@UniversalistSon9]

I think of it as they being of Faery, they don’t see sex as we do as a primary physical thing but as deeper-as with most social interaction-as a deeply emotional thing...a spiritual thing, which to us might seem pan or bisexual or erotic

[@gross_punk9539]

Precisely

[@AnnaGirardini]

You cited Italians. As in Italian woman, I can say, yes, I am very allowed to hug and kiss my female friends, and we can express almost the same affection towards men friends (if done in a sisterly way) and men can hug each other and kiss on the cheek. Kissing on both cheeks is a normal greeting among close friends and family members. But I think Gen X and Millenials have absorbed a lot of "no homo" silliness and sometimes male friends want to express their affection to one another but feel embarrassed. I hope it will get better for Gen Z.

[@lucilasandoval3084]

"I'm very bisexual and it just gets worse as you age"

[@carpevinum8645]

Non-toxic masculinity, bisexuality and polyamoury. Thank you linguistics 😘

[@homu790]

I love this video. It makes me very happy and full of joy. I used to be very into LOTR as a young teen and that was around the time I came out as bi. I didn't know the word queer back then or anything like it really because of where I live, but I understood it to be to some extent about people like me. I couldn't really put a finger on it, just sort of got it personally. Growing up I assumed that read to be "wrong" in some way, still valid just factually not what was happening. Now I get it better and it finally feels right in my head, like the pieces slot together and fit into this picture you have helped my mind paint. Thank you :)

[@pahbody5336]

Wooo!!!

[@homu790]

@Kristopher Prime what i meant was even without me even knowing of the existance of the word "queer" in any way, as a young bi man, found the relationships and characters relatable on an instinctive level. definitons kind of have nothing to do with this, so i dont know why're you bring it up.

[@andrewdavies5637]

I'm binging your videos after just discovering you, and "What is love? Bilbo don't hurt me!" made me lose it! ;p

[@sissymarie2912]

"It only gets worse as you age" accurate

[@CrisSelene]

I am currently re-reading LOTR and i totally forgot that Sam followed Frodo into the West. that part got me teary-eyed. I also used to practice writing in Elvish and Dwarvish runes. I would copy books in the script because i loved the way it looked

[@YvonneAburrow]

I learned the runes from the end-papers of The Hobbit too 😍

[@nondescriptcat5620]

Frodo and Sam are the most wholesome ship I can't even. Literally crying. I'm actually writing a polyamorous bi throuple and FrodoXSamXRosie is Goals.

[@nondescriptcat5620]

@@annieandelsieofarendelle3294 "Frodo and Sam aren't gay." correct. they're bi. if you watched the video you would know this.

[@tomnyskull]

@@annieandelsieofarendelle3294 thats a valid interpretation, you have yours and we have ours, different perspectives can coexist :)

[@annieandelsieofarendelle3294]

azucena It’s not an interpretation. It’s really Tolkien because newsflash not everything is about sex and romance. Sometimes two close people are just friends

[@nondescriptcat5620]

@@annieandelsieofarendelle3294 except it's literally interpretation. Frodo doesn't strut around declaring that he's exclusively attracted to women. no one in the story is "canonically heterosexual," their attractions can only be inferred from their interactions with other characters, so Aragorn/Arwen is canon, Frodo thinks Goldberry and Galadriel are hot, and he shares a deep mutual love with Sam.

[@TalonSky]

The opinion of the author only matters so much, once a work is released to the public. Even less so when the author has passed. The point of art is to be interpreted, seen through different lenses, for everyone to read something different and personal out of it. If your opinion hinges on what the author tells you to think, and not what you think for yourself, then you aren't engaging with the art, you aren't thinking about it. And you know who agrees with me? Tolkien himself, that's why he didn't like C.S. Lewis's work.

[@GuardaGuada]

I feel like the text of all your videos could be a really good book of essays in pop culture and gender/sex and etcetera

[@joeastham0]

I swear.... this chick is giving me life with the deadpan jokes.

