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Definition of Metaphor
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other. The comparison in a metaphor can be stated explicitly, as... read full definition
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other. The comparison in a metaphor... read full definition
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other... read full definition
Book 1, Chapter 8
Explanation and Analysis—Seed of Courage:
Tolkien uses a metaphor comparing Frodo's inner sense of courage to a seed in a scene in which Frodo and the other hobbits are captured by a terrifying barrow-wight, a wraith-like creature, shortly after leaving the home of Tom Bombadil and Goldberry:
But though his fear was so great that it seemed to be part of the very darkness that was round him, he found himself as he lay thinking about Bilbo Baggins and his stories, of their jogging along together in the lanes of the Shire and talking about roads and adventures. There is a seed of courage hidden (often deeply, it is true) in the heart of the fattest and most timid hobbit, waiting for some final and desperate danger to make it grow.
Frodo has not, at this point in the novel, demonstrated much courage or bravery. When he awakens in the dark and cold barrow (or tomb), he is immediately terrified, but he thinks about his uncle, Bilbo, and recalls his various adventures. Ultimately, the "seed of courage" within Frodo compels him to get up and help his friends, who have not yet regained consciousness. Continuing this metaphorical language of seeds, Tolkien writes that hobbits require "some final and desperate danger" to make the seed of courage "grow." In this difficult and frightening situation, Frodo finally discovers his own inner courage, and he defends his friends from the wight despite his fear.
Related Themes:
Book 2, Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis—Islands under Siege :
When Frodo awakens in Rivendell after nearly succumbing to his poisoned wound, he speaks with Gandalf about the balance of power in Middle-Earth. Gandalf uses a metaphor that compares those places that, like Rivendell, might have power to fight back against Mordor to "islands":
Indeed there is a power in Rivendell to withstand the might of Mordor, for a while: and elsewhere other powers still dwell. There is power, too, of another kind in the Shire. But all such places will soon become islands under siege, if things go on as they are going. The Dark Lord is putting forth all his strength.
"Still," he said, standing suddenly up and sticking out his chin, while his beard went stiff and straight like bristling wire, "we must keep up our courage. You will soon be well, if I do not talk you to death."
Though the power of the elves is waning, Gandalf acknowledges that they still have power to "withstand the might of Mordor, for a while," as do other places, even The Shire. However, he concludes gravely, such places will become "islands under siege" if the power of Sauron is not checked. Neither Rivendell nor The Shire are literally islands in the geography of Middle-Earth. Instead, Gandalf's metaphor suggests that these locations will become isolated pockets of resistance, unable to connect with one other and easily defeated by Sauron, if they do not unite now to defeat him.
Related Themes:
Book 2, Chapter 2
Explanation and Analysis—Our Cloak, a Veil:
Gandalf uses several metaphors when proposing to the Council of Elrond that they adopt the unexpected strategy of sending The One Ring to Mordor, stronghold of Sauron, in order to destroy it and him:
It is wisdom to recognize necessity, when all other courses have been weighed, though as folly it may appear to those who cling to false hope. Well, let folly be our cloak, a veil before the eyes of the Enemy! For he is very wise, and weighs all things to a nicety in the scales of his malice. But the only measure that he knows is desire, desire for power; and so he judges all hearts. Into his heart the thought will not enter that any will refuse it, that having the Ring we may seek to destroy it.
Here, he urges them to allow what appears to be "folly" to be "our cloak, a veil before the eyes of the Enemy." These metaphors both suggest that Sauron will not expect them to take such a dangerous and risky course of action, one that many would regard as "folly." In that way, the apparent folly of their plan will actually conceal their intentions from Sauron. Further, he states that Sauron "weighs all things" in "the scales of his malice." In this metaphor, Gandalf suggests that Sauron evaluates all actions according to their potential to forward his evil plans. For that reason, Gandalf concludes, Sauron will be unable to imagine that anyone would attempt to destroy, rather than wield, the Ring.
Related Themes:
Book 2, Chapter 4
Explanation and Analysis—Toys and Servants :
In the ruins of Moria, Samwise inquires into the motivations of the dwarves in building such extensive mines, and Gandalf uses several metaphors in his response:
The wealth of Moria was not in gold and jewels, the toys of the Dwarves; nor in iron, their servant. Such things they found here, it is true, especially iron; but they did not need to delve for them: all things that they desired they could obtain in traffic. For here alone in the world was found Moria-silver, or true-silver as some have called it: mithril is the Elvish name. The Dwarves have a name which they do not tell. Its worth was ten times that of gold, and now it is beyond price; for little is left above ground [...]
Though Samwise at first assumes that the dwarves must have mined "gold and jewels," Gandalf corrects him, noting that these things were merely "toys of the dwarves." This metaphor, which compares valuable materials to toys, emphasizes the vast riches of the dwarves, who could regard gold and gemstones as mere trifles to play with. Further, Gandalf describes iron as the "servant" of the dwarves, a metaphor that suggests that they merely used iron for functional purposes but did not regard it as a treasure. Instead, he concludes, it is mithril, or "true-silver," that the dwarves sought in the deep mines of Moria.
Related Themes:
Book 2, Chapter 7
Explanation and Analysis—Celeborn and Galadriel :
Tolkien employs both simile and metaphor in describing the eyes of Celeborn and Galadriel, joint rulers of Lothlórien:
They stood up to greet their guests, after the manner of Elves, even those who were accounted mighty kings. Very tall they were, and the Lady no less tall than the Lord; and they were grave and beautiful. They were clad wholly in white; and the hair of the Lady was of deep gold, and the hair of the Lord Celeborn was of silver long and bright; but no sign of age was upon them, unless it were in the depths of their eyes; for these were keen as lances in the starlight, and yet profound, the wells of deep memory.
Celeborn and Galadriel are ancient and noble elves who have lived for millennia without aging. Despite having lived through much of the history of Middle-Earth, they are "grave and beautiful," with "no sign of age upon them, unless it were in the depths of their eyes." Describing the eyes of these immortal elves, Tolkien writes that they are "keen as lances in the starlight, and yet profound, the wells of deep memory." The first simile suggests that, despite the age of the elves, they have remained sharp and lively, with powerfully acute eyes that shine like metal reflecting the stars. Further, Tolkien's metaphor, which compares the eyes of the elves to "wells," suggests that, in spite of their youthful appearance, they have lived many times longer than any human and can recall events that are, for others, ancient history.
Related Themes:
Book 2, Chapter 9
Explanation and Analysis—Ripples in the Stream:
After the Fellowship leaves the comforts of Lothlórien, Legolas uses a metaphor and paradox to describe the distinct manner in which elves, who are immortal, experience time:
Legolas stirred in his boat. "Nay, time does not tarry ever," he said; "but change and growth is not in all things and places alike. For the Elves the world moves, and it moves both very swift and very slow. Swift, because they themselves change little, and all else fleets by: it is a grief to them. Slow, because they need not count the running years, not for themselves. The passing seasons are but ripples ever repeated in the long long stream. Yet beneath the Sun all things must wear to an end at last."
Legolas claims that, paradoxically, elves experience time as both "very swift and very slow." Expounding on his surprising statement, he explains that time moves quickly for elves because everything changes around them while they stay the same, but it also moves slowly because elves "need not count the running years," as time does not affect them physically. Legolas, then, uses paradox to explain the complexities that arise from immortality. Further, he claims that "the passing seasons are but ripples ever repeated in the long long stream." This metaphor imagines time as a series of endless ripples, rather than a stream moving steadily forward. The elves, who can live as long as Middle-Earth itself, see the long patterns of history that are invisible to those who live a mortal lifetime.
Related Themes:
