It is that time again, fantasy fans! What time? Tolkien time! For, today marks the 19-year anniversary of Lord of Rings: The Two Towers.
The Two Towers, hitherto referred to as LOTR2, is the second installment in what is one of the most successful book-to-movie adaptation series of all time. And, arguably, the most successful mainstream fantasy property that there is. Don’t believe me? Mention fantasy, and it is almost guaranteed someone will invoke LOTR.
One could also argue that J.R.R. Tolkien–author of the books–and Peter Jackson–director of the movies–blazed such a trail as pertains to fantasy elements and archetypes that they have become nigh-immovable fixtures in the genre. Just look at elves. It is considered “new” and “fresh” when elves are depicted in a way that is not tall, pale, sleek, and angelic.
Because it is LOTR2’s anniversary, I thought it was fitting to examine the ways this movie in particular has affected us over the years. But how about instead of our usual trek through cultural history, we take a look at a few memes? Here are 4 memes given life by iconic scenes in LOTR2:
The bewitched King of Rohan, cackling at Gandalf and mockingly stating “You have no power here” was undoubtedly meant to be a serious scene. A menacing threat to serve as the backdrop for Gandalf the White’s dramatic debut. But the internet is a magical place, and has turned this iconic scene into nothing short of a comedic masterpiece.
This one was also meant to be serious, but has been altered countless times throughout its tenure on the internet. Whether the fanbases of two rival sports-teams ganging up on a third, or two completely different characters standing in for Gimli and Legolas, this is a meme with much history and even more love propping it up.
No anecdote for this one. It’s just funny, both in context and out.
And who could forget the most legendary LOTR meme of all time:
Click here to be taken to a glorious video known only as “taking the hobbits to isengard” (with that exact capitalization). With 34 million views and counting, it is an understatement to say that this video is popular despite being uploaded in 2006. And folks, it’s an experience. I’ve personally listened to this meme song for years, and it’s simply impossible to understand without listening for yourself.
Though it contains scenes from other movies, the iconic “They’re taking the hobbits to Isengard!” came from LOTR2. It goes without saying, then, that we wouldn’t have so many years of laughter and fun without this iconic, groundbreaking, and all-around spectacular film.