Human Responsibilty

[julian4239]

It seems Tolkein was trying to say that humans may be untrustworthy.  But there's hope.  You see that throughout the movie when the Elves were leaving Middle Earth.  The Elves were the caretakers of the world, but they were leaving the Earth to the humans. 

Humans are corrupt, but there was hope with mankind.  Aragorn symbolized that hope that humans can succeed in taking care of the world. 

[Wolfchild]

I sort of agree, but I think Tolkien was trying to say humans aren't so much corrupt as corrubtable. He shows what can cause this corruption- which was symbolicaly technology and the want of power to do good, but once that power has been obtained there is a reluctance to let it go. This lust for power was particular with the human race, as we see the wraiths which we all know were once kings, before they were given the nine rings of power. We must also remember that it is not only the Elves who were the caretakers of the world, because it is essentially the race of Numenorians that came beforehand who were the guiding lights for the future, and with them there were men amongst others.

Aragorn symbolised recognition that men can be trusted once again, and show the responsibility needed to be put once more into positions of power. He showed this through showing that he was not tempted by the ring's effect, and also his triumph in battle.

[Camlost]

I agree with Wolfchild - It is the lust for power  that makes men weak. It is what makes them corruptable. But in the race of men there is also a nobility of spirit comparable with that of the Elves. Think Tuor, Beren, Aragorn and many more.

Isildur is a prime example for me. He was a good man. He was amongst the Faithful that left Numenor and stayed true. But when it came to the Ring, and the possibility of harnessing it's power, he showed the weakness of Men.

Don't forget that the Elves had their weaknesses too. Feanor and his pride led to the Doom of the Noldor and the Kinslaying - surely there was never a more treacherous act than that; and the great craftsmen of Eregion in the Second Age were seduced with gifts by Sauron.

Nobody's perfect...

[Bombadil_Ulmo]

Pride goeth before the fall.

Lust for power has also lead to quite a few demises.  (The books and real world)