Lord of the Rings

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...