Peter Jackson's The Lord of The Rings, adapted from Tolkien's novels, is a fantasy movie series that follows Frodo and his companions as they journey to Mordor to destroy the One Ring. Being such an extensive world, fans are always speculating about Middle-earth's lore, from familial relationships to how the world came to be.
While Tolkien did explain much of the lore of his universe in The Silmarillion and in the novel The Children of Húrin, many fans can't help but posit theories of their own. This is unsurprising considering that there are several minor plot holes in Tolkien's stories. Upon closer inspection, some theories about Lord Of The Rings actually make sense.
Updated April 15th by Patrick Arellano: J. R. R. Tolkien's contribution to the fantasy genre can't be disputed. Both the Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings were cultural phenomenons that paved the way for countless other media such as Peter Jackson's unforgettable film trilogy. 20 years after the final film, the series is slated to see a reboot. It seems only fitting to look at some of the many theories fans have made regarding the world of Middle-earth.
14 The Fate Of The Entwives
It's as true in Middle-earth as it is in reality: when several factions vie for power, one of the biggest casualties is the natural world. It's largely because of this that the anthropomorphic tree-like Ents chose to remain neutral during the war with Sauron.
When Treebeard tells Pippin and Merry, "I am on nobody's side, because nobody is on my side," one can detect a twinge of lamentation over the fate of their Entwives. However, the two hobbits manage to trick them into joining when Treebeard witness Saruman's ravaging of the forest. It's theorized that the Entwives were the victims of the white wizard's army.
13 Westoros Is Middle-earth In The Future
Whenever the term "fantasy setting" is heard, almost everyone's mind races to Middle-earth. However, George R.R. Martin is another acclaimed writer who, while taking a few cues from Tolkien, created his own distinct fantasy setting in Westoros.
Some theorize that the realm of the seven kingdoms is actually Middle-earth in the future. According to a Reddit post by patmcdoughnut, regions such as Mordor and Gondor became Valyria and Dorne, respectively. While all the other races were driven out, the Hobbits remained and became the Children of the forest.
12 Wormtongue Engaged In Cannibalism
Portrayed in the films by Chucky actor Brad Douriff, Grima Wormtongue was the unsavory counselor who served as an agent for Saruman. King Théoden of Rohan was under their malevolent control, causing the Kingdom to decline and aid Sauron's forces.
However, one subplot that didn't make it into the Lord of the Rings films was Wormtongue and Saruman's attempted control over the shire. When Frodo offers Wormtongue mercy and a place at the shire, the white wizard reveals that Wormtongue slayed their chief, stating, "Stabbed him in his sleep, I believe. Buried him, I hope; though Worm has been very hungry lately."
11 The Nature Of Sam And Frodo's Relationship
Fans and literary critics alike have noted what they perceived as semi-romantic undertones between the hobbits Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gangee. A veteran of war himself, J R.R. Tolkien likened their relationship to that of an officer and his servant.
However, in The J. R. R. Tolkien Encyclopedia, English scholar Christopher Vaccaro found parallels between their friendship and "homosexual men until the mid-twentieth century." It's been speculated by Lindsay Ellis that this and many off color jokes made at Sam and Frodo's expense is what compelled Warner Bros to add a love triangle subplot in The Hobbit trilogy.
10 Gollum Killed Frodo's Parents
Frodo's parents, Drogo and Primula, died in a boating accident when Frodo was 12. Frodo then spent the next nine years living with his maternal family, the Brandybucks, in Brandy Hall. At the age of 21, Frodo was adopted by Bilbo, his cousin, who brought him to live at Bag End. However, many fans speculate that Gollum killed Frodo's parents on the Brandywine River out of revenge for Bilbo stealing his ring.
While Gandalf tells Frodo that Gollum never made it to the Shire in his search for Bilbo, Gandalf could have easily lied to spare Frodo the pain. Ultimately, Gollum only had two hints as to Bilbo's identity; Shire and Baggins. This means Frodo might've killed Drogo and Primula thinking Drogo was Bilbo.
9 Galadriel's Gift To Gimli Means More Than People Think
Towards the end of The Fellowship of The Ring, Galadriel watches the Fellowship setting off from Lothlorien down the river Anduin. Before their departure, she gifts them all unique items to aid their journey. In Gimli's case, Galadriel gifts him three strands of her hair.
Fans have speculated that the gift references the prideful Elf Fëanor, who was said to have asked Galadriel three times for a strand of her hair. She deemed him unworthy and rejected him each time, suggesting that she instead believes Gimli to be thrice as worthy of her gift. It also demonstrates that Galadriel knew about the bond that would grow between Gimli and the Elves.
