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Ways to Make Money ByJose
You know how websites are scams to make money? Well here are actual websites YOU can earn money
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This is (,Pu.blish.us,) similar to Triond. You write articles and it gets submitted right away!The articles are published directly to the website. Though if there's large amount of submissions it might take 6-12 hours to get published.The more views you get the more money you earn! It's also a bit easier to navigate than Triond
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Shvoong
In Shvoong you write articles and review and get paid! While you write reviews people can read the review (or article) that you made! You will start getting money (eventually), but you have to keep writing articles!
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Trioind
The way it, Triond, works people write articles to earn money. The more views you get the more money you earn! Now some people could make money this way others...Even some (not all, but some!) make about 10,000 a month using this type of method!
This website is a very popular website where there's a variety of things to type about! The articles are published on other websites where people can click here and go to the published article in the other website! The articles are generally approved within a few hours. The payment is small at first like a few cents a day, but once you get the hang of it you can really start earning money! One discouraging thing is the websites Triond publish the article are full of advertisements so it can get a little annoying.
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Cashle
Here (Cashle) you can complete offers to get money. Eventually it will pay off! You can even get prizes here though it will have lots of offers sent to you if you do complete an offer/sweepstakes. The navigation might be a bit confusing, so it may be a bit harder to make money
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<2>
Consequences of Risk in The Lord of the Rings ByDave Oleś
This essay discusses people's overly simplistic views of risk. Using J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, it is clear that taking dangerous risks is the key to success while taking the "easy way out" leads to failure. A question that is often asked while discussing people’s choices which involve risk is “Why take risks whose outcomes are uncertain or possibly dangerous?” Risk analysts favor the idea that the best options are the ones with the least risk, wherein the outcomes are most predictable. They believe that by avoiding risk, a person could prevent harm to him or herself and succeed at all of his or her endeavors. However, the risk-taking which is prevalent throughout J.R.R. Tolkien’s trilogy, The Lord of the Rings, opposes this notion. The failure which accompanies the less risky choice or the “easy way out” is illustrated by Lord Denethor’s attitude towards war, Saruman’s unwillingness to contend the powers of evil and Frodo’s failure at giving up the ring. On another note, Éomer’s behavior towards Théoden and Bilbo’s historic adventure show that taking a greater risk ultimately results in success. Based on these characters’ actions, it is apparent that making choices with greater certainty causes failure and harm. This idea states that making risky decisions is the impetus to success and can actually bring about safety. A deeper understanding these consequences shows that the popular view of risk/safety is too simplistic.
It is important to note why people tend to act in a certain way, because making decisions is something that everyone is faced with on a daily basis. Oftentimes people choose an action which involves the most certainty, with the perception that it will bring about success in the long run. Arguably, people prefer to make the choice with the more positive outcomes, but the decision can be complicated when unwanted side-effects are introduced. In such situations, people tend to look for Risk Defusing Operators (RDO), which are actions done in addition to the decision, giving them more control, or certainty, over the outcomes of said decision. Arlette Bar’s psychological study about the search for Risk Defusing Operators, explores the effects of successfully finding an RDO. An example mentioned in Bar’s study follows:
..a manager who is confronted with two alternatives: She can travel to a country where an epidemic infectious disease rages in order to negotiate an important contract or she can postpone the meeting with the risk of not reaching a satisfying agreement. (Bar 808)
In this situation, the first option is more positive, but has unwanted side-effects. The second choice has certainty of not getting sick, but the outcome is likely to be less desirable. An RDO for this manager could be to get vaccinated before traveling abroad. In this case, the more risky decision would bring about success in that the manager would be able to negotiate the contract, while the second choice could result in a failure of negotiation. Generally, if a person successfully finds an RDO, he or she is more likely to choose the option with the very positive outcomes and minimized negative side-effects instead of the one with less positive outcomes but no negative side-effects (Bar). This explains why some of the characters in The Lord of the Rings, specifically Lord Denethor, Saruman and Frodo, choose to act in ways which have more foreseeable consequences. They fail or overlook their search for RDOs and proceed with the less risky option that offers less desirable outcomes. These characters end up failing as a result of their behaviors. On the other hand, characters that identify RDOs choose risk over certainty and are able to succeed. Both Éomer and Bilbo act in this way and are rewarded for the efforts they put into their risky decisions.
Lord Denethor’s actions towards his people and the enemy exemplify failure resulting from lack of risk. With the enemy on his doorstep, he is faced with two options: he can call allies for help, thereby having a better chance of winning the battle and protecting his people or he can stand alone and be conquered by Sauron’s forces. Clearly, the first choice is better; however, it comes with the side-effect of losing his throne to Aragorn. This would be a very negative side-effect from Lord Denethor’s perspective, judging by his exclamation to Gandalf upon being told to call for allies.
