The Journey

I recently bought the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy, the extended version. These movies have been on my to purchase list for many years. I am very excited. I first read the books as a kid and have re read them several times since then. I have read the Silmarillion, which I found fascinating and I eagerly look forward to the release of The Hobbit later this year. I like most parts of the story line. Probably my least favorite is that of Frodo and Sam once they leave the fellowship and strike out on their own. I love the story of Merry and Pippin. I also really like the story of Eowyn after she was injured from killing the Lord of the Nazgul and that of Faramir as he recovers from his wounds. This story doesn't play into the movie version. I enjoy the battle scenes. They have given me scope that I previously was unable to grasp while reading. What does an army of thousands actually look like? My imagination has been to narrow in the past concerning battle scenes, but now I can much better grasp what an epic battle looks like.
There is much that I like about the Lord of the Rings movies, but oddly enough some of my favorite parts are those depicting traveling scenes. I like the scene when Frodo and Sam just start out on their quest and Sam hesitates because he is traveling further from home than he has gone before. I like the part when the fellowship sets out from Rivendell and are journeying towards Mordor. I like the scenery and the excitement. I like the sense of adventure. My favorite travel scene is that with Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. It takes place just after Frodo and Sam have headed towards Mordor alone and Merry and Pippin have been taken by Saruman's Urukai. Aragron, Legolas, and Gimili take off running. They run and run, taking little rest or food. In the books this was my favorite part and in the movies I look forward to it. This scene may be just running in action, but there is so much going on below the surface. These three characters epitomize astounding stamina, stalwart courage, unswerving loyalty, and stubborn determination. These traits are expressed throughout the entire series, but I love that they are even present in the mundane activity of running.
Another reason that I love these travel scenes is because I love adventure. I have been on many hikes and backpacked many miles. When I settle a pack on my back with everything I need for a week or two and set out on a wooded trail or across an unmarked desert I feel an incredible sense of freedom. Especially at the beginning of a journey, I feel the excitement of a new adventure. Who knows what sort of fun, excitement, and troubles I will encounter. What might I need to overcome? What skills will I need to survive? What stories will I come home with? I love adventuring. I love traveling. I love watching those who also adventure and travel. Mostly I love the idea of feeling free and the potential for anything to happen.