Well I'm now a believer in the Tolkien world and magic. The Hobbit didn't get me there but this book surely did. I love that each hobbit had a special heroic moment and the one who saved them all was the least among them- Samwise the simple farm servant, not even Froto's friend at the beginning of the journey. I think Tolkien is pointing out there is a heroic side to all of us if we put aside our selfish pursuits aside for the good of the quest, for the love of our friends, and for the good of all. Aragorn, the King of Rohan, Gandolf, and so many others showed the mark of a true hero and selflessly and bravely fought for good. It was interesting contrasting these heroes with characters who chose power and greed. Ultimately Tolkien was pointing out the all too common pride cycle and how the simple hobbits are the ones who were least effected by this due to their humble nature. We may not have rings of power in real life but we do have a human need for power and wealth. We may not need to go on a quest to destroy a ring but we all make our own quests to "put off the natural man" and destroy our human need for power, wealth and pride. The example of Samwise the simplest of the hobbits shows us that love is the answer. Loving our fellowmen above ourselves and putting off our selfish desires is the ultimate act and key to a heroic life.
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