Better Late Than Never - A Former Homeschooler’s First Impression of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

“Nope, never seen it.”

This was my well-practiced reply whenever someone asked me if I had ever watched Lord of the Rings. The response was a familiar expression of shock at my answer, especially when I was talking with a fellow homeschooler. While I wasn’t homeschooled for my entire education, I had been enough to be a part of the culture. If you’ve been a homeschooler, you likely sympathize with the sentiment of my shocked companions.

And now I can say I understand. Having watched the trilogy for the first time this year, I get why people couldn’t believe I hadn’t watched the movies. I was captivated the entire time, hardly able to look away as I watched the epic story unfold.

The first viewing, I watched with my dad and siblings. Unfortunately, I missed Fellowship of the Ring this time (though I was able to experience it later at the local theater). My dad had seen the movies before – and read the books when he was a kid – but my siblings and I were watching with fresh eyes. I was kept on the edge of my seat.

The second time through (starting properly with Fellowship), one of my sisters and I watched all three extended editions on the big screen. It was such a special experience for both of us, and I’m so thankful that the local theater provides fun showings of classic movies. In the theater, I could feel the action as it was unfolding – the sweeping shots, the music, the characters. I felt like I was a part of the story. Several scenes have made a lasting impact on me.

Fellowship introduces the characters and sets the stage nicely. I much prefer the book to the film in this instance (I read through the books after watching the movies for the first time as well, which I’ll address in a later post). I enjoyed getting to see the world I’d be diving into, and found myself longing for the simple life of the Shire. Maybe I was born to be a Hobbit…

The beginning of the Fellowship’s quest gives a glimpse of just how much sacrifice will be required of each member. Some of these sacrifices come to dire realization. Boromir, in his desperate personal endeavor to acquire the Ring to save his people, becomes corrupted by the dark power himself. However, when he comes face to face with his own wretchedness, and I was moved by his valiant defense of the hobbits and his final plea for forgiveness.

Perhaps Boromir was inspired himself by Gandalf’s own sacrifice. Gandalf saw the darkness, yet he chose to remain faithful to his pledge and his friends. He stepped into the shadow of death and met it bravely so that the Fellowship may continue on, and Frodo would still have his faint hope of destroying the Ring.

In the second film, one line stands out clearly. When confronted with certain doom at Helm’s Deep, Theoden asks Aragorn, “So much death, what can men do against such reckless hate?” To which Aragorn replies, “Ride out with me. Ride out and meet them.”

I’ll tell you, shivers ran like lightning through my spine at this! In a day and age where it is more common to shirk from anything slightly inconvenient, this is such a good reminder that we aren’t called to hide from evil. Rather, God calls us to take a stand against it. I am reminded of Ephesians 6:10-17.

Paul exhorts his readers in Ephesus to “[B]e strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil… [Y]ou must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day…”(Eph. 6:10-11, 13; HCSB). What a great picture of the call we have as followers of Christ, and knowing that Jesus Himself fights alongside us – and has already won – gives me great hope in the midst of dark times.

Return of the King is my favorite of the three, and so many moments stand out to me. I loved the character arcs that come to fruition. Sam faithfully walks beside his friend to fulfill their seemingly impossible task, then to come back home where he builds a beautiful life with a new family. Faramir and Eowyn find love among the rubble of their broken families. Merry and Pippin follow a higher calling than their carefree life they knew before, each becoming willing to sacrifice themselves for the sake of others. Aragorn stops running from his calling and steps up to fulfill his role as king.

An especially poignant moment comes when the camera briefly settles on a single flower blooming on the white tree in Minas Tirith. My heart just about skipped a beat. The king is coming.

And I thought, that is going to happen. My King, who sacrificed His life for me, has promised that He will return. His Word, like that single flower, stands as a reminder that He will not leave His people on earth forever. He hasn’t forgotten us, and He bids us to follow Him. I look forward to the day He returns, and I get to follow Him.

Tolkien’s Christian roots are undeniable in his masterpiece, and these elements still come through in the films. Lord of the Rings, as a deeply Catholic story, serves as a good reminder of my own faith. I want to live with the same faithfulness and nobility as portrayed by the movies’ heroes, and that is what the Lord calls me to.

Seldom have I finished a theater-going experience with the intense desire to watch all over again, but that’s how I felt. Even after sitting through the extended editions, my sister and I both agreed that we could watch it again (after a quick bathroom break, of course). I’ve since finished reading the books, which makes me desire to rewatch all the more.

I feel like a more authentic member of the homeschool community now, and I finally understand the hype. I’m a fan. They just don’t make movies like this anymore.

*Equestrian’s Notes:

As a horsewoman in my career and personal life, I take careful note of the roles of horses in TV, movies, and books. So I’ll offer a few thoughts on horse-related components of stories.

First of all, the horsemanship in these movies was impressive across the board. The stunt riders moved well with their horses, adding authenticity to the charges across wide battlefields. In addition to the skills of the people, the horses added their own abilities. Since I work with some hot-heated horses, I know what a feat it is to get a large number of horses to ride through chaos with confidence.

Viggo Mortensen’s dedication to his craft is obvious. The work he put in for his scenes is obvious, as is the true connection he built with the horse. I found the scene in which Brego lays down beside the injured Aragorn particularly moving. It takes great trust between man and horse alike to both be in such a vulnerable position before rising up to move on together.

The Ring Wraiths’ horses reminded me of a large gelding I know. He would fit right in with their imposing frames and ominous cries. The horse I know doesn’t neigh like a normal horse; he has a breathy roar instead. I could picture him as part of the threatening group riding to reclaim the Ring for Sauron.

On a funnier note, the horses which played Shadowfax were entertaining to watch. They were stunning animals to be sure, but they also had a variety of facial expressions. He was often pinning his ears in annoyance at other horses, which gave my sister and me a good chuckle.