Tolkien considered many titles for the six books that comprise "Lord of the Rings", and also different choices for the three parts that it was eventually divided up into. But I believe that "Lord of the Rings" was always the main title. He referred to it as "The Hobbit sequel" in his early letters about it, but I don't recall anything else.
As far as the meaning of "The Lord of the Rings", I think it's definitely Sauron (not the Ring itself, though that's an excellent idea) because of this passage from FotR:
Quote:
"Hurray!" cried Pippin, springing up. "Here is our noble cousin! Make way for Frodo, Lord of the Ring!"
"Hush!" said Gandalf from the shadows at the back of the porch. "Evil things do not come into this valley; but all the same we should not name them. The Lord of the Ring is not Frodo, but the Master of the Dark Tower of Mordor, whose power is again stretching out over the world! We are sitting in a fortress. Outside it is getting dark."
"Gandalf has been saying many cheerful things like that," said Pippin.
|
Granted, the title is plural and in this passage it isn't, but it's the only place (that I can recall) in which the phrase is uttered in any form.
As to whether I like it or not, I do. Even though it is not descriptive of the main characters, it is fitting because though Sauron never makes a physical appearance, he is constantly thought about and referred to. But mainly it sounds just plain cool, and makes you take notice.
Another ambiguous book title that I like is "To Kill a Mockingbird". Its meaning is not readily apparent, and it's only mentioned once in the actual book. But it is far catchier and poetic sounding than "The Memories of Scout" or something like that.
So don't overthink it...it's art. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]
[ December 08, 2002: Message edited by: Diamond18 ]