The parallel between Tolkien's world of fantasy and reality

[David]

This is an interesting topic because to me it seems Tolkien is also talking about certain similarities between the world of "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" and the real world. Please weigh in your thoughts as well.

[Natalya]

Hello, David!

Recently, I watched an interesting lecture of professor Ralph Wood on "The Lord of The Rings", in which he addresses this interesting topic you have also raised here.
Here's the link, you can watch the lecture on YouTube, if you like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZiz2...

To sum it up for you, Dr. Ralph Wood states that the One Ring in Tolkien's novels possesses some fundamental powers that can be each associated to elements of our world.

1. Invisibility. It is well known that the Ring gives it owner the ability to become invisible. This power is very useful, as it allows you to escape any danger in an instant, by just putting the Ring on. That is exactly what Frodo does several times in the "Fellowship of the Ring" - he chooses the easy way of getting out of trouble, by just disappearing. This ability might be associated to the internet of our times and the "security" it provides, as you cannot be held responsible for many of the things you do online. The Internet provides some sort of escape, the professor claims.

2. Immortality. Now, this one is interesting, The Ring extends the lifespan of its wearer. It did so with Bilbo: he managed to live a long life, beyond 100 years. However, reaching 111 years, Bilbo states that he feels "thin, stretched... Like butter scraped over too much bread". In other words, the Ring offered him a longer life, but not necessarily a more profound one. As you will see, professor Wood compares this to our lives, which are indeed longer (thanks to the advanced healthcare that we enjoy), but maybe not happier nor more meaningful. The professor, however, was not very clear as to what causes this: perhaps the improvement of medical science?

Okay, so that's what professor Wood claims in his lecture.
As for me, I cannot fully agree with the parallel he's making. I believe that he's forcing it at some points.
Perhaps the Internet resembles invisibility in some ways but, after all, how much privacy is there on the Internet? Can you really become "invisible", like Frodo when he puts on the Ring? This aspect is open to interpretations, so I'm eagerly waiting for your thoughts!
Regarding immortality, I'd say that we alone should make our lives high-quality. I believe indeed that Tolkien puts quality above quantity: it is better to live a shorter life, but a more fulfilling one. This is why the 111-year-old Bilbo decided to leave the Shire once again: he was seeking the intensity of true life again, as opposed to the boredom of his former life.

So, those were some aspects I considered to be relevant for this topic. I wish to thank you for creating this discussion, as find it very exciting and interesting! Waiting for your ideas and thoughts! Best wishes!