From Underdog to Icon: The Gareth Bale Story

 

From Underdog to Icon: The Gareth Bale Story

How a left-back prodigy from Southampton became Wales’s greatest ever footballer

Few footballers have captured hearts and headlines quite like Gareth Bale. Born in Cardiff in 1989, Bale’s journey from teenage defender at Southampton to world-record signing at Real Madrid and ultimately Wales’s all-time leading scorer reads like a modern sporting epic. His blend of blistering pace, pinpoint crossing, and thunderous strikes transformed him from a promising youngster into a global icon, and his story remains one of reinvention, resilience, and rare talent.

Bale burst onto the professional scene at just 16 years and 275 days old, making his debut for Southampton on 17 April 2006 in England’s Championship against Millwall. Deployed as a left-back, he quickly stood out with his athleticism and willingness to surge forward, tallying 40 appearances and five goals in just over a season. His performances caught the eye of Premier League scouts, and in June 2007 he signed for Tottenham Hotspur, where his career would truly evolve.

At Spurs, Bale initially continued at left-back but was gradually pushed into a more advanced role. Under manager Harry Redknapp in the 2009–10 campaign, he fully transitioned into a winger, and the results were spectacular. Bale’s mazy dribbles and venomous shots saw him win back-to-back PFA Players’ Player of the Year awards in 2011 and 2013, while his long-range efforts such as the unforgettable 40-yard drive against Inter Milan and match-winning contributions (including a hat-trick of assists in early 2013) cemented his status as one of Europe’s most feared attackers.

In July 2013, Real Madrid paid a world-record £85.3 million fee to bring Bale to the Bernabéu, where he joined the illustrious “B-B-C” attacking trident alongside Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo. Over five seasons, he collected five UEFA Champions League titles, three La Liga crowns, and a FIFA Club World Cup. Perhaps his crowning individual moment came in the 2018 Champions League final against Liverpool, when his audacious overhead kick not only won Madrid the match but also etched itself among football’s most iconic goals.

While his club achievements are stellar, Bale’s impact on Wales is equally profound. He debuted for his country in May 2006 at only 16, and over the next 17 years he amassed 111 caps and scored 41 goals both national records. His leadership and crucial strikes propelled Wales to the semifinals of UEFA Euro 2016, their first major-tournament semi in over half a century, and helped the Dragons climb to their highest ever FIFA ranking (8th, October 2015). His performances united a nation and inspired a golden era for Welsh football.

After a loan return to Tottenham in 2020–21 and a final stint with Los Angeles FC, Bale retired in January 2023. Beyond the pitch, he remains involved in charitable work across Wales, explores business ventures, and occasionally appears as a pundit. His story from a left-back prodigy in Southampton’s blue and white stripes to a world-beating Galáctico and national hero demonstrates how adaptability, determination, and sheer flair can shatter expectations and leave an enduring legacy.

History of the Manchester United vs Leeds United Derby (Roses Derby)

 

The rivalry between Manchester United and Leeds United has its roots long before either club ever kicked a ball. It dates back to the 15th‑century Wars of the Roses, when the House of Lancaster (whose emblem was red) fought the House of York (white). Centuries later, during the Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries, Manchester’s booming cotton mills competed with Leeds’s woollen industry further fuelling regional pride and competition that would eventually spill onto the football pitch.

The first on‑field meeting between the two sides took place on 20 January 1923 in the old English Second Division, ending in a 0–0 draw. Over the following decades, they met more than 110 times in league and cup competitions, with United generally holding the upper hand in terms of victories. But it was the mid‑1960s, under Don Revie’s Leeds side, that the modern intensity of the derby truly emerged. Leeds’s appearance in the 1965 FA Cup semi‑final and their victory over United set off fierce on‑field battles and a charged atmosphere in the stands that defined the fixture for years to come.

The early 1990s brought some of the derby’s most notorious flashpoints. In the 1991 League Cup semi‑final at Elland Road, crowd trouble reached new heights: United supporters were penned in, controversial chants referencing the Munich air disaster echoed around the ground, and confrontations in the terraces underscored how deeply personal this rivalry had become.

After Leeds’s relegation in 2004, the fixture fell silent at top‑flight level for 16 seasons. But the derby roared back to life in 2020 when Leeds earned promotion to the Premier League. The renewed clashes, especially the August 2021 encounter at Old Trafford and their meetings throughout the 2022–23 campaign, proved that old tensions and passion still burn just as fiercely.

