The Lord of the Rings Monomyth

The Lord of the Rings Monomyth

By Emma Campbell

Act I

The Call

1. The Call: When Frodo was growing up he would hear about Bilbo’s adventure and dream of one of his own. Frodo greatly admired Bilbo and even wished to leave the Shire with him when Bilbo set off for Rivendell. However an adventure lands in Frodo’s lap, for when he inherits Bilbo’s estate he inherits the Ring. When Gandalf the Grey realizes it was The Ring and needs to be destroyed, it is Frodo’s job to take the ring out of the Shire to protect the Shire.

Act I: Refusal to the Call

Act I: Belly of the Whale

As Frodo realizes the danger of the Ring and the lengths that he will have to go to in order to destroy it he tries to give it to Gandalf to destroy.

After Frodo, Aragorn and the hobbits make it to the elf realm of Rivendell there is a meeting to discuss what must be done with the Ring. It is Frodo who steps forth to say he’ll destroy it. Frodo is now willing to take on this burden, knowing it must be done. Frodo soon has a band of men who will follow him, thus forming The Fellowship of The Ring.

Act I: Supernatural Aid

Act II: Atonement of the Father

Act I: Crossing the First Threshold

Many will immediately think of Gandalf the Wizard as a supernatural aid for Frodo, which is very true. However there are other sources that help Frodo when Gandalf is not around. As Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin arrive at The Prancing Pony they realize Gandalf is not there and they are all alone. Strider the mysterious Ranger who seems to know much more than he lets on steps in, saving the hobbits from the Ringwraiths. Frodo’s second aid is Arwin, an Elf Princess, who saves him when he nearly dies from a Ringwraith’s sword. The final supernatural aid is Frodo’s sword Sting. Sting glows blue when Orks are close, alerting him to danger.

This part occurs when Frodo and his friends are being chased by the Ringwraiths and must escape. The run to Buckleberry Ferry. This is a pivotal point in the adventure because Frodo is literally making the leap from the Shire, solid ground and known territory to the boat, rocky waters and the unknown.

Act II

Road of Trials

Frodo has some great guardian type figures throughout his journey but the one who gives him the most guidance is Gandalf, especially when Frodo needs it the most.

Freedom

Act III: The Return

Refusal to Return

Frodo struggled so much when he returned from his journey that it was difficult for him to find peace. In the end Frodo decides to go with Bilbo, Gandalf and the elves to Undying Lands. Here Frodo can be free from his worries and be at rest.

As Sam and Frodo reach Mount Doom the Ring overtakes Frodo and Frodo refuses to throw it into the fire. Gollum dives at Frodo for the ring and the fall over the edge. Gollum and the ring fall into the fire and Sam catches Frodo.

Act III: Magical Flight

Sources

Master of Two Worlds

Pictures:

http://jasongoodnight.com/2010/08/20/selfishness/

http://periannath.com/feature/today-in-middle-earth-history-september-29th/

http://www.empireonline.com/features/the-hobbit-teaser-trailer-breakdown/p1

http://scifistorm.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Sam+Frodo.jpg

http://satireknight.wikispaces.com/file/detail/frodo-ring.jpg/300018782

Clips:

http://www.youtube.com/user/EgalmothOfGondolin01

http://www.youtube.com/user/movieclips?feature=watch

http://www.youtube.com/user/jamajamjam?feature=watch

At this point in time the hero would be integrated back into society, never forgetting the knowledge he developed. This works for Merry, Pippin and especially Sam, who got married and soon becomes a dad, yet not for Frodo. Frodo writes his own book but he struggles to get back to everyday life.

Sam encourages Frodo to hang on and not let go of his hand. Frodo has reached the end, both spiritually and physically. The ring has drained Frodo but with Sam’s encouragement he hangs in there.

Throughout the movie the Fellowship encounters many hardships and attacks. After the fellowship is formed Frodo encounters three major trials, first being stabbed by the troll in the mines, then losing Gandalf to the monster in the mines and finally dealing with Boromir’s deception when he tries to take the ring from Frodo.

Rescue from Within

Crossing Return Threshold

The hobbits return home 13 months later and slowly begin getting back to everyday life but remain close with each other.

After destroying the ring Sam and Frodo are trapped in Mordor wich is crumbling. The Fellowship and giant eagles sent by Gandalf rescue them and Frodo recovers in Rivendell.

Act II: Apotheosis

While Gandalf certainly goes through a tremendous change, being reborn and becoming Gandalf the White, Frodo’s image also changes. Frodo becomes more aware of the world and the personalities and temptations of men. He gains respect from others when he becomes the ring barer. The true moment comes when Frodo realizes he must travel to Mordor alone and meet the others there, for the temptation of the ring is too strong for the others to handle. The scene is played out once again in the form of Frodo crossing from land to sea. Frodo leaves his friends and the protection and comfort of the Fellowship behind to go into murky, dangerous and unknown waters. Fortunately he is aided by Sam.

Act II: Ultimate Boon

Act II: Meeting with the Goddess

Act II: Temptress

While the ultimate boon is destroying the ring, it’s also getting into Mordor. This takes place in the third movie. Sam and Frodo finally make it past the Orks and the monsters, make it past Suaron’s Eye and onto Mount Doom where they can throw the ring into the fire.

2. Meeting with the Goddess: As the Fellowship looks for safety they travel to the Lady of the Woods' home, an elf queen known as Galadriel. Galadriel is the leader of the Sylvain elves, she’s very powerful and aids Frodo when he needs it the most. Galadriel shows Frodo what life would be like if the Ring was not destroyed.

The true temptress in the journey is the Ring itself. People want the ring in order to control Middle Earth, Frodo is tempted to give the ring to people he believes are more capable of handling it, like Gandalf and Galadriel. Frodo must also avoid the temptation of allowing the ring to control him.