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I love Jackson's adaptation of the books just as much as the books themselves. A favorite scene of mine is Gandalf talking with Pippin about how "there never was much hope-only a fool's hope". This, coming on the back of someone who has repeatedly been very critical of Pippin, always calling him "fool of a Took", serves to redeem Pippin as Gandalf is acknowledging that his own foolish hope is the only thing they have left.
That scene - and of course the one of the Rohirrim entering the Pelennor Fields - is my favorite part of The Return of the King. The idea of hope being almost wiped out but that it still remains, so much that the “foolishness” is worth fighting for.
@@franug The charge of the Rohirrim is such a great scene. In the extended edition its left in doubt for a while if they will make it in time, and right as the Witch King is fighting Gandalf, the horns sound. My favorite part of the scene is Thèoden leading the charge. He might have been weak and even cowardly when we first met him, but he is redeemed here.
I always felt like the conflict in LOTR was more genuine than any other movie conflict I have ever seen. It felt as if the struggle these people had was real and important and true. Now after this video I understand why. God I love it.
I personally finaly understand why i don't like the witcher and got. Because they are hollow in their message. Or they have a message that does not resonate with me
@@Doubleranged1 Their messages are a bit simpler and focus less on morality as a whole, but more on smaller aspects of philosophy in a Machiavellian sense. Lord of the Rings has this grand focus on the whole morality of life, and how we live each day. Tolkien really made something special that will never be topped.
@@Doubleranged1 The books are very different from the show. I've read them probably a dozen times over and plan to again some time this year. Grrm is also giving himself a window to finish the next book in and it's not too long. I think with the show going up in flames he feels obligated to show that his work doesn't end horribly like the show. I imagine much of it will be the same but he won't fuck it up.
It’s because the conflict is real, not the story itself obviously, but the deeper meaning of the battle we all face in life. To struggle and do good, or to fall into grim complacency or evil self service.
@@Doubleranged1 the Witcher is deeply moral. I haven't seen the show but I've read some of the books. The main character is a freak of nature (more or less) who follows a moral code despite dealing with a world full of corrupt people looking out for themselves and a cruel and apparently uncaring Nature. Nevertheless despite his frequent cynicism he manages to be inspired by those who make brave sacrifices, and pushes through the stereotypes of his own kind to do what good he can in the world, serving the purpose tied to his identity that he freely accepts.
A little thing out of subject for the most sensitives of you. This is an extract of the journal of Faye, a subtile heroine from a totalitarian world so well known
Its only appropriate that Tolkien would favor applicability and the reader's free will over the writer's allegorical domination. Even as a writer, he is determined to preserve the flame imperishable. Awesome work!
Frodo: *tries to leave alone, on a suicide mission* Sam: *plunges into the water trying to either dissuade Frodo from going alone, or--failing this--to accompany him* Frodo: *pulls Sam into the boat* You can't swim... Flash forward *I can't carry it for you, Mr. Frodo. But I can carry you.
I totally agree. I'll add here a reddit post that beautifully depicted the two. (Not my content) www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/etaicy/my_girlfriend_made_this_for_my_birthday_my/
I believe it surpassed Star Wars the minute *George Lucas* decided to give Vader a *cheesy* and *cringy* back story. Some *masterpieces* are better left *untouched.*
Boromir, the man who rose up, again and again, until his death. He was not destined to be the leader of Gondor, and surely I do not think many people would aspire to be like Boromir. But in the end, , I think every person, looking back at the life they lived, would be overjoyed to even come close to living as Boromir did. The embodiment of human honour and strength. Talking about means vs ends (choices vs illuvator): Illuvator's hand can be seen by the (soft) magic present in Tolkien's work. In this case the magic of words. In Book 4 he essentially cursed Gollum that, were he ever to get the Ring for himself, he would ensure he Gollum falls in the fires of Mount Doom himself.
"To show us what drives us through hardship and suffering. And that is the believe that: No matter how bad things get, there is no darkness greater than the light: There is always hope." This has been the core of lotr for me from the first time i read the books and watched the films. This has driven me to keep going and might have saved my life.