“So! With the left hand thou [Gandalf] wouldst use me for a little while as a shield against Mordor, and with the right bring up this Ranger of the North to supplant me […] I will not bow to such a one, last of a ragged house long bereft of lordship and dignity.” (Tolkien 853)
Lord Denethor despises the idea of losing his throne to the true king of Gondor. He says that he “will not bow” to Aragorn, meaning he refuses to admit his kingship and believes that Aragorn is below him. The reason behind this is that Aragorn comes from a family devoid of “lordship and dignity.” Having been steward for so long, he also does not want Gandalf to “supplant” him, causing him to lose stewardship over the country. In theory, Lord Denethor could have tried to find an RDO, which would allow him to still call for allies while keeping his throne, or at least a high position in the kingdom. Unfortunately, he does not identify any such RDOs, and so, chooses the second option: standing alone with almost certain defeat, while keeping his throne. Despite his decision to stand alone, Gandalf successfully calls for Gondor’s allies. This angers Lord Denethor who states that he “will have naught: neither life diminished, nor love halved, nor honour abated” (Tolkien 854). He believes that by surrendering his stewardship, his “love” will be “halved” and his “honour abated”, thus sticking to his original choice of not giving up his position. The addition of the severe injury suffered by Lord Denethor’s son, the steward is driven to madness and despair. Not wanting his “life” to be “diminished” he burns himself alive along with his injured son. With this unfortunate turn of events, he fails both as a father and a leader of his country. His choice of the less desirable option and lack of RDO identification led to unsuccessful outcomes. If he had chosen the more risky option, despite the loss of his throne, he could have succeeded in other ways. Surely, his people would think of him as a protector and a great leader while his son would have had continued respect for his father. Hence, Lord Denethor’s choices and results support the idea that picking the “safer” option leads to failure.
The leader of the wizards, Saruman is faced with an ultimatum very similar to that of Lord Denethor. He can either choose to fight Sauron, thus risking defeat, or join the dark side, which has an advantage in the war. Defeat brings about uncertainty; Saruman does not know what will happen to him in the case that his side loses. On the other hand, by joining forces with Sauron, he believes that the outcome is much more foreseeable; he will remain in power and command his own army from Isengard while being rewarded for his choice. Upon Gandalf’s plea for aid, Saruman replies with:
“A new Power is rising. Against it the old allies and policies will not avail us at all. There is no hope left in Elves or dying Númenor. This then is one choice before you, before us. We may join that Power. It would be wise, Gandalf. There is hope that way. Its victory is at hand; and there will be rich reward for those that aided it.” (Tolkien 259)
Thus, the second option caries less risk or uncertainty. Saruman believes that the good side has “no hope left”, with Sauron’s “victory” being “at hand.” He is fully aware of the consequences that will come about if he joins the dark side, stating the “rich reward[s]” for its allies. Consequently, Saruman chooses the option with more certainty: joining forces with Sauron. However, in an unexpected turn of events, he ends up losing the battle against the men of Rohan. Additionally, Saruman also has his stronghold conquered by the Ents. His military defeat is the consequence of trying to take the “easy way out” and is clearly a failure. He fails in his role as a leader and counsel for wizards and as a leader of a powerful army. Had he searched for an RDO to counter the possible uncertainty associated with fighting Sauron, Saruman could have been saved. There were other options open to him, because he was a powerful wizard with many connections amongst the peoples of Middle-Earth. He even refuses an option that would have allowed him to survive despite his loss at Isengard. Arash Javanbakht’s article talks about how Saruman was unable to return to the good side. Gandalf gives him an opportunity to “turn back towards the light”, yet Saruman is so “corrupted” by Sauron’s power, that he cannot reconcile his actions (Javanbakht). Unfortunately, this neglect of risk and choice of “expected safety” results in his death. In the same manner as Lord Denethor’s failure, Saruman’s downfall is brought about by the fact that he chooses the less risky option.
One final example of failure due to taking the “easy way out” is that of Frodo at the conclusion of the story. Having come to the end of his journey to Mordor, he is faced with two options: to throw the ring into the fires of Mount Doom or keep it for himself. The first choice would result in Sauron’s defeat, but requires Frodo to give up something very precious to him, while the latter allows him to keep the thing which has taken hold of his will.
