The Most Mind-Blowing Plot Holes in The Lord Of The Rings Fans Can’t Ignore!

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Summary

  • Inconsistencies like Sauron’s name prohibition & Moria’s inscription spark debates among fans.
  • Questions surrounding Orc origins and redemption remain open-ended in Tolkien’s lore.
  • Gandalf’s restrained power use and Elrond’s knowledge of the Ring’s destruction method puzzle fans.

For many years, the epic trilogy known as “The Lord of the Rings,” a literary and cinematic marvel by J.R.R. Tolkien, has held audiences spellbound due to its richly detailed world-creation. Yet, amidst the most finely tuned storylines, there are instances of discrepancies that ignite passionate debates among fans.

Though fans may not agree on interpretations for these discrepancies or what specifically constitutes a “plot hole,” delving deep into the distant realms of Middle-earth remains an enjoyable endeavor, providing a chance to immerse ourselves further in the intricate, captivating world depicted in The Lord of the Rings.

The Prohibition of Sauron’s Name

  • Appears in: The Two Towers (film) vs. The Return of the King (film)
  • Issue: Inconsistency in policies regarding the use of Sauron’s name in the films.

In Jackson’s movie adaptation of “The Two Towers”, Aragorn (played by Viggo Mortensen) mentions that Sauron’s followers are not allowed to utter his name. However, in “The Return of the King”, the Mouth of Sauron, one of Sauron’s top representatives, introduces himself using Sauron’s name at the Black Gate. This presents a conundrum since if speaking his name was truly forbidden, it seems unlikely that his main messenger would have defied this rule.

Possible Explanation:

Some spectators propose that Aragorn’s statement might have been oversimplified, overstated, or simply misleading. As a top lieutenant, the Mouth of Sauron could have had unique permissions to utilize the ruler of Mordor’s name when acting on his behalf. Alternatively, it is thought that the scene in The Two Towers was included for dramatic purposes in the movies and does not necessarily reflect the rules established by Tolkien in Middle-earth.

“I am the Mouth of Sauron.”

The Inscription on the Doors of Moria

  • Appears in: The Fellowship of the Ring (book and film)
  • Issue: The debated use of “Moria.”

In the first part of the trilogy, the West gate of Moria was engraved with the phrase “The Doors of Durin, Master of Moria.” But according to legend, the name “Moria,” or “Black Pit,” wasn’t given until after a Balrog drove the Dwarves out. The Dwarves didn’t refer to their realm as Moria; instead, they called it Khazad-dûm when the doors were first made.

Chronology of The Name

Name Meaning When It Was Used
Khazad-dûm Dwarven name for their kingdom Before the Balrog appeared
Moria Sindarin for “Black Pit” After the Dwarves fled

Possible Explanation:

One possibility is that the name “Moria” might have been added to the door later, after the Dwarves had returned, up until their ultimate downfall. Another theory could be that J.R.R. Tolkien may have overlooked this detail, as he occasionally changed place names while crafting the history of Middle-earth.

The Origins and Fate of Orcs

  • Appears in: The Lord of the Rings (books and films)
  • Issue: Confusion regarding whether Orcs have redeemable souls.

In one of his stories, J.R.R. Tolkien proposes several origins for Orcs, including the notion that they were once Elves transformed by Morgoth. This raises a theological conundrum: If Orcs are derived from Elves, do they go to the Halls of Mandos when they die, like Elves do? And if so, could they be saved or redeemed? Tolkien grappled with this quandary himself, as he found it disturbing to believe that any intelligent species could be irredeemable.

Possible Explanation:

Some fans ponder if Orcs, due to their extreme corruption, no longer possess any Elven spirits, making redemption impossible for them. Others argue that certain Orcs might have had a potential for change, but the majority were beyond hope. However, Tolkien never definitively resolved this issue, allowing readers to form their own interpretations.

Why Didn’t They Use the Eagles?

  • Appears in: The Lord of the Rings (books and films)
  • Issue: The apparent oversight of an easy solution.

A frequently raised concern among fans is why the Fellowship didn’t opt for flying to Mount Doom with the help of the Great Eagles, as suggested by Gandalf (Ian McKellen). Or, at the very least, use flight to cover part of their ground journey. However, there are several reasons within the storyline that justify this decision:

Possible Explanations:

  • Gandalf could not exert too much control over the Eagles as they were independent beings, and their involvement was limited to moments of desperate need.
  • Sauron’s forces, including Fell Beasts and archers, could have spotted and intercepted them. Thier visibility would have blown the mission’s secrecy as they neared the Black Gate.
  • More than likely, this was simply a literary convenience implemented by Tolkien, as the story would not have been as epic or resonant if it chose easy solutions rather than emphasizing the struggle and journey of Frodo (Elija Wood) and his allies.

The Unprotected Entrance to Mount Doom

  • Appears in: The Lord of the Rings (books and films)
  • Issue: Sauron’s failure to secure Mount Doom.

A notable flaw in “The Lord of the Rings” narrative is that Mount Doom’s entrance appears to have no security measures. Considering the Ring can only be destroyed within the volcano’s fires, it seems illogical that Sauron would not fortify this crucial location. The characters Frodo and Sam manage to reach the Cracks of Doom without any obstruction, which makes one wonder about Sauron’s strategic planning. Given his immense power and notorious paranoia, leaving such a vital point unguarded seems unlike the Dark Lord’s behavior.