There is a rather interesting correlation between magical power and strength when it comes to the wizards and other magical beings in the Tolkien universe. Each character has an insane amount of power they can delve into, as Aragorn makes clear when he tells the hobbits "he is greater than you know; he can only show you his toys as a rule". Yet the more one uses their magic, relying upon it, the weaker they become. Morgoth and Saruman are two characters who decided to delve into the powers they had. Morgoth used more and more magic in the creation of orcs and other foul creatures. The more and the greater the magic he used, the weaker he became to the point that Ungoliant could trap him when he refused to surrender to her the Silmarils and he had to be rescued by his balrogs. Saruman decided to delve into his magic and tried to become a rival of Sauron's. His white was broken and he became many colors, and was supplanted by Gandalf after his resurrection. Gandalf never losses strength because he very rarely uses his power. He remains strong and becomes stronger through the forbearance of his power, only using it at great need. Even when trapped in a tree surrounded by wolves and goblins he only uses a very minor trick to protect himself and Thorin's company.
Least on the movies that was the case. If I recall correctly, on the books he was on Barad-dûr the whole time, but on the movies he didn't had a physical form, unless you count the eye.
@@a.morphous66 In fact, Flyin Munky using the vernacular makes what they said even more expressive -- it's saying that this video is inspirational to everyone, not just educated upper and middle class elite types.
Beautifully done, your editting which blended with the visuals and music and the depth you took to explore the mythology which is applicable to our lives. Thank you so much, works like this deserve praise.
It is reported that a wise person once said "Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends.". Many of us, even those in pursuit of these teachings, often forget those words. No greater Love hath man.
Peter Jackson should include this stunningly insightful work as an Appendice in his Lord of the Rings Trilogy DVDs. Bravo! Masterful! Wonderful! I thought that I understood the Lord of the Rings. I was wrong. Thank you.
What you just said is just one more reason why The Lord of the Rings is among the greatest stories of all time. I regularly watch the whole trilogy on a yearly basis, and it is still great enough to make it into my top ten films of all time at number TWO. I love it just as I did when I was twelve, for the spectacle of the locations and battle scenes, as well as the tender and emotional moments that define the film. I did not think of any of the "moral victory" ideas until your videos, and that is among the many things you mentioned that I feel HAVE to be discussed more often, not just in the context of Lord of the Rings. You just earned yourself a subscriber. Keep up the great work.
AMEN TO THIS. I always felt like the conflict in LOTR is more genuine than any other movie conflict I have ever seen. It felt as if the struggle these people had was real and important and true. Now after this video I understand why. God I love it.
The only film that dares to top this would be Akira Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai," and even now I'm debating which one is better. Oh, I forgot to mention that I had little idea what Gandalf was talking about when he mentioned "The Secret Fire." Thanks to this video, I now realize the concept of "The Flame Imperishable" as a profound idea for all humanity to take note of. It reminds me of a quote in Stanley Kubrick's 'Spartacus,' "but I do know for as long as we live, we must stay true to ourselves." We must not let that Flame Imperishable go out, for as long as we live if we want to stay true to the strong-hearted human beings we are and to each other so we can live in peace and freedom.
My goodness, this was beautiful. This is the sort of thing that makes me doubtful whether I'm studying the right thing because I can find such endless fascination with things like this - story and mythology, and even history and philosophy.. It's the greatest pain for us humans that we can never study all of that to the extent that we desire, at least that's what it feels like in moments like these... What I'm saying is, I really don't wanna do my physics homework :D
You are a treasure. Thank you for this masterwork. You have understood the point of Tolkien's view on good and evil. The same thing I myself recognized when I was introduced to Tolkien. Those two are quite distinct in his Middle-earth, yes, but that doesn't mean that his characters are black and white; quite on the contrary, there is a constant battle of his characters with their flame imperishable, whether to chose good, evil or some middle ground. His clear view of good and evil is so obvious and distinct perhaps because he himself possessed quite good and well defined moral compass. Ultimately, if we take into account Eru Illuvatar, and his allowance of both evil and good as essential part of the music of Ainur and of his thought than we come to conclusion that Tolkien's world and his cosmogony is not constructed relying purely on Christian theology but also on some other philosophical teachings, primarily of the East, and even some Zoroastrian ideas and concepts of good and evil... In Zoroastrian theology, Ahura Mazda, supreme god, also intervene by sending his emissaries and guides (similar example is Nordic mythology)... some sort of wizards and wise man to help humanity in material world which is so deeply sink into dualism that will fade when final spiritual battle is won within oneself. In that way every single individual retains free will to go on either side. One thing we do not agree, EVIL in Tolkien's world is not destroyed by accident but by evil itself and by products of that evil, that is a full circle, an ouroboros or RING if you will (rings of power and ring of Barahir). Tolkien was very keen on those symbols obviously, and for a REASON... :) The last chapter of your video, mythology of hope is a pure bliss. You managed to tackle the essence so well, Tolkien successfully overrides and eliminates all the different religions/factions, for they don't matter, they are not what God is, but still maintains the idea of God and his essence manifested in love, compassion and unity of all creation. Once again, thank you for you are the best content creator on RU-vid in my modest opinion.