“I have come,” he said. “But I do not choose now to what I came to do. I will not do this deed. The Ring is mine!” And suddenly, as he set it on his finger, he vanished from Sam’s sight. (Tolkien 945)
Frodo knows what his choices are and yet he chooses to keep the ring, which is easier than trying to fight its power. He refuses to “do this deed”, instead exclaiming that “The Ring” belongs to him as he “set[s] it on his finger.” Chad Chrisholm discusses this passage in his article about demons, choice and grace in the trilogy. According to him, it is important to notice that Frodo does not say that he cannot destroy the ring, but chooses to say that he “will not”. This changes the situation from an inability to do something difficult to a decision not to perform the action at hand. By putting the Ring on, he “vanishe[s] from Sam’s sight”, into darkness and in doing so, surrenders his “mind, body and soul” to the “heinous force” (Chrisholm). When Frodo vanishes from sight, he has not only become invisible, but he has stepped over Sauron’s threshold into the shadow world. Peter Hayward analyzes the effect of the Ring in his article about psychological metaphors in The Lord of the Rings. He shows that the Ring’s power is brought about by depression, which drags the user of the ring into the shadow world. Hence, ring-bearer feels increasingly hopeless while in possession of the Ring. This depression is the true weapon of Sauron; it is also the means by which the Ring is able to bend its possessor’s will. By choosing not to give up the Ring, Frodo surrenders to its power; this is a “psychological metaphor” for clinical depression (Hayward). Feasibly, the destruction of the Ring would result in Frodo being freed from its power. However, he cannot return to his former self even once the Ring is destroyed, because he had given up hope in his choice. Losing one’s identity can be considered a failure in most situations. Therefore, this “easier” choice further solidifies the fact that choosing such options leads to failure or harm.
Éomer’s decision to disobey Théoden, his king, exemplifies how choosing the more risky option results in success. He decides to leave his town “with little guard” and without the “king’s leave” in order to hunt down Orcs. This is already enough to result in imprisonment. Additionally, he runs into Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas after slaying the Orcs. Once again, Éomer risks his life by letting them go unhindered. He is fully aware of the consequences that could occur as a result of his actions.
“…I am not free to do all as I would. It is against our law to let strangers wander at will in our land, until the king himself give them leave, and more strict is the command in these days of peril…This is my choice. You may go; and what is more, I will lend your horses… In this I place myself, and maybe my very life, in the keeping of your good faith.” (Tolkien 438-439)
He states that he is not “free to do” what he is doing, and knows that his actions are “against [his] law.” Nevertheless, he makes the choice to let Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas go. By doing so, he places his “very life” in their hands. Éomer knows that if he misjudges their trustworthiness, his life will be forfeit.
Michael Stanton discusses many aspects of The Lord of the Rings in his book, Hobbits, Elves and Wizards. He specifically writes that Éomer’s “disobedience” is actually “true obedience” or “obedience to a higher consideration than the letter of the law.” He goes on to say that “individuals” are required to make “meaningful choices”, which are usually more risky or difficult. Although Éomer is imprisoned for his decision, he is released once King Théoden is freed from Saruman’s spell. Upon gaining his full consciousness back, Théoden realizes that Éomer was truly loyal to him (Stanton 57). Additionally, it is also apparent that Éomer correctly identifies an RDO in his decision to lend horses to the strangers. He asks that Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas return the very valuable horses whether or not their “quest is achieved” (Tolkien 439). Thus, Éomer’s actions were inherently successful, even if they caused him some harm. In the end, taking the riskier option was the true path to success, and Éomer was able to solidify this success through his identification of an RDO.
Another example of the success caused by risk is evident from Bilbo’s attitude towards his journey. While the quest itself takes place in The Hobbit, it is still very relevant in the story of The Lord of the Rings. Bilbo is given a choice to stay home and not take any risks or travel to far off lands where many unforeseeable events may (and do) happen. In his book, The Psychology of Risk Taking Behavior, Rüdiger Trimpop studies the motivations behind risk taking. He mentions that “risk taking” is “fun” and “rewarded intrinsically, as well as by society” (Trimpop 292-293). Accordingly, choosing a more risky behavior can result in “increased pleasure” or rewards. Therefore, when Bilbo is rewarded after his adventure is over. Aside from monetary gains, he earns the respect of his fellow villagers. This is obvious by the fact that he has “many devoted admirers among hobbits of poor and unimportant families” (Tolkien 21). This statement also implies that Bilbo is both rich and important, which is widely considered a successful life. Therefore Bilbo’s decision to choose the risky option was triumphant.
