Tolkien gives us one strong message about oaths, imo. Do not take an oath
lightly. Tolkien is warning us about the immense power behind these
oaths. Many of Tolkien’s most noble characters take oaths, including the
rulers of Gondor and of Rohan. These oaths do not make them weaker
characters, but better characters. The oaths that hold consequences are
those that are taken hastily or are broken. These are the only oaths that
hold a terrible price for the oath-taker. It's not the oath that is bad,
but the manner in which it is taken and held or not held.
I will freely admit that I am not all-knowing when it comes to the works of
Tolkien. I am still a student learning from the more knowledgeable
posters on this board. But if you’re looking for a more historical
perspective, you might consider an article by Dan Graves, which I’ve linked
below for you. He writes:
Having mentioned fidelity, perhaps I should note the stress Tolkien places on
this virtue, for while he illustrates the others often enough, he indoctrinates
us with this one. There are numerous examples and remarks decrying the hideous
practice of oath-breaking, the need of oath-keeping, the sobriety with which
oaths are to be sworn. This is biblical and in stark contrast to (say) the
oathbreaking of Guthrum with Alfred the Great after swearing on his sacred
bracelet. Whatever deadly price must be paid, an oath once made is sacred. We
do not always remember what a nasty pincers the Israelites put themselves in
when they made their treaty with Gibeon--war against the united forces of
Southern Palestine. Yet, they fulfilled their pledge and it brought them their
greatest victory.
Such is the message of Tolkien. When Faramir advises Frodo to break oath with
Gollum, we think it wrong. This message is not to be disregarded, but one fears
it too often was in the history of the church from which Tolkien draws his
springs of virtue. And every war in history has been fought over the shards of
a broken
treaty.
--------------------------------------
for you beautiful ones my thought
is not changeable
--Sappho
