Standards beat in the wind as crowds of heavily armed men saddle horses, swords, daggers and bows strapped to their belts and backs. An enemy lurks in the darkness, a threat to their lords and their land. Suns rise and set over dreaded mornings and bloodied battlefields as those left strive to carry on. These scenes recall the stories of brave medieval knights setting out on quests and crusades in the name of something greater than themselves. Such sentiments are found in the theatrical adaptations of JRR Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Throughout The Two Towers, the second book and film in the series, Tolkien's beloved themes of friendship, honor and hope, reflections of medieval sentiments, are intertwined in the actions of several characters , making the Two Towers a celebration of the 21st century. the stories of yesteryear. Friendships were key to the survival of the Fellowship as a group as well as individuals, and by extension, the survival of the free peoples of Middle-earth. The loyalty between Sam and Frodo is perhaps the most compelling argument for the power of friendship against the forces of darkness. Sam's loyalty to Frodo is demonstrated by his constant concern for his master's rest, food, as well as Sam's reminders of his home and his hope for the journey ahead. It is also Sam who remains suspicious of the creature Gollum in an attempt to keep him safe while Frodo shows mercy and friendship towards Sméagol, the less dark side of Gollum, as they bond thanks to their ties to the Ring. This second friendship buys Gollum's advice in Mordor. Merry and Pippin's friendship allows them to escape safely from the clutches of the Uruk-hai at the beginning of the film. Pippin's desire for safety for his parents and his middle of paper ......rd as an act of revenge, cleansing the land of Saruman's polluted nature. Amidst the shadows and darkness that descend upon Middle-earth, Tolkien's medieval novel influences can be felt throughout The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The films, particularly The Two Towers, reflect this theme in the form of the characters' actions, especially in times of great adversity. One of the most recognizable aspects of Tolkien's medievalist sentiment is the medieval morality and respectability expressed by the rulers and fighters during these times of darkness and their role in the ultimate downfall of Sauron's rule. Friendships, honor and hope prove to be tools mightier than swords and arrows in the destruction of that which is destructive, the corrosion of that which is corrupt, for men, for hobbits, for elves and other mystical creatures who face a war far worse than any fought. Middle-earth before.