Michael Apter’s book about people’s desire for danger makes a general point which is contrary to the ideas represented in The Lord of the Rings. According to Apter, people receive the most pleasure out of their risk behavior only when they’re not really at risk. He refers to “successful risk taking” as that which gives the risk taker the most psychological pleasure. An example given in the book follows:
Think of looking at a tiger in a cage. Both the tiger and the cage are needed in order for one to experience excitement: the tiger without the cage would be frightening; the cage without the tiger would be boring. Both are necessary. In order to experience excitement, then, we need both the possibility of danger and something we believe will protect us from it. (Apter 31)
Apter explains that in order to experience excitement, which is the success of risk taking, one must not really be in danger. In this situation, the risk is close proximity to a tiger. However, due to the tiger being in the cage, the risk is greatly decreased. In fact, it’s almost nonexistent, providing that the cage is not broken or weakened in any way. Therefore, being in such a situation is in no way a risk. It does not give a person a big distinction between the choice of being near the cage or not. Both options are safe and the results are quite certain: the tiger will remain in the cage and the person will remain out of harm’s way. In The Lord of the Rings, the characters are not successful because of such situations. They are faced with decisions that will affect their lives and the lives of friends. Only opting to participate in situations where safety is essentially guaranteed is an example of taking the “easy way out.” As previously described, this leads to failure, not success. In my opinion, seeing a tiger in a cage is not very risky and would not cause much excitement. Instead, the choices made by Lord Denethor, Saruman, Frodo, Éomer and Bilbo are the ones that bring true excitement and danger.
The fact that risky decisions result in success is fully supported throughout The Lord of the Rings. It is directly illustrated by Éomer’s disobedience which proves successful later on as well as Bilbo’s decision to go off on a dangerous quest, with the attainment of riches and fame. Saruman’s and Denethor’s cowardice in choosing the “easy way out” shows that taking such choices is harmful. Frodo’s surrender to the power of The Ring also shows that the less risky choice is not beneficial. Based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s examples in his trilogy, it can be concluded that the risk level of an option has an effect on the outcomes: greater risk results in greater success, while less risk leads to failure. This idea has an important impact on the popular views of risk and safe behaviors. Common beliefs are very simplistic in their assumptions that choosing risk causes danger while avoiding risks brings safety. It is therefore important to note that J. R. R. Tolkien’s views on risk taking oppose this idea and indicate to a more complex model of human decision making and its consequences.
Works Cited
Apter, Michael. Danger: Our Quest for Excitement. Oxford: Oneworld, 2007.
Bar, Arlette. "Successful or unsuccessful search for risk defusing operators: Effects on decision behavior." European journal of cognitive psychology (2007): 807.
Chrisholm, Chad. "Demons, Choices, and Grace in The Lord of the Rings." Mallorn: The Journal of the Tolkien Society (2008): 20-23.
Hayward, Peter. "Wraits, rings and clinical depression: psychological metaphors in The Lord of the Rings." Clinical Psychology (2003): 7-9.
Javanbakht, Arash. "Jungian archetypes of self, shadow and ego in the legend of the Lord of the Rings: an analytical psychological view." Spirituality and Health International September 2005: 178-184.
Stanton, Michael N. Hobbits, Elves, and Wizards : Exploring the Wonders and Worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien's the Lord of the Rings. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2002.
Tolkien, J.R.R. The Lord of the Rings. Great Britain: HarperCollinsPublishers, 2004.
Trimpop, Rüdiger M. The psychology of risk taking behavior. Vol. Volume 107 of Advances in psychology. Netherlands: Elsevier Science B.V., 1994.
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Javanese Marital Ceremony byFerry Ariyani
Many kinds of marital ceremony in the world. Here is Javanese marital ceremony. Javanese people usually married just one time. But ancient Javanese people, especially king or prince have many wifes. In Javanese marital ceremony, the bride wear fake hair named 'konde'. They maked up beautifully. Before they got maked up, some of their forehead's hair have to cut first. It becomes signed that she is ever been married.
For a month, the bride should not go anywhere. It called 'dipingit'. In this time, she is being prepared by her family. Got milk bath, massage, spa treatment and also gave advice from her parents. She should not meet her future husband before the marriage.
One day before the marriage, it is time for 'Midodareni'. The bride wil get flower bath and get maked up for the next day. After that, she has to ask permit from her parents that in the next day she will getting married and belong to her husband. Parents of the bride usually cry when their daughter hold their hand and kiss them.
The day is come. The bride is looked beautiful with make up, 'konde', 'sunduk mentul', and she had two girls besides her to bring flower bucket named 'kembar mayang'. She has to sit in the altar, wait for her husband. Once when her husband has come, it is time for 'temu manten'. The bride has to wash her husband's feet, to show her respect for her husband. And the groom will help his wife and put her besides him to show his care and love.
Then they walk together to the altar and sit together to describe the family that they have now and ever.
