The bestselling book in the world, the Bible, for example, is full of stories and parables that have influenced generations. Accordingly, bloggers like me and others will often reference such narratives to utilize widely-known and commonly understood history, facts, and details to make our points.  Furthermore, these universal associations can be used as launching pads, so to speak, to expand upon other ideas and perspectives.

In my early teens, I devoured the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien and his "Lords of the Rings" series beginning with "The Hobbit" and followed by "The Fellowship of the Ring", "The Two Towers", and "The Return of the King", respectively. I also read "The Silmarillion" which was a precursor to the other books and originating thousands of years before the fictional events of "The Hobbit".

Over two decades ago, the "Fellowship of the Ring" movies were released in theaters. The original three films ("The Fellowship of the Ring", "The Two Towers", and "The Return of the King") were directed by Peter Jackson and are widely considered as cinematic masterpieces today.

The Tolkien tales are epic accounts of good versus evil – about rings of power and one ring to rule them all. The battles raged across the ages throughout the realms of men, dwarves, and elves… and… in the wicked lands of Mordor where the evil Eye of Sauron birthed its dark vision.

Having read the books over forty-five years ago, the chronology and visuals from the films are easier to recall; and, anyone familiar with the novels, or movies, will understand the parallels to our times.

Mordor rises. Like black smoke over the horizon.

In Tolkien's "Two Towers", as multiple battles were in progress, two hobbits named Merry and Pippin discussed retreating back to their peaceful homeland called the Shire. It was the land of their ancestors where their family and friends still remained. One of the Hobbits said going back was a nice thought but, in reality, Morder was coming for the Shire too.  In other words, victory was the only way forward.  This was because there could be no compromise with the evil Eye of Sauron and its black army of Orcs.