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Lord Of The Rings Language Analysis

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The Power of Language in The Lord of the Rings How powerful can language really be? In The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien there are a lot of powers that the characters have and what I noticed most was the power of language. The characters I found most knowledgeable and skilled with the power of language are Tom Bombadil, Frodo Baggins, Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf the Grey, and Galadriel. The power of language is shown in a variety of characters and is used to guide the story, also, Tolkien views language as a universal power we can all access because almost all characters use it in The Lord of the Rings. Tom Bombadil demonstrates his use of the power of language through poems. When he is first introduced, he is singing and shortly …show more content…

Therefore, Tom’s power of language is unmeasurable and helps save the hobbits in danger, while on their important quest.. Frodo Baggins is another character who uses the power of language, but instead of immediately helping others with it, he uses language to strengthen himself in times of need. When Frodo is surrounded by Nazgul, and he has nowhere to go, he yells “O Elbereth! Gilthoniel” (221). This Elven battle cry causes the dark riders to scream and gives Frodo enough courage to strike a Nazgul in the foot. Later on Frodo’s adventure, when in danger again,before striking a troll, Frodo yells “The Shire!” (364). Frodo screaming the name of his homeland provided him yet again with enough courage and strength to stab at the foot of the troll. What really changed from the events involving Frodo and his use of language, is the fact that Frodo is now able to bring power and strength to himself through language more personal to him, not just Elvish language which is powerful on its own. The thing that stands out to me when it comes to Bilbo and his power of language, is the fact that his forms of language; songs and poems, are rejuvenating to others when he isn’t even around. During his journey with Aragorn and the hobbits, Sam sings a song that brings joy to everyone and lightens the mood when they are down. He then says “I learned it from Mr. Bilbo when I was a lad” (210). The fact that the song, sung by others besides Bilbo, can still brings joy and light

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