So, I've been sick and I watched the Peter Jackson Lord of the Rings trilogy over the last couple of days. Now, I'm a big fan of the novels and to date it is the only set of books that I've read more than once. However, I am not really certain about the Christian themes that are said to be rife throughout the book(s).
I know that Tolkien was a devout Christian whose faith helped lead C.S. Lewis to redemption in Christ. But I just don't see any overt Christian allegories in the Lord of the Rings. Perhaps I am not looking deeply enough or perhaps I am looking for a neat and tidy allegory that isn't there. Either way, other than the general sense of good triumphing over evil, I don't find too many connections leaping out of the text that would make me say, "Ooo, now that's a good analogy for original sin."
Now discuss...
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What are you, the coffee talk lady?? ;-) I've only seen the movies once, and I've never read the books (mea culpa, mea culpa). I didn't see any overt Christian allegories either...well, maybe Frodo is Christ. He took the very heavy burden of the ring and was the only one pure enough to do so without being too changed. Of course, it does break down, because even Frodo was tempted.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's just cool trilogy??
I've been hiding two things from you all...I drink coffee and I'm a lady. Actually, I neither drink coffee nor am I a lady (although I have been accused of hitting like a girl).
ReplyDeleteJonathan has the real deal on the allegories. I'll nudge him to post them here. And yes, Frodo is supposed to represent Christ. And I agree, I find the allegory breaks down because Frodo succumbs to the temptation.
That leads to a secondary question: Am I looking for an allegory that is too neat and tidy? Maybe that is where the beauty of the story lies is in its not-to-detailed allegory to the "most important story ever told".
I dunno. I like science fiction and I like God. Go figure.
Hey Mark (and Erin though I don't know you). You have a blog! And look at that, I'm getting in early...so when this becomes a PHENOMENA, I'll be able to say I was there at the beginning!
ReplyDeleteNice template...looks familiar...i like it.
um, can you remove 2 of the 3 places that blogger put my 'follower' status? I can't...sorry!
ReplyDeleteHi Chris!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to our blog world. This is an experiment in blogging about random topics with a decidedly (or decisively) Christian perspective. So far there isn't a real "purpose" to the blog like "converting Ford owners to GM ownership". So sit back, relax, and enjoy.
As for the follower thing...I'm not sure what you're talking about. Maybe Google senses how excited you are to be a part of our blog.
ok...my screen shows 3 of me following one of you...whatever!
ReplyDeleteRegarding the allegory thing: I think I've heard that Tolkien loathed allegory and didn't want readers to take his stories' characters and themes in any direct 1:1 allegorical relationships. I think he preferred impressions and similarities. Sam being loyal and a true friend when there are no others - like Christ; Aragorn a returning King, - like Christ; Gandalf reminding us of an angel; Numenor being a 'far green country' across a great expanse of the deep (the abyss, death) - is kind of heaven-ish, etc etc.
I think there are tons of impressions like that in LOTR (and The Silmarilion) if we are willing to not make direct allegories.
And for what its worth, we can probably do that with many other stories (especially redemption stories) in literature and movies.
Is it the allegorical/non-allegorical nature of LOTR that makes it such a great story?
ReplyDeleteI'm okay without the direct allegorical relationships...no. No, I'm not. I like things neat and tidy. I like to to have all of the loose ends tied up. But, for the purpose of discussion, I'll be okay with things not being perfectly in sync.
If there aren't perfect allegorical relationships between LOTR and the Bible, what is your favorite "similarity"?
Jon mentioned to me the similarities/allegories of Aragorn representing the expected messiah and Frodo representing the actual messiah. Whether a complete allegory or not, I kind of like the idea that putting our hope in kings and chariots will ultimately lead to disappointment, but if we put our hope in the one who actually defeats evil then we will have the gift of eternal life.
I'm rambling because a sixth grade band is blaring out Christmas songs rather badly. Needless to say, it's a bit distracting.
I'd love to discuss other stories and their allegorical implications.
Is Narnia too obvious?
ReplyDelete