Thoughts on Lord of the Rings

*Events and thoughts will be elaborated primarily in chronological order (shown in the film).

Gandulf wanted to seek Sauruman's advice on what to do with the ring but later realised that he is alongside with Sauron. Sauruman fought with Gandulf, leaving him wounded. Sauruman said to Gandulf ,“you have chosen the way of pain.”
It seems foolish isn’t it? But if going this way is a means to a good end, is it not worth suffering or fighting for?

Sauron the deceiver give 9 rings to 9 kings. The great kings of men, blinded by their greed took them without question and fell into darkness.
It parallels with the moment where Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit and became fallen in nature. The serpent tempted them and tricked them to eating the fruit and believing that to eat the fruit will be to end up like God, knowing good and evil. Is it not the greed to become God a factor which caused Man’s downfall? Are we attracted to the nice exterior of things instead of the substance/essence (= the eternal value) of things?

"Many that live deserve death. Some that die deserve life. Do not be too eager to deal out dead and judgment. Even the very wise cannot see all ends." - Gandulf
“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” It is not up to us to decide who gets to live or die. God is the righteous judge and he will deal out judgment.

"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." - Gandulf
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.” How are we using our time on Earth? Do we seek to know God’s will or do we make ourselves comfortable and indulge in the pleasure of the world?

Gollum was a creature which caught my attention. From it, I see how greed can poison the mind and make one so deform, almost inhuman. Its’ behavior reflects the constant wrestle between the angelic voice and the devilish voice in our minds.
Are we deceived by lies? Or are we convinced of the truth? Are we doing our master’s bidding because we love him? Or do we love his possessions more than him?

Sam and Frodo reached the volcano of Mordor. Frodo hesitated to destroying the ring. Sam said, “Let it go”.
Perhaps God is speaking to us and asking us to let go of the things of the world. We tend to become myopic and seek to gain the riches of the world and often we do not really know the damage they can do to us. He might be saying, “Come on! You can definitely live without this. Trust me, I am all that you need and I know what is best for you. Please son/daughter, let it go.”

Frodo and his reunion with his friends after the last battle painted a beautiful picture.
I look forward to this day where I can rejoice with my friends after the end times. Victory is attained. God wins the glorious battle. Living in a place with no room for worries, despair and sorrow. 那一天心不再伤痛.看看天黑云无影踪. 在那边没有哭泣悲痛. =)