Lessons From The Lord of the Rings

J.R.R. Tolkien’s wrote one of the greatest mythologies in his masterful The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion, which are rich with lessons that can be applied to security professionals and intelligence analysts. Themes of vigilance, cooperation, moral clarity, and the corrupting influence of power resonate strongly in these works, and like all good mythologies, the characters and stories are intended to offer important lessons by which to live one’s life, not just to be entertaining. There are many evils today that the world is facing. Turning to these lessons from Tolkien, we can improve ourselves in the security profession. The overarching lesson from The Lord of the Rings is the need for constant vigilance. Sauron’s rise to power was a result of complacency, as people ignored or underestimated his growing influence.

The Fellowship particularly offers lessons to us, both professionally and personally. From Gandalf’s wisdom to Samwise’s friendship, there is much to heed from these characters. Because as Haldir comments to Frodo, “The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater.” Therefore, we can take from Tolkien’s mythology that which is fair and establish a bulwark against the problems of the world.

The Fellowship

The Fellowship that came together to destroy the One Ring represented the best qualities of each of their races, and they are emblematic of who we should be as security professionals. Each member brings something unique—strength, wisdom, loyalty, and insight. Security teams and intelligence operations benefit greatly from diverse expertise and collaboration across disciplines, but they also benefit greatly from diverse personalities and qualities. No single individual can defeat an overwhelming threat alone.

• Frodo Baggins: Frodo’s strength is his ability to endure great suffering without losing sight of the mission. He shows courage in the face of overwhelming odds, which is crucial for those who face dangerous situations or long-term challenges in security. Frodo’s decision to continue bearing the Ring, despite its corrupting influence and the immense physical and emotional burden it places on him, demonstrates incredible resilience. Even when the weight of the Ring almost breaks him (as seen when he climbs Mount Doom), Frodo perseveres in the face of immense psychological and physical pain. Resilience is key to mission success.
• Gandalf: Gandalf’s role as a wise counselor who sees the bigger picture is essential. His knowledge of ancient histories and his ability to foresee potential threats enable him to guide others effectively. Gandalf also showed that “great power” is not necessary to do what is right as the many small deeds could be just as effective. Although he is an Istar, Gandalf refused to take the path that would lead to always using might, like Saruman would do. In fact, Gandalf would entrust the fate of Middle-earth to the smallest of creatures. Do not mistake such wisdom and rejection of power for weakness, though. Gandalf took on a Balrog, defeating one the oldest servants of Morgoth.
• Aragorn: Aragorn is a model of effective leadership, combining tactical knowledge, humility, and the ability to inspire others. His sense of duty to protect his people and his willingness to lead from the front makes him an exemplary leader. True leadership means being willing to shoulder responsibility and lead by example, especially in the darkest situations. Aragorn shows his true leadership qualities when he takes command at Helm’s Deep, rallying the people of Rohan to defend against Saruman's army. But there are many instances throughout the books that show his qualities as king. His decision to take the Paths of the Dead, knowing it is the only way to gather an army to fight Sauron, demonstrates his sense of responsibility, along with pursuing an orc army just retrieve Merry and Pippin. Aragorn always bore his responsibilities to his friends and to his kingdom.

^^Literally the most inspirational speech in all of cinema^^

• Legolas: Legolas is the greatest archer in all of literature, and this elven prince showed how absolute precision can go a long way. His keen senses and superior abilities were essential in many battles. As such, Legolas represent better than any others the importance of skills and their proper applications. At Helms Deep and Gondor, Legolas seamlessly killed dozens of enemies. The film trilogy has absolutely brilliant scenes of this, such as surfing on an orc shield or bringing down an oliphant.
• Gimli: Gimli is unshakable in his determination. Quite often he charges headfirst without thinking, and he is a dwarf of action. Though this can lead to trouble, taking action in difficult circumstances can change the battle. As Gimli says to Elrond, “Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.”
• Samwise Gamgee: In some ways, Sam is the best of the fellowship, not because of his skills or capabilities, but because he represents in every way loyalty and friendship. Though Frodo was resilient, he was not strong enough to get the One Ring to Mordor alone. Sam’s selflessness is a driving force throughout the entire journey, from supporting Frodo during their flight from the Shire to saving him from Shelob’s lair. “I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you and it as well. So up you get! Come on, Mr. Frodo dear! Sam will give you a ride. Just tell him where to go, and he'll go.” We all need a friend like Sam who will carry us when do not have the strength to stand.
• Boromir: Though Boromir succumbs to the temptation of the Ring, he ultimately redeems himself through sacrifice. His martial prowess and desire to protect his people make him a powerful asset to the Fellowship. While strength may be crucial, the story of Boromir reminds us that humility and the recognition of one’s flaws are equally important to avoid disastrous consequences. Boromir redeems himself by sacrificing his life to protect Merry and Pippin from the Uruk-hai after attempting to steal the ring. Sometimes we may fall short, but do not believe you are beyond redemption.
• Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took: Initially neither warrior nor leader, Merry and Pippin bring joy and mirth to the Fellowship, and their irreverence is essential to keeping the souls of those fighting. Merry and Pippin start as somewhat na?ve characters but grow into capable and brave warriors. Merry plays a key role in the defeat of the Witch-king at the Battle of Pelennor Fields while Pippin’s bravery saves Faramir in Minas Tirith. Throughout the story, though, they make others smile and laugh. In facing the darkness, do not forget that fun, laughter, food, and a little pipe weed can be potent antidotes.

