To discover one’s own virtue is an aim of all heroes, both fictional and real. Nobility in purpose, and soundness of mind are both things that must be attained. Neither are inherent or given — yet the methods of attainment often come unexpectedly, and with sharp pain. Aragorn, heir to the throne of Gondor, must act as a Christ symbol in Book V of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series, wandering into the realm of the dead in order to combat the evil of Sauron. Pippin, the previously naive hobbit, find his bravery and virtue as well. In Minas Tirith, he “swear(s) fealty and service to Gondor” (Tolkien 756) by offering his sword to Denethor. Likewise, Merry pledges his sword to Theoden, having found pride and honor in an otherwise pitiful journey.
Solzhenitsyn notes that it is often through pain and suffering that we realize both our past missteps, and secure our purposes. Almost counter-intuitively, he tells his audience that his lengthy Gulag stay was cathartic in a sense: “Bless you, prison!” (Solzhenitsyn 313). This is a firm principle within many Judeo-Christian religions, and the prime symbolism of Christ bearing the cross. Both Tolkien and Solzhenitsyn were practicing Christians, and the influence becomes clear upon connecting the two masterpieces, and their overarching messages.
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