What makes this fixture so special is more than just football. It is a clash of regional identities red Lancashire versus white Yorkshire rooted in centuries of political, social, and economic rivalry. Add to that the relentless intensity both on the pitch and in the stands so intense that Sir Alex Ferguson once described Leeds away days as some of the toughest atmospheres he’d ever faced and you have one of English football’s most storied and emotional derbies.

Looking ahead, Manchester United and Leeds United are next scheduled to meet on 3 January 2026 in the Premier League. When that day comes, expect all the history, passion, and drama of the past century to reignite once more.

How Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo will fit into Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 at Manchester United

 

Overview of Amorim’s 3‑4‑3 Tactical System

Ruben Amorim deploys a highly dynamic 3‑4‑3 formation that blends defensive solidity with relentless attacking impetus. At its core:

• Back three: Provides a stable defensive base and smooth progression from defence into midfield.

• Wing‑backs: Stretch play wide, create crossing and underlapping opportunities, and recover quickly to defend.

• Double pivot: Two midfielders who balance forward‑driving passes with disciplined cover for the back line.

• Front three: Typically two narrow inside‑forwards flanking a central striker, responsible for creativity and goal threat.

This system thrives on:

1. Positional fluidity – players interchange intelligently to open passing lanes.

2. High‑intensity pressing – recovering possession in advanced zones and cutting out opposition build‑up.

3. Rapid vertical transitions – instant switching from defence to attack, exploiting unsettled defences.

In possession, the inside‑forwards occupy the half‑spaces, rotating positions, receiving between the lines, and making late runs into the box. Out of possession, they press aggressively, block central passing channels, and support the wing‑backs in wide areas.

---

Matheus Cunha’s Role and Fit

Best Position

Left‑sided attacking midfielder / inside‑forward

Key Attributes

• Explosive dribbling and driving runs from the left into central zones

• Creative vision for through balls, smart layoffs, and pulling defenders out of shape

• Sharp long‑range finishing capability

• Ability to hold up play and link midfield with attack in tight spaces

Tactical Integration

Positioned on the left flank of the front three, Cunha:

• Exploits half‑spaces to cut inside onto his stronger foot and combine with overlapping wing‑backs.

• Drops deep to receive possession, creating overloads and facilitating the team’s quick vertical transitions.

• Disrupts defensive lines with unpredictable 1‑v‑1 movement, perfectly suiting Amorim’s demand for dynamic attackers.

• Presses intensely high up the pitch, helping the team win the ball in advanced areas and trigger fast breaks.

---

Bryan Mbeumo’s Role and Fit

Best Position

Right‑sided attacking midfielder / inside‑forward

Key Attributes

• Elite pace and acceleration to stretch and destabilise defensive lines

• Dribbling skill that enables both inside‑cuts and direct runs down the touchline

• Tactical intelligence to find and exploit pockets of space

• High work‑rate, tracking back to assist in pressing and defensive organisation

Tactical Integration

On the right of Amorim’s front three, Mbeumo:

• Lurks wide or drifts into the half‑space, mirroring the ins and outs of Amorim’s tactical blueprint.

• Stretches play with width before cutting inside, linking effectively with the central striker and wing‑back to form overloads.

• Provides goal threat and assists, either by finishing from central positions or picking incisive passes.

• Contributes to the team’s high‑pressing structure, using his stamina and intensity to win back possession swiftly.

   

  Summary
  Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are ideally suited to Amorim’s 3-4-3 at Manchester United. Cunha, with his drive, creativity, and end product, will thrive in the left half-space as a freeroaming inside-forward who creates and finishes chances. Mbeumo brings directness, width, and relentless pressing on the right—offering a balanced but potent attacking dynamic. Both players’ tactical intelligence, technical skill, and pressing ability will allow Amorim to fully realize his high-tempo, positional-rotation attacking system at Old Trafford.

Why Unplugging Is the Greatest Revolution of the 21st Century

 

In an era where every second feels like it’s racing with notifications, “unplugging” – disconnecting from the flow of information for a moment – ​​is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Think about it: today, on average, we spend more than 4 hours a day staring at a smartphone screen. During that time, we miss the simplest moments—a friend’s smile, the sound of the afternoon breeze, the calming beat of our own heart. This essay asks us to reconsider the value of relentless connectivity and argues that stopping, even for a moment, can be a revolutionary act.

Why Are We Trapped?
Notifications are designed to be addictive: flashing lights, subtle vibrations, distinctive sounds—all concocted to elicit an instant emotional “reward.” When we respond, our brains release dopamine, leaving us searching for the next “like,” “comment,” or “share.” Ironically, the more we connect, the more disconnected we become from ourselves and our real world—we are present in the virtual world, but absent from life.

