Immerse yourself in the confusion of time and truth behind Frodo’s departure from the Shire
It’s no secret that when Frodo Baggins speaks of the One Ring, it’s a name that resonates in all corners of Middle-earth. However, few stop for questioning because of the delay in their journey. After all, what made Frodo stay in the Shire before embarking on a quest that would determine the fate of the world?
The calm before the storm
In Tolkien’s pages, we are exposed to a troubling interval: 17 years of unemployment. Frodo, that young hobbit who shares the same birthday with Bilbo, inherits the magic ring on his thirty-third birthday, but it is not until his fiftieth birthday that he decides to cross the known limits. In the film adaptation, this period is shown to us in an abstract that is hardly related to the chronological order, but which does not contradict the essence of the original work.
The thread of this story revolves around the curiosity of Gandalf, the wizard who, after his disappearance from Bilbo, begins to question the nature of the ring. Still, in the background, the world did not stand still; The shadow grew and Gandalf looked away from the Shire’s eyes for answers that would confirm his fears. This makes us understand why the search took years, a necessary pause in the investigation and the gathering of critical evidence.
A growing doubt
Gandalf did not sail across Middle-earth on a whim. His absence is due to his alliance with Aragorn, who was supposed to reduce the threat that came from the east on behalf of Sharon. It was during these travels that Gandalf learned of Gollum’s escape from the Misty Mountains. Although the clues were fading, the wizard was alert, waiting for clues to the true nature of the ring that Bilbo had placed in his niece’s hand.
Gandalf’s years were not silent; The wizard investigated, looked through archives and finally the confirmation came after meeting Gollum, the key piece that would connect all of the wizard’s suspicions and bring him back to the Shire urgently.
Why is the film ambiguous about time?
A cinematographic narrative requires a different rhythm than a novel. Peter Jackson’s decision not to focus on a detailed timeline creates a sense of the moment, an unstoppable urge to confront danger and travel. This sense of urgency adds to the dynamics of the story and propels the characters forward, the choices that, even if they deviate from the text, contain the urgency and importance of the protagonists’ mission.
Finally, the loss of these 17 years allows us to explore a more emotionally impactful aspect of Frodo’s youth, as opposed to the heavy burdens it can carry. The decision of young Frodo, played by Elijah Wood, echoes the tragedy of the youth on the battlefield. This is a subtle echo of Tolkien’s own experiences during the First World War.
The age of 17, therefore, is a pillar in the depth of the story in the novel, but in the cinema, this leap becomes a means to bring the viewer closer to the emotional experience, which is beyond patience. A long wait and immerses us directly in the actions and development of the characters that captivate us the most.