Ways to Make Money ByJose
You know how websites are scams to make money? Well here are actual websites YOU can earn money
Pu.blish.us
This is (,Pu.blish.us,) similar to Triond. You write articles and it gets submitted right away!The articles are published directly to the website. Though if there's large amount of submissions it might take 6-12 hours to get published.The more views you get the more money you earn! It's also a bit easier to navigate than Triond
If you like to join click here: http://pu.blish.us/
Shvoong
In Shvoong you write articles and review and get paid! While you write reviews people can read the review (or article) that you made! You will start getting money (eventually), but you have to keep writing articles!
If you like to join click here:http://www.shvoong.com/
Trioind
The way it, Triond, works people write articles to earn money. The more views you get the more money you earn! Now some people could make money this way others...Even some (not all, but some!) make about 10,000 a month using this type of method!
This website is a very popular website where there's a variety of things to type about! The articles are published on other websites where people can click here and go to the published article in the other website! The articles are generally approved within a few hours. The payment is small at first like a few cents a day, but once you get the hang of it you can really start earning money! One discouraging thing is the websites Triond publish the article are full of advertisements so it can get a little annoying.
If you like to join click here: HTTP://www.Triond.com/
Cashle
Here (Cashle) you can complete offers to get money. Eventually it will pay off! You can even get prizes here though it will have lots of offers sent to you if you do complete an offer/sweepstakes. The navigation might be a bit confusing, so it may be a bit harder to make money
If you like to join click here: http://www.cashle.com/
These are some methods/websites to earn money, but remember keep on writing on Triond, Shvoong,and Pu.Blish.Us ! Also keep completing offers on Cashle! It will eventually pay off!
<2>
Consequences of Risk in The Lord of the Rings ByDave Oleś
This essay discusses people's overly simplistic views of risk. Using J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, it is clear that taking dangerous risks is the key to success while taking the "easy way out" leads to failure. A question that is often asked while discussing people’s choices which involve risk is “Why take risks whose outcomes are uncertain or possibly dangerous?” Risk analysts favor the idea that the best options are the ones with the least risk, wherein the outcomes are most predictable. They believe that by avoiding risk, a person could prevent harm to him or herself and succeed at all of his or her endeavors. However, the risk-taking which is prevalent throughout J.R.R. Tolkien’s trilogy, The Lord of the Rings, opposes this notion. The failure which accompanies the less risky choice or the “easy way out” is illustrated by Lord Denethor’s attitude towards war, Saruman’s unwillingness to contend the powers of evil and Frodo’s failure at giving up the ring. On another note, Éomer’s behavior towards Théoden and Bilbo’s historic adventure show that taking a greater risk ultimately results in success. Based on these characters’ actions, it is apparent that making choices with greater certainty causes failure and harm. This idea states that making risky decisions is the impetus to success and can actually bring about safety. A deeper understanding these consequences shows that the popular view of risk/safety is too simplistic.
It is important to note why people tend to act in a certain way, because making decisions is something that everyone is faced with on a daily basis. Oftentimes people choose an action which involves the most certainty, with the perception that it will bring about success in the long run. Arguably, people prefer to make the choice with the more positive outcomes, but the decision can be complicated when unwanted side-effects are introduced. In such situations, people tend to look for Risk Defusing Operators (RDO), which are actions done in addition to the decision, giving them more control, or certainty, over the outcomes of said decision. Arlette Bar’s psychological study about the search for Risk Defusing Operators, explores the effects of successfully finding an RDO. An example mentioned in Bar’s study follows:
..a manager who is confronted with two alternatives: She can travel to a country where an epidemic infectious disease rages in order to negotiate an important contract or she can postpone the meeting with the risk of not reaching a satisfying agreement. (Bar 808)
In this situation, the first option is more positive, but has unwanted side-effects. The second choice has certainty of not getting sick, but the outcome is likely to be less desirable. An RDO for this manager could be to get vaccinated before traveling abroad. In this case, the more risky decision would bring about success in that the manager would be able to negotiate the contract, while the second choice could result in a failure of negotiation. Generally, if a person successfully finds an RDO, he or she is more likely to choose the option with the very positive outcomes and minimized negative side-effects instead of the one with less positive outcomes but no negative side-effects (Bar). This explains why some of the characters in The Lord of the Rings, specifically Lord Denethor, Saruman and Frodo, choose to act in ways which have more foreseeable consequences. They fail or overlook their search for RDOs and proceed with the less risky option that offers less desirable outcomes. These characters end up failing as a result of their behaviors. On the other hand, characters that identify RDOs choose risk over certainty and are able to succeed. Both Éomer and Bilbo act in this way and are rewarded for the efforts they put into their risky decisions.