Impact on Mental Health
Several studies have shown a correlation between excessive social media use and anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The “compare and despair” condition makes many people feel like failures because they judge themselves based on the perfect clips presented by others. It’s no wonder that feelings of inadequacy (“I’m not enough”) creep up slowly, then settle in. Unplugging is not just about unplugging; it’s a form of resistance to the culture of digital perfectionism.

The Power of Silence and Full Awareness
When we are silent, our inner world speaks. Mindfulness practice—observing our breath, paying attention to our heartbeat—brings lost awareness. Research in the field of neuroplasticity proves that regular meditation can grow “grey matter” in the area of ​​the brain that regulates empathy and emotional control. Unplugging opens up that silent space, giving us the opportunity to re-arrange our thought patterns, from reactive to reflective.

Practical Steps to Start Unplugging:

- Determine a “Tech-Free” Schedule: Start 30 minutes before bed—turn off all devices, put your smartphone in a drawer.

- Replacement Ritual: Replace scrolling social media with reading a physical book, writing a journal, or simply walking while observing the color of the sky.

- Set Notification Limits: Turn off notifications except for important calls. Messaging apps can be batched: open them only twice a day.

- Invite Friends: Create an unplug challenge together—it’s easier when you have friends to support each other.

True Story: “Unplug Retreat”
I once attended a retreat at the top of West Java: five days without signal. At the beginning, anxiety attacked—“What if there’s something important?” But by the third day, the silence felt sweet. In the middle of the pine forest, I jotted down story ideas, wrote poetry, and even assembled a simple IoT prototype without any distractions. When I returned to the city, I realized: the best creativity emerges when we let our minds wander, not when we’re glued to the screen.

Changing Work and Education Culture
The concept of “deep work”—focused work without distractions—is starting to be adopted by global innovative companies. Google to Spotify provide “quiet rooms,” gadget-free spaces to boost ideas. On campus, some lecturers enforce a “laptop free zone” so that face-to-face discussions are more lively. These small steps prove: unplugging is not a rejection of progress, but a strategy to maximize human potential.

Conclusion: The Silent Revolution
While the world is treating constant connectivity as a symbol of productivity, we need a pause to redefine what productivity itself means. Unplugging—removing ourselves from the digital vortex—is a bold act that affirms that we are more than just data passing through. It’s a silent revolution, where every second without a screen carves out mental acuity, emotional richness, and boundless creativity. Post this essay, and perhaps millions of souls will be moved to take a pause—starting a simple revolution that, who knows, will change the world.

Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning 2025 Review

 

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning stands as a powerful and emotional conclusion to Ethan Hunt's legendary journey. While it may not showcase a single jaw-dropping stunt like the iconic motorcycle cliff jump, it masterfully weaves callbacks from earlier films, tying together decades of action, transformation, and character development. Tom Cruise, now nearly 63, still delivers an intense physical performance with his trademark sprint scenes, and the narrative honors the franchise’s roots while reflecting on the passage of time and the toll of the mission.

What elevates this film beyond its thrilling action is the emotional depth and sense of family among the team. The loss of Ilsa is handled with grace, adding heartfelt weight to the story. Intelligent humor lightens the tension, keeping the long runtime brisk and engaging. As the series evolved from its ensemble-TV origins to more emotionally driven arcs—especially after Mission: Impossible Fallout—The Final Reckoning opens the door for new faces to potentially carry on the legacy. If this truly marks the end, it is a deeply satisfying and fitting farewell to one of cinema’s most iconic action franchises.

Andor Season 2 Review

 

Andor stands as the greatest Star Wars production to date. The lead-in to Rogue One was flawlessly executed—a brilliant finale that capped off an extraordinary series. It’s genuinely heartbreaking that it has come to an end. I had hoped we’d see five full seasons, though I understand the challenges that prevented it. Nonetheless, the team made the most of these two seasons and delivered a mesmerizing chapter in the Star Wars legacy. Tony Gilroy, the cast, and the crew all deserve immense credit for what they’ve accomplished. This final episode not only laid the groundwork beautifully but also kept us intrigued with its unexpected turns. I fear we may never experience Star Wars of this quality again, but I’m deeply thankful to have been part of this unforgettable journey. May the Force be with you!

