Katie further explores onscreen representation with an analysis of masculinity in the Lord of the Rings franchise…

In today’s society, we hear the term “toxic masculinity” all too often.

Often misunderstood, many argue that the phrase implies masculinity itself is toxic which therefore makes it sexist against the patriarchal sect of the population, which I agree with: saying masculinity is inherently toxic would be a sexist statement. However, this is not what the term means.

Instead, toxic masculinity is a harmful and damaging ideology taught to young boys and men by a systemically problematic society. These ideas, harmful to both men and women, include the view that men need to be tough, stoic, in control, aggressive, and sex-crazed. And so young boys grow up hearing phrases “boys don’t cry”, “stop being a wuss”, “be a man” etc.  Toxic masculinity is one of the key reasons many women have been victims of violence — emotional, physical and sexual — from men, and it’s because of society’s ingrained toxic masculinity — the idea that this is just “boys being boys” — that these crimes largely go unpunished. Their behaviour is seen as the norm: that’s just how men are, how they are supposed to act. While toxic masculinity does have a massive impact on women, it also affects men. For example, in the UK, more women are diagnosed with depression, but men make up 75% of the deaths by suicide. This is because the ideas taught by toxic masculinity make men feel like seeking help is a weakness and something a “real man” shouldn’t do.

This brings me to my exploration of masculinity in the Lord of the Rings franchise, specifically the films as, despite many attempts, I am yet to finish the tome (aha) of a book series. Within the films, I’ll also be focusing primarily on two key aspects: the characterisation of Aragon, and the friendship between Frodo and Sam. 

Let’s start with Aragon, the archetypical masculine fantasy hero in many ways. He’s a skilled fighter; strong; knowledgeable about the wild, tracking, and other survival skills. It’d be easy for Aragon’s character to fall into the trap of toxic masculine representation by not expressing or healthily processing his emotions, using violence as the first option to solve problems, etc. However, I’d argue that Aragon portrays a very healthy image of masculinity. While he does have many of the traits of the so-called Alpha Male, he also has an appreciation for art and beauty, and he’s humble, kind, and expresses his emotions. He has insecurities, fears and doubts, and relies on his friends and those around him to help him succeed — without feeling weaker or somehow less worthy for doing so.

One of the major points in Aragon’s onscreen character arc is that he feels unworthy and undeserving of his position as king. He is afraid that he’ll make the same mistakes as his ancestor Isildur, that he’ll become corrupted by the ring, that he’ll fail. For example, in the extended version of Fellowship, Aragon speaks with Arwen…

“Why are you so afraid of the past? You are Islidur’s heir, not Isildur himself. You are not bound to his fate.” 

“The same blood runs through my veins, the same weakness.” 

This short exchange perfectly sets up a lot of Aragon’s character development throughout the franchise. He doesn’t feel deserving or entitled to the position of power that is his birthright. Instead, he fears it, that he cannot live up to the expectation and fears the responsibility of the position. He is self-aware enough to know that he could be easily corrupted by the ring, and instead of overcompensating for these doubts and insecurities with bravado, he’s honest, vulnerable, and relies on others to help him. In fact, it’s his awareness of his own flaws and where his help will be best utilised that makes him such a good hero. 

A great example of this is at the end of The Fellowship of the Ring, when Frodo decides to part with the company because he knows the ring will ultimately corrupt them: Aragon finds Frodo, realises Frodo’s choice, denies the ring when offered, and reassures him that he would have “gone with [him] until the end.” Again, this scene highlights his humility and awareness of his own susceptibility to the ring, but it also shows his understanding for Frodo’s choice and respect for his independence and autonomy outside Aragon’s care.

Further examples of his well-rounded masculinity are when he mourns Merry and Pippin, showing his emotional distress at their perceived loss with abandon. He supports, and inspires those around him, giving them hope and strength; all the qualities of the archetypal hero, without the need to prove his manliness, or that he is better or stronger than others. 

The Hobbits, however, could be said to be at the opposite end of the spectrum to Aragon. They are neither skilled fighters, royalty nor destined to obtain some position of power. Instead, they are humble creatures, who like to eat food, appreciate nature, and live a quiet, idyllic life in the Shire. And yet, they are not treated or seen as any less manly. They don’t go on the journey to destroy the ring as a way to prove how tough, cool, or how much of a man they are, they do it. because of their friendship and love for one another. This idea brings me to one of the best depictions of male friendship in media — and no, I’m not talking about Turk and JD; this article is about Lord of the Rings after all. I’m talking about Sam and Frodo. 

Much has been said about the homoerotic undertones of the friendship between Sam and Frodo, and while more (positive) LGBT representation is always a good thing, I personally think it’s much better that they aren’t gay, that their friendship is purley platonic, showing two male friends can have that close, emotional friendship without it being seen as romantic. 

Throughout the trilogy, they — well, mostly Sam — risk their lives for each other. They tell each other what they mean to one another, they support each other, they mourn at having to part, and hug. There are so many examples of the positive representation in their friendship such as Sam risking death by drowning to go with and support Frodo when the fellowship breaks. Frodo also constantly acknowledges the fact he wouldn’t have been able to complete the quest without Sam’s help; encourages Sam to dance with the girl he likes; and they are constantly protecting and looking out for each other. 

The positivity, affection, and platonic love that they have for each other is something we should all strive for within our relationships. The Lord of the Rings showcases a very healthy depiction of masculinity and the multi-dimensionality that can come with it for Aragon, and Sam and Frodo’s friendship are but two examples of this. I believe anyone can find a positive role model, or dare I say, hero to look up to within the franchise. And there need to be more depictions of male friendships that are emotionally intimate without prompting viewers to scrutinize and fetishize their sexuality because what Sam and Frodo’s relationship tells men is that it is OK to show your feelings towards your friends: to hug them, cry in front of them, tell them how much they mean to you, and that all this can be done in a platonic way if they so wish.

credits

words — katie hulme

design — sâde popoola