Lord Denethor’s actions towards his people and the enemy exemplify failure resulting from lack of risk. With the enemy on his doorstep, he is faced with two options: he can call allies for help, thereby having a better chance of winning the battle and protecting his people or he can stand alone and be conquered by Sauron’s forces. Clearly, the first choice is better; however, it comes with the side-effect of losing his throne to Aragorn. This would be a very negative side-effect from Lord Denethor’s perspective, judging by his exclamation to Gandalf upon being told to call for allies.
“So! With the left hand thou [Gandalf] wouldst use me for a little while as a shield against Mordor, and with the right bring up this Ranger of the North to supplant me […] I will not bow to such a one, last of a ragged house long bereft of lordship and dignity.” (Tolkien 853)
Lord Denethor despises the idea of losing his throne to the true king of Gondor. He says that he “will not bow” to Aragorn, meaning he refuses to admit his kingship and believes that Aragorn is below him. The reason behind this is that Aragorn comes from a family devoid of “lordship and dignity.” Having been steward for so long, he also does not want Gandalf to “supplant” him, causing him to lose stewardship over the country. In theory, Lord Denethor could have tried to find an RDO, which would allow him to still call for allies while keeping his throne, or at least a high position in the kingdom. Unfortunately, he does not identify any such RDOs, and so, chooses the second option: standing alone with almost certain defeat, while keeping his throne. Despite his decision to stand alone, Gandalf successfully calls for Gondor’s allies. This angers Lord Denethor who states that he “will have naught: neither life diminished, nor love halved, nor honour abated” (Tolkien 854). He believes that by surrendering his stewardship, his “love” will be “halved” and his “honour abated”, thus sticking to his original choice of not giving up his position. The addition of the severe injury suffered by Lord Denethor’s son, the steward is driven to madness and despair. Not wanting his “life” to be “diminished” he burns himself alive along with his injured son. With this unfortunate turn of events, he fails both as a father and a leader of his country. His choice of the less desirable option and lack of RDO identification led to unsuccessful outcomes. If he had chosen the more risky option, despite the loss of his throne, he could have succeeded in other ways. Surely, his people would think of him as a protector and a great leader while his son would have had continued respect for his father. Hence, Lord Denethor’s choices and results support the idea that picking the “safer” option leads to failure.
The leader of the wizards, Saruman is faced with an ultimatum very similar to that of Lord Denethor. He can either choose to fight Sauron, thus risking defeat, or join the dark side, which has an advantage in the war. Defeat brings about uncertainty; Saruman does not know what will happen to him in the case that his side loses. On the other hand, by joining forces with Sauron, he believes that the outcome is much more foreseeable; he will remain in power and command his own army from Isengard while being rewarded for his choice. Upon Gandalf’s plea for aid, Saruman replies with:
“A new Power is rising. Against it the old allies and policies will not avail us at all. There is no hope left in Elves or dying Númenor. This then is one choice before you, before us. We may join that Power. It would be wise, Gandalf. There is hope that way. Its victory is at hand; and there will be rich reward for those that aided it.” (Tolkien 259)
Thus, the second option caries less risk or uncertainty. Saruman believes that the good side has “no hope left”, with Sauron’s “victory” being “at hand.” He is fully aware of the consequences that will come about if he joins the dark side, stating the “rich reward[s]” for its allies. Consequently, Saruman chooses the option with more certainty: joining forces with Sauron. However, in an unexpected turn of events, he ends up losing the battle against the men of Rohan. Additionally, Saruman also has his stronghold conquered by the Ents. His military defeat is the consequence of trying to take the “easy way out” and is clearly a failure. He fails in his role as a leader and counsel for wizards and as a leader of a powerful army. Had he searched for an RDO to counter the possible uncertainty associated with fighting Sauron, Saruman could have been saved. There were other options open to him, because he was a powerful wizard with many connections amongst the peoples of Middle-Earth. He even refuses an option that would have allowed him to survive despite his loss at Isengard. Arash Javanbakht’s article talks about how Saruman was unable to return to the good side. Gandalf gives him an opportunity to “turn back towards the light”, yet Saruman is so “corrupted” by Sauron’s power, that he cannot reconcile his actions (Javanbakht). Unfortunately, this neglect of risk and choice of “expected safety” results in his death. In the same manner as Lord Denethor’s failure, Saruman’s downfall is brought about by the fact that he chooses the less risky option.
One final example of failure due to taking the “easy way out” is that of Frodo at the conclusion of the story. Having come to the end of his journey to Mordor, he is faced with two options: to throw the ring into the fires of Mount Doom or keep it for himself. The first choice would result in Sauron’s defeat, but requires Frodo to give up something very precious to him, while the latter allows him to keep the thing which has taken hold of his will.