Thunderbolts* Movie Review (2025)

MCU Phase 5's Shocking and Heartwarming Finale

As the closing of Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase 5, Thunderbolts* comes with an unexpected surprise. This film brings a fresh feel that has long been missing from the MCU, even providing an emotional and moving viewing experience, although it cannot yet be called “absolute cinema”. However, amidst the saturation of the MCU formula that has recently felt repetitive, Thunderbolts* finally becomes one of the truly enjoyable shows—since the last time we watched Spider-Man: No Way Home.

One of the most surprising moments comes when Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine indirectly—or perhaps because of the influence of Sentry’s manipulation—announces the presence of The New Avengers. This scene is so shocking, especially when the iconic soundtrack of The Avengers is played again, even if only briefly. The nostalgic effect it creates is so strong that it gives goosebumps—truly goosebumps.

The presence of two credit scenes also adds weight to the story going forward. The mid-credit scene is just a joke by Red Guardian with a shopper at a supermarket when he shows off a Wheaties Box Cereal from The New Avengers , while the post-credit scene expands the MCU connection to the Fantastic Four. It is said that the Fantastic Four's spaceship was detected entering Earth-616, possibly through a portal or wormhole. It is suspected that Reed Richards used a Time-Space GPS-like device—inspired by Tony Stark's technology—that was disrupted by Galactus' attack. The devourer of worlds destroyed their universe, and in the chaos, the Fantastic Four were finally "thrown" into the main MCU universe. This is a very promising multiverse setup.

In terms of story, Thunderbolts* is indeed reminiscent of Suicide Squad, but has a different identity and character. The plot is built gradually and neatly until it reaches a fairly emotional climax. The theme of "found family" is a common thread, especially in the touching relationship between Alexei and Yelena. The interactions between team members also feel organic and entertaining—their chemistry can even be said to be more compact than Manchester United's midfield!

The audience will also find deep emotional layers from these characters. This time, Marvel dares to touch on mental health issues more seriously than before. This is reflected through the complex dynamics between characters, especially Yelena, played by Florence Pugh very well. She managed to convey a sense of emptiness and inner pain very convincingly, making the audience care about her journey. Not to forget, Bucky Barnes again steals the attention in every appearance—yes, this may be a bit biased, but it still deserves to be highlighted!

Although the third act of this film is a little less solid than the beginning and middle, Thunderbolts* still managed to show that they are a solid team. This film reminds us that people who seem quiet or introverted and have a lot of problems are often the ones who need to be talked to the most—otherwise, they can become The Void themselves😭😭😭

Oh yeah, one more thing, I don't like Marvel Studios because some characters like Taskmaster Maria Hill were deliberately killed off too quickly and their deaths were ridiculous.

Trivia

Avengers Tower was purchased by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Leader of OXE Group and the one who developed Project Sentry) from Tony Stark in 2016 possibly after the Civil War event and renovated into Watchtower. Spiderman once glided in the atrium of the Watchtower in July 2024 (Spider-Man: Far From Home event).

Harry Maguire: Di Antara Hinaan dan Keheningan Gol Kemenangan

 

Harry Maguire bukan sekadar dikritik—ia diseret ke panggung hinaan, dilucuti dari jabatan kapten, dijadikan kambing hitam, bahkan diancam dengan kematian.

Di tahun-tahun kelam itu, dunia seperti sepakat: Maguire bukanlah bek tengah, melainkan pelawak di atas panggung tragedi bernama Manchester United.

Langkahnya terlihat kaku, responnya lamban—bukan benteng pertahanan, melainkan celah yang mengundang lawan. Beberapa kali ia bahkan menjadi alasan bola bersarang ke gawang sendiri, seakan lupa siapa yang harus dibela.

Namun Maguire tahu, pertandingan selalu berakhir dengan peluit panjang—bukan dengan suara riuh cercaan dari tribun dan media sosial.

Ia pernah terjatuh, terperosok ke dasar karier, namun tak pernah ia lupakan perannya: bukan badut, melainkan bek.

Ketika banyak pemain bersembunyi dari sorotan publik, ia memilih berdiri—tak goyah, tak lari, hanya diam dan bersiap merebut kembali kepercayaan yang hilang.

Hinaan tak pernah habis, umpatan datang silih berganti, tapi selama pertandingan belum berakhir, Maguire tetap bertahan. Entah itu di garis pertahanan, atau di kursi cadangan.

Dan perlahan, ia menjawab semua keraguan: bukan lewat kata-kata, melainkan lewat permainan. Ia memang tampil di panggung, tapi bukan untuk menghibur—untuk membuktikan.