[@BigmanDogs]

I sometimes feel like its detrimental to sexualize any form of intimacy between men. Because it reinforces the idea that it makes a guy gay/bi if he is too emotional etc. around his friend. I have observed how guy friends are a lot more touchy with each other in places where homosexuality is illegal. I think you hit the nail on the head. I wonder what can be done to fix it without it involving homophobia 😅

[@UnusVita]

That was unexpectedly emotional for me. I was expecting something light and fluffy, I got a deep any meaningful examination of the fallacy of limiting ones perspective on the nature of love.

[@MysticMuttering]

Galadriel: “In place of a Dark Lord you will have a Queen!” Frodo (and me): “Threaten me not with a good time, my Lady.”

[@holynutters]

Gimili and Legolas isn't a lovers relationship. They bonded in the field of battle against orcs it was built towards each other's respect after fighting a common enemy not something sexual. *Bonded not boned oops

[@verilybitchie]

Lol you said they "boned"

[@Skag_Sisyphus]

@@verilybitchie I'm pretty sure they did bone

[@RyanDB]

I think the concept of a queer lens might have gone over your head a little ;)

[@emily-hj2hh]

But.. he tossed him. Do you know how intimate it is for a dwarf to allow himself to be tossed? That was clearly a metaphor. Repeat English lit IMMEDIATELY.

[@sophiejones7727]

You’re talking like there’s something less meaningful about a sexual relationship. Also you’re implying that “lovers” means sexual partners when it doesn’t. The Sindarin word “mellon” literally means “lover”: but specifically doesn’t cover sexual desire. If that confuses you, then you need a better imagination.

[@Eluthane]

So I had never read Lord of the Rings before this year. I knew from the movies that people projected a romance between Frotto and Sam. But it wasn't until I read the story that I saw just how much it was in the text. I would just keep yelling at my husband "OMG they're kissing again" and yeah that big 3 way marriage was great

[@CelticLibra]

You had me in tears at the end! This is the most beautiful, thought out nervous breakdown I've seen. Frodo and Sam did love each other - whether it was gay, bi, or platonic, you cannot deny that love. And that is beautiful.

[@jamiequinn5553]

I would buy like 3 copies if you recorded an audiobook for LOTR, just saying

[@verilybitchie]

Thats my dream job.

[@jamiequinn5553]

@@verilybitchie you have to, the world won't be complete without it

[@LucentMembrane]

I found it at last: The perfect video.

[@lizzydobbie3496]

I howled with laughter at this and I loved the fresh insight on the rampant bisexuality in the books. Thanks!

[@ArtemisScowl]

12:50 The voice off screen scared the shit out of me because I thought there was someone else in my room. 10/10 video

[@HikariMichi42]

