The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

The Two Towers is the second book in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. After more than 15 years since I last read it, I found it amazing to pick up on more details and themes—and to appreciate just how well-written this series truly is.

The narrative splits into three interwoven storylines: (1) Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli; (2) Merry and Pippin; and (3) Frodo and Sam. We encounter reunions and meetings where characters recount their adventures. For the parts we already know as readers, Tolkien simply summarizes. He only expands on what is new to the reader’s perspective, which keeps the storyline relevant and purposeful.

The character portrayals are well done, particularly in showing what motivates each of them. For example, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli are driven by friendship and loyalty as they pursue the orcs who captured Merry and Pippin to save them. Sam remains steadfast in his loyalty to Frodo, staying with him to see the errand of the Ring through. And Frodo, despite the burden of the Ring, is determined to complete the errand of destroying it. He is compelled by duty, even when the mission seems hopeless. He will go on, even if it means his death.

Through all of this, we see a bit of divine providence. Although the Fellowship has been broken, each member’s path still works toward the same good end. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli know that Frodo and Sam are continuing the quest, though Frodo knows nothing of their fate. Yet they now carry on battles in the West that serve to distract Sauron, giving Frodo and Sam the chance to move unnoticed toward Mordor. They are followed by Gollum (Smeagol), whom they manage to tame—at least for a time—and who becomes their guide. All the while, they remain wary of his darker nature. By chance, they are captured by Faramir and his men. What might have been a setback ends up becoming a help, as Faramir aids them in their errand.

Something I realized this time around reading The Lord of the Rings is that this is an oral culture. It may seem odd, as a reader, that people often burst out in song and rhyme or recall long stories of old—until we realize that this is natural in a world where history and learning are passed down orally. In an oral culture, people don’t rely on writing or books the way we do. Instead, they memorize stories, songs, and traditions. And memorization is like a muscle—the more it’s exercised, the stronger it becomes. People in an oral culture naturally have better memories than those of us in a literate one like ours. Structure helps too—rhyme and song make things easier to remember. Tolkien’s inclusion of all these songs and spoken tales isn’t just for style—it’s part of the world of Middle-earth.

There are also clear Christian themes in this book. One major example is Gandalf, who is a Christ-like figure. He “dies” in the previous book—much like how Jesus died—and returns, transformed, as Gandalf the White. He even looks different and isn’t recognized at first by Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, which is similar to how Jesus’s disciples didn’t immediately recognize Him after the Resurrection. As a Christ-like figure, Gandalf also brings hope. King Théoden was under Wormtongue’s influence, and Gandalf frees him, restoring him to strength and dignity. Théoden says of Wormtongue, “you would have me crawling on all fours like a beast,” which reminded me of King Nebuchadnezzar in the Old Testament (Book of Daniel), who was humbled by God and made to live like a beast for a time. Another analogy is when Gandalf and the others confront Saruman after he is defeated. Gandalf warns them about listening to Saruman, saying he lies and is persuasive. This reminded me of demonic possession, where one should not listen to a demon, because it lies and cannot be trusted.

One final aspect worth highlighting is the wit and subtlety in many of the book’s conversations. A great example is the interrogation and conversation between Faramir and Frodo. Frodo cannot reveal his true mission, yet he speaks with honesty and integrity within the limits he is allowed. The dialogue becomes a test of each other—to discern each man’s honor and trustworthiness. Ultimately, it is the integrity of both that leads to mutual understanding. Faramir has a duty as a captain with orders. In the end, he chooses to forfeit his life and disobey one of those orders by allowing Frodo, Sam, and Gollum to continue their quest.

This is an excellent book—rich in storytelling, character, heroism, duty, integrity, and hope. The Lord of the Rings remains a classic, and The Two Towers is an excellent book in that series! I recommend it to those who enjoy fantasy, adventure, and the fight of good versus evil.