I have failed he says But Aragorn says to him No You have conquered Few have
Aragorn words are not just for Boromir's comfort before death, but they are the truth. Boromir, before he dies, sees his fault and asks forgiveness, he gains a victory over himself in seeing how the Ring tempted him he repents and dies in peace. This act of Boromir, through providence, is crucial in helping the Quest succeed. Frodo and Sam make for Mordor alone, Pippin and Merry come to Fangorn, and Aragorn, Gandalf and the others ride to the help of Rohan. Once again the lesson is that God can...
Sacrificial Love
Any heroic story or romance has a hero a character who exemplifies certain characteristics that will endear him her to the reader or audience and set him her apart as a person of value and respect. Tolkien saw his mother die sacrificing her life for her children and passing on the Catholic Faith to them. He was raised by Catholic Priests where penance, fasting, prayer, abstinence and self control were all taught and practiced in love for Jesus Christ. He understood heroic sacrifice involved in...
Therefore when they [the Valar beheld them [Elves and Men the more did they
of Iluvatar reflected anew, and learned a little more of his wisdom, which otherwise had been hidden even from the Ainur. Sil p.7 But Melkor, desired rather to subdue to his will both Elves and Men and he wished himself to have subjects and servants, and to be called Lord, and to be master over other wills. Melkor desires to be God, like Satan. Sil p.8 Then Iluvatar brings all things into Being 'Therefore I say Ea Let these things Be. And I will send forth into the Void, the Flame Imperishable,...
Therefore he [Eru willed that the hearts of men should seek beyond the world
The hearts of men in Middle-earth will seek beyond the circles of the world to find deeper meaning, which is another reflection of our world. You have made us for yourself O Lord and our hearts are restless until they rest in thee. St Augustine. We haven't been made self-complete. We will only find our true fulfilment, completion and potential in Jesus Christ. This power to shape their own lives is free will. Their fate within Middle-earth is not governed by what has been laid out in the Music...
A guardian who had been a father to me more than most real fathers [Letters p53
Tolkien learned much about his faith under Father Francis and developed his keen sense of charity, mercy and forgiveness. He read many of the lives of the Saints and received excellent teaching on Scripture and Doctrine. The sorrow of his mother's death remained with him for the rest of his life and his faith became a deep source of spiritual and emotional consolation. Tolkien understood the impact of the sacrifice from his mother in passing on the faith to him, Later he wrote When I think of...