Kini, yang dulu dituduh penyebab kekalahan, justru menjadi kunci kemenangan. Ketika lini depan kehilangan taring, Maguire maju ke garis depan. Bek yang dulu kehilangan arah, kini jadi titik tumpu harapan.

Tiga gol penentu kemenangan ia cetak dalam senyap. Semuanya di menit akhir. Semuanya lewat sundulan—sebuah simbol dari tekad yang tak mau tumbang.

Harry Maguire telah membuktikan satu hal: ia bukan hanya tahu cara bertahan, ia juga tahu bagaimana caranya bertahan dari dunia yang ingin menjatuhkannya.

Sampai peluit panjang ditiup, semua orang boleh berkata apapun. Tapi Maguire akan tetap berdiri. Sebab ia seorang pemain bertahan. Dan karena ia juga—keras kepala.

Memahami makna lagu Taylor Swift dalam cerita pendek_Taylor Swift Picture to Burn dari Album Debut 2006

 

Picture to Burn

Aku seharusnya tahu sejak awal.

Dari cara dia selalu menatap bayangannya sendiri di kaca mobilnya, bagaimana dia lebih mencintai dirinya sendiri daripada siapa pun di dunia ini. Aku seharusnya sadar saat dia bilang aku "terlalu emosional" hanya karena aku ingin hubungan ini lebih dari sekadar pameran bagi egonya.

Tapi aku bodoh. Aku mencintainya.

Atau setidaknya, dulu aku mencintainya.

Sekarang? Sekarang aku duduk di kamarku, mengelilingi semua kenangan bodoh yang pernah kami bagi—foto-foto, tiket konser, surat-surat yang pernah kutulis tapi tak pernah kukirim. Aku melihat gambarnya, senyum palsu yang dulu membuatku jatuh hati.

Kedua tanganku meremas foto itu.

"Apa yang kulakukan selama ini?" gumamku, sebelum membuangnya ke lantai.

Ponselku bergetar. Salah satu temanku mengirim pesan: "Dia bilang ke semua orang kalau kamu obsesif dan gila."

Aku tertawa sinis. Tentu saja dia akan mengatakan itu. Seorang pembohong buruk sepertinya pasti akan melakukan apa pun untuk membuat dirinya terlihat seperti korban.

Aku beranjak dari tempat tidur, berjalan menuju meja rias tempat sebatang korek api tergeletak. Kuketukkan ke permukaan kayu, menyalakannya. Api kecil menari di ujungnya, terang dan panas, sama seperti amarah yang kini berkobar di hatiku.

Dengan satu gerakan, kulemparkan api itu ke dalam wadah sampah tempat foto-fotonya berjatuhan. Dalam hitungan detik, wajahnya yang menyebalkan mulai dilahap api.

Bersama dengan semua waktu yang telah kusia-siakan untuknya.

Aku tersenyum puas.

Sekarang dia bukan lagi bagian dari hidupku. Dia bukan lagi sesuatu yang harus kukenang.

Dia hanyalah sekadar foto yang terbakar.

Memahami makna lagu Taylor Swift dalam cerita pendek_Taylor Swift Invisible dari Album Debut 2006

 

Invisible

Aku melihatnya lagi.

Matanya berbinar ketika dia tersenyum, meski senyumnya bukan untukku. Tatapan itu, yang kutahu setiap lekukannya, selalu tertuju pada dia—gadis yang bahkan tak pernah benar-benar mengenalnya.

Dia menatapnya dengan penuh harapan, berhenti sejenak di tengah langkahnya, seperti menunggu sesuatu yang tak pernah terjadi. Aku ingin mengatakan padanya, "Dia tidak melihatmu seperti aku melihatmu. Dia tidak mengerti siapa kamu sebenarnya."

Tapi aku? Aku tidak ada dalam dunianya. Aku hanya bayangan yang nyaris tak terlihat.

Aku selalu berada di dekatnya, mendengar setiap cerita tentang gadis itu. "Dia cantik, kan?" katanya suatu kali, matanya berbinar seperti bintang jatuh. Aku hanya tersenyum, menyembunyikan luka di hatiku. Bagaimana mungkin dia tak pernah melihat bahwa seseorang telah menghabiskan waktu bertahun-tahun mencintainya dalam diam?

Aku ingin dia tahu. Aku ingin dia melihatku, seperti dia melihatnya. Jika saja dia bisa menyadari betapa indahnya kami bisa bersama.

Tapi aku tetap di sini, berdiri dalam bayangannya. Tak terlihat. Tak terdengar. Tak pernah dianggap ada.

Namun, tetap mencintainya.

Selalu.

