Unraveling the Most Confusing Scenes in 'The Lord of the Rings' Movie Series: For Those Who Haven't Read the Books

Introduction

Adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic narrative, particularly the The Lord of the Rings film series, often introduce significant changes to the source material. While these changes enhance the films' visual appeal and plot progression, they can also lead to confusion for viewers unfamiliar with the original books. This article will explore some of the most perplexing scenes in the movie series that may baffle those who have not read the novels.

Unexpected References and Omissions

The Concept of 'Second Breakfast'

A recurring quirk that trips up many viewers is the concept of 'second breakfast.' In the films, characters like Pippin frequently ask about it, which confounds the audience. The term makes its only mentioned appearance in The Hobbit, where Bilbo hastily departs without even his handkerchief, let alone his 'second breakfast.'
(Keyword: Second breakfast)

The Apple Incident

Another notable instance of confusion arises from the scene in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers where Sam throws an apple at Bill Ferny in Bree, which hits him on the nose. The scriptwriters veer from the written saga, where Aragorn, unlike in the films, does not throw an apple at anyone. This inconsistency can leave audiences baffled.

Mysteries Unresolved by the Films

Bilbo, Frodo, and Gandalf’s Departures

Without proper explanation within the films, the reasons behind the departures of Bilbo, Frodo, and Gandalf remain unclear. Additionally, the sudden exodus of the Elves also lacks proper context, leaving many viewers questioning the reasons behind their actions.

The Numenor and Aragorn’s Ancestry

The backstory regarding Numenor and Aragorn’s lineage is another area of confusion. The films barely touch upon the origin and significance of Numenor and the Men of the West, making discussions about Aragorn’s ancestry confusing. Specific details about the Men of the West, such as their role in the conflict, are notably absent from the films, making it hard to grasp the significance of Aragorn’s heritage.

Arwen’s Fate and the Ring’s Influence

Apart from the departure of the Elves, Arwen’s life and death in relation to the Ring is another confusing element introduced in the film. This addition, which is absent from the books, puzzles many viewers as to its purpose and relevance. This subplot, though fascinating, remains incomprehensible without the context provided in the novels.

The Enchanted Sword and the Nazgul’s Actions

Merry’s Heroic Deed

One of the most baffling aspects of the trilogy is the scene where Merry stabs the Witch-King with an enchanted sword. The film does not explain how Merry came to possess this sword or why the Witch-King becomes vulnerable. It leaves many wondering why the Witch-King, who is often portrayed as invincible, can be defeated so easily. The film’s portrayal of the Nazgul is also notably different; they often seem more vulnerable and less formidable than described in the books. In contrast to their portrayal in the books, where they instill fear and break resistance through their power, the Nazgul in the films appear more bumbling and inept, mainly causing minor harm to the protagonists.

The Black Gate and the Nazgul’s Identification

In the films, the Nazgul are presented as formidable opponents, yet they perform few impactful actions, such as just stabbing Frodo and causing minor accidents. The Witch-King’s vulnerability to an ordinary sword strikes as inexplicable without the context provided in the books, suggesting a significant shift in the films’ portrayal of the Nazgul’s power and behavior.

Other Rings and Their Mysteries

The film version of The Lord of the Rings also leaves much to be desired in terms of explaining the other rings and their significance. While it mentions that the nine rings are kept by the Nazgul, it fails to provide any information about the three or seven, which are crucial to the story. Moreover, the significance of the phrase 'The time of the Three Rings is ended' in the Grey Havens scene is not elucidated, making it challenging for viewers to understand what these rings are and why their time is ended. These plot points require substantial changes to the film's narrative to align more closely with the original source material.

Conclusion

Adaptations of literary works like The Lord of the Rings can sometimes lack the nuanced depth and explanation present in the original written narrative. This article has highlighted some of the confusing moments in the film series that might leave viewers confused and curious for the original books. By exploring and understanding these elements, both film enthusiasts and newcomers can gain a richer appreciation of Tolkien's epic universe.