“I have come,” he said. “But I do not choose now to what I came to do. I will not do this deed. The Ring is mine!” And suddenly, as he set it on his finger, he vanished from Sam’s sight. (Tolkien 945)
Frodo knows what his choices are and yet he chooses to keep the ring, which is easier than trying to fight its power. He refuses to “do this deed”, instead exclaiming that “The Ring” belongs to him as he “set[s] it on his finger.” Chad Chrisholm discusses this passage in his article about demons, choice and grace in the trilogy. According to him, it is important to notice that Frodo does not say that he cannot destroy the ring, but chooses to say that he “will not”. This changes the situation from an inability to do something difficult to a decision not to perform the action at hand. By putting the Ring on, he “vanishe[s] from Sam’s sight”, into darkness and in doing so, surrenders his “mind, body and soul” to the “heinous force” (Chrisholm). When Frodo vanishes from sight, he has not only become invisible, but he has stepped over Sauron’s threshold into the shadow world. Peter Hayward analyzes the effect of the Ring in his article about psychological metaphors in The Lord of the Rings. He shows that the Ring’s power is brought about by depression, which drags the user of the ring into the shadow world. Hence, ring-bearer feels increasingly hopeless while in possession of the Ring. This depression is the true weapon of Sauron; it is also the means by which the Ring is able to bend its possessor’s will. By choosing not to give up the Ring, Frodo surrenders to its power; this is a “psychological metaphor” for clinical depression (Hayward). Feasibly, the destruction of the Ring would result in Frodo being freed from its power. However, he cannot return to his former self even once the Ring is destroyed, because he had given up hope in his choice. Losing one’s identity can be considered a failure in most situations. Therefore, this “easier” choice further solidifies the fact that choosing such options leads to failure or harm.
Éomer’s decision to disobey Théoden, his king, exemplifies how choosing the more risky option results in success. He decides to leave his town “with little guard” and without the “king’s leave” in order to hunt down Orcs. This is already enough to result in imprisonment. Additionally, he runs into Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas after slaying the Orcs. Once again, Éomer risks his life by letting them go unhindered. He is fully aware of the consequences that could occur as a result of his actions.
“…I am not free to do all as I would. It is against our law to let strangers wander at will in our land, until the king himself give them leave, and more strict is the command in these days of peril…This is my choice. You may go; and what is more, I will lend your horses… In this I place myself, and maybe my very life, in the keeping of your good faith.” (Tolkien 438-439)
He states that he is not “free to do” what he is doing, and knows that his actions are “against [his] law.” Nevertheless, he makes the choice to let Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas go. By doing so, he places his “very life” in their hands. Éomer knows that if he misjudges their trustworthiness, his life will be forfeit.
Michael Stanton discusses many aspects of The Lord of the Rings in his book, Hobbits, Elves and Wizards. He specifically writes that Éomer’s “disobedience” is actually “true obedience” or “obedience to a higher consideration than the letter of the law.” He goes on to say that “individuals” are required to make “meaningful choices”, which are usually more risky or difficult. Although Éomer is imprisoned for his decision, he is released once King Théoden is freed from Saruman’s spell. Upon gaining his full consciousness back, Théoden realizes that Éomer was truly loyal to him (Stanton 57). Additionally, it is also apparent that Éomer correctly identifies an RDO in his decision to lend horses to the strangers. He asks that Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas return the very valuable horses whether or not their “quest is achieved” (Tolkien 439). Thus, Éomer’s actions were inherently successful, even if they caused him some harm. In the end, taking the riskier option was the true path to success, and Éomer was able to solidify this success through his identification of an RDO.
Another example of the success caused by risk is evident from Bilbo’s attitude towards his journey. While the quest itself takes place in The Hobbit, it is still very relevant in the story of The Lord of the Rings. Bilbo is given a choice to stay home and not take any risks or travel to far off lands where many unforeseeable events may (and do) happen. In his book, The Psychology of Risk Taking Behavior, Rüdiger Trimpop studies the motivations behind risk taking. He mentions that “risk taking” is “fun” and “rewarded intrinsically, as well as by society” (Trimpop 292-293). Accordingly, choosing a more risky behavior can result in “increased pleasure” or rewards. Therefore, when Bilbo is rewarded after his adventure is over. Aside from monetary gains, he earns the respect of his fellow villagers. This is obvious by the fact that he has “many devoted admirers among hobbits of poor and unimportant families” (Tolkien 21). This statement also implies that Bilbo is both rich and important, which is widely considered a successful life. Therefore Bilbo’s decision to choose the risky option was triumphant.