YES! Tolkien simplifies his world through the idea of a clearly defined good vs. evil so he can focus on HOW good overcomes evil. As Like Stories of Old mentions, a large portion of that is friendship and a faith in each other. In Tolkien's view, that method of overcoming evil also includes evil destroying evil and just enduring that evil by being good oneself. These can be seen several times throughout the story. The orcs fight the orcs which allows Merry and Pippin to escape. Sam in the tower to save Frodo who'd been taken. Pretty much all the orcs killed each other there which allowed Sam to just go through the tower with no real trouble. And not to mention the ending with The evil of the ring clashing with the "evil" of Gollum; thus, allowing the destruction of the ring. With examples of being good oneself as, for example, having mercy and pity for Gollum which lets them enter and reach Mount Doom as well as destroy the ring.
Regarding Gollum, do you view him as evil? Or are you referring to the part/element within him driven towards the ring? Which is an element demonstrated in every character, except Tom Bombadil (The wonder he is), to a larger or lesser degree, and is overcome by most (except Boromir briefly, at his fathers demand). I do not see this degree of lust for power that the ring brings out in the individual as evil. I was wondering how you see it? I agree with your great comment, but I never found Gollum/Smeagol to be evil in any real definitive sense, just internally had developed an insatiable lust and need for the ring that he could not overcome, as others were capable of doing for one reason or another.
+Benjamin Thiemann I think you are wrong on many things, but that's just me and you have a right on your own opinion. Tolkien could have used many influences, both Eastern and Western, as he did, he was a linguist pretty much knowledgeable in the Eastern cultures too, but that is not what is important, its his story that matters, and he obviously was only interested in God (as first and original category) but not in all various religions for they are only a broken image, an indicator of our incapability to understand "higher truth". Religions are interpretations... and you know what interpretations are! Your quote above is similar to this point of mine, yet you presented it as some sort of Apologia of Christianity or any other religion for that matter, for religion is not that truth or primary category that is sole important thing, its human beings and their hearts, mutual understanding and compassion because that is where God resides, not in scriptures or religions but in common feelings shared by those long before us and by those that are yet to come. Religions pass, many things pass, human also perish but some "things" are constant... That view of Tolkien and his understanding of good and evil are fascinating to me. Best regards.
+Avi E That's because Bombadil is an emanation of nature and of Eru Iluvatar's thought. Golum is not apriori evil, but corrupted, fragmented and torn between good and evil. He is in my opinion one of the most tragic anti-heroes of the series. That side of his that at the end leads to the destruction of ring is product of evil, and in that way evil destroys evil.
I feel the lack of good content like yours in this platform. I decided to watch the movies once more because of this review and I had the most emotional run of those movies in a way I haven´t felt before, thank you
Damn man, you're videos are enough to make me wish I was a religous man, and if you knew me that's a hell of a thing. Keep on making these and I'll keep watching.
Religion is a false thing "necessary" only in our world such as it is because of us, God on the other hand is independent of all that. Principle beyond our understanding, we can only grasp that "God principle" by our hearts and feelings if we want to.
Ancient of Days : Not if God has revealed Himself through human history. In that case, there are things that we can objectively understand about Him. Not that people can’t also have an individual relationship with Him. I would highly recommend both. :)
Ancient Of Days/Falcon1: Indeed, "religion" as a construct, has done much to disturb the notion of God. In many ways, stories like this one have done a much better job at capturing the personality and substance of what may be our own, real life "Illuvatar". One that goes by a different name.
