Summary
The Lord of the Ringstrilogy, both J.R.R. Tolkien’s literary masterpiece and Peter Jackson’s cinematic adaptation, has captivated audiences for decades with its intricate world-building. However, even the most meticulously crafted narratives can contain inconsistencies that spark heated discourse within the fanbase.
While there is currently no consensus among fans on explanations for these inconsistencies, nor on what technically qualifies as a “plot hole,” it’s still worth exploring the far corners of Middle-earth, even if it’s just an excuse to dive into the rich, complex lore ofThe Lord of the Rings.
The Prohibition of Sauron’s Name
In Jackson’sThe Two Towersfilm, Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) states that Sauron does not permit his followers to speak his name. This creates a contradiction when,inThe Return of the King, the Mouth of Sauron arrives at the Black Gate and explicitly introduces himself using the name Sauron. If speaking the name was indeed forbidden, his chief emissary would likely have adhered to that rule.
Possible Explanation:
Some fans suggest thatAragorn’s statement may have been a simplification, exaggeration, or just plain incorrect. As a high-ranking minion, the Mouth of Sauron may have had special privileges allowing him to use the Mordor ruler’s name when representing him. Others believe the line inThe Two Towerswas added purely for dramatic effect in the films and does not reflect an actual rule set in Tolkein’s Middle-earth.
“I am the Mouth of Sauron.”
The Inscription on the Doors of Moria
In the trilogy’s first installment, the West-gate of Moria is inscribed with the phrase,“The Doors of Durin, Lord of Moria.“However, according to the lore,Moria, meaning “Black Pit,“was a name given to the realmafterthe Balrog forced the Dwarves to abandon it. The Dwarves never used the name themselves. When the doors were originally crafted, the Dwarves called their kingdom Khazad-dûm.
Chronology of The Name
A potential explanation is that the name “Moria” may have been retroactively inscribed on the door after the Dwarves returned at some point before their final fall. Alternatively, this could be an oversight on Tolkien’s part, as he occasionally revised place names as he developed Middle-earth’s history.
The Origins and Fate of Orcs
Tolkien describesmultiple origins for Orcs, one of which suggests they were Elves corrupted by Morgoth. This creates an unanswered theological question: If Orcs were originally Elves, do they return to the Halls of Mandos upon death, as Elves do? And if so, can they be redeemed? Tolkien himself struggled with this dilemma, as he disliked the idea of any sentient race being wholly irredeemable.
Some fans speculate that Orcs, being so corrupted, may have lost their Elvish souls entirely, rendering them incapable of redemption. Others believe that while individual Orcs might have had a chance at salvation,the vast majority were too far gone. Tolkien never fully settled the matter, leaving the thread open to interpretation.
Why Didn’t They Use the Eagles?
Perhaps the most common fan criticism is why the Fellowship didn’t simplyfly to Mount Doom on the backs of the Great Eaglesas commanded by Gandalf (Ian McKellen). Or, at the very least, fly part of the way, shortening the journey on foot. However, several in-universe explanations exist:
The Unprotected Entrance to Mount Doom
One of the most significant oversights inThe Lord of the Ringsis the apparent lack of protection at the entrance to Mount Doom. Given that the Ring can only be destroyed in the fires of the volcano, it seems illogicalthat Sauron would leave it unguarded. Frodo and Sam are able to access the Cracks of Doom unchallenged, and their ability to reach the Ring’s destruction point without encountering opposition raises questions about Sauron’s foresight. Given his immense power and paranoia, this oversight seems out of character for the Dark Lord.
The Ringwraiths' Reluctance to Seize the Ring
InThe Fellowship of the Ring, the Ringwraiths pursue Frodo and the Fellowship to Weathertop. Still, despite their overwhelming power and mission to retrieve the One Ring, they do not seize Frodo or the Ring. Instead, they retreat, allowing Frodo time to escape. The scene is puzzling, considering that the Ringwraiths are portrayed asformidable servants of Sauron, yet they appear cautious and indecisive during this critical moment.
Possible Explanations:
“We are the servants of Sauron. We have come to take the Ring.”
Gandalf’s Apparent Underutilization of Power
ThroughoutThe Lord of the Rings, Gandalf, an enormously impressive wizard, demonstrates an array of powers, including the ability to summon fire, manipulate light, and command large-scale forces. However, there are moments in the trilogy where Gandalf refrains from using his full potential, for example, during his encounter with the Witch-king of Angmar inThe Return of the King. Despite his immense power,Gandalf does not immediately overpower the Witch-kingor eliminate him with ease. This restraint raises the question of why a being of Gandalf’s power doesn’t fully unleash his abilities when the stakes are so high.
Elrond’s Knowledge of the Ring’s Destruction
InThe Fellowship of the Ring, Elrond (Hugo Weaving), Lord of Rivendell, states with certainty that the One Ring can only be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom, where it was forged. This knowledge seems to come with an authority and clarity that raises questions about how Elrond came to possess such specific information. Given that the creation of the Ring was a closely guarded secret, and the history surrounding the Ring’s forging and powers is mostly known only to Sauron and a few others, it’s unclear how Elrond would have this knowledge.
Despite these inconsistencies,The Lord of the Ringsremains a masterpiece. While some of these loose threads may challenge the lore, they do little to diminish the grandeur of Tolkien’s world. Debates over these details only serve to highlight the breadth of the world and the passion of its fanbase. The richness of Middle-earth is precisely why fans continue to dissect and discuss these details decades after their publication and adaptation.