Power Corrupts, Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely

There are many themes, motifs, and ideas throughout Tolkien’s mythology, but the Rings of Power are central to the rest. From Morgoth tainting the harmony of Eru Iluvatar to Sauron laying waste to Middle-earth, Tolkien constantly warned about the corruption of seeking power. Each of the twenty Rings of Power were crafted to allow their wearers to achieve what they most wanted, and that is where corruption starts. Even the elven rings have this problem, though they are the only ones free from the poison of the Dark Lord. The Elves used their Rings of Power not to dominate, but to preserve and protect. They used their power to focus on the common good rather than personal gain. Yet Vilya, Narya, and Nenya came with a cost. Elven ringbearers fell into nostalgia and procrastination due to the rings, though this gave them the ability to preserve their realms. A tradeoff existed, nonetheless.

Of course, Sauron created the One Ring to rule them all, pouring his cruelty and malice into a device that would allow him to enslave the will of others. The One Ring represents the dangerous allure of absolute power and its ability to corrupt even the most virtuous individuals. Any wearer of the One Ring became obsessed and corrupted because power for the sake of power always leads to that. Weakest among the races was Men, and the Nine Rings given to men illustrate how easily they were corrupted by the promise of power. Not only were they corrupted, but they withered into nothing. Becoming Wraiths was the conclusion of that promise of power as they “beheld only the phantoms and delusions of Sauron.” Some turned the One Ring down, such as Gandalf and Aragorn. Galadriel, though, embodies wisdom, power, and restraint, and more so than any others, she demonstrates the importance of resisting the allure of power. When Frodo offers her the Ring, she refuses, knowing that even with good intentions, such power would corrupt her.

The Rings of Power offer caution for everyone, and security professionals should always keep this in mind when engaging in their work.

The Burden of Security

“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. "So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

Those of us in the security profession often feel the burden of what Frodo expressed. While we may call this a profession, it is far more a vocation. A calling to offer safety and security to all because it is a right for everyone to be protected against evil. Whether it is terrorism or harassment, war or disorder, those in the security profession persistently confront the darkness so that others may live free from tribulations. Lessons from The Lord of the Rings offers us a guidepost to how we can do that. Resiliency, leadership, superior skills, and determination must be combined with wisdom, friendship, and merriment. And never forget that when confronting evil, we may stumble and fall, but redemption is always available if you’re willing to make the sacrifices for it.

As Galadriel says to Frodo, she has spent many ages fighting the “long defeat.” We cannot stop all evil, and there will always be problems in the world until the eschaton. However, we in the security profession must continue fighting the long defeat because that is what we have decided to do with the time that was given to us.

November's Cocktail: The Bramble

A relatively modern cocktail, the Bramble was invented by Dick Bradsell in the 1980s while he was working in Fred's Club in Soho, London. Inspired by the Singapore Sling, the Bramble is an earthier cocktail that reminds one of nature and the English countryside. Though not difficult to make, this cocktail is often overlooked as a delightful gin drink.

Instructions

1. Fill (really fill) a rocks glass with crushed ice.
2. Pour 1.5 ounces of Tanqueray gin, 1/3 an ounce of simple syrup, and 2/3 an ounce of lemon juice (fresh) over the ice. Do not stir.
3. Pour 0.5 ounces of crème de m?re over the top so that it "bleeds" through. [Crème de m?re is a liqueur made from blackberries.]
4. Garnish with two fresh blackberries or two fresh raspberries. Add a lemon wedge if you so desire (or want it slightly more sour than sweet).