Reflections on The Lord of the Rings ♡

The The Lord of the Rings (TLOTR) was one of the first modern fantasy novels to focus on the battle between the Darkness and the Light. Earlier work, notably, by George Mcdonald (1824 -1905) - The Princess and Curdie Lyman Frank Baum (1856 -1919) - The Wizard of Oz Kenneth Grahame (1859 -1932 ) - The Wind in the Willows A. A. Milne (1882 -1956) - Winnie the Poo, reflected a contemporary perspective on 'mythology' that can be considered as more psychoanalytic, where moral questions were addressed without the any associated historical human stigma. The symbolism in these earlier fantasy works reflected a tendency to reimagine mythology to match a more limited, modern conceptual understanding of spiritual realities.

While these earlier writers laid the groundwork for Tolkein, I suggest that the mythology of TLOTR expands the moral psychoanalytic scope to encompass the a rising awareness of various aspects of  Human consciousness. Modern mythologies have the potential to reflect a reawakening to the non-physical, spiritual impulses in our world and highlight the challenges they offer Human beings.

Anthroposophist, Owen Barfield, J.R.R.Tolkien, C.S.Lewis and Charles Williams were members of a literary discussion group at the University of Oxford called the Inklings. I wonder how Owen Barfield's anthroposophical ideas influenced the work of the others.

The mythic style of TLOTR raises questions about the symbolism of the tale, particularly considering that Tolkien wrote these stories between 1937 and 1949. While war may have been a influence, I wonder about other conscious, or unconscious influences.

TLOTR tale describes the challenge of destroying a magic Ring, created by Sauron, to rule over the other magic rings made by the Elves. There were nine Elven rings made for Humans, seven for the Dwarfs and three that the Elves kept.

What inspired Tolkein to create his unique, surreal world?

Anthroposophy provides keys to understand allegorical aspects of the TLOTR story as descriptions of major challenges facing modern Humanity in reconciling our cognitive processes and their consequences

What might the magic Rings, their bearers and the Ring quest itself mean? What if the 'One Ring' is considered as representing the forces of the 'Intellect" and perhaps Sauron (the Dark Lord) characterises Ahriman? Anthroposophy warns of the challenge faced by Ahrimanic, 'dead thinking' of materialism. How might Human, Michaelic forces regain control of the power of intellectual thought?

In TLOTR tale Sauron already had control of the 9 Rings of Men, represented by the 9 Ring wraiths who chased Frodo out of the Shire. It is not difficult to imagine the possibilities and consequences of nine rich and poweful Humans who gain insight into the creative impulses of the nine Heirachies through the use of 'magic' and the Ahrimanic powers. (welcome to our world). These beings may also be understood as Ahasuerus, as Man who wants to be God.

Tolkein's panoramic descriptions of the Dwarves and the demise of their culture through their greed for gold provides a very Human insight into a meaning for the seven Rings of the Dwarves. It is interesting that Sauron already controls three of the seven, while the other four Rings had been consumed by dragons (perhaps Lucifer?). The link between Gold with both Wisdom and Greed offers a curious connection with the Rational/intellectual Soul and the 'seven deadly sins' to consider here.

The 3 Rings of the Elves are of most interesting to me. These magic Rings can be related to the higher levels of Human cognition; Imagination, Inspiration and Intuition! Quotes from TLOTR offer beautiful descriptions that illustrate the mysterious qualities of these three Rings; "And of all the Elven-rings, Sauron most desired to possess them, for those who had them in their keeping could ward off the decays of time and postpone the weariness of the world."

The 3 Elven rings were created in an earlier age of Middle Earth. These Rings were never touched or corrupted by Sauron, although they were still subject to the One Ring. These three Rings were a chief source of the beauty that came about in the Third Age. The three Elven Rings were named Vilya, Narya, and Nenya after the elements.

Gandalf wore Narya, the Ring of Fire. When he was given the ring by Círdan (ship builder) he was told; “Take this ring, Master, for your labours will be heavy; but it will support you in the weariness that you have taken upon yourself. For this is the Ring of Fire, and with it you may rekindle hearts in a world that grows chill.” What more can Imagination do in this age of Consciousness Soul.

Elrond wore Vilya, the ring of air. it was given to him by Gil-galad (Elf King in 1st and 2nd age). Elrond was master of Rivendel, the Last Homely House for travellers going to the Misty Mountains and Wilderland. Elrond had both Men and Elves as ancestors, had lived for thousands of years and he could speak for the Elven and Human realm. He says,"...my memory reaches back even to the Elder Days". The 'voices' of the spiritual world speak to us all through Inspiration.

Galadriel wore Nenya, the Ring of Water. It was only ever worn by Galadriel and was the most poweful of the Three Elven Rings. The name 'Galadriel' carries the significance of an Archangel. Galadriel uses the Mirror of Galadriel to see far away visions of the past, present, and future. Intuition is timeless. It is interesting to note that when others looked into the mirror of Galadriel, they could be decieved because the visions  were dependent on the capacities of the viewer and personal desires could effect the results.

