Frodo's Solitude: Why He Chose to Face the Ring Alone

Francis Ford Coppola's adaptation of The Lord of the Rings may have captured the essence of Tolkien's epic in visual and dramatic flair, yet a deep dive into the original work offers a richer understanding of why Frodo Baggins chose to undertake his solitary journey.

Frodo's Decision

The book provides a more nuanced insight into Frodo’s internal struggle and the rationale behind his decision to leave with only Sam Gamgee at his side. In his inner monologue, Frodo reflects Frodo feels a great weariness but his will is firm and his heart lighter. It is a moment of clarity and resolve where he acknowledges the inherent evil of the Ring.

In his moment of truth, Frodo deliberates, Frodo: “I will do now what I must. This at least is plain: the evil of the Ring is already at work even in the Company and the Ring must leave them before it does more harm. I will go alone. Some I cannot trust and those I can trust are too dear to me: poor old Sam and Merry and Pippin. Strider too: his heart yearns for Minas Tirith and he will be needed there now Boromir has fallen into evil. I will go alone. At once.”

Sam's Concerns

Sam Gamgee, Frodo’s loyal friend, is concerned about his master’s decision. Sam’s perspective is critical in understanding the impact of Frodo's choice. In his conversation with himself, Sam: “But Mr. Frodo he knows he’s got to find the Cracks of Doom if he can. But he’s afraid. Now it’s come to the point he’s just plain terrified. That’s what his trouble is. Of course he’s had a bit of schooling so to speak – we all have – since we left home or he’d be so terrified he’d just fling the Ring in the River and bolt. But he’s still too frightened to start. And he isn’t worrying about us either: whether we’ll go along with him or no. He knows we mean to. That’s another thing that’s bothering him. If he screws himself up to go he’ll want to go alone. Mark my words! We’re going to have trouble when he comes back. For he’ll screw himself up all right as sure as his name’s Baggins.”

Further Insights from the Book

Further into the journey, Sam’s reflections deepen as he describes Frodo’s circumstances. Sam: “Whoa Sam Gamgee! Your legs are too short so use your head! Let me see now! Boromir isn’t lying that’s not his way but he hasn’t told us everything. Something scared Mr. Frodo badly. He screwed himself up to the point sudden. He made up his mind at last – to go. Where to Off East. Not without Sam Yes without even his Sam. That’s hard, cruel, hard.”

Sam is dismayed by the difficult decision Frodo has made. He struggles to understand Frodo’s reasoning, knowing that Frodo must make his way back to the river and the boats, rather than attempting an arduous journey through the wasteland alone. Sam: “Steady Gamgee! Think if you can! He can’t fly across rivers and he can’t jump waterfalls. He’s got no gear. So he’s got to get back to the boats. Back to the boats! Back to the boats Sam like lightning!”

Why Frodo Chose Solo

Why did Frodo choose to journey alone?

Trust and Reliability: Frodo is wary of the motives and intentions of others. He recognizes that some in the Fellowship may have been corrupted by the Ring, such as Aragorn, who still yearns for political power and the glory of Minas Tirith. Even Legolas, who is often portrayed as a trusted companion, may not fully grasp the implications of Frodo’s mission. Frodo: “Some I cannot trust” Love and Safety: Frodo understands the risks involved and does not want to burden his friends, especially his closest companion, Sam, with the dangers of the journey. He values their safety and is likely concerned about their well-being. Frodo’s heart lighter but his will firm indicates his commitment to both his mission and the safety of his friends. Frodo: “I will go alone. Some I cannot trust and those I can trust are too dear to me” Practicality: The journey to the Cracks of Doom through Mordor is perilous and requires a great deal of physical strength and stamina. Frodo, who is no longer in his prime, may have underestimated the demands of the journey. The decision to travel alone is a calculated choice to ensure his own survival. Frodo: “I will go alone. At once”

In summary, Frodo’s journey alone is a complex decision driven by trust, love, and practicality. It is a pivotal moment in the story, setting Frodo on a path of self-sacrifice and heroism that would have been compromised with the inclusion of others in the Fellowship.

Conclusion

For a deeper appreciation of the The Lord of the Rings, it is essential to read the book. The movie adaptation, while visually stunning, offers only a glimpse into the rich and detailed narrative that the original text provides. Through Frodo, Single Journey, Aragorn and Legolas, Fellowship of the Ring, one can understand the complexity and significance of Frodo's solitary journey.