The Journey of Frodo and Sam: Choosing Mordor Over Minas Tirith

Many fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings are familiar with the epic journey of Frodo Baggins and his loyal companion Samwise Gamgee. However, the path they took to destroy the One Ring is not without controversy. Why did Frodo and Sam choose to go through Mordor instead of directly traveling to Minas Tirith? This article delves into the strategic reasoning behind their decision and the events that followed.

Strategic Reasons for the Mordor Route

Frodo and Sam were sent to Mordor to destroy the One Ring, which they did by traveling to the volcano Orodruin at Mount Doom. This was not simply a matter of convenience, but a carefully planned mission. The journey was fraught with peril, not only from the physical challenges of navigating through the treacherous wasteland of Mordor, but also from the intense will of Sauron and the Ring's dark influence.

Firstly, Frodo and Sam could not stay in Rivendell with the One Ring. Elrond, the leader of Rivendell, was wise enough to recognize the potential corruption the Ring could cause. Although Rivendell was safe from the immediate threat of Sauron, it was too close for comfort. The Ring’s power was such that if they had stayed, it could have drawn Sauron’s forces to Rivendell, putting the safety of everyone at risk.

Secondly, the journey back to the Shire or leaving Middle Earth directly from the Grey Havens was also too risky. The presence of the Nazg?l and orcs made it impossible for Frodo to stay in one place. If he had arrived at any settlement, the Ring's allure would have drawn Sauron’s forces to that location, jeopardizing the safety of everyone involved in the quest.

As discussed in the Council of Elrond, the Valar (the gods of Middle Earth) would not have accepted the Ring, even if Frodo had successfully sailed to the Undying Lands. It was the will of the Valar that the Ring be destroyed in Mordor. The Istari (wizards) were sent to Middle Earth to aid the Free Peoples in opposing Sauron, although only one of them, Gandalf, fulfilled his role.

Rescue and Recovery in Ithilien

During the final moments of the journey, Snéagol (Gollum) was consumed by the One Ring and fell into the fiery chasm of Mount Doom. Frodo and Sam were then rescued from the eruption by Gandalf and the Eagles. They were taken to Ithilien, a peaceful region of Gondor, where they could rest and recover from their ordeal.

Return to Minas Tirith and Beyond

After their recovery, Frodo and Sam joined the forces of Aragorn in Minas Tirith. The return to Minas Tirith was bittersweet, as the city was a symbol of resistance against Sauron. Here, Aragorn and the others prepared for the final battle. The journey to Minas Tirith lasted several months, but it was worth it to ensure the safety of Middle Earth.

Exhausted and injured after the Ring's destruction, Frodo and Sam were finally able to vindicate their journey. They joined Aragorn, Gandalf, and other survivors on the Fields of Cormallen, where they received a hero's welcome. This triumphant return to Middle Earth symbolized the end of the perilous journey and the beginning of a new era of peace.

Conclusion

Frodo and Sam's choice to go through Mordor was not an easy one, but it was a necessary step to ensure the safety of Middle Earth. Their journey through the wastelands of Mordor, their rescue from the ultimate peril, and their ultimate triumph at Minas Tirith showcase their bravery and loyalty. Their story serves as a reminder of the importance of strategic planning and the power of heroism.