Ian Mckellen: ''Lord of the Rings' was about saving the world, big time, big duties.'

'Lord of the Rings' was about saving the world, big time, big duties.

In his thought-provoking statement, Ian McKellen captures the essence of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic masterpiece, 'Lord of the Rings.' The quote emphasizes the overarching theme of the story, which revolves around the monumental task of saving the world. McKellen's use of the phrases "big time" and "big duties" conveys the magnitude of responsibilities faced by the characters in their quest to overcome evil.At its core, 'Lord of the Rings' explores the triumph of good over evil, highlighting the concept of salvation on a grand scale. The story transports readers to a world in turmoil, threatened by the malevolent forces of Sauron. It is a tale of heroes, prophecies, and self-discovery, where the fate of Middle-earth rests upon the shoulders of a diverse band of individuals.To further delve into the significance of this quote, let us introduce an unexpected philosophical concept: existentialism. While 'Lord of the Rings' is often associated with epic battles, magical creatures, and fantastical landscapes, underlying themes of existentialism emerge throughout the narrative. Existentialism asserts that individuals must create meaning and purpose in their own lives, and this concept intertwines with the characters' journeys in 'Lord of the Rings.'Against the backdrop of impending doom, the characters in 'Lord of the Rings' are confronted with their own mortality, evoking existential thoughts. The burdens they carry, both physical and emotional, force them to question the very essence of their existence. Frodo, the unlikely hero and the Ringbearer, experiences the weight of his duty and confronts his limitations as a mere hobbit. His internal struggle mirrors the existential angst often explored in philosophical discourse.Moreover, the diverse group of characters represents different responses to the existential predicament. Aragorn, the destined king, grapples with his true identity and the magnitude of his role in shaping the future of Middle-earth. Legolas, Gimli, and the other members of the Fellowship also face existential challenges as they are forced to confront their fears, reconcile with their pasts, and find purpose in their shared mission.However, it is not only the heroes who experience this existential crisis. Even the antagonists in 'Lord of the Rings' are shaped by similar existential dilemmas. Sauron himself seeks ultimate power and immortality, exemplifying the desperate attempts of individuals to find meaning through domination and control.Tolkien's narrative masterfully weaves these existential themes into the broader tale of salvation. The characters' quests to save the world become metaphors for their individual journeys of self-discovery and search for purpose. In embracing their inherent power to make choices and face their existential challenges head-on, they ultimately contribute to the salvation of Middle-earth.In conclusion, Ian McKellen's quote presents a straightforward summary of the central theme in Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings.' The notion of saving the world, as depicted in the epic tale, serves as a metaphor for the characters' existential struggles. By intertwining the concepts of salvation and existentialism, the story becomes not merely a fantastical adventure but also a profound exploration of human nature, purpose, and the triumph of good over evil. As we immerse ourselves in the captivating narrative, we are reminded of our own capacity to shape our destinies and face the existential challenges that life presents us.