Religion in The Lord of the Rings Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Religion in The Lord of the Rings - demonstrate ExampleJ.R.R. Tolkiens The Lord of the Rings has always been a highly regarded book among fans and critics alike, but when it was make into a movie trilogy it became a cultural phenomenon. The base of operationss in The Lord of the Rings are powerful and world-wide in their nature and although religion is not explicitly mentioned, religious under banknotes can be observed throughout both the book and the movie. Urang agrees when he states, The Lord of the Rings, although it contains no God, no Christ, and no Christians, embodies a vast deal of Tolkiens real religion and is a profoundly a Christian work (180). Perhaps the mastery of The Lord of the Rings as a religious medium is due to the fact that it is subtle in its Christian themes and isnt what one might c solely a preachy Christian book. One theme that we find throughout The Lord of the Rings is the broading that many of the characters have to return to a originator age whe re the world was a better and happier place. For instance, Gimli longs to see the former glory of the home of his ancestors. The elves also long for a return to the Elder Days before crime and iniquity came into the world. Basically, there is an overall tone that the world is in a fallen state.... Because Christians intrust the world is in a broken and evil state, there is a need for someone to rise up and save the world from permanent darkness and despair. Three characters in the Lord of the Rings who fit this Savior role are Gandalf, Aragorn, and Frodo. Gandalf is very God-like and is sympathetic to Jesus. When he falls in Moria, he descends to the lowest parts of the earth. He then has a great struggle with an evil foe. When he defeats the Balrog, he is at the peak of a mountain. Later, he is transformed and becomes Gandalf the White. Similarly, as the Bible says, Jesus Christ descended below all things so that he could rise above all things. After he ascended to heaven he re turned to earth as a resurrected and exalted being. Gandalf is also Christ-like in that he guides and counsels Frodo and other members of the fellowship along their journey. Similarly, Christians believe that Christ is always with us, guiding and counseling with us in our own lives. As Frodo says in the movie, The Fellowship of the Ring, I will take the ring to Mordor, though I do not know the way. To which Gandalf responds, I will help you bear this burden (2001). Christians believe that Christ does something connatural when we choose to embark on a worthy task he bears our burdens for us so the journey is not so difficult. Another instance where Gandalf shows Christ-like attributes is when he casts out the presence of Saruman from the King, Theoden. This is similar to the Bible when Christ displays his ability to cast out devils. After Gandalf casts off Sarumans influence, Theoden is healed and his sense is cleared. Christ is also a great healer and restores people to their prop er selves. Aragorn possesses