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| Galdalf battling with the Balrog |
Today, I was finally able to finish the trilogy, while reading small parts of it every day on my way to work. I had seen the movies in the theaters, but I had always wanted to read the book by J.R.R. Tolkien.
I knew that Tolkien was a friend of C.S. Lewis, but what was interesting to find out was the fact that Tolkien was the reason C.S. Lewis came to accept Christ in his life. Awesome!
My favorite character in the trilogy of the Lord of the Rings is none other than Gandalf. What grabs my attention is his traits in his character. He knew that he was sent to Middle-Earth to help the earthlings in their mission. This old wizard knew how to read the social and political situations, had a keen insight, was focused on his mission, and he infused his team with confidence and trust.
The epitome of his character shows during the fellowship's escape from Moria, the underground city. While escaping, the Balrog suddenly appears and threatens their progress. Instead of running, Gandalf turns around and faces the giant dark shadow single-handedly, protecting his team from the evil creature. Gandalf battles alone with the Balrog and in the combat the Balrog manages to grab Gandalf's leg with its whip while falling, dragging Gandalf down into the endless pit.
In the history of the Armenian nation we encounter our own Gandalfs, who lead the Armenian nation during times of crisis. We read about Hayr Ghevont Yeretz, who plays an important role during the battle of Avarayr.
We also read about the Rev. Dikran Antreasian of the Armenian Evangelical Church, who in 1915 having witnessed what had befallen the Armenians of Zeytoun, encourages his fellow Armenians of Musa Dagh to flee to the mountains and are later miraculously saved through the intervention of the French battleship.
These courageous men of faith stood up to the challenges and helped their fellow brothers and sisters during troubling times. We are also called to help each other out as brothers and sisters of faith, "carrying one another's burdens, and in this way fulfilling the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2.
Raffi Chilingirian
