While relatively close toJ.R.R. Tolkien’s original story,Peter Jackson’sThe Lord of the Ringstrilogy makes some noticeable changes, most obviously what’s cut,from characterstoentire storylines. However, plenty of changes were made in the adaptation process, for better or worse. In Tolkien’s book, there are 17 years between Bilbo’s (Ian Holm) 111st birthday and Frodo (Elijah Wood) leaving his home, butThe Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ringmakes it much faster. Of all the changes to the story, the rushed timeline of Frodo leaving the Shire doesn’t seem so big.Tolkien’s expansive world has a clear timeline, spread out over thousands of years. Condensing it by 17 fairly uneventful years doesn’t alter too much in the big scheme of things, butit has a surprisingly large impact on Frodo and his relationships.
The Delay in Leaving the Shire Shows the Best of Frodo’s Character
Throughout the trilogy, Frodo is influenced by the One Ring, makingthe central hero seem less…heroic. However, Frodo waiting in the Shire shows his strength as he resisted the Ring’s corruption for 17 years. Beyond that, it’s significant becauseit proves Frodo’s intention to go on the quest.In the film, once he determines that Frodo holds the One Ring,Gandalf (Ian McKellen)rushes him out the door before the Hobbit really understands what is happening. However, the book gives him time. Gandalf advises Frodo not to take off immediately but to leave soon.
Reluctant to leave his home but understanding the quest’s importance, Frodo establishes the timeline. He plans for months, making sure not to becomethe talk of the Shire, like Bilbo, to protect the secrecy of his mission. Frodo’s intentionality changes everything by showing him contemplate the implications of leaving home and choosing to do so anyway. It’s not a rash action ofa young 33-year-old Hobbit(which is when Hobbits come of age) but the deliberate choice of a matured Frodo. In this version,Frodo isn’t just thrust into the role of ringbearer by circumstance but willingly accepts the responsibility before starting his quest.
So… Who — or What — Exactly is the Watcher in the Water in The Lord of the Rings?
Let’s get kraken.
The Extended Timeline Changes Frodo’s Relationships
The change to Frodo’s exit drastically impacts his friends, who, in the books, decide and plan to follow him without his knowledge. On the surface, both versions introduceSam (Sean Astin)to the quest similarly, but in the book, he is eavesdropping, and it isn’t the first time. Being one of the conspirators Merry (Dominic Monaghan) recruited to watch Frodo, Sam shares the information, and he,Merry, and Pippin(Billy Boyd) make arrangements to go with Frodo. But the film brings them together through unlikely events rather thanallowing these three to choose to help their friend no matter the cost.
Frodo’s relationship with the other hobbitsis not the only one this change impacts.Gandalf’s activity during the 17 yearsshows how deeply he cares for Frodo. Gandalf confirms his suspicions beyond a shadow of a doubt, researching the One Ring and interrogating Gollum (Andy Serkis) about where he found the Ring — which is implied to have happened in the film but much quicker.The time and effort Gandalf spent confirming his suspicions before putting Frodo at risk shows how seriously he took this plan.Subtly, but still worth a mention, is the impact on Frodo and Bilbo’s reunion in Rivendell. The film does not specify how long they are apart, but it is not nearly as long as in the books, and the years make this scene a much more satisfying reunion.
Why Did ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’ Condense the Timeline?
While the book’s timeline allows for a deeper connection between the characters, the film had to cut the time jump for simplicity, and ultimately,the change was for the best. Especially considering that Frodo’s lack of aging is the first sign Gandalf notices, the other hobbit characters would have needed to be visibly aged up for the rest of the films, adding another layer of complication to their looks. Plus,adding a time jumpright as the action picks up would have interrupted the flow. Having Frodo leave the Shire so quickly allowed the tension to build smoothly and emphasized the urgency of destroying the Ring, which is what the series is all about. While it detracts from the methodical detail of Tolkien’s work,changing the timeline of Frodo’s departure was a logical decision for the filmthat propelled the story intothe action that audiences came to see.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
