LOTR: Why Does Frodo Spare Saruman's Life?

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One of the reasons that The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings are still so well-loved today is because they have so many inspirational yet relatable messages that can still be implemented in modern-day life. They carry timeless themes like adventures and friendships, and the idea most important things in life can’t be read about in books but have to be lived for oneself. Tolkein's stories explore the idea that no one knows what life has in store or why. All that one can do is to make the most of life, take note of the things that bring joy, and stand up for the things that are important along the way. Those philosophies still ring true to today's audiences.

Possibly one of the most profound lessons in any of Tolkien’s works is: “True courage is about knowing not when to take a life, but to spare one.” Middle Earth is on the verge of destruction at the hands of the Dark Lord, full of suffering people who fear the growing evil all around them, and also full of people who can manipulate and change and betray at the slightest sign. In such a world, this is a really difficult lesson, one highlights those who have a good heart, and those who do not. It is a lesson that both Bilbo and Frodo learn and use over and over again on their respective quests, despite the fate of the world depending on their actions, their choices, and who lives or dies. Both of the hobbits spare Gollum a grisly fate, which ultimately results, after many long years and lots of struggles, in Gollum destroying the ring, which saves the world.

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Even so, there are some characters that are more difficult to spare than others, because of the sheer evil that they commit and the fact that they don’t feel any