This is really good analysis and it is well-expressed. Plus, the editing is top-notch. I think Western culture needs to recover the essential principles and virtues at play in LOTR, e.g. personal responsibility, personal sacrifice. When some of the strongest societal voices now tell us that we are entitled victims, we need a counter-voice to remind us we are accountable for our actions and have a personal responsibility to improve the world we know rather than gripe about it.
@@andrewjazdzyk1215 No. That is a good interpretation for nowadays. Plus he has a point: The Lord of the Rings really shows the strengths of those christian virtues we finally missunderstood as the time passed. I praise individual freedom, fraternity and peace for all human beings. No ethnic, nor gender or any other separation nor blind self identification. Each one different, but brothers of the same kind. Without those virtues, Western culture doesn't mean nothing anymore. Therefore Asiatic, Islamic and other cultures that kept their civilisationnal goals alive logically take their part of the cake. And then you can say goodbye to Human Rights, christian ethics, and all that Tolkien personnaly thought we should fight for.
Something very refreshing and believable about your optimistic and hopeful worldview in a time when all everybody can think of is nihilism and pessimism. EDIT: My question because the reply may seem out of context : How did u transition from Gandalf saying that it was Frodo's fate to find the ring to saying that all creatures of middle earth have free will?
Hey, I think the quote I mention later explains it best; “Iluvatar’s intervention does not remove the significance of the choices made by the Children of Iluvatar, but in many ways it can redeem those choices. Or; to put it in another way, the characters are responsible only for their own choices and not for the outcome of those choices; they are responsible for the means, while the ends are in Iluvatar’s hands.” Characters are free to chose, but not free to decide the outcome of those choices. Plus, like I also mention; Iluvatar's intervention to us seems like little more than lucky events or coincidences, just as the film portrays the 'will' of the ring in a rather silly way when it 'decides' to leave Gollum and we just see it bouncing off the rocks without any further context.
he said the creatures of middle earth had free will before talking about Gandalf's message to Frodo. The point was that because Iluvatar has gifted his creations with free will, and is unwilling to contravene it, he works towards their salvation in round-about ways: like putting Bilbo in a position to get the Ring and write a story about his adventures for Lord Elrond, which "serendipitously" puts Frodo in a position to find the Ring when Gandalf is around to tell him about it (because Bilbo skipped his birthday party to go to Rivendell). This then sets up the events of Lord of the Rings which ends in the destruction of the Ring and Sauron. Iluvatar can see the future so Iluvatar can think of these things. While Sauron and Morgoth treat their servants as things, Iluvatar not only respects but indeed *desires* that every being make choices despite his omnipotence as their creator. He not only is fine with seeing them create their own works, but indeed wants them to do so. He is genuinely curious about their opinions, desires and interests: not simply tolerant or indulgent. *that's why they have free will in the first place*.
5 months late and question already answered, but I figured I would sum it up a little less verbosely. The nature of choice and consequence is not that everything will be ok because of the choices, but in spite of them.
The Rich Tapestry of history & meaning behind J.R.R. Tolkien’s story is so vast you can hear it’s echoes in the events of the tale & feel the vibration of those resounding echoes in your bones. The goosebumps rising on your skin in response to the fundamental Solace that comes through the Moral Victory. “What are we willing to sacrifice for Victory?” Nay, “For what values are we willing to suffer defeat?”
Love these! It is interesting how different aspects of God are presented in Tolkien’s and his friend Lewis’s fantasy works. Whereas Elu Illuvitar represents the sovereign aspects of God(Him working in the distance), Aslan represents His direct work in history.
I think it has more to do with representing different parts of the trinity: Lewis was obviously writing Jesus. Jesus is the active portion, God the Man who walks and talks and does things in the world. Tolkien is more writing God the Father (or perhaps the Holy Spirit as far as the Lord of the Rings is concerned). The benevolent creator who watches from a distance and allows the mankind to choose its own destiny.
I will always keep this trilogy in my heart and my life. I will show these movies to my kids and cherish every memory I have of watching them with my parents or by myself
"I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you!" still brings me to tears just by thinking about it. Never give into the dark, and there will always be hand to carry you when your legs can't go no further
LSOO: This is the most fantastic overview of The Lord Of The Rings I have ever seen. Every word was a light bulb in my head. I watched the trilogy over the last 2 weeks and I couldn't help but find myself in tears multiple times throughout each film. Then I watch your videos and again, tears. Much love for taking time to delivery such beautiful words about this wonderful myth. Thank you, Oaksey :)
Unbelievable video - thank you so much for this. I've been stuck in nihilism and hopelessness for a while now, and searching for a way out. The details, the writing, the incredible analysis of Tolkien's beliefs and LOTR's theme - this has given me hope to live again
I've loved this trilogy with my whole heart since I first watched it at age 9, 15 years ago. I've never been able to put into words why I love it so much as beautifully as you just did.This is truly one of the most touching videos I've ever seen. Thank you so much.
This is, very easily, one of, if not, the very best video essays I have ever had the privelage of watching. I have spent hundreds of hours watching material like this, but your content stands above the others as a beacon of light, hope and truth, not just for for this medium of communication but for mankind across the world. Thank you. You've made my day.
This brought me to tears, especially the cuts between Sam saving Frodo on Mount Doom and Frodo saving Sam on the Anduin, combined with that music and those beautiful words.
This was amazing, LSOO. Thank you for your faithfulness to Tolkien's intentions and the heart of his writing. Kreeft is a powerhouse interpreter for his works. This made me appreciate how the essence of Christian faith shines so bright here that it is no wonder Tolkien did without allegory. He had no need. Spoke to my soul so much that I was intermittently in tears
"The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again."- Robert Jordan
You help shape the real power and need of mythic structures. Tolkien marvelously shared the most salient points of Christianity without being tied to the obvious Christian tropes. These two videos could be the foundation of living faithfully through the LOTR.
So, after your excellent Tarkovsky work I chose this as my second viewing. Take this the right way: I could hug you, sir. When I saw your Kreeft quotes I knew I was in good hands. I was tearing up during some of your work here (just like the films themselves). You have a God-given talent for editing, story, and music editing. Keep your flame glowing brightly. So good.
This has got to be one of the most brilliant video essays you have ever published -- if not one of the most brilliant video essays I've ever watched. Thank you for contributing so much with what you've created.
Great analysis as always. The film doesn't mention that Gandalf secretly wore Narya, one of the three elven rings, which had the power to galvanise hearts and banish despair.
I meditate for about now, 10 years, sometimes 3 hs per day... i found that, as the mind adquires a calmer and calmer constant state, more obvious and brillant it gets the fact that everything is talking about everything, this movies, even the music, ive always felt that they talks us about higher truths, so direct, so obvious that mayority embrace unknownly... the videos of this channel are jewels for me, to meditate and dig in me an life even more... thank for this channel, i love movies that dig so deep like this, you have a new follower! love to all from Argentina, sorry my english
Its interesting that I am subscribed to you and yet youtube will barely ever recommend your videos on my homepage, but I always think of your videos and the amount of thoughtfulness and powerful words you use that bring me back to search you again and again to find a new video I haven't watched yet on your page. You inspire me, make me cry, and give me hope. I don't know who you are, but thank you. You are doing a great thing with these videos.
Your point regarding The Lord of the Rings being a story about returning the evil that doesn’t belong in the world to its origin is just completely amazing, that is just one of those massive details about the story that pushes it away from generic fantasy or fiction which often simply emphasizes blatant violence or stereotypical heroism in young heroes.
I started watching your videos when I came across your one on Interstellar. Since then, I have been continually inspired to push myself and my creative writing further, in the hope that I'll continue the cycle of inspiration. You keep pulling out these golden thoughts, sometimes giving me entirely new perspective, sometimes giving me the phrase that was just on the tip of my tongue. For LOTR, I thought I had got the gist of it, but you showed me that I could push myself to go deeper. And not just deeper in LOTR, further than I've ever dreamed in the stories I've authored. So thank you for the inspiration. You're doing a great work here.