I think the queerest part of LotR is the idea that the book was supposedly written by Frodo, yet the scens following him and Sam are often from Sam's perspective. This forces the reader to draw one of two conclusions. 1: Frodo basically wrote fanfic shipping himself and Sam, imagining scenarios where Sam confesses his love for Frodo out loud while the latter is asleep and waxes poetic about his beauty, gains strength while tempted by the Ring by being reminded of his love for him, or likens Frodo to his "fallen mate" that he defends by fighting Shelob. Frodo had no access to Sam's thoughts in these scenes, and in two of the scenarios I cited Frodo is unconscious. This could make it seem like Frodo either has a crush on Sam, or thinks very highly of himself (not likely, given his depression over his failure to destroy the Ring). 2 (more likely): Sam really wanted his feelings to be included in the book, so he told Frodo what he was thinking in those moments and requested for Frodo to write it down. Some of these scenes have no significance to the plot (particularly the one where Sam admires a sleeping Frodo), yet Sam still felt they were still too important to be skipped, and Frodo apparently agreed. You can imagine that Sam describing his feelings directly to Frodo would make for plenty of emotional moments between them in Bag End. Before anyone gets mad, please don't take my comment too seriously. I realize that the idea of the book being written by Frodo is just a framing device to give the story some extra flavour. Yet if you do interpret it literally, the reader has no choice but to accept that either Frodo made up Sam's thoughts on him whole cloth, or Sam recounted them to him directly after the fact. And on a meta level, Tolkien obviously did feel the scene where Sam is awed by the sleeping Frodo was crucial enough that it couldn't be skipped, despite the fact that it doesn't directly serve the plot (he mentioned that every passage was rewritten many times, and nothing was included that he didn't think was important). Now, is this definitive proof that Tolkien thought of Sam and Frodo's love for each other as romantic? Of course not. That's where the reader's interpretation comes in. It only proves he thought their love, however you define it, was important enough that it couldn't be skipped. The tongue-in-cheek part of my comment is the one where I said Frodo wrote "shipping fanfic" about himself and Sam. I'm not saying this is literally the case or that it was Tolkien's intention, I'm just joking about how easy it is for a modern reader to make such associations. And when I say "the queerest part", what I really mean is "the part that is the most conducive to queer readings". I don't mean that only queer readings are possible or correct. But yeah. I'm very much in favour of everyone interpreting Sam and Frodo's relationship the way it makes the most sense to them, and no interpretation's really wrong (except perhaps if you think they secretly hated each other). Obviously our readings are informed by the culture we live in. But also, queer people have always existed, even if they've sometimes had to express themselves differently in times and cultures where they couldn't live and love openly. It's also worth pointing out that Tolkien's conscious intentions (or lack thereof) are not the be-all and end-all, because sometimes the story goes in a different direction than you planned and it's possible to unconsciously insert meanings for other people to discover and interpret.

[@mush5956]

This is the most enchanting and moving nervous breakdown I've ever witnessed

[@AngDevigne]

"Thank you for watching this nervous breakdown." Au contraire, thank you for breaking down fantasy tropes, nervously.

[@jennipherem3695]

DAMMIT, I thought I was the only one who'd written the Galadriel theory

[@SebastianSeanCrow]

12:56 that interjection made me jump I thought someone in my house at 12:25 am said something 😂

[@JimmyJacksonDapperPinkAlpaca]

Same, that freaked me the hell out lmao

[@VinniePrisbrey]

I can't explain why but a trans Galadriel makes so much sense to me. It's like it's something I've always known.

[@dreamingfifi]

Her "mother name" (Elven version of a personal name) is Nerwen, which literally is "man-maiden" in Quenya.

[@juinnyc2198]

@@dreamingfifi WOW

[@orbismworldbuilding8428]

@@dreamingfifi Woah!

[@CommissionerManu]

@Kristopher Prime careful not to cut yourself on all that edge you have there

[@sweetkinglore]

@Kristopher Prime oh you had to ruin the fun. Piss off

[@PeakeABoo]

That "No it's not." at the 12:50 mark had me up and looking for an intruder, because it was just a voice that I couldn't properly understand.

[@mysterylovescompany2657]

A great man once said, "All Eldar are to be presumed female until proven otherwise." ^_^

[@pencilpauli9442]

"What's in a name?" Gamgee, a type of cotton wool padded bandage invented by a Dr Gamgee of Birmingham. Sam is a Brummie... or more pertinently, he holds and binds the hurt until it heals. That Tolkien was a philologist, he must have chosen the name with deliberation.

[@dreamsrealitytxc7839]

I'd like to input that Sean Astin, an unproblematic hobbit king, once said that - Sam and Frodo should've kissed and who says they didnt.

[@lynnspring2378]

I’ve watched this twice in a row because I love it so much.

[@trashonstilts9432]

This video is amazing, thank you for making it! Galadriel being 193cm and having a deep voice and also arguably being the most beautiful woman in the world feels very validating and affirming to trans women in general, and especially to me as a questioning transwoman of that exact height! And it's funny because there's a stereotype of short dudes have a thing for really tall women, and Gimli has the absolute hots for her.

[@trashonstilts9432]

@Kristopher Prime You missunderstand: I'm not insinuating or assuming that she is trans. I'm just saying that the fact that she is very tall and deep voiced while still being considered the most beautiful woman is validating to me, as a woman that is tall and deep voiced. The fact that I happen to be trans is only relevant because it obviously adds to my insecurities about those features of my body.