Lalu, pada suatu malam, saat hujan turun deras, aku melihatnya berdiri sendirian di bawah lampu jalan. Wajahnya kosong, seakan dunia telah meremukkannya. Aku mendekat, ingin mengatakan sesuatu, ingin menawarkan bahuku untuk bersandar.

Dan saat itu, sesuatu yang tak terduga terjadi.

Dia menatapku. Langsung ke arahku.

Aku terkejut. Selama ini aku selalu berpikir bahwa aku hanya bayangan, bahwa dia tak pernah menyadari keberadaanku. Tapi kini, tatapannya begitu tajam, penuh dengan sesuatu yang tak bisa kupahami.

"Kenapa kau selalu ada di sini?" suaranya bergetar.

Aku terdiam.

Dia melangkah mendekat, mengangkat tangannya, mencoba menyentuhku. Tapi—

Tangan itu menembus tubuhku.

Aku tersentak mundur. Dia pun terhuyung, menatap kedua tangannya dengan horor. Dan tiba-tiba, semua kenangan menghantamku sekaligus.

Aku bukan seseorang yang tak terlihat. Aku adalah seseorang yang sudah pergi.

Dia tidak pernah melihatku selama ini… karena aku hanyalah ingatan yang tertinggal di sudut pikirannya.

Hanya bayangan yang menolak untuk menghilang.

Lord of the Rings: Sebuah Analogi Kehidupan dan Eskatologi Islam dalam Balutan Hollywood

Source : Reddit

                              Nabi Isa, Nabi Khidr, dan Al-Mahdi dalam Analogi?

Bagian 1

“And some things that should not have been forgotten were lost. History became legend. Legend became myth. And for two and a half thousand years, the ring passed out of all knowledge” - Galadriel -

Middle Earth dalam Analogi Hadis Nabi
Rasulullah pernah bersabda:
"Wahai penduduk Mekah, wahai orang-orang Quraisy, sesungguhnya kamu berada di tengah-tengah langit."

Film The Lord of the Rings menampilkan banyak kondisi yang menggambarkan perjalanan hidup manusia, terutama menjelang akhir zaman. Namun, semua pesan ini disampaikan secara halus melalui istilah, alur cerita, dan tokoh fiktif.
Jika dilihat dari sudut pandang eskatologi, film ini dapat dengan mudah dianalogikan sebagai cerminan kehidupan manusia di akhir zaman. Berikut adalah beberapa karakter dan simbol dalam film tersebut yang bisa dikaitkan dengan konsep eskatologi Islam.

Percakapan Gandalf dan Galadriel
"Sauron telah mendapatkan kembali sebagian besar kekuatannya yang terdahulu. Dia belum dapat mengambil bentuk fisik, namun tak satu pun kehilangan roh potensinya.
Tersembunyi dalam bentengnya, Mordor, Tuhan melihat segalanya.
Tatapannya menembus awan, bayangan, bumi dan daging. Kamu tau apa yang sedang saya bicarakan Gandalf. Mata besar, tanpa penutup, diliputi dalam api.
Gandalf: "The Eye of Sauron".
"Dia mengumpulkan semua kejahatan padanya. Segera dia telah mengumpulkan tentara yang besar untuk sebuah serangan atas Dunia Tengah"
Gandalf: "Kamu tau ini.... Bagaimana bisa?"

Army of the Dead
Pasukan Army of the Dead adalah tentara terkutuk yang terjebak di Dunharrow, Pegunungan Putih di Gondor. Keunikan mereka adalah, hanya setan yang bisa mengalahkan mereka. Aragorn berhasil mengendalikan pasukan ini untuk melawan musuh dengan meminta bantuan makhluk terkutuk tersebut di dalam gua.
Analogi ini bisa diartikan bahwa untuk mengalahkan Dajjal atau setidaknya terhindar dari pengaruhnya, manusia harus mampu mengendalikan hawa nafsu. Jika kita berhasil mengatasi nafsu duniawi, kita bisa terlepas dari sihir Dajjal.

One Ring
Cincin ini dianalogikan sebagai teori konspirasi terkait sistem dalam New World Order yang dikelola oleh kelompok rahasia dengan agenda global. Sistem ini bertujuan menguasai dunia dengan pemerintahan tunggal yang otoriter.
Cincin juga melambangkan sistem Dajjal yang perlahan menguasai hampir seluruh aspek kehidupan. Siapa saja yang tergoda oleh kekuatan cincin, sama halnya dengan orang yang tergoda oleh kekuasaan dunia dan menjadi budak Sauron (simbol Dajjal).

