Returning the One Ring

Lectures in this series

1. A Modern Day Myth
   According to Robert Johnson, The Lord of the Rings represents a modern-day myth. It is a message for our times.
2. Hobbits & the Shire
   Our story begins with the peaceful Shire. Yet there is trouble afoot. This is our starting point.
3. The Dark Lord & the One Ring
   The Lord of the Rings centres on the One Ring and the Dark Lord's desire for its powers. A desire that must be resisted.
4. Frodo & the One Ring
   Frodo receives the Ring as the heir of Bilbo. Yet it is a problematic treasure. Soon, he learns its dark side.
5. The Quest Begins
   After waiting far too long, Frodo finally sets out from Hobbiton. So begins an engagement with the collective realm.
6. Old Tom Bombadil
   One of Frodo's first encounters, as he steps beyond the bounds of the Shire, is with Old Tom Bombadil, the creator of Middle-earth.
7. Towards Rivendell
   Beyond the quiet Shire, Frodo, our reluctant hero, now entered the wider community. An inevitable passage.
8. The Council of Elrond
   Who is to take up the One Ring and deliver it to the Cracks of Mout Doom? A hero or a hobbit?
9. The Ring Party Sets Out
   The passage up and over the mountain is blocked, forcing ht eRinfG Party to go down through the Mines of Moria.
10. Lothlorien
    Lothlorian offers a vision of a civilisation at one with nature. Here, Frodo finds the strength to go on.
11. Breaking of the Fellowship
    Finding one's way through the collective shadow. The inner versus the outer dimension of a world in crisis.
12. The Way to Mordor
    Through swamplands and dead marshes, and with Gollum as his guide, Frodo turns toward the heart of Mordor.
13. Shelobs Lair
    The sticky, tangled web of Shelob and the challenges of adopting a simpler approach to life.
14. The Edge of Mount Doom
    The seductive power of the One Ring and the battle to overcoming western society's technoilogucal shadow
15. The War is Won
    The new ethic and the beginning of a new era. How individual actions clear the way for a new tomorrow.