The Nature and Significance of Pippin’s Song to the Steward in Lord of the Rings: Return of the King

When Pippin, a young hobbit, sings his verses to the Steward of Gondor during the climax of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King film, it reveals a haunting and dark melody that resonates with the impending battles and the somber atmosphere of the film. The song, inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien's poem, shifts the mood from the whimsical to the profound, and its Celtic dirge-like style underscores the gravity and weight of the moment.

A Departure from the Source Material

The poem recited by Pippin in the film is indeed a profound departure from the original context in which it appears in the book. In Tolkien's original works, the verses are sung by Pippin, Sam, and Frodo as they journey from Bag End to Buckland, reflecting the simple and rustic life of the Shire. Tolkien himself had a more refined and rustic vision for the poem in his books, which aligns more with the idea of a traveling song celebrating the beauty of nature and the mundane joys of hobbit life.

The Celtic Dirge

However, in the film, the same poem takes on a more somber and dirgelike quality, aligning more closely with the mood of the Return of the King. The altered tone suggests a Celtic dirge, which is characterized by its deep melancholy and a sense of foreboding. This shift is significant as it highlights the dark themes of the film, such as the impending war, the deaths that will befall the characters, and the darkness that lies ahead.

Analysis of the Poem in Context

The poem begins with a calm and serene description of a naturally bucolic setting, which is quickly and dramatically juxtaposed with a foreboding sense of danger and uncertainty:

Upon the hearth the fire is red,
Beneath the roof there is a bed,
But not yet weary are our feet,
Still round the corner we may meet,
A sudden tree or standing stone
That none have seen but we alone.

The second verse further emphasizes the theme of impermanence, with a sense of urgency and desperation:

Let them pass! Let them pass!
Pass them by! Pass them by!

This reinforces the idea that the characters are racing against time and the uncertainty of what lies ahead. The final verse is a poignant reflection on the contrast between the safety of home and the dangers of the journey:

Home is behind the world ahead,
And there are many paths to tread,
Through shadows to the edge of night,
Until the stars are all alight.

The phrase "away shall fade! Away shall fade!" serves as a stark reminder of the ephemeral nature of life and the inevitability of loss. The poem's rhythm and repetition add to its emotional impact, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Implications for the Film

By adapting Tolkien's poem to fit the somber and intense tone of the Return of the King film, the filmmakers successfully integrated a poignant and reflective element into the narrative. The song serves as a poignant reminder of the characters' past and their journey's purpose, creating a poignant and emotional resonance that complements the film's epic themes.

Copyright and Legal Considerations

It's important to note that the use of this poem in the film is a creative adaptation and re-imagining. While Tolkien held the original copyright, the film adaptation remixes and interprets the work for a broader audience, fitting the poem to a new context. Thus, such use falls under fair use as described under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, which allows for the transformation and adaptation of copyrighted material for commentary, criticism, or memeory.

In conclusion, the song sung by Pippin to the Steward in the Return of the King film is a striking example of how original literary material can be interpreted and adapted for cinematic storytelling. It serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the inevitability of dark times, enhancing the film's emotional depth and thematic integrity.