[@sarcasichor]

damn the ending got me tearing up

[@NancyLebovitz]

In addition to the gender aspect, it's just a pleasure to see someone take the idealism in LOTR seriously.

[@vintagetechno]

My husband and I just finished watching the movies so this couldn’t have come at a better time xD

[@serene_togepi]

your voice is like a warm hug. i love your videos so much

[@theinfamouswedgiegnome3838]

Firstly, new here, and really having fun with the content. Secondly, I have to use the captions, but have hearing…woman, your captions are hilarious. I love that you don’t seem to be using the auto caption thing, because it’s terrible. But the difference between the script in the captioning and what you are saying when I’m able to hear it…chef’s kiss. It’s small stuff, but it delights me, and you are hilarious. Both speaking and writing.

[@marln2157]

might seem a bit out of context, but that reminds me so much of high school musical 2. loved this, btw!

[@jo.k.4210]

6:37 your humour is my life now.

[@TheShepherdFilms]

Agreed, I never noticed the positive masculinity in these tales...just thought they were cool...I feel this series of tales, was helpful for many a nerd developing a reasonable person's morality(the vast majority of people in the world seem to be unreasonable). Also I find it hilarious you say people saying sam and frodo being gay is projecting because they see themselves(also that is the greatest part of books and spoken word tales, and DND or other role playing games, its all imagination) but than you point out that they are Bisexual, which you are projecting...which I believe was your joke...which is awesome...maybe a bit of lampshading, but in an amazing way...just saying I love the video... Good job...from a he/they 42 year old, married for 17 years, father of 3 children...I don't know where I am going with this comment other than giving my demographics for some sort of validation...idk...I loved the video, and I am drunk...keep it up.

[@b.a.mcclucky]

Aww, I loved this. LOTR will always be a wonderful mental escape for me. Your voice is like a heavenly pillow. Deeply soothing and titillating at the same time. Please never stop making videos.

[@samuelgiraudo8748]

"It's a very cool thing! It's, It's like... It'S lIkE LaRpInG wHiLe ReAdInG!" God I love this video, so glad I subscribed for more :)

[@casey1667]

I love this video ❤ and your sense of humor is great 😂 10:00 I love that you said "Frodo and Sam are gay for each other" and the subtitles said "Frodo and Sam are in love" 👌😂 SAM IS B👏I👏 ASF!!! I've never had a damn doubt about it. :D Yes, you're so right, the relationship between F&S and yeah okay Rosie too, is really especial.

[@2breakfast]

i’m late but WOW this is an amazing video. as a very gay lotr fan, i personally interpret their relationship as romantic for the sole reason of “i want to” and i feel like this just kind of made an extra something click, ya know? something about love, in all forms, pure and simple, and how wonderful and powerful it is. this made me laugh and nearly cry. thank you.

[@diegomasiero1784]

0:49 baby don't hurt me, don't hurt me, no more

[@FinsburyJack]

You moved me to tears. 🫶🥹

[@chestikof8665]

STOP MAKING WHOLESOME STUFF THAT MAKES MY COLD DEAD HEART FEEL THINGS! IT HURTS AND MY FACE IS LEAKING!

[@carolineolsen6428]

Frodo toward Goldberry is big Cherubino energy

[@TheShepherdFilms]

Oh yeah, I was gonna say in my last comment but then I got lost in the sauce....Sam Bi, Frodo Gay, Frodo's love of lady goldberry is just like the queer community love of Cher...that's my take...take it or leave it....

[@fightscrimewhilesleeping4024]

The way you talked about this was actually so sweet, it actually brought tears to my eyes!

[@Radien]

This is the first video of yours that I've seen, and.... welp.... You have me convinced. I'm subscribing.

[@catblackwater5533]

This video just made me smile a lot (not in a mocking way) and I want to thank you for that^^

[@OneBrokenDove]

Hi! I just want to say how glad I am that I came across your videos and I will continue watching anything that you post. I also want to say that I find you extremely beautiful and continue being yourself. You deserve all the love and happiness in the world.

