The Fellowship

Dear Tolkien,

This awkwardly is the first letter I’ve typed up. Many have been written in my head. Unfortunately I often get distracted, or phase out from the world (much like putting on the ring, only less cold), and these never get written. But I find myself realizing that I am about to step onto the road, or have done so already. And while I know where I am to go, and in theory know how to get there: it is a theory.

And I don’t mean like “evolution is a theory” or “the Big Bang is just a theory”. I mean, “logically speaking, this is how it should work- but hey, who really knows?” theory. Which is a slap in the face to theories around the world.

Regardless of the theory, or how it should or would work, I often find myself planning so far ahead that I never enjoy what I’m doing in that moment (college). Or, I plan so far in the future, when something changes, I don’t know what other road is open (what if you don’t get into law school?). Sometimes, when I’m really unlucky I find that I have planned to take the wrong road, and have to start all over again (biology 107).

Which is why, while re-read the Fellowship, I found Gimli and Elrond’s discussions of loyalties and staying with the fellowship hitting close to home. The wit between the two was impeccable, but what most grabbed my attention was Elrond noting, (in several cases before hand) “Look not too far ahead” (348, FR).

Elrond is not saying “hey, don’t have an end game” because the end game is getting rid of that damn ring. When stating, “look not too far ahead” he merely is warning the company that they do not over look how treacherous, perilous the journey will become. Who know what will happen on that road, or where it forks?

Better yet, what happens if you only stay because of a promise? Having done that before, it is hurtful to both parties. Elrond is warning the company that there may be a time that they will no longer be able, or should be traveling with Frodo. And that’s okay (not that they need Elrond’s permission, but sometimes that’s nice). Surprises and detours, forks and dead ends, will happen regardless of the road you choose, however far ahead you think you can see. And sometimes, when you are so set on a course, you miss the road that should have been taken.

So I think, Tolkien, that I will try harder to take it a day at a time, and to set mile stone goals. How I get there will be what makes me stronger and wiser. I might get a little battered- I may loose something- but I won’t be fully blind to everything that is going on right now. I won’t be caught in that dream world of tomorrow (though Star Trek is still permitted) for long periods of time. I will enjoy or suffer the pains of today so that I will not regret them down the road, where they may have built up a more solid roadblock. I will try to accept the present as it is given to me. I will not look too far ahead.

Sincerely,

N.R.