The Two Towers

Being the Second Book of The Lord of Rings
by JRR Tolkien

'The Two Towers' is the build-up to the final battle for Middle Earth in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. In the Lord of the Rings, the movie, the second book is a rather odious focus on the battle for Helms Deep. Funnily enough the whole second movie only takes up one chapter in the book. Ah well each to his own interpretation of things…

Gollum the Ultimate Manifestation
of the Negative Altered Ego

In the Two Towers what is of far greater consideration, though you can explore it in the movie, is Gollum’s appearance as Sam and Frodo’s guide. In the book the split in his personality is far more obvious and poignant than in the film. Gollum is one of the greatest manifestations of the negative ego development in literature or film. He is a walking pain body actively at war with the Inner-Self of its possessor.

This battle, rages within all of us, we do not need a ring of power to bring it out in us. Even the innocents among us are aware of this driving inner darkness that threatens to consume our very being. Frodo is deeply aware of this inner battle. It is for this very reason he is unable to kill Gollum as he hopes he can assist Smeagol to overcome his inner-darkness and return to the light. Sam on the other hand is maybe more practical and would have Gollum executed if it weren’t for the need of a guide.

The Innocence Mission

In many ways the entire book of The Two Towers is about the power of innocence, both as an innate quality and as something to be rediscovered. Merry and Pippin are able to overcome the terrors of the Uruks and Orcs through their persistent innocence and desire to live. Also their ability to never take anything too seriously.

Amongst the world of men there are also instances of a return to innocence and power. Gandalf assists Theodred to banish Saruman from his mind. Aragorn, or Strider, begins his return to innocence as the King of Middle Earth. Aragorn’s innocence mission is about overcoming the mistakes of his forefathers and their surrender to the evil powers of the One Ring. Aragorn’s return to innocence is a premonition of the renewed power that is to be found within the hearts of Men in The Return of The King.

For the Tropic of Freedom Books Finders Keepers:
Observe the progression of each of the characters in the book. Look at how The Two Towers is a book about innocence found and a return to innocence. When we talk of innocence do not think of naivety. Innocence in this context is to realize that you are allowed to make mistakes, the trick is to learn from them as quickly as possible.

The other thing to observe is that the crimes of the fathers are not the burden that the children must carry.

As you read the book, or watch the movie, observe how you have lost your own innocence and realize that it is possible to reclaim it. Also observe how that ‘Gollum’ part of your personality, the negative ego lyrics, would rather that you not be aware of the fact that you can indeed reclaim your innocence.

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