I ended my previous article with a quote from Gandalf in the film The Two Towers.
Check out the clip here.
We can gather a number of lessons from this very powerful depiction of good versus evil. In this beloved film, this scene comes at a critical point in the story. Gandalf is on a mission to acquire more troops to go into battle against Saruman, the evil sorcerer. The key to the battle’s success is the kingdom of men, which is meant to be led by Théoden. The problem is that Théoden is haunted by a whispering, lying oppressor named Wormtongue.
Théoden is unable to free himself and is stuck in a cycle of disbelief, shame, and numbness.
The side of light, represented by Gandalf and his squadron, knows that Théoden must wake up in order for the assault on evil to succeed. There seems to be no other option but to free the king’s mind. The entire quest for good in this narrative depends on the King’s freedom.
Let’s first look at the nature and physical demeanour of Théoden.
He is decrepit and weak.
He is pale and unable to speak properly.
He is hunched over.
He appears 20 years older than he actually is.
He seems immobile and completely passive.
He sits on a throne but commands no authority.
His voice is being used by Saruman.
He is unable to free himself due to his mind being plagued.
Now, let’s examine the features and tactics of Wormtongue.
He appears to be by Théoden’s side, offering lip service.
He is also ill and without vitality.
He possesses false authority and a false sense of self.
He is confident in his ego but lacks actionable resolve.
He is easily defeated with little resistance.
The ending of the scene is one of great beauty and inspiration as Gandalf uses his magic to free the mind—and the future—of the King. But not without resistance. Saruman will not let go of the King's mind without a fight. However, the demon is drawn out, and the King is instantly restored to his true self: his real, royal self.
This depiction of freedom, battle, oppression, and royalty perfectly showcases the immensity of the problem facing young men today. This leads us to a deeper understanding of the "why" behind this platform.
If you carefully analyze the data and probe even a little into the lives and minds of men in Western society, you’ll see many who resemble and act like Théoden: repressed, shut down, voiceless, sickly, depressed, listening to liars, not walking in authority, lacking vitality and strength, and without an army to fight against evil and tyranny. They are tired, without resilience, and unwilling to fight for things that matter and for truth.
I saw a stat yesterday confirming that the majority of men in America use PTO from their jobs—not for enjoyment or pleasure, but to sleep.
The men are exhausted.
They are ragged. They live under pressure and abuse, without brothers. Notice, too, how Gandalf doesn’t show up alone. Many men and warriors are fighting for Théoden. When he had nothing left and couldn’t free himself, the magic of truth came at this critical time.
What I see in modern masculinity is a lack of resolve, a lack of purpose, an unawareness of the battle, and an avoidance of fighting for truth. There is a complacency and sense of apathy. There is a great task ahead for most men, but the choice is to remain in the lies and avoid responsibility. Notice also how Théoden stays on his throne throughout all of this. Wormtongue is not allowed on the seat of authority. This suggests that, even in his weakened state, Théoden remains in the position of authority—this is about awakened and embodied authority.
Even in his withdrawal, he is still the King. The calling and anointing can’t be taken away. He’s there, but he’s not awakened. His mind and heart still exist, but he can’t act. The number one issue I’ve noticed in my discussions and research with men is execution. They’re not dead inside; they often know what to do, but they can’t execute.
This leads to passivity, avoidance, and abandonment. The people in their lives begin to notice and feel the distance. Their wives feel abandoned. This isn’t because the man is incapable; it’s because he hasn’t embodied his authority. He’s not awakened. He hasn’t been initiated into the belief that he can be a King. The irony is that he already is. No voice of any demon or liar, such as Wormtongue, can remove him from the throne.
Notice also that after he is freed, he stands up. This is a key feature of the awakened man. He stands up. He no longer reclines. He has sat there long enough, doing nothing. Enough of that. There is a battle to fight. There are brothers standing in the hall, waiting. It’s time to act.
This is the "why." I believe there isn’t much time to act. The turbulence in the world is increasing daily, and we can’t remain in the dysfunction of passivity, avoidance, and weakness anymore. I believe provision is coming for men. I believe a resurgence is coming for the characters described in this clip:
Gandalfs – Guides who can be in authority to awaken young Kings. Those who can use their voice and power to free men and banish lies.
Théodens – The Kings who can finally engage from a free heart and battle for truth.
Aragorn and the brothers – Those who are already awakened and can join the fight for embodiment in those who haven’t arrived yet.
Let's start by asking ourselves which category above we belong to. Are we a Gandalf, a Theoden, or an Aragorn? How long have we been this person? What traits of this character do we seen in ourselves? Is it passivity? Is it strength? Is it withdrawal? It is lack of belief? Is it greyness and dullness? Do you feel like you have a voice? What are the emotions that you feel watching this clip? Do you feel excited? Do you feel triumphant? Do you feel ready to respond and hear the invitation to freedom?
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