Redemption In Beowulf

The novel opens on Gandalf and Pippin’s journey to Minis Tirith, where they are to alert the Steward of Gondor of the impending dangers. Pippin pledges his service to Denethor, out of gratitude for his son’s sacrifice. Soon after they arrive, Gandalf begins to notice the dark cloud that he dubs the darkness, has descended over the city of Gondor. In Rohan, the rest of the fellowship rides for Dunharrow, yet Aragorn comes to the realization that the other Riders may not reach the city in time to defend it. He makes the decision to take the Paths of the Dead, with the hope that an old curse and his status as Isildur’s heir would bring them reinforcements. He is successful in calling the Army of the Dead to his aid, as their oath binds them to

Throughout the novel, the importance of redemption and mercy is a recurring theme amongst the characters. Two of the biggest examples of this would be between Gandalf and Saruman, and Frodo, Sam, and Gollum. After the war has been won and everyone makes their way back home, Gandalf stumbles into Saruman, whom he had released from imprisonment out of pity. Even after all of his evil deeds and the intentions he still holds, Gandalf offers him mercy. Saruman is lost on his path, and Gandalf extends an offer to assist him. Saruman however, is not swayed and denies him through insults. Gandalf says to him, “Say rather that you are overtaken by good fortune; for now you have a last chance”, (961). Unfortunately, Saruman still does not accept. Frodo is also depicted as merciful, as he spares Gollum’s life every time a conflict occurs. In Return of the King, Sam is the one to spare the creature’s life. Gollum attacks the pair on their way up the mountain, and Sam challenges him, with the intentions of killing him. However, “deep in his heart there was something that restrained him”, and Sam is unable to take his life (Tolkien 923). It is fortunate he allowed Gollum to live, as it is a cruel twist of fate that he enables the destruction of the Ring. Tolkien emphasizes the continued mercy that is given to those who have done severe wrong, insinuating that the offered redemption

The One Ring is full of corrupt power, and only the purest of heart could resist it’s temptations for even a short time. Frodo has wielded this ring for the majority of 6 months. While his predecessor, Bilbo, held on to the ring for years, he was never faced with the knowledge he would have to destroy it. Every step Frodo takes closer to Mt.Doom is a reminder that he will be the one to destroy the ring, and yet with every step he becomes more and more influenced by the ring’s power. As they near the mountain, the desire to wear the ring grows stronger. Frodo begs Sam “Hold my hand! I can’t stop it,” (Tolkien 921). The will of the ring is to dominate the minds of others, however it dominates the will of whoever possesses it. The lust for power that every being holds is magnified tenfold by the presence of the ring. From the beginning of the trilogy, Frodo becomes more and more dependant on the presence of the ring, and by the time he reaches the final leg of the journey, it is evident that giving it up will be extremely difficult. Frodo is faced with severe internal conflict as he struggles to withstand the power of the ring and continue his journey. As he nears his destination, his endurance fades. However, he is not alone in the battle between himself and the ring’s power. His faithful companion Sam has a heart that