GOLLUM In the prequil to TLOTR (The Hobbit), Golum/Smeagol is described as being a Hobbit when he found the ring long ago. His wretched condition in TLOTR may symbolise the consequences for intellectual Human beings trapped in their Sentient soul. After Gollum loses the One Ring he is desperate to retrieve it. Driven by desires and passions he follows Frodo and Sam. He is torn between his desire to regain the Ring and helping Frodo, who is now the 'master' of the Ring.

The difference between Sam's selfless support of Frodo and Gollum's selfish motivations toward helping Frodo highlights the difference between 'Christ inspired' and 'egocentric' motivations in life.

HOBBITS are a wonderful glimpse into what I call 'simple natural (non-intellectual) Human Beings'. (Apart from Tom Bombadil) Hobbits are the only beings able to carry the ONE RING without immediately being corrupted (as long as they don't wear it!)

In the prequil to TLOTR (The Hobbit), Bilbo finds the Ring and the Dwarves treasure. Perhaps this represents the wisdom gained by Humanity during the Rational/Intellectual Soul age.

At the beginnining of TLOTR Frodo has lived longer than many Hobbits but describes feeling "... all thin, sort of stretched, as if you know what I mean: like butter that has been scraped over too much bread. That can't be right. I need a change, or something."

This 'feeling' may be recognisable  to those of us who can experience the limitations of the intellect!

Bilbo wants to write a book about his adventures. Gandalf says that Bilbo, "Thought the ring was very beautiful, and very useful at need; and if anything were wrong or queer, it was himself." Bilbo has very little interest to gain insight into the Ring's real power so Gandalf has no fear for him after he gives up the ring, saying, "He might live on for years, quite happliy: just stop as he was when he parted with it. For he gave it up in the end of his own accord."

Frodo, as the central character of TLOTR might be considered as a contemporary Human being in our age of CONSCIOUSNESS or SPIRITUAL SOUL development. When he is 33, he receives the Ring  and at 50, after he "began to feel restless, and the old paths seemed too well-trodden", he begins the quest to destroy the Ring,

The ages that Tolkein uses reflect curious connections with the Anthroposophical understanding of the seven year phases of human development; 0-7: Physical body, 7-14: Etheric body, 14-21: Astral body, 21-28: Ego/sentient soul, 28-35: Ego/rational soul, 35-42:Ego/consciousness soul 42-49: Ego/imaginative soul - (the first of 3 steps toward the Spirit Self).

The TLOTR is a useful 'tool' in considering the idea of 'Imaginative Soul' development (described in GA145). I believe awareness of this phase of Consciousness Soul development is timely and very significant. However this development is not 'given' to humanity. It is only available through Michealic Human Will activity.

The insights that Gandalf shared with Frodo reflect the significance and unknown potential in the heart of Humanity in our time. He says, "I have been deeply concerned about you, and about all these charming, absurd, helpless Hobbits." "There is a seed of courage hidden (often deeply, it is true) in the heart of the fattest and most timid Hobbit, waiting for some final and desperate danger to make it grow.' Frodo was neither fat nor very timid; indeed, though he did not know it, Bilbo (and Gandalf) had thought him the best Hobbit in the Shire."

Samwise Gamgee (Sam) was Tolkein's favourite character in TLOTR. Sam is Frodo's 'gardener' and a devoted friend. He is down to earth, simple, humble, good hearted and plain speaking. Sam may symbolise purified Human Feeling and Michaelic will. Sam is particularly special because he is strong enough to surrender the Ring voluntarily but his emnity with Gollum demonstrates that even the pure Hunan heart is tested.

The other Hobbits on the quest to destroy the One Ring reflect the Human qualities that our world needs most dearly: Merry and Pippin are both loyal to their task. Merry - (brave and clever). Pippin - (loyal, naive, enthusiastic)

The struggle to destroy the Ring at the end of the quest reflects how difficult it is for the Human Ego to challenge the forces of the Intellect. After reaching the volcano in Mordor, Frodo falters, saying, "I do not choose now to do what I came to do. I will not do this deed. The Ring is mine!"

Gollum intervenes and after a life and death struggle, he falls to his death with the the Ring into the 'Crack of Doom'!

After the destruction of the ring Frodo reflects to Sam, "but do you remember Gandalf's words: Even Gollum may have something yet to do? But for him, Sam, I could not have destroyed the ring. The quest woud have been in vain, even at the bitter end. So let us forgive him. For the quest is achieved and now all is over. I am glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things, Sam." True 'forgiveness' is a Christ bearing 'gift' that loosens the bonds of Karma.

Sam's unwavering support of Frodo reflects the role of 'Purified Feeling' in the task of redeeming the intellect. Gollum's death may represent the sacrifice of the 'Sentient Soul' and may represent the painful but necessary aspects of the task facing Humanity to contain the 'Intellect' in it's own realm.

There are many other curious reflections of Human psychic reality in TLOTR story, such as the sybolism of Tom Bombadil, the Palantir, Ents and other magical places and beings.

My interest to understand the spiritual and psychological significance of The Lord of the Rings tale is a personal spiritual journey. While each of us cross that threshold alone, I found Tolkein's work to be a useful tool in exploring my own inner experiences in an imaginative way.

That is a wonderful story.♡