Common and Inconspicuous Plot Holes in The Lord of the Rings

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien is a richly detailed masterpiece of fiction, but even this great work has its share of plot holes and inconsistencies. Some minor plot holes stand out for the average reader, while others are more nuanced and less apparent. In this article, we will explore a few of these inconspicuous plot holes and why they might bother some readers.

The Most Notable Plot Hole: The Leadership of Galadriel

One of the most significant plot holes that stands out is Galadriel’s claim that she can see into Sauron’s mind concerning events that concern the Elves. Galadriel tells Frodo that she can perceive Sauron’s thoughts, but the betrayal of Saruman, which would clearly concern the Elves, is never mentioned in her messages to Gandalf. Given that Sauruman’s treachery could significantly impact Elvish affairs, it is odd that Galadriel did not provide this warning to Gandalf.

The Protagonists and the Ring: A Lacking Temptation

Another subtle plot hole is the lack of temptation experienced by Pippin, Merry, Legolas, and Gimli towards the One Ring. In the story, these characters interact with the Ring without showing any desire or temptation to possess it, even when exposed to its power. This moment lacks the expected narrative tension and emotional weight that the Ring's influence typically brings, which might be a point of frustration for some readers.

The Embarrassing Plot Hole: The Witch-King's Ignorance

A plot hole that stands out due to its comedic misstep is the Witch-King of Angmar's lack of knowledge about the Shire. The Witch-King, a powerful servant of Sauron, is shown to be unaware of the Hobbits' homeland. This is a rather cringe-worthy moment for many readers, who expect such a powerful character to be well-informed about the regions of Middle-earth.

Gandalf's Unusual Knowledge About Smeagol

Another incident that catches the attention of some readers is Gandalf's detailed knowledge about Smeagol's family, which he obtains without direct interrogation. Gandalf mentions that Smeagol was part of a family ruled by a powerful grandmother who was known for her inquisitive nature. This detail would likely have been mentioned in more detail if Gandalf had simply interrogated Smeagol directly. Such a casual display of knowledge without a clear explanation or justification might seem a bit odd and inconsistent.

The Confusing Inscription on Durin's Gate

The inscription on Durin's gate presents another plot hole. In the story, the gate itself is inscribed with the words "Moria," which seems to be a name in the Sindarin language. However, the dwarves called it "Khazad-duacute;m," a name that comes from their own language. It is surprising that the Elves, who are known for their vast knowledge and love of language, would call the gateway "The Black Chasm in jest," a name that carries connotations of dark and evil, as opposed to "Moria," which, if translated, does not seem to fit the negative context.

Conclusion

While the Lord of the Rings is a monumental and timeless work of literature, it is not without its flaws. These minor plot holes and inconsistencies, however, do not detract from the brilliance of the storytelling or the immersive nature of the narrative. Tolkien’s world was vast, and in retrospect, some of these plot holes could have been more thoroughly addressed. Nonetheless, for the devoted fan, these details can be a fun subject of discussion, much like the cheery foul-ups and timeless characters that make The Lord of the Rings so beloved.