The Ring - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

zb · 02-07-2004, 11:14 PM

Some thoughts on 'will', which might help make things clear as mud:

These days we seem to have a pretty weak concept of what the will is. Your will is what you use to stop yourself from eating an extra piece of chocolate cake, that kinda thing.

For Tolkien, the will is almost a physical entity. For example, Frodo struggles against this outside will (ultimately Sauron, though perhaps via ring and wraiths) telling him to put the ring on.

Gandalf tells Frodo that Sauron "let a great part of his own former power pass into it", and I imagine this would be largely related to his will, and his power to bring others under his will.

02-07-2004, 11:14 PM	#5
zb Haunting Spirit Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: perth, west australia Posts: 71	Some thoughts on 'will', which might help make things clear as mud: These days we seem to have a pretty weak concept of what the will is. Your will is what you use to stop yourself from eating an extra piece of chocolate cake, that kinda thing. For Tolkien, the will is almost a physical entity. For example, Frodo struggles against this outside will (ultimately Sauron, though perhaps via ring and wraiths) telling him to put the ring on. Gandalf tells Frodo that Sauron "let a great part of his own former power pass into it", and I imagine this would be largely related to his will, and his power to bring others under his will. __________________ "Do you think I am trying to weave a spell? Perhaps I am; but remember your fairy tales. Spells are used for breaking enchantments as well as inducing them. And you and I have need of the strongest spell that can be found to wake us from the evil enchantment of worldliness..." - C.S. Lewis