Started the simerilian recently, thought game of thrones was a better version of LOTR. Coming back to realize Tolkien was expressing a celestial philosophy greater than any fiction. Appreciate the video.
Absolutely stellar work. While I was aware of these elements of Tolkien’s work, being a fan for most of my life, I have never heard them so eloquently put into words.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge of Tolkein. It is easy to be swept away with the visuals of the movies, the physical battles and over look the deeper meaning.
Am I the only one who cries watching your movies? They are so touching and inspiring. You bring us hope! Thank you so much! 🙏🏻 I always end up saying “there I am” in the end of your movies. Many thanks from Brazil.
Ever since watching and reading Lotr, hope has always been my favorite word and a thing that keeps me going. Now that the word is explained even more in this video, I can't help but appreciate the movies even more. A mythology of hope was such a beautiful ending and closure of a beautiful series. I'll be sure to also check out the books that you mentioned for these videos. Thank you as always!
Such a brilliant analysis! You trully made me shed a great many tears of gratitude. The Lord of the Rings has had a special place in my heart for so many years now, but in the more recent past I've struggled to find my way back to Middle-Earth. I've considered myself "outgrown", or "alien" to such a fantastic world; and even though Myth still presents itself as such a fascinating subject to me, this first one that I was allowed to experience fully, this most precious symbol to my own inner workings, has somewhat barred its entrance for me. These two videos of yours had a redeeming quality and for the first time in what feels like ages my heart got reminded of what my head has never forgotten: that there is so much truth in this world, in Middle-Earth, in mine, in the world out there, the world of all of us. So much truth and hope and redemption. In a way, this video made me realize what it means to "go full circle" in an emotional sense; even though I feel like I have grown emotionally since I first was touched by Tolkien, I found myself mesmerized by how close these metaphysical and ethical positions are to my own, after all the reflections and experiences that I was confronted with in the meantime... such a fascinating experience. Thank you so much!
Oh, and I really like how you've made it clear that it is too simple to reduce Illuvatar's invisible hand to a storytelling device (or Deus ex Machina). Nowhere is it exemplified so brilliantly, nowhere substantiated with such a full-fledged philosophy than in this work. I've often discussed this very thing with friends and you can see that this is one of the things in Tolkien's works that are the most controversial, both among literary novices as well as veterans: "In the end, it is always the eagles"; "why didn't they just fly the ring straight into mount doom"; etc. etc. I have always felt that this does unjustice to the mythical quality of this work. In the end, this is not how life works; we cannot control forces of nature, they have their own will; however, every now and then, if we are lucky enough and do not give up hope (or succeed morally) we are allowed to experience Eucatastrophe (or are granted fundamental forgiveness). I guess the reason why it comes up so often is that this world feels so real to many that they need the story to conform to literary rules of Realism. And, indeed, some aspects (especially the more administrative, chronological or "neurotic" about this "Worldbuilding" approach) tempt such a view. However, in the end, this is the fate of a work that is in many ways both the "last myth" and the "first fantasy" ... there was fantasy before Tolkien and probably myth afterwards, but I have yet to experience a more timely and universal myth of the modern world that benevolently counteracts the pitfalls of an extreme form of (post)modern (moral) relativism in such powerful way. Another thing you brilliantly exemplified: there can be (logical) moral objectivism while still acknowledging that both sides are found within every human being. While I still struggle with the first notion (intellectually rather than emotionally), the second is absolutely clear. Most realistic fantasy focuses on this latter aspect, often being silent on the first. What makes Tolkien so powerful is that there is still faith and hope to be gathered from accepting the former at heart...
These two productions were amazing, inspiring even. Thank you for opening my eyes further to the depths of Tolkien's story, and a reminder of the great story it reflects.
I started crying while watching it. I became a sence of hope. Hope for myself and for humankind's. You have given me a gift with the two videos. And that made the world a little bit better for me. Thank you.
That was so powerful and inspiring. I've been a fan of LOTR for quite some time, but thanks to this video I just now realized how amazing this story actually is. Whenever I've watched the films or read the books again and again it was an uplifting influence, but now someone put a name on the things I was feeling and made the story even deeper and closer to the heart. Amazing video - the message, montage, pace, even the voice! It makes me want to be better (and rewatch LOTR 😂) Thanks a lot!