Aragorn
Aragorn memimpin pasukan yang terdiri dari berbagai ras dan bangsa yang bersatu. Ini dianalogikan sebagai Al-Mahdi, pemimpin umat manusia di akhir zaman yang berasal dari keturunan Nabi Muhammad.
Dalam al-Mustadrak 'ala -as-Shahihayn, Imam At-Tirmidzi meriwayatkan hadits dengan judul Babu "Ma Jaa fi al-Mahdi."  

 حدثنا عبيد بن أسباط بن محمد القرشي الكوفي قال حدثني أبي حدثنا سفيان الثوري عن عاصم بن بهدلة عن زر عن عبد الله قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم لا تذهب الدنيا حتى يملك العرب رجل من أهل بيتي يواطئ اسمه اسمي قال أبو عيسى وفي الباب عن علي وأبي سعيد وأم سلمة وأبي هريرة وهذا حديث حسن صحيح   

Artinya, “Dari Abdullah (bin Mas'ud) berkata, Rasulullah bersabda, ‘Tidak hancur dunia (kiamat) hingga menguasai Arab seorang laki-laki dari keturunanku, yang namanya sama dengan namaku’.” (HR At-Tirmidzi, 2230).  

Eye of Sauron

Mata Sauron mirip dengan simbol The Eye of Providence atau The All-Seeing Eye, yang juga dikenal sebagai Eye of Horus. Mata ini memancarkan cahaya yang menerangi kegelapan, namun justru membawa ke arah kebinasaan.
Dalam hadis, disebutkan bahwa Dajjal membawa dua pilihan: api dan air. Api Dajjal sebenarnya adalah air (surga), sedangkan airnya adalah api (neraka). Hadis juga menyebutkan Dajjal memiliki satu mata, seperti simbol yang ditemukan pada lembaran uang satu dolar Amerika. Mata uang ini diasosiasikan dengan sistem Dajjal yang dikendalikan oleh elit global.

Mordor
Mordor adalah wilayah di tengah-tengah Middle Earth yang dikendalikan oleh Sauron. Wilayah ini dianalogikan sebagai pusat kekuatan Dajjal.

Peta Middle Earth dan Jazirah Arab
Middle Earth dalam film ini dapat dianalogikan dengan jazirah Arab. Istilah "middle" atau "tengah" merujuk pada wilayah Timur Tengah. Rohan dan Gondor berada berdekatan, seperti Mekah dan Madinah di dunia nyata. Mordor terletak di selatan Gondor, mirip dengan posisi Najd di sebelah timur Hijaz (lokasi Mekah dan Madinah).
Dari Abdullah bin Umar radhiyallahu ‘anhu, beliau mengatakan,

قالَ وَهو مُسْتَقْبِلُ المَشْرِقِ: هَا إنَّ الفِتْنَةَ هَاهُنَا، هَا إنَّ الفِتْنَةَ هَاهُنَا، هَا إنَّ الفِتْنَةَ هَاهُنَا، مِن حَيْثُ يَطْلُعُ قَرْنُ الشَّيْطَانِ

“Nabi bersabda dalam keadaan menghadap ke arah timur, ‘Sesungguhnya fitnah (kesesatan) itu datang dari sana. Sesungguhnya fitnah itu datang dari sana. Sesungguhnya fitnah itu datang dari sana. Dari sanalah akan muncul dua tanduk setan.” HR. Muslim no.2905

Najd, yang dalam hadis disebut sebagai sumber fitnah, terletak di sebelah timur Madinah. Najd secara geografis merujuk pada wilayah yang mencakup Irak dan sekitarnya.

Bagian 2

The Dark Tower of Barad-dûr
Menara Barad-dûr dalam film ini bisa dianalogikan sebagai menara Dajjal, yang menariknya menghadap ke arah barat. Arah ini melambangkan ambisi Dajjal untuk menaklukkan dua kota suci, Mekah dan Madinah. Secara simbolis, posisi Barad-dûr di Mordor—pusat kekuasaan Sauron—memungkinkan dia mengawasi pergerakan musuh yang datang dari barat, termasuk Gondor dan Rohan, yang diibaratkan sebagai Mekah dan Madinah.

Dua kota ini dipandang sebagai simbol harapan dan pusat perlawanan, mirip dengan ketakutan Dajjal akan kedatangan Nabi Isa dan Imam Mahdi yang akan memimpin umat manusia melawan kekuasaannya.

