The Return of the King - Minority Mindset

It’s worth noting that J.R.R. Tolkien had a compelling viewpoint on the title of The Return of the King, but in current context, this discussion concerning the third book of The Lord of the Rings series is no longer significant. Published in the 1950s, The Return of the King was the final installment of Tolkien’s groundbreaking fantasy saga, which came more than two decades after The Hobbit. Despite the initial publication, Tolkien continued to expand the lore of Middle-earth post-release, with works such as The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales being published following his death, based on his extensive notes, offering readers further insights into his stories.

Fans of J.R.R. Tolkien, enamored not only by the tales within the “Lord of the Rings” books but also by the author’s creative process, have long been intrigued by his methods. His extensive notes, published in multiple volumes, and his letters, which offer glimpses into his views on Middle-earth, have held great appeal. For instance, his letters revealed a different perspective on Orcs than what was portrayed in the novels. Moreover, in Letter 140, penned on August 17, 1953, he delved into the titles of his three volumes.

Tolkien Was Afraid The Return Of The King’s Title Gave Away The Story’s Ending

The Title Hints At Aragorn’s Rise & Sauron’s Defeat

140th letter was penned a year prior to the release of “The Fellowship of the Ring,” and Tolkien discussed potential titles for the three books with Rayner Unwin. He was in favor of both “Fellowship” and “The Two Towers,” but proposed “The War of the Ring” as his idea for the third volume. Interestingly, Rayner Unwin favored “The Return of the King,” but Tolkien believed that his title suggestion provided a less definitive hint about the story’s outcome and was more fitting as it did not give away too much about how the narrative would unfold.

Tolkien appreciated the repetition of “The One Ring” in the title of “The War of the Ring,” as it was undeniably the pivotal element in his tale. He designed his chapter headings to maintain suspense, and he aimed for his title to achieve a similar effect. While “The Return of the King” is commonly known as the third book in Tolkien’s epic series and one of the greatest films ever produced – earning it widespread acclaim – ultimately, its title prevailed, with the publication taking place in October 1955.

Tolkien Made A Good Point About The Final LOTR Book’s Title, At Least Initially

Tolkien Rightfully Didn’t Want To Give Away The Ending

J.R.R. Tolkien wasn’t mistaken about the title of “The Return of the King”; it reveals a significant plot twist within the narrative. While Aragorn’s coronation as the King of Gondor might not be the most dramatic event in the book, it signifies a shift in tide, with him rallying men against Sauron. This is not simply a restoration of the monarchy; rather, it symbolizes leadership akin to King Arthur, implying that anyone can emulate the great heroes and legends of old by taking up arms for righteousness.

Given this context, the book’s title seems to convey a message of hope and victory over evil, with Aragorn’s leadership playing a crucial role in inspiring Men to fight against Mordor. The One Ring’s destruction is necessary for the heroes’ ultimate success, but the title hints at a favorable ending despite the ominous peril suggested by Tolkien. By 2025, this nuance may no longer be significant.

Why Tolkien’s Return Of The King Criticism Isn’t As Important Now

Everyone Knows The Heroes Win, & It Doesn’t Ruin The Story

In essence, although I comprehend the intentions behind Tolkien’s 1953 letter, the situation has effectively become moot thanks to the extraordinary success of his works. The Lord of the Rings film series has grossed billions and is one of the most widely read book series ever published. Beyond the intense devotion that millions have for Tolkien’s writing, there is now a common understanding of his work in everyday conversation that makes spoilers less impactful.

Similar to how films like “Star Wars” or typical superhero series are often seen as stories where righteousness overcomes wickedness, so too does “The Lord of the Rings” frequently fall under this categorization. However, this oversimplifies the intricacies present in Tolkien’s world. Despite this, the grandeur and tone of his epic align with this interpretation, as does the title for “The Return of the King.” Regardless of whether you’re aware of the good characters’ ultimate victory before diving into the story, most people are; the real appeal lies in the characters, their relationships, the themes, and the boundless creativity that makes this tale unique.

2025-04-25 05:12