• J. Eunice Vincy Sophia

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien is a recognized English author, scholar, and philologist. He is well known for his high fantasy novels. His ‘The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm’s Son’ is a rare example of a play by him. According to Tolkien, ‘ofermod’ is not just pride but also an unreasonable and immoral kind of bravery or a misplaced sense of obligation that is driven more by a desire for one's own glory than by true knowledge or true leadership. Tolkien’s artistic work and scholarly knowledge are closely intertwined, with each strengthening the other. Because of his thorough understanding of medieval literature, he is able to write works that both honor and critique the books he has studied. Tolkien develops this concept of ‘ofermod’ in the play, turning it into a prism to study the moral implications of leadership, courage, and the fallout from moral failure. The conflict between the Viking invaders and Beorhtnoth’s Anglo Saxon armies is the main action of the play. Beorhtnoth chooses to let the enemy cross a river so they can battle honestly rather than using their weakness as a tactical advantage. Beorhtnoth’s determination to fight ethically looks noble, but Tolkien uses his downfall to show how excessive pride may have disastrous consequences.

ofermod, leadership, downfall, tragic flaw, excessive pride

"Ofermod's Stigma: The Hubristic Path to Perdition in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm's Son", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 1, page no.c285-c287, January-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2501234.pdf

"Ofermod's Stigma: The Hubristic Path to Perdition in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm's Son", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 1, page no. ppc285-c287, January-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2501234.pdf