Tolkien's Idea of Heroism

Explore the idea where Tolkien drew inspiration for his characters. Focusing specifically on the idea of heroism and its correlation to WWI.

Tolkien's Heroism

When reading Tolkien’s "The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth", the idea of true heroism he argues for is a bit different than one would expect. He offers the idea that true heroes are not ones like Beorhtnoth who risk everything for honor and glory, but rather those who remain loyal and fight in the face of overwhelming odds. I believe Tolkien’s perception of what true heroism is was in large part due to his time in WWI.

The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm's Son

"The Homecoming" was published in 1953

Frodo's Heroism

"The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth" was actually a three part critique of a poem known as the Battle of Maldon. In the story, the English army led by Lord Beorhtnoth was defending a narrow pathway from the invading Viking army. The leader of the Viking army proposed that Beorhtnoth let his troops onto the mainland, as it would allow for a more fair fight and more honorable victory. Beorhtnoth agreed, but both him and his army were soon defeated. Tolkien believed the 'heroism' that Beorhtnoth exhibited by agreeing to a fair fight was nothing more than a selfish desire for glory. Beorhtnoth had a duty to the men under him to lead them to victory, not seek additional honor at the risk of his subordinates.

---

Tolkien saw the true heroes as those underneath Beorhtnoth who did not flee or surrender when their leader was killed. Tolkien respected those who had gone to fight in the trenches in WWI. He saw the working-class of England as the true heroes, similar to how he sees the soldiers in the Battle of Maldon as heroes. He believed the true heroic spirit to be portrayed by these men, not the nobles who seek unnecessary acclaim. These ideas can be seen in some of his more popular works. For example, Tolkien expresses Frodo’s heroic traits not physically but mentally. The power to resist temptation of the ring and overcome overwhelming odds is where we see Frodo’s strength. Sam’s loyalty and character is also constructed in such a way to mirror the loyal soldiers Tolkien admired in the war.