The struggle with the Barrow-wight illustrates in miniature
some of the major elements of the hobbits’ future adventures. First,
the idea of fellowship is emphasized when Frodo is left isolated
after the wight has captured his cohorts. Frodo has been seen alone
in the novel before this point, but he has never seemed quite as
lonely as he does when he calls out for his friends and hears nothing
but the wind in return. We see that Frodo is not just in the company
of the other members of the Fellowship, but is building a real connection
with them. Another example of fellowship is Frodo’s sudden rescue
by Tom, who has appeared only recently in the narrative. We might have
expected Tolkien to use the encounter with the Barrow-wight as an
opportunity to showcase Frodo’s developing heroic skills—but he
does not, for Frodo falls prey to the wight just as his colleagues
did. Heroism does not necessarily mean standing out from the others
as the strongest; it can go hand in hand with reliance upon others.
We see that Tolkien is putting forth a new model of the hero, one
who does not insist on doing everything himself, but who can accept
aid from others.
The power of the Ring appears as a temptation here, one
that must be resisted. We are again shown that Sauron’s power is
not an external threat, but an internal one as well: it afflicts
the mind and heart of its wearer, working its insidious effects
from the inside out. During Frodo’s confrontation with the Barrow-wight,
his first instinct is to put on the Ring, become invisible, and
save himself by running away. Of course this would be an effective
solution, but it would also be a thoroughly selfish one, as it would
ensure the deaths of his friends left behind in the mound. The struggle
Frodo undergoes in this episode is therefore not just between himself
and a wicked demon, but between two parts of himself—one part that looks
to save his own skin at any cost, and another part that cares about
those dear to him. We see again that Tolkien’s tale is not just about
external happenings, but about inward development.
