The title of this little essay is a worthy mantra for us all. What does “be Frodo” mean? Well, in our current world of seemingly immense powers that are shaping everything in our lives and we have little to no control over, being “Frodo” (the Lord of the Rings Hobbit) offers a glimmer of hope for us all.
I loved the Lord of the Rings (the books more than the movies but both were pretty cool) and have revisited the story many times. The gist of the tale is fundamentally how a small, seemingly insignificant being (Frodo) in the great and complex world, wound up taking down the most powerful, evil being / force (Sauron) that was bent on bringing forth darkness over everything. Frodo accomplished his great task by simply persevering through trials and having the advice of wise counsellors and the help of loyal friends.
Why should you be Frodo? Because you (each & every one of us little people actually) have the power to change the mightiest forces. Find wise counsellors (even if Gandalf, Elrond, Galadriel & Tom Bombadil are not available) who you trust and can listen to. Have good friends (Frodo had Sam, Merry & Pippen plus Strider, Gimli & Legolas who came along later) who are trustworthy, loyal and helpful. Cultivate your inner strength – walk the path you are meant to and face even insurmountable odds and, of all things, keep going!
Sauron perished and the world was renewed when Frodo succeeded in his task. The “insignificant Hobbit” brought down the dark lord – the small & weak defeated the mighty. This lesson is worth heeding – we all feel small, weak and powerless in the face of corporate power that seems to be creating a growing darkness in our world but don’t give up! Pick the task that is right for you to resist the destruction. If enough of us do so, our world will heal and the dark powers will be diminished.
Be Frodo!