 |
|---|
The Christ Figures in "The Lord of the Rings"
Frodo Baggins
Frodo Baggins can be considered a Christ figure as he is the leader among his peers: Samwise Gamgee, Meriadoc (Merry) Brandybuck, and Peregrin (Pippin) Took. He was on a journey where he had to carry a burden, the ring, in order to protect those around him. He decides to carry the ring in order to destroy it in order to better the people of Middle Earth. After the experience on Weathertop, Frodo but on the ring and he was stabbed with a Morgul-blade by the Witch-king of Angmar. Frodo woke in Rivendell, healed, and surrounded by Bilbo, Gandalf, and the rest of the Fellowship. Frodo’s experience after Weathertop was similar to that of the resurrection of Christ.
Gandalf
A prominent character throughout the series, Gandalf serves as a Christ-like figure in many ways. He possesses qualities like Christ such as his ability to perform magic and takes it upon himself to be a protector of Middle Earth. He is a leader within The Fellowship and many times throughout the series he is willing to sacrifice himself for others.
The scene in the Mines of Moria, The Fellowship comes into contact with a Belrog. In order to save the group, Gandalf brings down his staff, exclaiming “you shall not pass!” He falls to his death. He is then resurrected, clothed in white robes and portraying a resemblance to Christ.
The Fellowship mistakes him as Saruman. He then reveals himself as Gandalf the White. He is transformed from Gandalf the Grey, a peasant-like wizard, into Gandalf the White, a pure and parallel figure to Christ.
Aragorn
Aragorn son of Arathorn - one of the uncorrupt humans in the series, Aragorn holds qualities similar to those of Christ. He is loyal to those around him, a healer, and a protector.
Once the ring is destroyed by Frodo in "The Return of the King," Aragorn marries the Half-Elven daughter of Elrond - Arwen. The people of Gondor assumed he was their true king because of his abilities to heal others. He returns, becoming King of Gondor, and a makes peace among all other cities. He is the saviour that the people were waiting for. Aragorn's fate is similar to Christ's second-coming; he is able to restore Middle Earth to the peaceful land it was before evil inhabited it.