Since the publication of The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien, a wealth of secondary literature has been published discussing the literary themes and archetypes present in the story. Tolkien also wrote about the themes of his book in letters to friends, family and fans, and also in the book itself. In his Foreword to the Second Edition, Tolkien said that he "disliked allegory in all its forms" (using the word applicability instead), and told those claiming the story was a metaphor for World War Two to remember that he had lost "all but one" of his close friends in World War I. Cover design for the three volumes of The Lord of the Rings by Tolkien This article is about the book by J. R. R. Tolkien. ... John Ronald Reuel Tolkien CBE (January 3, 1892 – September 2, 1973) is best known as the author of The Hobbit and its sequel The Lord of the Rings. ... In literature (as well as many works of nonfiction), a theme is a broad idea in a story, or the message the author is conveying. ... An archetype is an idealized model of a person, object, or concept from which similar instances are derived, copied, patterned, or emulated. ... German soldiers at the Battle of Stalingrad World War II was the most extensive and costly armed conflict in the history of the world, involving the great majority of the worlds nations, being fought simultaneously in several major theatres, and costing tens of millions of lives. ... Combatants Allies: Serbia, Russia, France, Romania, Belgium, British Empire, United States, Italy, and others Central Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, Ottoman Empire Casualties Military dead: 5 million Civilian deaths: 3 million Total of dead: 8 million Military dead: 4 million Civilian deaths: 3 million Total dead: 7 million The First...

Friendship

A Fellowship is created, consisting of all the Free Peoples of Middle-earth, including Elves and Dwarves, settling aside their differences against the common enemy of Sauron. Spoiler warning: The Fellowship of the Ring, as described in the first volume of The Lord of the Rings, which bears the same name, is a union of 9 representatives from each of the free peoples in Middle-earth, the number chosen to match the 9 Ringwraiths. ... A map of the Northwestern part of Middle-earth at the end of the Third Age, courtesy of the Encyclopedia of Arda. ... This article is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... The Dwarves of J. R. R. Tolkiens fictional universe of Middle-earth are beings of short stature who all possess beards, and are often friendly with Hobbits although long suspicious of Elves. ... For other uses, see Sauron (disambiguation). ...

Frodo Baggins, the Ringbearer, makes a huge sacrifice in saving Middle-earth from evil, as the One Ring takes it's toll on him. Frodo Baggins (September 22, 2968 T.A. – ?) is the main character of J. R. R. Tolkiens monumental and mythological novel, The Lord of the Rings. ... A map of the Northwestern part of Middle-earth at the end of the Third Age, courtesy of the Encyclopedia of Arda. ... The One Ring The One Ring, also known as The Ruling Ring or the Great Ring of Power, is an artifact from J. R. R. Tolkiens fictional Middle-earth universe. ...

Aragorn decides to make a suicidal bid for Frodo by taking the armies of Rohan and Gondor to the Black Gate at the final battle of The Return of the King. This aticle deals with Aragorn II. For his ancestor of the same name, see Aragorn I For other meanings, see Aragon (disambiguation) In J. R. R. Tolkiens legendarium, Aragorn II was the 16th Chieftain of the Dúnedain of the North (T.A. 2931 – F.A. 120) who was... It has been suggested that Rohirrim be merged into this article or section. ... One rendition of the flag of Gondor Gondor is a fictional country from J. R. R. Tolkiens Middle-earth. ... The Black Gate or Morannon is a fictional location in J. R. R. Tolkiens universe of Middle-earth. ... ROTK redirects here, for the Three Kingdoms game series see Sangokushi The Return of the King is the third and final volume of J. R. R. Tolkiens The Lord of the Rings, following The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers. ...

Triumph of the everyman

Samwise Gamgee is regarded by some as the real hero of the trilogy. His loyalty and bravery helps Frodo to complete the Quest. Peter Jackson's films symbolises this with a scene where Sam lifts and carries Frodo to Mount Doom. Samwise Gamgee (T.A. 2980[1] – F.A. sometime after 61), commonly known as Sam, is a fictional character in J. R. R. Tolkiens fantasy world Middle-earth. ... Peter Jackson Peter Jackson CNZM (born October 31, 1961, Pukerua Bay) is a New Zealand-born filmmaker best-known as the director of the epic film trilogy The Lord of the Rings, which he, along with his long time partner, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens adapted from the novel by... The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring movie poster (2001) The Lord of the Rings film trilogy comprises three live action films, directed by Peter Jackson and released by New Line Cinema. ... In J. R. R. Tolkiens fictional universe of Middle-earth, Mount Doom, or Orodruin, is a volcano in Mordor where the One Ring was forged in the Crack of Doom, a fiery chasm within the mountain. ...