Rohan dan Gondor
Gondor dan Rohan adalah kota utama yang melawan Sauron, tetapi hanya Gondor yang bertahan tanpa bisa ditaklukkan. Kota ini digambarkan memiliki warna putih yang dominan, melambangkan kesucian. Analogi ini merujuk pada Mekah dan Madinah, di mana Mekah (Gondor) memiliki dominasi warna putih sebagai kota suci yang tidak bisa dijangkau Dajjal.

Rohan, yang terkenal dengan kuda-kuda terbaiknya, mengingatkan pada kuda Arab, salah satu ras kuda tertua yang berasal dari Jazirah Arab. Hadis menyebutkan bahwa Dajjal tidak akan bisa memasuki Mekah dan Madinah karena dijaga oleh malaikat.

Isildur
Isildur, pangeran Gondor, adalah sosok yang mewarisi takhta dan tanggung jawab besar. Dia bisa dianalogikan sebagai pemimpin keturunan Nabi Muhammad yang akan muncul di akhir zaman, seperti Al-Mahdi.

Theoden
Theoden, Raja Rohan, adalah analogi dari raja-raja yang menguasai dua kota suci, memiliki sifat kepemimpinan dan tanggung jawab dalam menjaga tanah mereka.

Sauron
Sauron adalah representasi dari Dajjal. Dalam percakapan Gandalf, dijelaskan bahwa Sauron adalah sosok raja dari masa lalu yang memperoleh umur panjang setelah meminum air Ainul Hayat (air kehidupan). Hal ini sejalan dengan narasi bahwa Dajjal berasal dari manusia yang memiliki pengetahuan luar biasa dan umur panjang.

Frodo
Frodo adalah pembawa sekaligus penghancur One Ring. Perjalanannya menuju Mordor untuk menghancurkan cincin dapat dianalogikan sebagai peran Nabi Isa, yang akan menghancurkan sistem Dajjal. Seperti Frodo yang akhirnya meninggalkan Middle-earth, Nabi Isa akan wafat setelah tugasnya selesai.

Samwise Gamgee
Sam adalah simbol manusia biasa yang memiliki kebaikan, ketulusan, dan ketahanan menghadapi kejahatan. Karakter ini mencerminkan perjuangan manusia dalam melawan hawa nafsu dan godaan Dajjal.

Nama "Sam" sendiri memiliki banyak interpretasi, seperti:

• Uncle Sam, simbol Amerika,
• Samiri, sosok dalam kisah Dajjal,
• Sam, anak Nabi Nuh, leluhur bangsa Semitik.

Gandalf
Gandalf, penyihir bijaksana, adalah analogi dari Nabi Khidr yang memiliki ilmu dan umur panjang. Gandalf sering memberikan nasihat dan memimpin dengan kebijaksanaan, mirip dengan peran Nabi Khidr dalam berbagai kisah.

Saruman
Saruman, penyihir yang beralih ke sisi kegelapan dan menciptakan pasukan Uruk-hai, dianalogikan sebagai pemimpin Yakjuj dan Makjuj. Kisahnya menggambarkan tokoh yang dulunya baik tetapi akhirnya memilih jalur penghancuran dan kekacauan.

Gollum/Sméagol
Gollum adalah gambaran pertarungan antara hawa nafsu (Gollum) dan kesadaran (Sméagol). Karakter ini mencerminkan pergolakan batin manusia dalam melawan godaan dan nafsu.

Legolas (the Elf)
Legolas dan kaum Elf melambangkan malaikat yang membantu manusia dalam perjuangan melawan kejahatan. Elf digambarkan sebagai makhluk suci yang tidak terikat pada kekuasaan duniawi.

The Uruk-hai
Uruk-hai, hasil persilangan orc dan manusia, adalah simbol Yakjuj dan Makjuj. Mereka dikenal karena kekuatan, brutalitas, dan kemampuan untuk beradaptasi dengan cahaya matahari, yang mirip dengan ciri Yakjuj dan Makjuj dalam berbagai riwayat.

Isengard
Isengard, benteng Saruman yang dikelilingi dinding, adalah analogi dari tembok yang mengurung Yakjuj dan Makjuj, sebagaimana disebutkan dalam berbagai riwayat eskatologi Islam.

Kesimpulan
Film The Lord of the Rings dapat diinterpretasikan sebagai analogi kehidupan manusia di akhir zaman, dengan berbagai simbol dan karakter yang mencerminkan kisah dalam eskatologi Islam. Pesan moral dan perjuangan antara kebaikan dan kejahatan menjadi inti utama yang selaras dengan narasi agama tentang akhir zaman.