On Tolkien and Stoicism

"I wish it need not have happened in my time,’ said Frodo. ‘So do I,’ said Gandalf, ‘and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."

-J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

What is Stoicism? And how does it relate to Tolkien’s tales? Stoicism is a philosophy of ethics that helps one seek out practical wisdom. One essential rule teaches us to let go of external events we can’t control and focus on how we react to those events.

Stoicism has four virtues: wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. When I think of these virtues, I immediately think of Marcus Aurelius, a former Roman Emperor that has helped me through many challenges in my life. In deeper thought, I began drawing parallels between him and Tolkien’s key characters. Although Aurelius and Tolkien come from very different cultural backgrounds, they share many ideologies regarding these four virtues, some of which are ever-present in Tolkien’s works.

“Let the god that is within you be the champion of the being you are.” ― Marcus Aurelius

In The Lord of the Rings, all creatures of Middle Earth possess a divine spirit, or “The Secret Fire,” which grants them free will. This is much like what Aurelius calls “The God Within.” The ideology is that we all have a “soul” within us that advises us on what is right and wrong and guides us in making moral decisions. We see an example of this lesson of temperance when Galadriel, Gandalf, and Aragorn all refuse to easily take and claim the Ring of Power, doing what is right over doing what is selfish and destructive.

“We use labels like 'thief' and 'robber' in connection with them, but what do these words mean? They merely signify that people are confused about what is good and what is bad. So should we be angry with them, or should we pity them instead?

— Epictetus

When reading this quote, I instantly think of Gandalf and Frodo in Moria, once again, discussing their feelings and philosophy about Gollum:

“What a pity that Bilbo did not stab that vile creature, when he had a chance!" "Pity? It was Pity that stayed his hand. Pity, and Mercy: not to strike without need. And he has been well rewarded, Frodo. Be sure that he took so little hurt from the evil, and escaped in the end, because he began his ownership of the Ring so. With Pity."

"I am sorry," said Frodo. "But I am frightened; and I do not feel any pity for Gollum."

"You have not seen him,’ Gandalf broke in. "No, and I don’t want to," said Frodo. "I can’t understand you. Do you mean to say that you, and the Elves, have let him live on after all those horrible deeds? Now at any rate he is as bad as an Orc, and just an enemy. He deserves death."

"Deserves it! I daresay he does. Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends."

Both passages teach us a valuable lesson about anger and judgment. We mustn’t be too hasty to adjudicate others. Instead, we should use their follies as a lesson to look within, not to condemn.

Courage is arguably the most important virtue. It has to do with showing bravery, grit, and resilience in the face of fear. It’s mastering control over your mind, seizing your purpose, and leaving cowardice behind. This virtue is ever-present in almost every Tolkien hero: Théoden, Aragorn, Samwise, Fingolfin, Haleth, Éowyn, Finrod, Glorfindel, Gil-galad; I mean, the list is long. If I had to pull my favorite moment that best represents this virtue, it would be King Théoden’s speech at the Pelennor Fields:

“Arise now, arise, Riders of Théoden! Dire deeds awake: dark is it eastward. Let horse be bridled, horn be sounded! Forth Eorlingas! Arise, arise, Riders of Théoden! Fell deeds awake: fire and slaughter! Spear shall be shaken, shield be splintered, a sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises! Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor!”

Aragorn’s speech at the Black Gate is a close second. Both men are staring death in the face against all odds, while conquering their fear and instilling that same courage into their men. They don’t think they’ll win, but they persist nonetheless. They lead on with sword held high, not thinking they’ll see the next sunrise.

Bringing this virtue to a more practical manner, we can use these lessons of courage in our daily lives. It’s letting go of what others think of you. It’s taking on a new hobby that you feel inadequate in doing. It’s applying for a job above your pay grade. It’s asking your crush on a date. Sometimes, it’s merely waking up and getting out of bed.

“Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.” —Seneca.

—TSS