Hope

The might of Sauron is always estimated at far larger than the Free Peoples, yet they hope that the Quest may be fulfilled whilst they fight the War of the Ring. Combatants Free peoples of Middle-earth: Gondor, Rohan, Dale, Esgaroth, Erebor, The Shire, Lothlórien, the Woodland Realm Evil forces: Under Sauron: Mordor, Rhûn, Harad, Umbar, Khand Under Saruman: (actually a third party) Isengard, Dunland Commanders Gandalf† (but resurrected) Aragorn Théoden† Denethor† Dain II† Brand† Galadriel and Celeborn...

Christ figures

See also: Messiahs in fiction#Silmarillion and Lord of the Rings Apart from featuring in several religions, the idea of a messiah or chosen one figure has been a key plot device in the genres of science fiction and fantasy. ...

Frodo, Gandalf and Aragorn are all Christ figures, representing aspects such as the crucifixtion, resurrection and ascension respectively. Frodo Baggins (September 22, 2968 T.A. – ?) is the main character of J. R. R. Tolkiens monumental and mythological novel, The Lord of the Rings. ... Gandalf is a fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkiens masterwork, The Lord of the Rings, where he appears as an archetypal wizard, taking a leading role in the War of the Ring. ... This aticle deals with Aragorn II. For his ancestor of the same name, see Aragorn I For other meanings, see Aragon (disambiguation) In J. R. R. Tolkiens legendarium, Aragorn II was the 16th Chieftain of the Dúnedain of the North (T.A. 2931 – F.A. 120) who was... This page is about the title. ... Crucifixion is an ancient method of execution, in which the victim was tied or nailed to a large wooden cross (Latin: crux) and left to hang there until dead. ... According to the New Testament, especially the Gospels, God raised Jesus from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. ... The Christian doctrine of the Ascension holds that Jesus bodily ascended to heaven following his resurrection. ...

Forgiveness

Frodo spares Gollum, thus fulfilling the Quest in the long run. Gandalf, Theoden and Aragorn also do not wish to kill Grima despite betraying [Rohan]] and hope he may turn away from Saruman. When they meet Saruman following his defeat, they do not wish to kill him either. Gollum is a fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkiens universe of Middle-earth. ... Gandalf is a fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkiens masterwork, The Lord of the Rings, where he appears as an archetypal wizard, taking a leading role in the War of the Ring. ... In J.R.R. Tolkiens Middle-earth legendarium, Théoden was the seventeenth King of Rohan, and last of the Second Line. ... This aticle deals with Aragorn II. For his ancestor of the same name, see Aragorn I For other meanings, see Aragon (disambiguation) In J. R. R. Tolkiens legendarium, Aragorn II was the 16th Chieftain of the Dúnedain of the North (T.A. 2931 – F.A. 120) who was... In J. R. R. Tolkiens novel The Lord of the Rings, Gríma (Wormtongue) is the chief advisor to King Théoden of Rohan. ... Saruman (1000 T.A. – 3019 T.A in Middle-earth) is a fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkiens universe, Middle-earth. ...

Peace after wars applies to everyone. Theoden pardons the Dunlendings and Aragorn pardons the Haradrim and Easterlings following their defeats. In J.R.R. Tolkiens Middle-earth legendarium, Théoden was the seventeenth King of Rohan, and last of the Second Line. ... Dunland is a fictional land from J. R. R. Tolkiens fictional universe of Middle-earth: the land of the Dunlendings. ... This aticle deals with Aragorn II. For his ancestor of the same name, see Aragorn I For other meanings, see Aragon (disambiguation) In J. R. R. Tolkiens legendarium, Aragorn II was the 16th Chieftain of the Dúnedain of the North (T.A. 2931 – F.A. 120) who was... The Haradrim or Southrons, are a race of Men in the Middle-earth, fantasy world created by J.R.R. Tolkien Spoiler warning: Lands of haradrim lie to the south of Gondor past the river Harnen, said to be of Swarthy skin, the Harad tribesmen as being skilled archers and... In the fiction of J. R. R. Tolkien, the Easterlings were Men who lived in the east of Middle-earth, and were enemies of the Free Peoples. ...

