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How It Should Have Ended: The Lord of the Rings
The Lord of the Rings is one of the most beloved and successful fantasy epics of all time. But what if it had ended differently? In this article, we’ll explore some of the ways the story could have ended and discuss how those endings would have changed the overall meaning of the story.
The most obvious way the story could have ended is with Frodo failing to destroy the One Ring. This would have resulted in Sauron’s victory and the end of Middle-earth. While this ending would have been tragic, it would have also been fitting in some ways. After all, the story is about the struggle against evil and the importance of hope. Frodo’s failure would have shown that even the best of us can be overcome by darkness.
The Ring’s Redemption: Frodo’s Mastery
An alternative ending would have Frodo successfully resisting the Ring’s temptation and returning to the Shire a changed man. This ending would have been more hopeful than the previous one, as it would have shown that even the most powerful evil can be overcome.
Many fans believe this ending would have been more faithful to the spirit of Tolkien’s work. Tolkien himself said that he intended The Lord of the Rings to be a story of hope and redemption. An ending in which Frodo succumbs to the Ring would have contradicted this intention.
Middle-earth’s Descent to Darkness: Sauron’s Reign
Another possibility is that Sauron would have been defeated, but at the cost of Middle-earth’s destruction. This ending would have been bittersweet, as it would have shown that even in victory, there is always a price to be paid.
This ending would have been more realistic than the previous two, as it would have acknowledged the fact that evil is never truly defeated. Sauron’s defeat would have been a temporary setback, and he would have eventually returned to power.
The Fellowship’s Triumph: A United Victory
Perhaps the most satisfying ending would have been one in which the Fellowship worked together to defeat Sauron. This ending would have shown the power of friendship and cooperation. It would have also been a fitting tribute to the characters who had fought so hard to save Middle-earth.
This ending would have been more complex than the previous ones, as it would have required all of the Fellowship members to work together. However, it would have also been the most rewarding, as it would have shown that even the smallest of us can make a difference.
Conclusion
The Lord of the Rings is a story with many possible endings. The ending that we got was just one of many possibilities. It is up to each individual reader to decide which ending they prefer. However, I believe that the best ending is the one that is most faithful to the spirit of Tolkien’s work. This is an ending in which hope triumphs over despair and friendship conquers evil.
Are you satisfied with the ending of The Lord of the Rings? What ending would you have preferred?
