Home Page
Catholic Perspective
Morals should be a guide to our human purposes.... a use of our talents - Tolkien
Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Page. 7
Home Page
Official Site
The White Tree of Gondor

 

References & Abrieviations
Fellowship of the Ring
The Cross & The Ring - the symbol & embodiment of evil
It is best to read this discussion in sequential order, as it's been written that way.

Download a PDF of the entire site here [1.5Mb minor updates 01 September 2007]

 

The Lord of the Rings is a monumental work of literature. It combines so many aspects in subtle ways that make it appealing and enthralling, that it's difficult to break them down.

But as most writers do, and as is shown in HoME [the History of Middle-earth], Tolkien built his story piece by piece; often reworking and re-writing. The themes in the Lord of the Rings are not in the story by chance. And it's worth studying them.

Gandalf & Pippin in Minas Tirith

Joseph Pearce, in his book Tolkien: Man & Myth brings up the notion of five great themes in the Lord of the Rings. I would say there are Seven.

These themes are not just humanitarian in origin.

They have their origin in Tolkien's own values and beliefs which are Christian. Forgiveness, Sacrificial Love, Humility, Hope; these are all lovely in themselves but find a much more profound and eternal origin and expression in light of Jesus Christ and His Salvation.


Next page - Sacrificial Love

 

Gimli

Legolas

 

Merry
The Ring
Email the Author
View Sources
All film images © New Line Cinema