Power

The One Ring is an object of power and desire, tempting all who wield it. Isildur, Gollum, the Nazgul, Boromir and Saruman are all characters who fall to the tempation of power that Sauron offers. Characters like Isildur and Boromir have good intentions with the power but nevertheless corrupted by it. The One Ring, also known as the Ruling Ring or Ring of Power, is an artifact from J. R. R. Tolkiens fictional Middle-earth universe. ... In J. R. R. Tolkiens Middle-earth, Isildur was a Dúnadan of Númenor, elder son of Elendil. ... Gollum is a fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkiens universe of Middle-earth. ... One of the Nazgûl portrayed in The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy In the fiction of J.R.R. Tolkien, the Nazgûl (Black Speech: Ringwraiths, sometimes written Ring-wraiths), also known as the Nine Riders or Black Riders (or simply the Nine), are evil servants of Sauron... Boromir (T.A. 2978 – 3019), a character from J. R. R. Tolkiens fantasy universe of Middle-earth, was the eldest son of Denethor II, (the last ruling Steward of Gondor), and Finduilas. ... Saruman (1000 T.A. – 3019 T.A in Middle-earth) is a fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkiens universe, Middle-earth. ... For other uses, see Sauron (disambiguation). ...

The goodness of men, such as Aragorn and Faramir are represented that they understand it and refuse it. This aticle deals with Aragorn II. For his ancestor of the same name, see Aragorn I For other meanings, see Aragon (disambiguation) In J. R. R. Tolkiens legendarium, Aragorn II was the 16th Chieftain of the Dúnedain of the North (T.A. 2931 – F.A. 120) who was... Spoiler warning: Faramir, Steward of Gondor and Prince of Ithilien (T.A. 2983 – F.A. 82) is a wise man of nobility and the second of Denethors two sons in J. R. R. Tolkiens fantasy universe of Middle-earth. ...

Death and Immortality

Death is prominent, with the Rings of Power promising immortality to Men, yet eventually sucking away their lives. The Rings of Power are fictional artifacts from J. R. R. Tolkiens Middle-earth legendarium. ...

Ironically, the Elves are immortal yet dislike it. Their Rings are created for a desire to prevent the waning of their world. Arwen must choose between immortality and the love of Aragorn. Immortality (or eternal life) is the concept of existing for a potentially infinite, or indeterminate, length of time. ... Lady Arwen Undómiel (usually called Arwen Evenstar, Undómiel being the form in Quenya), (T.A. 241–F.A. 121), is a fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkiens universe of Middle-earth. ... This aticle deals with Aragorn II. For his ancestor of the same name, see Aragorn I For other meanings, see Aragon (disambiguation) In J. R. R. Tolkiens legendarium, Aragorn II was the 16th Chieftain of the Dúnedain of the North (T.A. 2931 – F.A. 120) who was...

Tolkien wrote about The Lord of the Rings and death in his Letters:

"But I should say, if asked, the tale is not really about Power and Dominion: that only sets the wheels going; it is about Death and the desire for deathlessness. Which is hardly more than to say it is a tale written by a Man!" (Letter 203, 1957)

"It is mainly concerned with Death, and Immortality; and the 'escapes': serial longevity, and hoarding memory." (Letter 211, 1958)

Indeed, the fall of Numenor is caused by an attempt from the King Ar-Pharazon to seize immortality from the Valar. Númenor is a fictional location from J. R. R. Tolkiens universe of Middle-earth and is intended to be his version of Atlantis. ... In the fictional universe of J. R. R. Tolkien, Ar-Pharaz n the Golden (3118 - 3319 S.A., r. ... In J. R. R. Tolkiens fantasy universe, Middle-earth, the Valar are the Powers of Arda who live on the Western continent of Aman. ...