I'm an Atheist and this video was literally the first time I understood why people want to believe in god. It doesn't change my view on the real world but it gave me insight into something i just couldn't grasp before.
Patrick Mieslinger It’s not that people “want to” believe in God it’s simply that most unlike atheist aren’t in denial and deny that their is a creator, you see it is mentally, spiritually, and intellectually and even emotionally impossible for someone to be an atheist, in other no one is an atheist it is scientifically impossible for us humans to be as we naturally know of/believe in God.
I had found a "myth" some time ago. Long story short, I was completely heartbroken. Even had some kind of shock or panic attacks because of this and was certain I was cursed to ever find love. Then, there was a storm. That night I talked with the girl I was previously dating about how I felt regret for cheating on her, she briefly responded I should go out for a walk the next day if the storm had calmed down, since she knew I would regularly go to the nearby fortress to surround myself with nature. "Trees don't mind sadness.", she told me. The storm had laid down the next day. I went out with one of my cameras to record the aftermath in the communal gardens behind my apartment on my way to the fortress. There, I found my favourite tree, damaged by the storm. It had broken right down the middle around two meters from the ground. Its top half was still resting on the part that was firmly rooted in the ground next to the canal that surrounded the fortress where its crown was drowning. I could see its core, firing orange like my hair. On the exposed core there were reflections of water dancing, I could not help but identify myself with this tree. This tree was me. It was a perfect expression of how broken I felt at that moment, it brought me to tears even before I thought about pressing the shutter. It's one of those rare moments where reality simply bulldozes over you and presents itself with poetry.
@@CatherineLHaws Thank you for your kind words, Catherine. I always try to improve on my writing, so every compliment I get feels like it's worth sharing :) Hopefully your situation at the moment is not too horrible, what about your family? Do you have people you can keep in regular contact with?
I attended a talk on the Bhagavad-Gita last week and the lessons of LotR highlighted in this video correspond practically exactly with the lessons taught in the Bhagavad-Gita!
Amazing. I always loved lord of the rings, it's just an amazingly deep story in every aspect. I also think it's fascinating when you think about all these ideias guiding Tolkien in his life specially at his darkest time during WWI and at the Somme. I have to say as a catholic that was away from the church for some time and recently came back: I really like the idea of all kinds of people being able to still learn so much from centuries of theology and moral philosophy that tolkien put into his works, consciously and unconsciously.
Excellent analysis! Even LotR fans such as myself did not dare to hope for the impact that the films would have, first on the direction of cinema, and two decades later, on the worldviews of new generations of fans who need the hope and guidance of these characters in their own lives.
I watched this video and Part 1 and I believe you have made the best video essays/commentaries I've ever seen. You open our minds to new ideas and create such an impactful message that I never would have realized was an underlying theme of the Lord of the Rings. I also love the music in the background! This was in the first video as well, but I love the detail of how when you talk about a certain series of events or characters, their corresponding "theme song" plays. It is such a joy to watch your videos!
Tom, you are truly a treasure. p.s. I just went through your Instagram (Which I am not part of, I tend to stay away from it.), and I was joyed to see you once gave a visit to Boston. I am close to it. I hope you enjoyed yourself. Tho, I seriously suggest you , sometime in the future, visit more of New Englands nature, during autumn. We have some awe-inspiring autumns here in New England. You are a beautiful human being, thank you for all the years of expressing yourself.
Took me a few minutes to get past the voice in the first episode (believe me I know how petty that sounds and is) but I thoroughly enjoyed both of these videos. Masterfully written and explained. Thank you for this, truly, and may the light of Iluvatar shine upon your path
I can barely fathom how much time, energy and dedication you put into these videos and how thoughtful of a presentation you’ve created. Absolutely incredible. I’m just blown away.
Unbelievable discussion on the essential meaning of the work, I finally understand why it appealed to me so much as a kid. Thank you for taking the time to translate the symbolic into the semantic so that we all may recognise the great power and truth that resides in such stories.
Truly enlightening. Your videos are always so well researched and thought out. And this two parter series was my favorite. Keep up the good work. Your insight, knowledge and creativity can inspire, and create meaningful thoughts and discussions... I know they do for me
