Was Tolkien being a hypocrite? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Finwe · 02-12-2004, 07:37 PM

Frodo had one redeeming quality that Gollum never had... mercy. Throughout his ownership of the Ring and the journey to Mordor, Frodo constantly showed mercy, even where he would have been fully justified and understood if he had acted like an insomniac crab. The rest of the Fellowship would have understood if he became possessive, but he didn't. He had the chance to do it, but he didn't. That made Frodo so much stronger and nobler than Gollum. The latter had many chances to redeem himself, but he didn't. For example, Gollum had probably gone through the Pass of Cirith Ungol many times, safely. He could have easily shown Frodo and Sam a safe path through. But he didn't. He could have told them that there was an easier path through. But he didn't. That is what separates Frodo from Gollum.

02-12-2004, 07:37 PM	#4
Finwe Deathless Sun Join Date: May 2003 Location: The Royal Suite in the Halls of Mandos Posts: 2,609	Frodo had one redeeming quality that Gollum never had... mercy. Throughout his ownership of the Ring and the journey to Mordor, Frodo constantly showed mercy, even where he would have been fully justified and understood if he had acted like an insomniac crab. The rest of the Fellowship would have understood if he became possessive, but he didn't. He had the chance to do it, but he didn't. That made Frodo so much stronger and nobler than Gollum. The latter had many chances to redeem himself, but he didn't. For example, Gollum had probably gone through the Pass of Cirith Ungol many times, safely. He could have easily shown Frodo and Sam a safe path through. But he didn't. He could have told them that there was an easier path through. But he didn't. That is what separates Frodo from Gollum. __________________ But Melkor also was there, and he came to the house of Fëanor, and there he slew Finwë King of the Noldor before his doors, and spilled the first blood in the Blessed Realm; for Finwë alone had not fled from the horror of the Dark.