Humility & Heroes - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Lalwendë · 11-21-2008, 08:49 AM

I knew reading those conference papers would give me some thoughts....and here's just one....

One of the things which strikes me most about Tolkien's heroes and about his characters in general, is just how humble they are, in many ways (both literally in the case of say Sam, and in behaviour, in the case of Aragorn). This is in contrast to a lot of fantasy and action/adventure fiction and drama where we have quite proud heroes who seem elevated when they succeed, as opposed to Tolkien's heroes like Frodo who are only broken by succeeding.

In some ways, you could retitle all Tolkien's novels to be called Pride Comes Before A Fall, because this is one of the major themes which comes through.

Am I alone in finding Tolkien to take a very unusual view on heroism and humility?

And why might Tolkien have taken that line?

I can think of three possible reasons. Firstly, it echoes the English/British character in that we aren't terribly keen on boastful people - it's fine to celebrate a success but we certainly don't like those who treat it as an opportunity for special treatment. Secondly, it could be down to Tolkien's faith, where again, it is not acceptable to lord it over others and to remember that there is someone else who will always be mightier than you, no matter what great things you've done. And thirdly, humility might be so important as it is an echo of the Northern literary tradition which might on the surface seem to be about heroes but is filled with defeat and pessimism.

What do you think?

11-21-2008, 08:49 AM	#1
Lalwendë A Mere Boggart Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: under the bed Posts: 4,737	Humility & Heroes I knew reading those conference papers would give me some thoughts....and here's just one.... One of the things which strikes me most about Tolkien's heroes and about his characters in general, is just how humble they are, in many ways (both literally in the case of say Sam, and in behaviour, in the case of Aragorn). This is in contrast to a lot of fantasy and action/adventure fiction and drama where we have quite proud heroes who seem elevated when they succeed, as opposed to Tolkien's heroes like Frodo who are only broken by succeeding. In some ways, you could retitle all Tolkien's novels to be called Pride Comes Before A Fall, because this is one of the major themes which comes through. Am I alone in finding Tolkien to take a very unusual view on heroism and humility? And why might Tolkien have taken that line? I can think of three possible reasons. Firstly, it echoes the English/British character in that we aren't terribly keen on boastful people - it's fine to celebrate a success but we certainly don't like those who treat it as an opportunity for special treatment. Secondly, it could be down to Tolkien's faith, where again, it is not acceptable to lord it over others and to remember that there is someone else who will always be mightier than you, no matter what great things you've done. And thirdly, humility might be so important as it is an echo of the Northern literary tradition which might on the surface seem to be about heroes but is filled with defeat and pessimism. What do you think? __________________ Gordon's alive!