8 Gollum Is A Personality Of The Ring
Redditor u/HenceFourth speculated that Gollum's personality is actually a manifestation of the Ring itself. Bilbo, like Smeagol, is shown calling the Ring his "'precious." Therefore, Gollum may actually be an entity within the ring that torments whoever holds onto it for a sustained period of time
Although Tolkien describes the Ring as being infused with part of Sauron’s soul, it may be possible that Gollum is just another name for the Dark Lord; a moniker, so to speak. Furthermore, if Gollum truly is a personality of the Ring, then it makes sense why Gollum can track the Ring down and why his seemingly dual personality is so violent when the Ring is in his vicinity.
7 Boromir Was Poisoned By The Blood Of Sauron
Shortly before the Council of Elrond in The Fellowship of The Ring, Boromir approaches the shattered sword Narsil and recalls how it was used to defeat Sauron. Narsil was wielded by King Elendil during the War of the Last Alliance, and used by his son, Isildur, to cut the One Ring from Sauron's hand. Aragorn watches Boromir, who accidentally cuts his finger on the blade because it is still sharp.
Some fans have suggested that Boromir's behavior after this incident is the result of him being poisoned. His blood came into contact with that of Sauron's, which could have still been present on the blade. This puts a sympathetic twist on Boromir and excuses his jealousy towards Frodo's possession of the Ring.
6 Gandalf Is Iru Ilúvatar, God Of Middle-earth
Gandalf is one of the most popular and influential characters in Tolkien's world, being the guide for Bilbo and the Dwarves in The Hobbit and for the Fellowship in The Lord Of The Rings. Fans were heartbroken when Gandalf fell in Moria, battling the Balrog until his apparent death. While Gandalf was ultimately reincarnated, fans have speculated the extent of his power.
Tolkien explains that Gandalf is originally a Maia, a primordial spirit created to help the Valar shape the World. However, some have suggested that Gandalf may be the personification of Iru Ilúvatar, the all-powerful god of Middle-earth, who has come to the world (using Gandalf's physical form as a vehicle) to help destroy Sauron, who also used to be a Maia.
5 Denethor Becomes Violent After Lead Poisoning
In The Return Of The King, audiences are introduced to the Steward of Gondor, Denethor. He is Boromir and Faramir's father, and is looking after the throne of Gondor until the heir (Aragorn) returns. However, he is irrational, quick to anger, and grieving the loss of his beloved son, Boromir.
Some fans have speculated that Denethor's emotional state was also affected by lead poisoning. In the movie, it's clear that Denethor is eating from pewter plates and drinking from pewter cups. In medieval times, pewter contained lead. When ingested, lead interferes with proteins that cause certain genes to turn on and off. Therefore, lead poisoning may have caused Denethor's violent behavior.
4 The CGI In The Hobbit Reflects Bilbo's Whimsical Storytelling
While The Hobbit trilogy wasn't as popular or successful as its predecessor, it's still a visually thrilling trilogy that tackles a well-known story. However, it has been frequently panned for its overuse of CGI, as opposed to the practical effects championed by Peter Jackson in The Lord Of The Rings.
Alternatively, fans have suggested that the extensive use of CGI in The Hobbit is intentional, and reflects Bilbo's over-the-top style of storytelling. This is reinforced by the way Bilbo describes his encounter with the trolls during his birthday party at the start of The Fellowship of The Ring. Due to his age, and perhaps the influence of the Ring, it's possible Bilbo has exaggerated his recollection of the journey with Thorin's company.
3 Gandalf Wanted To Use The Eagles The Entire Time
Redditor u/VulcanDeathGrip suggests that Gandalf was trying to lead the Fellowship to the Eagles’ home in the Misty Mountains all along. He failed due to Saruman forcing them to take the route through the Mines of Moria instead.
This is certainly a plausible theory, considering that Gandalf’s parting instruction to the Fellowship (“Fly, you fools!") was urging them to flee and to ride the Eagles to Mount Doom. This theory is definitely a good answer to those who ask why they didn't just fly.
2 The Story Is An Allegory For The Great War
Tolkien enlisted in the British Army in 1915 after completing his studies at Oxford. He denied any connection between his work and the Second World War, as he did not take part in it, but some fans have speculated that The Lord of The Rings might instead be connected to Tolkien's experiences during WWI.
There are some comparisons to be drawn, particularly the extensive battle scenes. One parallel is Frodo's experience of returning to the Shire after the Ring is destroyed. He writes that nothing is quite the same, and that the scars from his journey (both physical and mental) still haunt him. This led some to believe that Frodo was embodying a soldier who continues to be haunted by what he witnessed at war.
1 The Reason Hobbits Are Always Hungry
A persistent joke throughout The Lord of The Rings is that Hobbits love to eat, be it breakfast, second breakfast, lunch, or any other meal. This is particularly true for Pippin. However, some viewers have noted that Hobbits' appetite may be a necessity.
In nature, smaller animals have to consume more calories than bigger animals so they can hibernate for long stretches of time. The same theory applies to Hobbits and suggests that their eating isn't just a snacking habit, but an essential requirement.