Why is the ending so sad in the Return of the King - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Altariel · 08-13-2002, 12:58 AM

Despite its bittersweetness, the way Tolkien chose to end the Lord of the Rings was, in my opinion, perfect. I think that Frodo's inability to really return to his life the way it was (as well as the Elves departing Middle-Earth [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img]) sort of symbolizes that the world of Middle-Earth is changing, and that nothing stays the same. The ending is, to me, sweetly sorrowful, and tinged with wistfulness and longing for something that's gone, or will never be quite the same, and although it isn't a happy one, I like it. It gives me the same feeling fall does... it's difficult to explain...

I'm going to shut up now. [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img]

[ August 13, 2002: Message edited by: Altariel ]

08-13-2002, 12:58 AM	#15
Altariel Animated Skeleton Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Angband (a small region in northern BC) Posts: 50	Despite its bittersweetness, the way Tolkien chose to end the Lord of the Rings was, in my opinion, perfect. I think that Frodo's inability to really return to his life the way it was (as well as the Elves departing Middle-Earth [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img]) sort of symbolizes that the world of Middle-Earth is changing, and that nothing stays the same. The ending is, to me, sweetly sorrowful, and tinged with wistfulness and longing for something that's gone, or will never be quite the same, and although it isn't a happy one, I like it. It gives me the same feeling fall does... it's difficult to explain... I'm going to shut up now. [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img] [ August 13, 2002: Message edited by: Altariel ] __________________ "Candy: tastes like chicken, if chicken was a candy."