Films and stories can sometimes have a profound and inspiring effects on people. You may think to yourself, ‘well it’s just a movie’ or ‘it’s just a book’. Even so, I believe that all books and movies are not solely for entertainment purposes. They can convey powerful and impactful messages that remain long after the credits roll or with the turn of the last page.

The Lord of the Rings trilogy grossed almost $3billion dollars. That’s evidence enough that some people enjoyed those films for it’s story, special effects and CGI aside. On a side note, one could argue that a few of the films weren’t all that great. However, those movies and the basis of them, Tolkien’s stories, caused me to examine the juxtaposition of his tales and life itself.

As the story goes, nine men from different races, backgrounds and walks of life were given the task to transport a ring of great power and dark magic to the land of Mordor to be destroyed.

The fellowship consisted of men with bravery, wizardry, insight and strength. None of them were perfect in any way. Some were even height challenged and had ugly feet. Each had their own flaws and weaknesses, sometimes exacerbated by the presence of the ring. In spite of that, the ring still managed to be destroyed. Middle Earth was not left to ruin and was given a chance to not be overtaken by the powers of darkness and evil.

What I’ve read and seen on the big screen showed how an uncommon group of people can collectively participate in helping create a world that is somewhat free of malice, greed and obsession. They would help create a world that was not overtaken by industrialism and genocide, but one that would embrace nature and the kinship of their fellow man. As the saying goes, “we are all in this together”. Cue the kumbaya music!

What each of us do, whether with good or bad intent, can effect our own lives and the lives of those around us. By breaking down the language, creed, race, gender, social and economical barriers we can come together in hopes of creating a better world for ourselves and for the future. Each of us are tasked a role in life in which we can choose to be the stewards of nature and mankind or contribute to it’s fall and degeneration.