I realize this is a very old episode in essence, I would like to point out for others something about the situation at Mount Doom.
Another theme is that of retribution, revenge and just punishment in balance with pity and mercy. Many times people wanted to kill Gollum. We know he did numerous things worthy of a death sentence. However, Gandalf constantly advised to not kill needlessly.
Paraphrasing a little here… “Many that live deserve death. Some that die deserve life. Can you give that to them? Then be not too eager to deal out death in the name of justice, fearing for your own safety. Even the wise cannot see all ends.”
In the book you see this much more. And truly, if it were not for Gollum, the ring would not have been destroyed. Frodo says as much.
There is a lot to be said about pity and mercy. Gollum is a device for illustrating the righteousness of mercy and pity, even to those we deem “undeserving.”
LOTR is probably to this day the best fiction I have ever read. Every time I reread it seems to get better.
The LOTR books have been recommended to me a lot lately, RC. Likely in light of the release of The Hobbit movie. I guess I will plan to pick it up after all…eventually… 🙂
I am consistently amazed at Ben’s ability to avoid throttling Matt right on the podcast… 🙂
Ummmmm…Thanks for your feedback, Adam. 🙂
I realize this is a very old episode in essence, I would like to point out for others something about the situation at Mount Doom.
Another theme is that of retribution, revenge and just punishment in balance with pity and mercy. Many times people wanted to kill Gollum. We know he did numerous things worthy of a death sentence. However, Gandalf constantly advised to not kill needlessly.
Paraphrasing a little here… “Many that live deserve death. Some that die deserve life. Can you give that to them? Then be not too eager to deal out death in the name of justice, fearing for your own safety. Even the wise cannot see all ends.”
In the book you see this much more. And truly, if it were not for Gollum, the ring would not have been destroyed. Frodo says as much.
There is a lot to be said about pity and mercy. Gollum is a device for illustrating the righteousness of mercy and pity, even to those we deem “undeserving.”
LOTR is probably to this day the best fiction I have ever read. Every time I reread it seems to get better.
Matt, I know you don’t always have time to read. Might I recommend the Audio Books? Excellent audiobook.
LOTR is a good movie. It is a better book.
The LOTR books have been recommended to me a lot lately, RC. Likely in light of the release of The Hobbit movie. I guess I will plan to pick it up after all…eventually… 🙂