Jestice/English 4
LOTR and Beowulf: I need a hero! (100 points)
Answer the following questions by comparing and contrasting the heroism of Frodo
Baggins to that of Beowulf. Both characters exhibit qualities suiting an epic hero;
however, both demonstrate these in different ways. (The scene numbers are from the
extended version; however, the scene titles are consistent with the regular edition.)
Fellowship of the Ring
Scene 10: The Shadow of the Past
Gandalf already has shown Frodo the One Ring and has told Frodo he
must keep it hidden and safe. Frodo obliges. But when Gandalf tells him the
story of the ring and that Frodo must take it out of the Shire, Frodo’s
reaction is different.
1. Explain why Frodo reacts the way he does. Is this behavior fitting
for a hero? Why or why not? Is Frodo a hero at this point of the
story?
2. How does this differ from Beowulf’s call to adventure?
Scene 27: The Council of Elrond
Leaders from across Middle Earth have gathered in the Elvish capital
of Rivendell to discuss the fate of the One Ring. Frodo has taken the ring to
Rivendell for safekeeping. Having already tried unsuccessfully to destroy
the ring, the leaders argue about who should take it to be consumed in the
fires of Mordor. Frodo steps forward and accepts the challenge.
1. Frodo’s physical stature makes this journey seem impossible. What
kinds of traits apparent so far in the story will help him overcome
this deficiency?
2. How does Frodo’s physical appearance differ from Beowulf’s?
Does Frodo’s small stature make him less of a hero?
Scene 39: Mirror of Galadriel
The Elvish Queen of Lorien allows the Fellowship to take refuge in
her woods while they trek through Middle Earth toward Mordor. Frodo and
Galadriel have an encounter in the forest, where Frodo sees a vision of the
future and doubts his ability to finish the quest.
1. Explain what Frodo sees in the mirror and how it affects his
confidence. What does this do, in your opinion, to Frodo’s hero
status.
2. Does Beowulf ever have a lapse in confidence? Why or why not?
Jestice/English 4
Two Towers
Scene 2: Taming of Smeagol
Frodo and Sam have now left the Fellowship to journey on their own
to Mordor. Throughout the adventure, the group has been followed by a
creature known as Gollum. He was once a Hobbit-like creature; but when
the One Ring came into his possession, he was corrupted physically and
mentally by it. Now, Gollum makes his presence known to Frodo and Sam.
1. What is Frodo’s initial reaction to Gollum? How does it change
during the scene? Is Frodo’s treatment of Gollum, whom he calls
Smeagol, consistent with the characteristics of a hero?
2. Did Beowulf ever show compassion in the selections we read?
Why or why not? Do you think he would if given the opportunity?
Scene 15: The Black Gate is Closed
Gollum has taken Frodo and Sam to the Black Gates of Mordor,
where Frodo must destroy the One Ring. After a short discussion, Frodo is
prepared to carry through with his mission.
1. Does Frodo’s bravery seem honest to you? Do you think he is
really prepared at this point in the story to go into Mordor, the
most dangerous place in Middle Earth?
2. What would Beowulf do in this situation? Would he listen to
Gollum and Sam?
Scene 50: The Tales that Really Mattered….
After a battle in Osgiliath, Frodo is emotionally exhausted from
carrying the One Ring. In a desperate attempt to end his anguish, Frodo
nearly lets a Ring Wraith take the ring from him.
1. Do Frodo’s actions contradict his status as a hero? Why or why
not?
2. Has (or would) Beowulf ever faltered? Sam reminds Frodo of his
purpose – would Beowulf need a reminder?
Jestice/English 4
Return of the King
Scenes 33/35: Dwimorberg- The Haunted Mountain/ The Paths of the Dead
Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli venture into the Dwimorberg, the Haunted
Mountain, where a race of men were condemned to exist as the Dead until
the King of Gondor summons them again. Aragorn must command the Dead
to join in the fight against Sauron.
1. How does Aragorn exhibit bravery in these scenes? Where does he get
the courage to face the Dead?
2. How does Aragorn’s bravery compare to Beowulf’s?
Scene 59/60: The Last Debate/ Aragorn Masters the Palantir
While Gandalf and the others seem to have lost faith that Frodo will be
able to accomplish his mission of destroying the One Ring, Aragorn has
hope that through his sacrifice Frodo will succeed. He plans to divert the
attention of the evil Sauron by staging a hopeless attack against 10,000 Orcs.
1. What qualities of an epic hero does Aragorn demonstrate in these
scenes? Do his actions make him more or less of a hero in your mind?
Why or why not?
2. Beowulf certainly is an epic hero. Does Beowulf ever demonstrate his
heroism in a similar manner to Aragorn?
Scene 74: The Return of the King
Aragorn is crowned as the King of Gondor, and peace is restored to
Middle Earth after Frodo has destroyed the One Ring. The ceremony marks
the beginning of the Fourth Age of Middle Earth for the race of men and for
the members of the Fellowship.
1. How do Aragorn’s followers honor and celebrate him? What is his
response to such honor?
2. Beowulf receives honor at his funeral. How does this honor compare
to Aragorn’s? How are these different styles of honoring a leader
appropriate for each man?
Last question: Who is a better hero, Beowulf, Frodo, or Aragorn? Explain
your answer.