I know most of the names of the characters, and I can answer the easier questions about the movie in a game of LOTR Trivial Pursuit. I have hosted a marathon in my home, though I personally had to leave the house, somewhere between Hobbiton and Mordor, to go for a walk and get some fresh air. In short, I know enough about LOTR to be a good wife--supportive, that's me! And, being that my husband has felt "overlooked" as I have been making my way through the alphabet, today is a chance for me to share all the secrets to life that I have gleaned from Lord of the Rings.
KNOW WHO YOUR FRIENDS ARE:
Gollum/Smeagol was not a true friend. True friends do not envy what you have to the degree that it unleashes a split personality. True friends don't long for your ring, or your power. True friends don't look for ways to get what you have. Their personal issues should not lead you into a dark cave. The dark cave that you follow them into should be your first clue that it is time to move on, time to invest in a new friendship. Or even reinvest in an old friendship. 
Samwise was a true friend, each time I watch LOTR, (which seems to be an annual event) I always get a little emotional when Samwise tells Frodo about carrying his burden, this ring, "I can't carry it for you, but I CAN carry you!" We need to surround ourselves with the people who will see us through to the end, our relationships should have give and take. Now, you may have a friend with a split personality, and it is good to be supportive to them while they work out their issues. But, if you choose to do this...I'm just saying, you may lose a finger. TRUST YOUR SWORD:
I have a sword and it is super sharp. I rely on the Bible as a sword, because it cuts through the lies that this world throws my way. But, I have to trust it. The Holy Spirit dwells inside of me, and like Frodo's sword, (Sting turns blue) the Spirit prompts me. I have to trust that prompt and pick it up. When Frodo was in Moria and the Cave Troll attacked, he would have never known what was coming. But Sting did. In the same way, God knows the Cave Trolls that are heading my way.IT'S OKAY TO BE DIFFERENT:
Gimli was short, ruddy and stocky, and looked as if he had not showered in months. While, Legolas was tall, blonde, and his hair was quite clean. The first worked with an ax and the latter had skills with the bow. They were able to find unity and friendship in spite of their differences. Even the cute little hobbits had to accept each other's differences. Samwise had to accept Frodo's patience for Gollum/Smeagol in spite of the fact that he didn't feel the same compassion to strange hobbit like creature. GROW WITH THE CHANGE:
The trials that we go through are going to shape us and change us and when we fight the changes is when we face constant, chronic frustration. Merry and Pippin returned from their time with the trees a few inches taller, this wasn't a change that they knew would happen when they first agreed to be part of the Fellowship. And, as for the protagonist, Frodo, his life was forever altered. He changed so much over the course of his time spent carrying the ring, that he couldn't even return to Hobbiton and enjoy the innocent life he has always known. And he had to be okay with that. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE GOOD LOOKING GUY:
If you find yourself in a tumultuous situation, such as being hunted by Orcs, you can pretty much guarantee you will survive if you stay with the good looking guy. (Side Note: this also works if your cruise liner tips over, if you are wandering through a jungle, robbing a casino, being attacked by sharks, pursued by aliens or involved with any Superheros) You can lose all your weapons, or be trapped in a castle while the whole world is on fire. But, if you just follow the good looking guy, you will survive. Hey, it has always worked for me.
