They shatter the brittle barriers of prejudice and hostility through their unlikely alliance
In the vast expanse of Middle-earth, where the eldritch and the mundane meet in a melange of existence, we encounter a poignant contemplation on the philosophy of friendship within J.R.R. Tolkien's magnum opus, 'The Lord of the Rings.' Tolkien, the luminary bard of mythopoeic imagination, unveils a symphony of camaraderie, resonating through the ages.
Amidst the tumultuous storms of a fractured world forged in the crucible of adversity, the fellowship emerges as the living embodiment of the ethereal bonds that bind humanity together. From the unassuming hobbits, their frames small but their spirits tenacious, to the enigmatic elves and stalwart dwarves, a tapestry of friendship is spun, thread by thread, upon the loom of time.
At the epicentre of this cosmic tapestry, we find Frodo Baggins, an unassuming figure burdened with the weight of destiny encapsulated within the One Ring. In his arduous pilgrimage, he discovers solace and unwavering support in the stalwart presence of Samwise Gamgee, a steadfast confidant and unwavering beacon of loyalty. Their intimate connection, akin to that of blood kin, radiates with an iridescent light in the darkest corners of Mordor, transcending the limitations of mortal frailty.
Gandalf the Grey, a wise and relentless wizard, emerges as the sage mentor whose paternal embrace shields the fellowship from the ravages of despair. His guidance and wisdom are lifelines amidst the stormy seas of adversity, a steady hand guiding them toward the shores of hope and redemption.
Legolas, the ethereal archer with eyes that drink in the world's beauty, and Gimli, the sturdy and tenacious dwarf, exemplify the transformative power of friendship. They shatter the brittle barriers of prejudice and hostility through their unlikely alliance, revealing the profound depths of shared experience and unspoken understanding.
Merry and Pippin, the mischievous hobbits whose mirth and merriment seem impervious to the weight of their circumstances, emerge as vital catalysts for resilience. Their unyielding courage, woven into the very fabric of their beings, lends strength and fun to the fellowship, a reminder that even amidst the darkest shadows, laughter can become an armour of light.
In Tolkien's masterful tapestry, we discern the inherent truth that friendship is an indomitable force capable of withstanding the relentless onslaught of time and tribulation. It is a testament to the human spirit, unyielding in its pursuit of connection and understanding. Through the trials and tribulations of the fellowship, we witness the apotheosis of friendship as the quintessence of our shared humanity.
Our take: 'The Philosophy of Friendship in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings is an eternal reminder of the profound significance of human connection. It invites us to embrace the transformative power of friendship, nurture the bonds that bind us, and perceive our existence's interconnectedness. In contemplating this work, we are invited to ponder the Good (καλός) inherent in these relationships—the moral beauty and virtue that emanate from authentic camaraderie, transcending the boundaries of self-interest and enriching our lives with meaning and purpose.
Plato Re-Imagined
This course includes 32 lectures covering most of Plato's dialogues and allowing the student to return to something divine. Divinity should resonate with secular and religious leaders alike. I present a compatible approach in my lecture on Consilience.
Also included with this course is a free book. If you pay for the course, you will get a physical copy of the book for free, mailed to your chosen address — anywhere on the planet!