Michael Apter’s book about people’s desire for danger makes a general point which is contrary to the ideas represented in The Lord of the Rings. According to Apter, people receive the most pleasure out of their risk behavior only when they’re not really at risk. He refers to “successful risk taking” as that which gives the risk taker the most psychological pleasure. An example given in the book follows:
Think of looking at a tiger in a cage. Both the tiger and the cage are needed in order for one to experience excitement: the tiger without the cage would be frightening; the cage without the tiger would be boring. Both are necessary. In order to experience excitement, then, we need both the possibility of danger and something we believe will protect us from it. (Apter 31)
Apter explains that in order to experience excitement, which is the success of risk taking, one must not really be in danger. In this situation, the risk is close proximity to a tiger. However, due to the tiger being in the cage, the risk is greatly decreased. In fact, it’s almost nonexistent, providing that the cage is not broken or weakened in any way. Therefore, being in such a situation is in no way a risk. It does not give a person a big distinction between the choice of being near the cage or not. Both options are safe and the results are quite certain: the tiger will remain in the cage and the person will remain out of harm’s way. In The Lord of the Rings, the characters are not successful because of such situations. They are faced with decisions that will affect their lives and the lives of friends. Only opting to participate in situations where safety is essentially guaranteed is an example of taking the “easy way out.” As previously described, this leads to failure, not success. In my opinion, seeing a tiger in a cage is not very risky and would not cause much excitement. Instead, the choices made by Lord Denethor, Saruman, Frodo, Éomer and Bilbo are the ones that bring true excitement and danger.
The fact that risky decisions result in success is fully supported throughout The Lord of the Rings. It is directly illustrated by Éomer’s disobedience which proves successful later on as well as Bilbo’s decision to go off on a dangerous quest, with the attainment of riches and fame. Saruman’s and Denethor’s cowardice in choosing the “easy way out” shows that taking such choices is harmful. Frodo’s surrender to the power of The Ring also shows that the less risky choice is not beneficial. Based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s examples in his trilogy, it can be concluded that the risk level of an option has an effect on the outcomes: greater risk results in greater success, while less risk leads to failure. This idea has an important impact on the popular views of risk and safe behaviors. Common beliefs are very simplistic in their assumptions that choosing risk causes danger while avoiding risks brings safety. It is therefore important to note that J. R. R. Tolkien’s views on risk taking oppose this idea and indicate to a more complex model of human decision making and its consequences.
Works Cited
Apter, Michael. Danger: Our Quest for Excitement. Oxford: Oneworld, 2007.
Bar, Arlette. "Successful or unsuccessful search for risk defusing operators: Effects on decision behavior." European journal of cognitive psychology (2007): 807.
Chrisholm, Chad. "Demons, Choices, and Grace in The Lord of the Rings." Mallorn: The Journal of the Tolkien Society (2008): 20-23.
Hayward, Peter. "Wraits, rings and clinical depression: psychological metaphors in The Lord of the Rings." Clinical Psychology (2003): 7-9.
Javanbakht, Arash. "Jungian archetypes of self, shadow and ego in the legend of the Lord of the Rings: an analytical psychological view." Spirituality and Health International September 2005: 178-184.
Stanton, Michael N. Hobbits, Elves, and Wizards : Exploring the Wonders and Worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien's the Lord of the Rings. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2002.
Tolkien, J.R.R. The Lord of the Rings. Great Britain: HarperCollinsPublishers, 2004.
Trimpop, Rüdiger M. The psychology of risk taking behavior. Vol. Volume 107 of Advances in psychology. Netherlands: Elsevier Science B.V., 1994.
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Javanese Marital Ceremony byFerry Ariyani
Many kinds of marital ceremony in the world. Here is Javanese marital ceremony. Javanese people usually married just one time. But ancient Javanese people, especially king or prince have many wifes. In Javanese marital ceremony, the bride wear fake hair named 'konde'. They maked up beautifully. Before they got maked up, some of their forehead's hair have to cut first. It becomes signed that she is ever been married.
For a month, the bride should not go anywhere. It called 'dipingit'. In this time, she is being prepared by her family. Got milk bath, massage, spa treatment and also gave advice from her parents. She should not meet her future husband before the marriage.
One day before the marriage, it is time for 'Midodareni'. The bride wil get flower bath and get maked up for the next day. After that, she has to ask permit from her parents that in the next day she will getting married and belong to her husband. Parents of the bride usually cry when their daughter hold their hand and kiss them.
The day is come. The bride is looked beautiful with make up, 'konde', 'sunduk mentul', and she had two girls besides her to bring flower bucket named 'kembar mayang'. She has to sit in the altar, wait for her husband. Once when her husband has come, it is time for 'temu manten'. The bride has to wash her husband's feet, to show her respect for her husband. And the groom will help his wife and put her besides him to show his care and love.
Then they walk together to the altar and sit together to describe the family that they have now and ever.