Learners reflect on the relationship between courage and fear, and identify the different character attributes that guide us when facing a challenge.

The learner will:

• state that courage does not mean fearlessness.
• reflect on the words of Gandalf from a passage in "The Lord of the Rings."

Anticipatory Set

If students have not read Lord of the Rings or seen the movie, give them a brief summary:

Summary of Lord of the Rings: Frodo the hobbit (a small man) takes on the responsibility of destroying the ring of power that threatens the existence of everything that is good in Middle Earth. The ring can only be destroyed in the volcanic Mount Doom where it was created by the evil leader Sauron. Frodo's journey takes him through many dangerous trials that he faces with great courage and determination. He has ultimate responsibility for destroying the ring, and the fate of Middle Earth rests on his small shoulders. Despite his size, Frodo has bravery and loyal companions on his side. One of his companions is Gandalf, a wizard, who is wise and good. In the following exchange, Frodo is overwhelmed by his responsibility and is afraid to face the dark ahead of him. He wishes the ring had never come to be his responsibility.

Read an excerpt from "The Lord of the Rings" when Frodo tells Gandalf that he wishes he didn't have to go on this difficult journey. 

Frodo: "I wish none of this had happened."

Gandalf: "So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us."

Discuss what this short exchange tells us about the hero, Frodo (he is afraid). Discuss the relationship between fear and courage.

• Have the learners write in their journals a reflection on Gandalf's words above. Tell them to include their thoughts about the following: What wisdom does Gandalf share about how to face difficult situations? What character traits (in addition to courage) will guide you in "such times"?