How is a Sense of Duty and Responsibility Represented within 'The Fellowship of the Ring'? How has Tolkien Portrayed these themes?
Frodo has been living in the Shire peacefully and not a day goes by when he is not smiling. But, something had been weighing on him, the Ring. The Ring hangs on a chain around his neck safe, but not sound. With every day that goes by, it is getting more and more dangerous for him to stay in the Shire. The Enemy is after him, and they are getting closer. In the book The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R Tolkien, duty and responsibility is a common theme and was represented by many of the characters. While the Company was on their long grueling journey to Mordor they needed to trust each other to get through the journey. They all had a sense of responsibility for each other because they knew that if one of them were to be harmed or even worse, draw their last breath, it would affect the Company greatly. They all knew that they had their own duties and responsibilities within the Company, and each and every one of them had to be reliable. The book includes three major points in the book, when Frodo left the Shire, the meeting of the Council of Elrond, and Gandalf’s sacrifice to protect the Company. These points are important because they greatly portray responsibility, duty, and bravery.
Upon Gandalf’s return after his long journey to research the Ring he tells Frodo that he needs to leave immediately because of the power that lies inside the Ring. They learn together that it is truly “the Master-ring, the One Ring to rule them all.” (Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring, 66) After learning this Frodo is shaken, he knows that he must leave the Shire because he knows how dangerous the Ring is; but he doesn’t want to, he doesn’t want to leave his home. But, if he doesn’t want to see it destroyed by the evil after him, he must leave.
I am a danger, a danger to all that live near me. I cannot keep the Ring and stay here. I ought to leave Bag End, leave the Shire, leave everything and go away. (Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring, 82)
Frodo knows that if he wants to keep and guard the Ring, he will not be able to stay in the Shire. He will have to leave and take the Ring with him. Even though Bag End is his lovely home, he would put everyone else living there in harm’s way. No matter how much he wants to stay, it would hurt him more to see Bag End destroyed because he didn’t leave. Frodo has decided since the Ring has been passed down to him by Bilbo, it is now his responsibility. It is his duty to protect the Ring so it does not fall into the hands of evil. He will leave the Shire. In this quotation, Frodo uses repetition. Specifically in the quotation “I ought to leave Bag End, leave the Shire, leave everything and go away.” Frodo keeps repeating the word “leave” but because he is constantly repeating it, we can also tell that Frodo does not want to “leave”; he wants to stay. This next quotation further explains how Frodo feels about going on a journey outside the Shire. “But I feel very small, and very uprooted, and well – desperate. The Enemy is so strong and terrible.” (Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring, 82) Even though Frodo knows he is now responsible for guarding the Ring, he is still afraid. He has to set out on a long exhausting journey that will be many days and nights and almost no rest; he is scared. If he were to leave the Shire, it would be his first time; and it is such a dangerous journey as well. But, what chases after him scares him even more. In the quotation, Frodo also uses the word “desperate” to describe how he is feeling. He is so terrified that he just wants someone to come and save him. He is “desperate” for a saviour and his journey has not even begun yet. But he won’t tell Gandalf that, yet we as readers know that he is feeling “desperate”. We know because the narration in this scene is omniscient. The narrator knew exactly what Frodo was feeling, and why he was reluctant to tell Gandalf. He felt embarrassed, and he doesn’t want to go. The reason he would leave for this journey is because he wants to see Bilbo again, to follow in his tracks, to see him again, to laugh, to smile, to know that Bilbo is safe. At this moment in time, all Frodo wants is to see Bilbo again, and the narrator being omniscient knows that. The narrator knows that Frodo thinks wherever Bilbo is, is home, so if he has to leave the Shire at least he can see Bilbo again. For Frodo, it would make the journey easier knowing someone is waiting for him at the end. Like Frodo, Tolkien had to leave his home, family, and friends to protect something. Tolkien said “Parting from my wife, was like a death.” (Loconte, How J.R.R. Tolkien Found Mordor on the Western Front) In his case, he was going to war to defend his country. But just like Frodo he was scared, he was afraid to leave the comfort of his home. To go out and fight for the greater good was something he wanted to do, so he enlisted in the war. Frodo did the same, he didn’t need to leave Bag End but, if he wanted the Shire to remain safe and colourful he would need to. Frodo musters up the courage, and with all the bravery within his small hobbit body, he sets out to Rivendell.
