The Lord of the Rings is
embedded heavily with Christian symbolism which Tolkien masterfully uses to reach
the secular world. The symbolism is evident in the landscape, various action
carried out by characters, and the journeys they take. J.R.R. Tolkien implants
most of his symbolism into his Christ figures and Satan figures. Tolkien,
author of the trilogy, uniquely interlaced elements of his faith in with his
masterpiece of literature. This is a powerful tale with moral values used every
day and the truth of the gospel.
A prominent example of symbolism is
the Ring. The Ring represents slavery, corruption and the desire to sin. It
causes a strong desire within anyone who comes in contact with it. Throughout
the story the Ring affects each character in some way, or has some significance
to them. For instance, Frodo must bear the heavy burden of the ring for the
entirety of the journey; Gollum is enslaved by the Ring even after he no longer
possesses it, and the fate of Galadriel’s world lies in the fate of the Ring. Overall
this symbol embodies the core of the major themes in these books.
Another significant symbol is
resurrection. The most of the main characters experience some kind of death,
resurrection and ascension. One particular instance of this was when Gandalf
the Grey falls into Moria and is thought to be dead for some time, then
miraculously comes back as Gandalf the White. This represents Jesus sacrifice
on the cross, his death, resurrection and
ascension
into the clouds. To have so many characters experience this, truly makes a
statement and reiterates the presence of Tolkien’s faith in his novels. After
each character is subjected to the death phase of their journey the come back
stronger and greater than they have ever been.
Pure water is another symbol Tolkien
used throughout his trilogy, representing life and the afterlife. This is
specifically shown when Gandalf and Aragorn narrowly escape death and fall into
a pool of water. It is also shown when Boromir, after his death is sent off on
a boat down the river symbolizing him going on into his next life. In the
Bible, water also has significant meaning. One parallel to this is when a
person is baptized; they become a new creation in Christ and start a new life.
The last example of symbolism is the
barrenness of the land while Sauron roamed Middle-Earth. The land began looking
dry and dead and it got worse as Sauron overtook the Shire. This is an amazing
picture of what happens to humans when evil consumes the heart and soul. It can
also be compared to when God cursed the earth after Adam and Eve sinned and
tarnished its perfection. The cures on
the Earth will last until Christ’s second coming as the desolation in Middle-Earth
lasted until the hobbits took back the Shire. This is hope for Christians who
are waiting for the Earth to be made new when Christ comes again.
The symbolism sends Tolkien’s message
across with a brilliant accuracy. He used his moral principles as a guide while
writing in order to introduce concepts which are relevant in society and can be
used to improve the morals of citizens today. Thoroughly, using all elements
from the story, he illustrates the gospel in this creative and inventive
way. Tolkien influences and helps shape
our culture through his works.
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