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One more thing, Aralithiel. Before I forget...I think that after all we can say Frodo failed.
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This is a quote from Salk several weeks ago and I apologize for dragging it out now, but it's been bothering me for sometime and I just had to address it.
Salk - I've had discussions with people on this subject many, many times over the years and I feel so strongly about it that some of these discussions have reduced themselves to outright arguements a time or two. I have been Frodo-obsessed since I was ten years old and have come to his defense more times than I care to admit on this matter. My view was always that Frodo held and carried the Ring when It was at the peak of Its power. In addition to Its wear on him physically, emotionally and mentally, he also had to endure a stabbing by a Morgul blade (which even Celebrian could not withstand and had to leave for the West to find healing), an attempted spearing by and orc chieftain and the loss of his father-figure and mentor (Gandalf), the attack from one who was supposed to protect him, the loss of his dearest cousins' company and support, constant pursuit, the sting of Shelob, captivity and whips and finally a trek through a desert with very little sustenance. Through all of this Frodo's resolve remained firm and his will never wavered - until he stood at the Cracks of Doom where the power of the Ring was at its peak at which point who could possibly have withstood this onslaught? Gandalf himself knew that Frodo could not even throw the thing into his fire @ Bag End - do you REALLY think he seriously expected that Frodo could let it go in the end? (Yes, I'm afraid I've been blaming Gandalf all these years.)
That's the arguement that I've been clinging to for years and I still think it's good and valid. However, I have recently been gifted the "Letters" and have found validation in Tolkien's own words. His reasons are quite different from mine, but since he's the master, I'll let him do the talking...
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The Quest was bound to fail...
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and
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...the 'salvation' of the world and Frodo's own 'salvation' is achieved by his previous pity and forgiveness of injury...by a situation created by his forgiveness, he was saved himself and relieved of his burden.
(Letter 181 to Michael Straight, 1956)
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and
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Frodo deserved all honour because he spent every drop of his power of will and body, and that was sufficient to bring him to the destined point and no further.
(Letter 192 to Amy Ronald, 1956)
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Again, I apologize for dragging this into a Boromir thread but it's been bothering me for awhile and I feel so much better now that I have read the Letters. Salk, forgive me if I take Frodo a little too personally, but he's been part of me for mmmph years now and I just hate when anyone thinks of him as a failure.
Excuse me while I go dust off an old Frodo thread...
[ April 22, 2003: Message edited by: Aratlithiel ]