Cracked Doesn't Understand J.R.R Tolkien (A Response Video)
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- čas přidán 13. 03. 2023
- Yes, I am aware the opening is cringe. I was trying something new. I'm experimenting with artificial voice software that I can use in audio readings, and seeing how it works. Just bare with it.
In this video, we return to Cracked. Though this video is 7 years old, my community sent it to me and asked me to take a look at it. I had no idea this video existed and it perterbed me in a big way. So now we get to look at it together and see how J.R.R Tolkien is being slandered this time.
Boy howdy is this gonna be a doozy. - Hry
Small correction in 16:53, it was not the Persians who expelled the Jews from Jerusalem but both the Assyrians and the Romans. Also, Cracked forgot that the Easterlings do not ride Mumakil, rather it is the Haradrim.
31:03 - The Church of Scientology was formed in 1953. Whereas the character of Elrond was first introduced in The Hobbit.....in 1937. Either Tolkien was a time-traveler, or Cracked's writers thought of the title first and crammed a square peg into a round donut.
Enough drugs can do that. I mean I can't think of how else they're that stupid. I guess they could all be a hemisphere short but that's a bit fantastic. Though they made theses points so I guess it's entirely possible.
If Hanna was the reason for the opening voice she did one hell of a good job! And good job to you both Raven 😄💖
Might be Raven on Helium lol.
I think it is an artificial voice software... since he says so himself in the description
I had an awesome history professor, and an awesome literature professor, you have their exact passion and energy. I wish I had you as a professor.
Yet again, another glorious dismantling. I think my brain nearly died when the guy on the right said the elves followed Elrond... to space; one among many brain-killing moments. But then you inserting a Gandalf quote afterwards gave me a nice chuckle. It was also nice to hear what inspired the hobbits too after years never knowing.
Ravenknight, thank you for being a light of common sense and truth in a world of ignorance and lies.
I only have one nitpick with your response:
You didn't use your epic and booming voice in the beginning.
Another bad take on Tolkien, here we go again.
Aw shit!
19:20 One thing I feel should be brought up as another point of Cracked's stupidity...those are the Haradrim. Not the Easterlings.
Technically, Gandalf, Saruman, The Balrog, Sauron are Maiar, a lesser class of Ainur, with Valar being the upper class of Ainur...
Right on right on.
that video is so old that is basically crawling with maggots. The arguments made are so, utterly, ignorant of real religion that I think part of my immortal soul just became mortal and fell to the underworld harder than Satan fell like lightning.
The only nitpick I have with this is the fact that you refer to the Istari and Sauron as Valar when they are in fact Maiar. Easy mistake to make but that's literally the only issue I have with this. Otherwise excellent work. Also, am I the only one who takes issue with them using Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (which I do love as a movie) as a good historical representation of the Crusades and the Middle Ages?
Oh tell me they don't, it's a fun movie with excellent action and characters yet to call it a perfect representation of the Middle Ages is just asinine.
@@V2011FAsinine*
@@unknownperson3198 thanks
There's nothing worse than spoilt, costal-hugging office working mellienials who learned a few bug words and love the sound of their own voice.
I always saw Valinor as Middle Earth’s version of Tír na nÓg (and yes that’s how it’s meant to be spelled), the Land of Youth in Irish myth. They have very similar themes as Valinor is home for eternal beings like Elves and their gods while Tír na nÓg is home of the Tuatha De Danann (the first Irish gods) fairies and other mythical creatures. And both are said to be accessible by sea, albeit with some magical means. So I think Valinor is Tír na nÓg even if Tolkien unintentionally took inspiration from it.
I should stress that like Valinor, Tír na nÓg is not like heaven per se. It is an afterlife and a paradise but it is much more complicated than that. It’s like Valhalla, there’s more to it than just being “another version of heaven”.
The only thing I would add is Valinor also has some parallels to Avalon in Arthurian myth, but that's about it.
It's a combination of Avalon and Azgard
As an ethnic Jew I loved Dwarves BECAUSE they were inspired by my people. And I have yet to see any Jewish person disagree, the consensus of my community likes CHADS (Dwarves) and see them as a great representation.
Eh they also have quite a few cultural aspects of Anglo-Saxons in them.
It’s like Tolkien took the idea of ancient Hebrew peoples and mixed them with Anglo-Saxon cultural traditions. After all the dwarf rune Gandalf draws on Bilbo’s door was a Saxon rune, and the ancient language that Elrond reads on the map are all Saxon runes as well.
As a man who read the Hobbit several times growing up, and not too long ago read the entirety of the Lord of the Rings, (minus the Appendices), I am incredibly tired of people trying to force this identity politics nonsense onto the works of Tolkien. What's most telling to me is that they seek to blemish the name and legacy of a man who never definitively did anything against... anyone, really, when he's been dead for fifty years, and thus cannot defend himself or his work.