Fathers and sons

Frodo and Aragorn are orphans, yet raised by figures like Gandalf, Bilbo and Elrond. Theoden is pushed into action following the death of his son, and Denethor is blinded by the death of Boromir whilst Faramir defends Gondor from the coming onslaught. Frodo Baggins (September 22, 2968 T.A. – ?) is the main character of J. R. R. Tolkiens monumental and mythological novel, The Lord of the Rings. ... This aticle deals with Aragorn II. For his ancestor of the same name, see Aragorn I For other meanings, see Aragon (disambiguation) In J. R. R. Tolkiens legendarium, Aragorn II was the 16th Chieftain of the Dúnedain of the North (T.A. 2931 – F.A. 120) who was... Gandalf is a fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkiens masterwork, The Lord of the Rings, where he appears as an archetypal wizard, taking a leading role in the War of the Ring. ... Bilbo Baggins is the central character in the J. R. R. Tolkien novel The Hobbit, and a minor character in its sequel, The Lord of the Rings. ... Spoiler warning: Elrond the Half-elven (F.A. 525 - ?) is a fictional character of Middle-earth, created by fantasy author J. R. R. Tolkien. ... In J.R.R. Tolkiens Middle-earth legendarium, Théoden was the seventeenth King of Rohan, and last of the Second Line. ... In J. R. R. Tolkiens fictional universe of Middle-earth, Denethor II is the twenty-sixth and last Ruling Steward of Gondor. ... Boromir (T.A. 2978 – 3019), a character from J. R. R. Tolkiens fantasy universe of Middle-earth, was the eldest son of Denethor II, (the last ruling Steward of Gondor), and Finduilas. ... Spoiler warning: Faramir, Steward of Gondor and Prince of Ithilien (T.A. 2983 – F.A. 82) is a wise man of nobility and the second of Denethors two sons in J. R. R. Tolkiens fantasy universe of Middle-earth. ... One rendition of the flag of Gondor Gondor is a fictional country from J. R. R. Tolkiens Middle-earth. ...

War

War was something close to Tolkien's heart, considering he lost many friends in the trenches of World War One. War is shown as a defence with huge costs in his story, and many characters look forward to the Return of the King, which will herald the Fourth Age of peace. Ypres, 1917, in the vicinity of the Battle of Passchendaele. ... The Fourth Age is a fictional time period from J. R. R. Tolkiens universe of Middle-earth. ...

Nature versus technology

Tolkien allegedly loved the beauty of nature. The villains in the story are often described as mechanical with Saruman having "a mind like metal and wheels". His destruction of Fangorn forest shocks Treebeard and other Ents into action. The Elves of Lórien live in huge trees. Saruman (1000 T.A. – 3019 T.A in Middle-earth) is a fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkiens universe, Middle-earth. ... Treebeard or (Sindarin) Fangorn is a fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkiens Middle-earth. ... In medicine, ENT represents the Ear, Nose, and Throat specialism, also known as otolaryngology. ... For alternate meanings, see Lightning (disambiguation). ... location of Lórien in Middle-earth marked in red This article is about the Lórien of J. R. R. Tolkiens works. ...

Growing up

The Hobbits are small simple creatures who don't like to go out for adventures. The Shire is an idyllic place of peace that the Hobbits such as Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin journey out of into the dangers of the war. This is one fans idea of a typical Hobbit. ... The fields of the Shire in the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy The Shire is a region of J. R. R. Tolkiens fictional Middle-earth, described in The Lord of the Rings and other works. ... Frodo Baggins (September 22, 2968 T.A. – ?) is the main character of J. R. R. Tolkiens monumental and mythological novel, The Lord of the Rings. ... Samwise Gamgee (T.A. 2980[1] – F.A. sometime after 61), commonly known as Sam, is a fictional character in J. R. R. Tolkiens fantasy world Middle-earth. ... Meriadoc Brandybuck, usually referred to as Merry, is a Hobbit, a fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkiens universe of Middle-earth, featured as a central character throughout Tolkiens most famous work, The Lord of the Rings. ... Peregrin Took (T.A. 2990-?), better known to his friends as Pippin, is a fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkiens universe of Middle-earth; a Hobbit, and one of Frodo Bagginss youngest but best friends. ... Combatants Free peoples of Middle-earth: Gondor, Rohan, Dale, Esgaroth, Erebor, The Shire, Lothlórien, the Woodland Realm Evil forces: Under Sauron: Mordor, Rhûn, Harad, Umbar, Khand Under Saruman: (actually a third party) Isengard, Dunland Commanders Gandalf† (but resurrected) Aragorn Théoden† Denethor† Dain II† Brand† Galadriel and Celeborn...

Fate

Gandalf in one scene discusses the possiblity that Bilbo was meant to find the Ring, and that Gollum has an important part to play. Much of the war goes the way it does because of many devices of deus ex machina such as the Dead Men of Dunharrow. To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... In the fictional works of J. R. R. Tolkien, the Dead Men of Dunharrow (also referred as the Shadow Host, the Grey Host, the oath-breakers, or simply the Dead) were the shades of Men of the White Mountains (Ered Nimrais), who were cursed to remain in Middle-earth by...