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specialTopic: "Aragorn" (4)
In the movie "The Return of the King," Aragorn appears on horseback as the army of Middle Earth stands before the Black Gate. At the same moment, Frodo and Sam battle Gollum above the fires of Mount Doom, in order to destroy the Ring. Sauron and all his evil forces are massed against the Hobbits, the Men of Gondor, the Riders of Rohan, Elves, Dwarves, and the badly outnumbered fighters from all of Middle Earth. Aragorn knows that he must buy time for the Hobbit, but the cost will be great, and he must somehow inspire, and lead. He calls to those who recognize the danger they face and the battle they must fight, with his sword aloft, and his steed in stride, he proclaims "For Frodo."
Perhaps Aragorn was not the strongest, or the most experienced, of those in the Fellowship who gathered with Frodo on his quest. It was he, however, who picked up the broken Sword and forged, time-after-time, victories afield or in court. It was not without cost that he rode toward the Black Gate ahead of all the soldiers who followed him against that which challenged Middle Earth. His ride was, perhaps, in a word, providential.
On the day that Barack Obama will speak before the Democratic Party Convention in Denver, Providence has decided that it will be on the forty-fifth anniversary of a speech given by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In that speech, King stated that "I have a dream today." He went on to say that he dreamed of a day when the content of character will determine judgment, as opposed to the color of skin. Frodo could go on and on about words which have driven him over many obstacles, and guided him when he felt lost and alone. It was as if King's words were meant specifically, for Frodo. King, perhaps, was giving Frodo time to overcome Gollum, and to destroy the Ring.
Aragorn never speaks the words "For Frodo" in Lord Tolkiens' final book. The addition of the verbiage in the cinematic presentation is editorial license. Lord Tolkien, had he felt the need for an inspirational moment, would have probably given Aragorn the words "For Middle Earth." It is striking however, given the amazing turnabout and results of this particular election, concluding in a concentrated time-frame, that it corresponds to the anniversary of a real "Return of the King."
Providential. A very interesting word, and one that Frodo will hold close abreast as events pass before his eyes. Some things, it seems, are almost meant to be, and coincidence is a word easily dismissed. Perhaps we are but actors, moved about on a board as pawns and knights. Frodo may indeed be written into the drama to stand for those smaller, weaker, but ever-willing to serve the common good. The game will be determined by those who believe, and who join together.
Frodo will take notes.
