#10 LORD OF THE RINGS
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Memorable Lines from Movies, Big Story in Bible
#10 LORD OF THE RINGS
What Friendship Looks Like
Some stories never go away. They are told and retold over the decades, enthralling readers across the generations. One such classic collection is “Lord of the Rings” written by J.R.R. Tolkien, and published 1954-1955.
Half a century later, Hollywood released a trilogy: “The Fellowship of the Ring”(2001); “The Two Towers” (2002); and “The Return of the King” (2003). What makes the series such a global success, grossing US$5.85 billion worldwide? Beyond the stunning cinematography and spectacular sets, it is the story that captures our imagination and leaves us breathless: the quest to save Middle Earth from sinister evil and annihilation.
The unlikely heroes are four smallish Hobbits to whom even King Aragon, in the final scene, bows in gratitude. Among the four, Frodo Baggins stands out, the one who finally destroys the Ring in the fire of Mordor. But he is not alone. Pippin Took, Merry Brandybuck, and especially Samwise Gamgee, journey with him.
Nearing the end of their perilous mission, at a pivotal moment when Frodo fell exhausted unable to continue, Samwise spoke those iconic lines, “I can’t carry the Ring but I can carry you.” Allegiance of the costliest kind shines through their friendship, unwavering loyalty to the end.
No wonder, in the scene when Frodo lies in bed recovering from his ordeal, one by one —representing Hobbits, dwarfs, elves, men — appear to pay tribute, Samwise makes the last entrance, the epitome of a true friend.
Whichever way Tolkien’s story points, the true north is undoubtedly true friendship and what it looks like. Ultimately, it is what saved Middle Earth.
Big Story in Bible
Likewise, Jesus defines friendship by sacrificial love: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 ESV
Jesus calls his small band of disciples “friends” (John 15.15) and eventually lays down his life for them, and for the world. One of the disciples, John, would later write about the love of God, so visibly demonstrated by Jesus:
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10 NIV What saves us, and the world, is the sacrificial love of Jesus who carried our sins to the cross, and paid the full price for it by his death.
