Introduction

Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit have captivated audiences for decades with their rich worldbuilding and deep characters. However, when these stories are adapted for modern mediums, whether it's film or other forms, certain changes are often made. Some consider these adaptations as essential steps to appeal to a contemporary audience, while others view them as detrimental to the integrity of the original work. In this article, we explore some examples of modernizations that can be seen as objectionable, focusing on the adaptations for The Lord of the Rings.

Objectionable Modernizations

Anti-Smoking Messages

One of the most notable changes in Tolkien's modern adaptations involves anti-smoking messages. Unlike in the original text, where smoking was more of a recreational activity and characters like Legolas thought it rather foul, modern adaptations often depict smoking as harmful, with characters coughing and choking after smoking scenes. This change feels out-of-place, as it diminishes the cultural and ritualistic significance of smoking in the original narrative.

Assumed Homosexuality

Another significant issue is the assumption of gay relationships in adaptations. In Tolkien's original works, Frodo and Sam's relationship was never presented as romantic or sexual, but rather a close, platonic companionship. The modern adaptations have attempted to inject a homosexual narrative into these characters, which some critics find inappropriate and out-of-character.

Homogenous Culture and Alleged Racism

Tolkien's Middle-earth was intentionally crafted to be ethically neutral, with a lack of diversity in terms of skin color and race among the Elves and Dwarves. Modern adaptations that introduce dark-skinned characters, such as the inclusion of Samwise Gamgee's dark skin in the Rings of Power series, are often seen as a misunderstanding of Tolkien's world. Critics argue that this move can be interpreted as racism, despite Tolkien's intentions to avoid ethnic or racial controversies.

Pipe-Weed and Cultural Rehabilitation

The interpretation of "pipe-weed" has also been a point of contention. Some people have speculated that the fictional plant in Tolkien's world is actually a form of marijuana, leading to debates about cultural rehabilitation. However, the evidence suggests that "pipe-weed" is more likely to be a form of tobacco, similar to how it is used in the real world. Tolkien himself didn't intend for the plant to be interpreted in this way, and such interpretations can detract from the integrity of his original narrative.

Controversial Changes in Rings of Power

The Rings of Power series, produced by Amazon, has been particularly criticized for making sweeping changes that alter the original story for the worse. Many of these changes involve a clumsy adaptation of the original characters and plot, focusing more on visual spectacle than on the depth and complexity of the story. Characters are often portrayed in a way that contradicts their original personalities, leading to a loss of the integrity of the source material.

Jackson's Adaptations and Character Transforms

The most infamous example of bad modernization is Peter Jackson's film trilogy. Changes such as turning Aragorn into a self-doubting and often aggressive character, even resorting to murder, fundamentally alter the character's essence and the story itself. Jackson's approach to adapting the story was characterized by a strong focus on psychological realism, which often sacrificed the original work's archetypes and values.

Impact of Modernization on Adaptations

Modernization of Tolkien's works is not inherently bad if it stays true to the spirit of the original story. However, when changes are made that misrepresent or alter the characters and plot in significant ways, the adaptation loses its integrity. For Tolkien fans, these adaptations can feel like a betrayal of the original work, as the changes often prioritize contemporary sensibilities over the effectiveness of the original narrative structure.

Conclusion

Adapting Tolkien's epic works for modern audiences is a complex task that often requires balancing the original material with contemporary sensibilities. While some changes are necessary for the work to resonate with a modern audience, others can feel out-of-place or even offensive. Ultimately, the success of an adaptation lies in its ability to honor the source material while still being engaging for new audiences. As Tolkien enthusiasts continue to debate these issues, the original novel remains the primary touchstone for evaluating adaptations.