Parallels in LotR - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

ninja91 · 06-14-2006, 05:29 AM

What about Eomer and Wormtongue? Eomer is a just and loyal soldier to Theoden, and would never betray him. Wormtongue, although he might have regretted what he did in the end, still betrayed his king and helped Saruman pour his influence over him.

Raynor · 06-15-2006, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninja91

What about Eomer and Wormtongue? Eomer is a just and loyal soldier to Theoden, and would never betray him. Wormtongue, although he might have regretted what he did in the end, still betrayed his king and helped Saruman pour his influence over him.

I would say that a more clear-cut parallel between servants would be Beregond-Wormtongue (after all, Eomer was a king's son), and betrayal is involved in both their cases, but in different lights. After they play their parts, one rises and the other one falls, each following the destiny of their respective masters.

Ar-Pharazon · 06-15-2006, 10:20 PM

If you really want to draw parallels, how about between the two king’s sons. Both Denethor and Theoden loose their more cherished sons in Boromir and Theodred, and their copeing is shown through their treatment of their second son or adopted son in Faramir and Eomer.

Thinlómien · 06-16-2006, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninja91

What about Eomer and Wormtongue? Eomer is a just and loyal soldier to Theoden, and would never betray him. Wormtongue, although he might have regretted what he did in the end, still betrayed his king and helped Saruman pour his influence over him.

I think rather Wormtongue and Gandalf are parallels; the bad and the good advisor.

Wiscott · 06-16-2006, 09:07 AM

I think there needs to be a distinction in this discussion between characters/things that parallel each other and characters/things that oppose each other.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but two parallel characters (in my mind anyway) are similar to each other, and by the striking similarity (of attitude or action) emphasize that attitude or action in each other. A good example of this kind of relationship would be the aformentioned pair of Aragorn and Faramir in how they "threaten" the hobbits (on a side note, I would say that Faramir was never threatening: he was merely thinking and weighing consequences in his mind in a practical way).

On the other hand, some of the examples given are really contrasts, not what I would call parallels. The distinction (again, in my mind at least) is more like the one between parallel lines and perpendicular lines. Example: Galadriel and Shelob are pretty much complete opposites in most areas, and so those areas which are contrasting between the two are emphasized in our minds.

I know that nobody here doesn't see the distinction in the posts, but it would make it a bit easier if you would include in a post whether you mean to contrast or compare. Thanks!

Child of the 7th Age · 06-19-2006, 01:21 AM

You might also want to look at this thread: Paired characters in Lord of the Rings by Fordim

06-15-2006, 10:20 PM	#3
Ar-Pharazon Pile O'Bones Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 15	If you really want to draw parallels, how about between the two king’s sons. Both Denethor and Theoden loose their more cherished sons in Boromir and Theodred, and their copeing is shown through their treatment of their second son or adopted son in Faramir and Eomer. __________________ Do I seem fair but feel foul or do I seem foul but feel fair? Ah the questions of life.

06-16-2006, 09:07 AM	#5
Wiscott Pile O'Bones Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Under the Sea Posts: 11	I think there needs to be a distinction in this discussion between characters/things that parallel each other and characters/things that oppose each other. Correct me if I'm wrong, but two parallel characters (in my mind anyway) are similar to each other, and by the striking similarity (of attitude or action) emphasize that attitude or action in each other. A good example of this kind of relationship would be the aformentioned pair of Aragorn and Faramir in how they "threaten" the hobbits (on a side note, I would say that Faramir was never threatening: he was merely thinking and weighing consequences in his mind in a practical way). On the other hand, some of the examples given are really contrasts, not what I would call parallels. The distinction (again, in my mind at least) is more like the one between parallel lines and perpendicular lines. Example: Galadriel and Shelob are pretty much complete opposites in most areas, and so those areas which are contrasting between the two are emphasized in our minds. I know that nobody here doesn't see the distinction in the posts, but it would make it a bit easier if you would include in a post whether you mean to contrast or compare. Thanks! __________________ "Po-ta-toes. Boil 'em, mash 'em, stick-'em-in-a-stew." -Samwise Gamgee

06-19-2006, 01:21 AM	#6
Child of the 7th Age Spirit of the Lonely Star Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 5,133	You might also want to look at this thread: Paired characters in Lord of the Rings by Fordim __________________ Multitasking women are never too busy to vote.