Raven, you and your brother stood up to defend the legacy of a brilliant man who couldn't do so himself, and might I say, that was most chivalrous of you, Sir Knight and glorious Legate!
not gonna lie i thought hannah was doing the opening until i read the discription . and thank you for the video
Great video and I'm so glad you response video for this.
Every time someone says that the hobbits were getting baked on marijuana, I cringe inside. Tolkien specifically states that pipe-weed is a type of nicotine, ergo _not_ marijuana.
So the elves are supposed to be Christians and be put on a pedestal... something tells me these jokers have never heard of the Kinslaying. The Silmarilion is full of the elves doing terrible things; take Feanor and his sons, just to start.
Or Eöl and Maeglin.
It's difficult to discern whether it's actual malice, sheer stupidity, or both...
THIS INTRO IS BEYOND FIRE IT A VOLCANO OF ÉPICNESS
Just to add, for anyone who needs further cleansing from this filth by Cracked, I'd recommend checking out Pilgrim's Pass's LOTR videos and Fortress of Lugh's LOTR: Hidden Religious Themes video
I think the real reason modern z gen, including Cracked, hate Tolkien is because for the simple fact that he’s old! Isn’t it obvious? Z gens hate anything old because it represents all the evil - insert buzzwords - of the past. They hate old tv shows, old movies, old books, they even hate old people. Ironically, most of what the old people say give us wisdom and responsibilities to guide us to a better future. But nah, Z gens don’t want to listen the ravings of an old white guy!
It’s a stretch but I fully believe they hate Tolkien cause he’s old! (I know he’s dead, but I mean he’s old as in his teachings, his methods, his ideologies (at least from a z gens POV) they are all old to them).
Gen Z is actually very polarised. Part of gen Z is more conservative than even boomers. The other part of gen Z is even more woke than the most woke millenials.
Going after Tolkien is a door you don’t want to knock on
It's always cathartic to see Raven tackling bad literary takes. My eyes nearly popped out of my head when Cracked said the hobbits were based on pagans.
One slight nitpick, though.
On your point about good works at around 14:30, there are several passages in the bible which reference the necessity of good works alongside faith to properly achieve said faith. (James 2:14 and 2:26 come to mind.) The Ephesians quote you mention refers to the power of God alone to save souls, that such power is beyond human capability, and that faith is required to achieve salvation. It is not saying, as you put it, "we are not saved by works." Faith is a necessary component for salvation, but it is not a sufficient component; it must be supplemented with works. The former sentiment was a Protestant development that started with Martin Luther's concept of Sola Fide - that faith was the only necessary component to be saved. At least, this is what I learned from history and my priests and how I interpreted those biblical passages.
I truly hope you are not suggesting that salvation can only be attained by faith and great works. I read the verses you referenced and didn't get that impression at all. Thankfully, I have have access to a New American Standard that comes with additional information that better breaks it down, and I shall quote: 2:14 - 26 In verses 14-20, 24, 26 "faith" is not used in the sense of genuine, saving faith. Rather it is demonic (verse 19), useless (verse 20), and dead (verse 26). It is a mere intellectual acceptance of certain truths without trust in Christ as Savior. James is also not saying that a person is saved by works and not by genuine faith. Rather, he is saying, to use Martin Luther's words, that a man is justified (declared righteous before God) by faith alone, but not by a faith that is alone. Genuine faith will produce good deeds, but only faith in Christ saves. End quote. The passage then references a verse regarding justification in Romans 3:24 "being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus"
YES Ser Raven, with thine sword of might, sharp intellect, and boundless passion smite the one's known as Cracked. The truth shall always endure and the defenders of truth will emerge victorious against the Dark Lord Cracked. Take up arms Raven Knight, and smite all those who spew lies. (Translation: Awesome video Raven , ❤ keep up the good work).
I just read your description and No I don't think the opening was cringe, I see it as an omage to Tolkien's work and how you love it enough to defend it from the ignorant or uncreative, keep up what you do with your videos because we'll be watching and we'll be here when you create more.👍
1:51 I had to stop here because I was laughing too hard and too frequently to hear what you were saying, what I was thinking, or my neighbors yelling at me to stop
That intro is fantastic!
I have to um, actually one statement you make:
Gandalf was not a Valar. Gandalf was a Maiar. If you look at the Ainur as "Angels" then the Valar would be the upper choir, the archangels.
Sorry, that was going to bug the hell out of me if I didn't comment.
Of course they could have gotten six if they talked about the orcs or the Ents.
But after the video you responded to I have to go reread my Tolkien books to regain my intelligence that Cracked stole from me.
Why do these people always show themselves to be more racist than anything they criticize? The idiocy and hypocrisy is baffling. Thank you, Raven, for reassuring us that we aren't the only ones that think that such takes are astoundingly stupid.
