The annual Lord of The Rings marathon is happening today. This started back in my junior year of college where my friend Cara and I watched all three extended editions in the RA office in one day. We did it the year after as well and then after I moved to Austin we’ve kept it up remotely, with Lin then joining in. We sync our movies were near perfect countdowns and keeping up text conversations all the way through. It’s what’s made us a little more prepared for quarantine social than some other people who are figuring this all out for the first time.
So I guess that’s at least seven, maybe eight, times we’ve done this now? At this point, our text thread is us just quoting the same lines back to each other since we all share favorite parts and a deep appreciation for Samwise Gamgee. Seriously, 80% of the inspirational and beautiful things said in these films come from Sam. We just wrapped up watching The Two Towers and here’s the tear-jerking and relevant speech he gives at the end:
“It’s like the great stories, Mr. Frodo, the ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger they were, and sometimes you didn’t want to know the end because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad has happened? But in the end, it’s only a passing thing this shadow, even darkness must pass. A new day will come, and when the sun shines, it’ll shine out the clearer. I know now folks in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn’t. They kept going because they were holding on to something. That there’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo, and it’s worth fighting for.”
Damn. A few scenes later Frodo tells him he “wouldn’t have gotten far without Sam” and it is the truest line ever spoken. I’m a hero kind of girl, but in these stories, Sam is the real hero. There is a reminder here about the bravery in a steady and quiet support of someone you love. Or recognizing it in those who are there for you when you do or go through hard things. People who show up, no matter what.
Lord, we haven’t even gotten to the “but I can carry you” line in the next movie yet. Feelings. There will be tears.
If you haven’t watched these movies lately you should. Every time we’re blown away by how well they hold up today. Nearly 20 years later and the effects look more realistic than many movies coming out today. They’re incredible. (And yes, problematic in that they are very white and with, like, three women characters.)
I better get back to it. The extended edition of The Return of the King is over four hours long.
With Love,
Natalie