Possible Explanations:

  • One explanation is that in his arrogance and obsession with domination, Sauron never seriously considered the possibility that anyone would attempt to destroy the Ring. His focus was squarely on military conquest, and he likely believed that whoever possessed the Ring would ultimately be corrupted by its power and fall under his control. In his mind, the Ring’s bearer would not seek to destroy it but instead use it to challenge his power. Therefore, he did not see the need to defend Mount Doom as rigorously as his other strongholds, such as Barad-dûr.
  • Sauron may have also been overconfident in his ability to track and influence the Ring’s bearer, believing that he would detect any attempt to destroy the Ring before it could succeed, and underestimating the abilities of Hobbits Frodo and Sam (Rosie Cotton).

The Ringwraiths’ Reluctance to Seize the Ring

  • Appears in: The Fellowship of the Ring (film)
  • Issue: The hesitation of the Nazgûl in confronting Frodo at Weathertop.

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Fellowship of the Ring,” the Nazgul (Ringwraiths) chase Frodo and his companions to Weathertop. Despite their immense power, tasked with reclaiming the One Ring, they fail to capture either Frodo or the Ring. Instead, they withdraw, granting Frodo a chance to flee. This situation is perplexing because the Nazgul are depicted as powerful minions of Sauron, yet they seem hesitant and uncertain during this crucial juncture.

Possible Explanations:

  • Some fans believe that the Ringwraiths were not hesitant but rather strategically cautious. They feared the presence of Aragorn, a skilled warrior and direct descendant of Isildur, whose bloodline is closely tied to the Ring.
  • The Nazgûl’s weakness to fire could explain their reluctance, as it is known that fire repels them. Their decision to retreat may have been motivated by the perceived danger posed by Aragorn and the fire.
  • The Ringwraiths may have been instructed to retreat, in a tactical change, possibly to let Frodo suffer from the Ring’s corrupting influence rather than take it by force.

“We are the servants of Sauron. We have come to take the Ring.”

Gandalf’s Apparent Underutilization of Power

  • Appears in: The Lord of the Rings (books and films)
  • Issue: Gandalf’s measured use of his considerable abilities, especially during pivotal confrontations.

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic, “The Lord of the Rings,” the formidable wizard Gandalf showcases an array of mighty skills such as summoning fire, controlling light, and commanding vast armies. Yet, there are instances in this trilogy where Gandalf chooses not to utilize his full might, like when he meets the Witch-king of Angmar in “The Return of the King.” Despite possessing immense power, Gandalf doesn’t swiftly defeat or eliminate the Witch-king effortlessly. This self-restraint leaves us questioning why a being as powerful as Gandalf doesn’t fully utilize his abilities when the situation is so critical.

Possible Explanations:

  • The powers of the Istari, including Gandalf, powers were deliberately limited by the Valar. Gandalf was not meant to rule or dominate but to guide the Free Peoples of Middle-earth in resisting Sauron’s influence, relying on their courage and strength rather than his raw power.
  • His limitations in power may also serve as a thematic device, emphasizing the importance of unity, bravery, and personal sacrifice over the simple use of overwhelming strength.

Elrond’s Knowledge of the Ring’s Destruction

  • Appears in: The Fellowship of the Ring (book and film)
  • Issue: The way Elrond came to understand the method of the One Ring’s destruction.

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Fellowship of the Ring,” Elrond, Lord of Rivendell (portrayed by Hugo Weaving), confidently declares that the One Ring can be destroyed solely in the fires of Mount Doom, where it was originally crafted. This statement is delivered with such assurance and precision that it leaves one pondering how Elrond obtained such detailed information about the Ring. Since the manufacture of the Ring was a closely kept secret, and its history, including its forging and powers, is known mainly to Sauron and a select few, it’s puzzling as to how Elrond would possess this knowledge.

Possible Explanations:

  • Elrond learned this crucial information from Isildur, one of the few individuals who witnessed the Ring’s forging and later attempted to claim it for himself. As Isildur’s heir, Elrond would have inherited much of the knowledge surrounding the Ring and its creation.
  • Another possibility is that Elrond’s understanding comes from his deep study of Sauron’s dark arts, particularly during his involvement in the Last Alliance of Elves and Men. It’s conceivable that the Wise—such as Elrond, Galadriel (Cate Blanchett), Gandalf, and Saruman (Christopher Lee)—had access to hidden knowledge through their research into Sauron’s history.
  • Finally, it could simply be that Elrond, as a being of great wisdom, possesses a sense of the Ring’s nature through a combination of history, lore, and the instincts of those who have lived through great turmoil.

Despite some inconsistencies, The Lord of the Rings still stands as a magnificent work. While certain unresolved plot points might cause questions in the lore, they fail to detract significantly from the majesty of Tolkien’s creation. Discussions about these specifics merely underscore the vastness of the world and the fervor of its enthusiasts. The depth and complexity of Middle-earth is exactly why fans persistently analyze and debate these points, even years after their initial publication and screen adaptation.

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2025-02-25 00:17