"He presented muslims in such racist way"
thay say, than they proceed to describe "similarities" to Buddhism in one of the most stereotypically orientalist way possible.
I honestly thought this was a joke myself (not a particularly funny one, but still a joke).
I think part of the problem here is that they are saying that Tolkien was "racist" because he was a Christian, but then, rather than citing the book, they cite the film, even though Peter Jackson is not Christian. I imagine that Tolkien would probably have similar feelings about Peter Jackson's portrayal of Dwarves as he did with Walt Disney's. Dwarves can be comical (as can Elves, by the way, although Peter Jackson made them really serious for some reason), but in both trilogies, I think Peter Jackson greatly overplayed it.
As a note about Frodo, I don't mean to discredit Sam, but I would argue they both stand on nearly equal level. Tolkien said that he doubted anyone else in Middle-Earth could have resisted the Ring as long as Frodo did, so his own spiritual warfare should not be discredited. Also, in the book (the one that was actually made by a Christian as opposed to the film), it is Frodo's idea, not Gandalf's, to leave the Shire, and Sam directly asks to come along because he wanted to see Elves.
Also, I couldn't help but notice they say "Easterlings" and then show a picture of the Haradrim. Haradrim, Easterlings, and Variags are three different peoples. Also, if they have read the Silmarillion, they should know that some of the Easterlings took the side of the Eldar and opposed Morgoth (not to mention that Tolkien did say that some of the Haradrim and Easterlings resisted Sauron, possibly due to the influence of the Blue Wizards, although ultimately Sauron seems to have subdued them)
Also, I can't believe they didn't bring up Orcs. They are the lowest-hanging fruit.
As for Men… they should read The Unfinished Tales or The Nature of Middle-Earth. Númenor, the city of Men at its height, was a deeply religious place, probably the most religious area Tolkien created. Also, in the book, Men's primary flaw is the desire for immortality.
Also, as a note about Elves, I am fairly sure Tolkien intended their weapons to be straight, so once again, if they're supposed to be based on eastern culture or religion, that is Peter Jackson, not Tolkien. Also, they're not a "perfect race". To take their own advice, read the Silmarillion.
I would note Tolkien didn't say he "detested" allegory. His words were "I cordially dislike allegory". He definitely wrote one in Leaf by Niggle.
And what do you mean by "Théoden was willing to ride to the aid of Gondor despite his grudge against them"? Tolkien's Théoden had no grudge against the Men of Gondor. If you are talking about the films, well, once again, the films are not the things that are Christian (although some of the Christian themes survived without being corrupted or subverted-though some did not), but you appealed to the book at other points, such as when you mentioned the Variags of Khand or explained Tolkien's opinions on the Dwarves. Théoden and Faramir were probably the most thoroughly changed characters, except maybe Frodo, so I just think that needs to be kept in mind.
The Raven , Son of the Knight took up his sword that looks like a halberd
14:16
In that case I demand a live reading!
Cracked is now broken.
17:00 I enjoyed this fact far too much. I cannot help but imagine them grumbling in exasperation when they saw them.
Great video, small nitpick. The Istari and Sauron are not of the Valar. They are the same 'species' for lack of a better term, they are all Ainur. Ainur are broken into two categories, The Valar, the Powers of the World and the Maiar, their servants.
The worst part is there's a far, far better group to have looked to to try to claim as "Muslims" or "Arabs": The Southrons. Ironically the worst of whom being a breakaway culture of Numenoreans: Umbar.
I didn't see much of Christianity in Tolkens work in The Movies.
Apart from The knights i just saw awesome themes and fights and cool stories.
Loved the opening, although I think it would be cool to have Apollyon's voice the next time you decide to made an AI opening.
The intro alone warranted a like😆🤘🏻
Brain...hurts..this has to be the most rancid take on LoTR
The simple fact they talk about the Jackson adaptations rather than the actual canon in this context is an instant cause for their opinions to be disregarded.
Love the introduction
I like the opening; I encourage you to keep experimenting with this.
I remember this video on Efap 100
Not persian empire, the Babylonian Empire, the persians were the ones who freed the jews after they conquered Babylonia.
The ai bot sounds like Jody Benson.
Another thing about Sam helping Frodo is that, while Hobbits are naturally resistant to the One Ring (hence why Frodo was chosen), the One Ring can wear them down. At the end, if memory serves correct, Frodo’s soul was scarred (no doubt akin to soldiers in WWI) and was allowed to go to the Undying Lands for helping to save Middle Earth.
The Hobbits aren't pagans there his locals, the people of the Oxfordshire countryside. Also references to pipe weed aren't about anything but tobacco. He was writing as someone who had grown up in the early 20th century in England. People smoked tobacco. The idea that he was referencing marijuana is an anachronism.
They are a small people because they have no influence on the people who run the country but are brave and stalwart when required to fight for it.