After Frodo’s and his company’s long journey from the Shire to Rivendell, they can finally rest in the House of Elrond. During their stay, Frodo is invited to the Council of Elrond. In attendance at this meeting are various representatives of Middle-earth; they have come together to decide the fate of the One Ring that Frodo carries with him. At the council, it is revealed, by Elrond, that the only way to destroy the Ring and defeat the Dark Lord Sauron: is to take it to Mount Doom and cast it into the fires where it was forged. There is a constant rebuttal between the council on who should take it. Some say that Bilbo should take it “Bilbo the silly hobbit started this affair, and had better finish it, or himself.” (Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring, 351) but with his behaviour towards the ring he should be the last person to do it. Boromir thinks that the ring should be used by the men to overthrow the Lord of Mordor “The Men of Gondor are valiant, and they will never submit.” (Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring, 248) Boromir uses the word “valiant” (Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring, 248) to describe the men of his country. He believes that the brave and courageous men of Gondor can withstand the power of the ring and avoid being corrupted, yet human men are most easily corrupted. As well, Men were the reason why the Ruling Ring was not destroyed in the first place.
“But what then would happen, if the Ruling Ring were destroyed, as you counsel?’ asked Glóin. ‘We know not for certain,’ answered Elrond sadly. ‘Some hope that the Three Rings, which Sauron has never touched, would then become free, and their rulers might heal the hurts of the world that he has wrought. But maybe when the One has gone, the Three will fail, and many fair things will fade and be forgotten. That is my belief.” (Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring, 350)
Foreshadowing is used in this quotation specifically in the line “But maybe when the One has gone, the Three will fail, and many fair things will fade and be forgotten.” (Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring, 350) What Elrond has said here is hinting at the future, if the One Ring that rules them all is destroyed, everything created by the Rings will also be destroyed. But in this situation, no one has their eyes on Frodo, the one who carried the ring to the Council meeting. He has his eyes on everyone attending, he has paid attention to their behaviour, body language, and way of speaking in this meeting. The narrator being omniscient has told the reader everything that Frodo is thinking. It seems that Frodo has a sense of duty when it comes to the Ring, he has been carrying it for so long already, why not keep it. But, a great sense of dread falls on him; why is he thinking of keeping it. But without a second thought, he stands up and speaks. “I will take the Ring,’ he said ‘though I do not know the way.” (Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring, 352) Elrond is surprised by the sudden decision made by the tiny hobbit.
“I think that this task is appointed for you, Frodo; and that if you do not find a way, no one will. But it is a heavy burden. So heavy that none could lay it on another. I do not lay it on you. But if you take it freely, I will say that your choice is right.” (Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring, 353)
Frodo will take the Ring to the land of Mordor, to Mount Doom, and he will destroy the Ring for good. The Company that has been appointed to him includes his fellow hobbits Merry, Sam, and Pippin; two Men, Aragorn and Boromir; Legolas the Elf; Gimli the Dwarf; and Gandalf who will act as their guide.
The company has made progress in their journey, they have made Caradhras. But there is something in their way. They are not able to make it over the mountains because of the intense weather. The company has tried and failed, but there is one way they may try. Those who know about it oppose to going that way, but it may be the Company’s choice. “There is a way that we may attempt” “The road that I speak of leads to the Mines of Moria.” (Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring, 384-385) Gandalf knows that this way is dangerous, but the hobbit will not be able to withstand the harsh winter weather above the mountains, so they must go under. He is in charge of the Ring Bearer and the guide to the Company, it is his duty to protect and take responsibility when anyone is in need. Gandalf has gone through these mines before, and Gimlil knows of them, but it has been many years. They enter the Mines of Moria and start their journey under the mountains. Because Gandald knew the Mines the best, he was their leader, and he knew that the hobbits could run into trouble at any point, “Steady! You do not know what is inside yet. I will go first.’ He went in cautiously, and the others filed behind.” (Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring, 407) The trust in the Company is so strong for Gandalf, they know that whatever Gandalf decides to do is the right thing. In this quotation, it shows the trust between the members of the company. They all know to listen to Gandalf and follow his orders. Even though Gandalf is their leader, he still is afraid of what lies ahead. In the ‘quote’, he entered a chamber in the Mines “cautiously” (Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring, 407) Gandalf is an incredibly talented and powerful wizard, yet he is still afraid. He knows what is hiding in the Mines and does not want to disturb it because if he were to disturb it, he could never imagine what would happen next. But he is the Company’s leader, so he can not be afraid, if he were to show his fear, it would greatly affect the company. If they knew of what was hiding in the shadows, they would run. They carry on with their journey through the mines and reach the tomb of Balin, they rest for a short period of time when they hear “Doom, doom” (Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring, 421) the enemy has come to attack. The footsteps of the orcs grow louder and louder but “How many there were the Company could not count.” (Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring, 423) The limited narration in this scene makes the fear of the Company known to the reader. The characters in the book don’t know how many are after them, or where they are coming from; they only know that there are masses of them. The company fends off the enemy as best as they can, but the enemy is overpowering them “Now is the last chance. Run for it!” (Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring, 424) The Company runs towards the Bridge of Khazad-dûm when they meet a great evil, a Balrog. The Company runs in terror when “The dark figure streaming with fire raced towards them.” (Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring, 429) A dangerous evil has climbed up from the depths of the Mines and is now chasing after the Company. Gandalf has to decide on what to do. This enemy could wipe out the whole of the Company and Gandalf knows that. He decides to send them away, “Fly! This is a foe beyond any of you. I must hold the narrow way. Fly! (Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring, 430) The Balrog gets closer and closer to Gandalf, he faces the Balrog and shouts
You cannot pass, I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wilder of the Flame of Anor. You cannot pass. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udûn. Go back to the Shadow! You cannot pass. (Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring, 430)
Gandalf stood firm against the demonic Balrog and challenged him.
In a spectacular display of bravery, Gandalf faced the demon and broke the bridge both stood upon, leaving the beast to fall into a seemingly bottomless chasm. But the Balrog's whip lashed out, and grasped Gandalf by the knees, causing him to fall into the pit. (Gandalf)
The leader of the Company has met his demise. He has fallen into a pit which the reader doesn’t know if he can get out of. The rule of three has been used in this quotation as well. Using the rule of three, it listed everything that happened, step, by step. “But the Balrog's whip lashed out, and grasped Gandalf by the knees, causing him to fall into the pit.” (Gandalf) This quotation shares the fall of their leader, the fall of their guide. The Company was incredibly dependent on Gandalf but without him, what can they do. Tolkien himself can greatly relate to this because he lost his parents at a young age. His father died first and then his mother died of diabetes in 1904 when Tolkien was only 12 years old. For his mother to pass at such a young age is crushing. For both the Company and Tolkien, someone important died at a crucial point in their lives or journey. To have someone who is your provider pass is heart-wrenching, and is a feeling that is hard to overcome. But, both the Company and Tolkien lived on, they kept living and persevered through any circumstances that came their way.
The journey to Mordor began in the Shire. Frodo left with his faithful friends and gained more along the way. When Frodo was appointed as the Ring Bearer, he assumed that role greatly with the support of the Company. On their journey the members of the Company all carried with them a sense of pride, knowing that they were trusted with the task of destroying the Ring. And their courage shined brightly as they embarked on the journey and fought off their powerful enemies together. The Company was a force not to be reckoned with, but even will the fall of Gandalf, they still fought on until the end. When Frodo left Bag End, he was just a small naive hobbit; yet at the end of the story, he was a strong, brave, capable hobbit who could venture out on their own and rely on himself. But, this is only the beginning of a of long cold journey to the land of Mordor, there are many nights ahead for Frodo and his everlasting friend Sam. Many foes are waiting for them as they carry on with their journey; and how far can they make it when it is just themselves. But the real question is; will they be successful in destroying the Ring.
Works Cited
Civico, Matt. “The Fellowship of the Ring: The Council of Elrond.” Matt Civico, 4 September 2018, https://mattcivico.com/fellowship-the-council-of-elrond/. Accessed 15 October 2023.
“Gandalf | The One Wiki to Rule Them All | Fandom.” The One Wiki to Rule Them All, https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Gandalf#Third_Age. Accessed 15 October 2023.
Loconte, Joseph. “Opinion | How J.R.R. Tolkien Found Mordor on the Western Front (Published 2016).” The New York Times, 30 June 2016, https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/03/opinion/sunday/how-jrr-tolkien-found-mordor-on-the-western-front.html. Accessed 14 October 2023.
Tolkien, J. R. R. The Fellowship of the Ring. 1991.
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