My Finished Essay

Every fantasy story has something in common- a world full of mystery and magic, and where courage and love always fight to the death. A classic work that exemplifies this style is The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien. After recently reading this, the intensity and skill of it has amazed me once again.  

This trilogy is an astonishing and epic story, tracing the lives of individuals whose journeys changed the course of history. For years evil lay brewing underneath Middle-earth while peace had reigned over the land. But war and evil threatened to subdue this peace as the trilogy begins. Some resisted the passion of war like the Elves who lived quietly. But others who wanted order found war instead. In the small town of Hobbiton lived a Hobbit, Frodo, small in stature, but tremendously brave. He lived with his uncle and enjoyed the comforts of the small town, until peace veiled it in darkness. One day he was faced with the dangerous mission of taking the One Ring through the dark wasteland of Mordor and casting it into Mount Doom. The mission depends on him, and he must destroy it or all of Middle-earth will perish. He began his journey with a few faithful friends who left behind everything they loved. In the perilous adventure danger lurked behind every corner as the powerful wizard, Saruman, unleashed his brutal force of evil.

Meanwhile, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, a Man, Elf, and Dwarf, respectively, fought furiously to overcome Sarumans growing legions. They all survived, however, because they had an undying determination to defend Middle-earth. As Gandalf the good wizard said, “It is not despair, for despair is only for those who see the end beyond all doubt. We do not.”  Samwise Gamgee was the only Hobbit who went to the end with Frodo — once a gardener, now he was a valiant friend. As they stood on the brink of the volcanic Mount Doom, Frodo struggles to give up the Ring, the only key to ruling Middle-earth. Sam pulled him back from the brink of death and enabled him to complete the mission. When the mission was completed they were reunited in Aragorn’s new kingdom and enjoyed victory over the darkness.   

This story represents to me the constant battle we have in the world around us. Even though it doesn’t show up as dark and evil, sin is always around seeking to devour and change us. We must fight it just as these gallant men prevailed against the darkening evil. I liked the book because it made me feel like I was there —fighting for my world and my people. They sacrificed everything they had for the ones they loved and we should be willing to do that for our Heavenly King. We should also strive to be more like Sam, never abandoning those we’ve promised to help. It is a book that I would highly recommend to anyone.