Aaaaah....Satisfaction.
Yo I don't know what I've been smoking but this entire time I was seeing Raven lawbringers being very animated during the discussion LOL
I'm pretty sure and any continuation of Tolkien universe how much dark lord and everyone after will be human
Is Cracked even still a thing? I haven't seen or heard anything out of them in years.
they only said one thing true in the whole video, and that is they are indeed grasping
It was actually the Babylonians who invaded and exiled the Israelites. Cyrus the Great of Persia is well-remembered by them and he even helped rebuild the Temple of Jerusalem.
Takes so bad, Cracked sounds like satire 🤦♂ Thanks for taking the time to take them down in such succinct fashion!
Small correction: Sauron and the Ishtari are not Valar. Valar refers the 14 highest ranking of the ainur (And Melkor before he became Morgoth). Sauron, the Balrog and the wizards are also ainur, but from the lower rank called Maiar.
The thing about these Cracked videos, is that they are very much products of their time. This was the trend of the early-to-mid-2010s nerd CZcams. Intentionally making the worst possible take on any subject matter was standard fare. That's how guys like Red Letter Media, Angry Video Game Nerd, the Nostalgia Critic etc made it big in the early days. They took something popular or at least widely known, and made outrageously exagarated, intentionally bad faith "criticisms". Cracked just happens to be even more cringy than them, because the other guys made it clear with their overacting, that their videos are not meant to be taken seriously, while the people at Cracked all underact...or just plain and simply are even worse actors, than the other guys.
Just thought I'd point out, the last bit with the elves is joking that they're scientologists.
"I spent the last twelve hours watching Lord of the rings" which is probably all the "research" they did.
2:02 better late than never
Hobbits being Pagans..... wut....
I am fully willing to belive that I am remembering this wrong and different sources have gotten muddled in my mind over the years.
but i belive the "easterlings" as you call them, the cloth wearing oluphant riding dark skins, are actually Haradrims, coming from hard in the south of middle earth, south of mordor, while the easterlings are the golden armoured boyos we see walking into the gates, and where supposed to see at minas tirith but didn't, and they come from the east of middle heart and north east of mordor.
calling the haradrim easterligns is like calling an African, asian that's about how separated geographically they are.
though you are right in that they are further separated into clans and tribes.
"Salvation through works" is dependant on the denomination. Hell calvinism not even faith brings salvation.
RAAAAAAYYYYVVVVVVEEEEENNNNNN
Man can no one leave tolkien alone these fools. hail the raven knight son of the night keeper of knowledge raven knight the wise
Wow, that Cracked video is really racist, with no sarcasm intended.
Totally agree!!! Why can't people like in the video leave well enough alone? Not every story has to adhere to modern standards. Most people want traditional family love and values not giving everyone a piece of the pie just because especially when it'll never be enough for them. Look at Japan do they scoff and turn their noses up at traditional? No why because they understand what they're audiences wants. I'm a Democrat saying this.
How so?
Raven not all Christians believe in Sola Fide .... neither the Catholics or the Orthodox do ... and Tolkien was Catholic .... so yes Frodo was saved by his works as well .... because that is the Catholic belief that Tolkien would have held ....by faith and works ...
If that was supposed to be the intended point, what’s with all the other people who don’t go at all?
Cracked cannot create only corrupt, (i.e. deconstruct).😊
Watching those two trying to describe Tolkien’s work was… well let’s just say it was difficult to listen to.
well the thing you have to understand is that cracked bases most of it's comedy on deconstruction, and this isn't meant to be an accurate portrayal of LOTR any more than the boys is an accurate portrayal of the dc universe.
I see two problems.
1.) This is a comedy? Then it wasn't funny.
2.) If it fails as a deconstruction of LOTR and it fails as comedy...then what is it?
@@RavenKnightYT people have different senses of humor, and it doesn't fail as a deconstruction of the movies, it was never trying to deconstruct the books. Also huge fan of your work, hope this little incident doesn't make you hate me.
@@8balls122 you think it successfully deconstructed the movies? To do that would require not saying the stupidest things possible. Deconstruction requires some level of analysis, not being a moron.
@@John-fk2ky they analyzed it in the short
WOMAN VOICE! POG!
Is this going to be a regular thing where you have to keep defending J. R. R. Tolkien from idiots.
I hate how leftists will constantly search for things to complain about and ruin so many good things.
Cracked videos are just a scrtipted version of those dumb nerd debates geeks have. They are somewhat intentionally written to be obnoxious and ignorant.
I was in need of a good video to keep me entertained, and just when I thought I had to watch more racist memes, I get a video about a… vaguely racist man, but who was really good at writing
@Kristopher Prime well, I do guess the video disproves my comment, but he did have no characters of Color or women in the main cast of the fellowship, which isn’t a problem but I have heard is bad according to anyone calling themselves woke