[@Sjaella]

i love you. there are tears in my eyes because of your talent for humor.

[@scoutravenson3641]

I’d buy a copy of you reading the Hobbit and the LOTR trilogy on “tape”, and I don’t normally go for audiobooks. You have a great voice for reading aloud. Also, very interesting episode, I very much enjoyed it, so thanks.😊

[@caitsil3366]

It is my fervent belief after rereading the series + the Hobbit that Frodo, Sam, and Rosie had a polyamorous relationship in Bag End and nothing anyone says can change my mind.

[@RowanCantSmile]

I am in love with you, your channel is incredible. I'm so glad I found your videos, thank you for all your work!! 💖💖💖

[@mycologybrat]

JUST FOUND THIS VIDEO FOR THE FIRST TIME AND YES YES YES THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT IVE BEEN TELLING EVERYONE FOR YEARS THANK YOU

[@Carolina57685]

animated Galandriel looks like Candis Cayne 10/10 great video

[@CannibalPrinceTV]

Sorry , commenting again on this video. You're so clever, I'm subscribed now.

[@carpevinum8645]

07:27 For saints have hands that pilgrims hands do touch, And palm to palm is holy palmers' kiss "Shakespeare" Romeo & Juliet

[@carysdeacon]

trans Galadriel is SUCH a good take, loved this video!

[@gianna526]

she has children though?

[@Cresposts]

For the longest time I thought Merry & Pippin were a gay couple. I know in the appendix that they marry women but I didn’t read it because it ruined my head canon.

[@bijoubaybee]

back again to this gem.. thank you for this video. i hope you're doing alright.

[@boombabri]

“IN A PLACE OF A DARK LORD YOU WILL HAVE A QUEEN!”-Thats exactly the line I used when i came out as trans” KILLING ME

[@k.lambda4948]

Well if I ever needed convinced as to how basically aesexual I was - and pretty much remain to this day - you've just given it to me. Yes, this is a very valid reading, and I can't argue with your points (nor do I want to, as *DAMN* Galadriel), but I kept finding myself arguing, but Tolkein was practically a 19th-century Englishman in his outlook on life, even as his 19thc idyll was so scarred by the War. That is to say: sex was not even a topic of discussion, and the feminist critique of his "absent" female characters is not a lack of *feminine* characters. An aes reading of the text holds Arwen and Rosie and (for Frodo at least) The Shire as all being equivalent - they are embodiment of character motivation and/or reward. And the story shows us how shared purpose is not only empowering beyond imagination (the Nine Walkers vs Sauron and his Ringwraiths), but that it breaks down barriers of history and economics to produce lasting intimacy. I might have to make a response video some day, but it will just be out of love for what you've done here :)

[@TalysAlankil]

"I'm very bisexual, and it gets worse as you age" is perhaps the biggest mood I've heard on your channel yet

[@belud862]

I just love how You talk about Lord of the rings so much. Thank you, this was just what I needed.

[@magicbeetle2292]

The androgyny if the races". No all dwarves are short masculine hunks while all elf's are feminine fair princesses

[@mischieffoal8689]

"because that's exactly the same line I used when I came out as trans" WOW i love you and you have stolen my sense of humour can i have it back please

[@ezrahendog5837]

I never got that impression when reading the books. I always registered the Affection between Sam and Frodo as a Trauma bond. As a former member of The US military, I have seen how completely straight men become closer when going through hard times they have no control over. Maybe we see the same literary work differently because you and I have completely different life experiences. I never saw Frodo's reaction to Goldberry or Galadriel as physical attraction but as a worldly being looking at an otherworldly being. I think the more interesting topic is why Aragorn and Legolas decided to Freestyle about Borormir after sending his Body down the Anduin River. Seriously, they talk about how urgent their quest is and how little time they had. But before they go, they make up a song on the spot. I don't know if your a decided Tolkien Channel but its an interesting thought.