The Philosophy of Tolkien

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[EstudioVoitheia]

“Evil cannot create anything new, they can only corrupt and ruin what good forces have invented or made.” No new thing can be without God and, sometimes, he waits for our cooperation.

[woodslore]

This is something I am looking forward to. Been a pastor for 11 years and can remember in college how so many talked about C.S.Lewis but rarely of Tolkien.

[jmclaughlin]

Gollum's role in the defeat of Sauron is incredibly important, because it shows that Sauron is ultimately defeated by an act of mercy. Three different hobbits (Bilbo, Frodo, and Sam) take pity on Gollum when they have the chance (and incentive) to kill him, and spare him instead.

[christopher]

Amazon showrunners can't even imagine there's such a grandeur in Tolkien's work .

[agucci]

Tolkien's philosophy could be so helpful nowadays... Not just to modern entertainment, but to modern society as well.

[calebolson]

"There is only one true light and all other false lights lead to darkness" Well said

[Beya]

You beautifully articulated in ways that I will never be as gifted to do. Minds such as yours inspire hope for the future. Thank you.

[meagananterola]

Tolkeins message is so obvious that it went right over my head and Ive been a fan of lotr for years.

[andreah]

Best commentary out there on the real difference between the show and Tolkien’s work. It’s not just the lore that is wrong. It’s the entire morality, philosophy, message that is wrong.

[Mark-cdwf]

For me, LOTR was shot through with my favorite Bible verse: “God works all things together for good, to them that love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).

If Bilbo hadn’t found the Ring, he never could have given it to Frodo. If Frodo hadn’t been late in leaving the Shire, they might never have met Aragorn. If they had made it over Caradhras Pass, Gollum wouldn’t have found them in Moria. If Gandalf hadn’t fallen in his battle with the Balrog, he never would have become the White, with enough power to defeat Saruman. If Boromir hadn’t tried to take the Ring, Frodo would never have gone to Mordor, Merry and Pippin would never have gone to Rohan, the Ents would never have been awakened to destroy Isengard, Theoden would never have been freed by Gandalf, Rohan never would have ridden to the rescue of Helm’s Deep _or_ Minas Tirith, and Aragorn might never have gone the way of the Paths of the Dead to deliver the winning blow at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. If Gondor hadn’t won that first encounter, they never would have been able to send an attacking army to Mordor to distract the Enemy long enough for the hobbits to reach Mt. Doom.

And finally, if Gollum hadn’t survived everything he went through and followed Frodo and Sam all the way to the Cracks of Doom:

“The Quest would have failed, even at the bitter end.”

Frodo of the Shire

In short, _everything_ that happened worked together to achieve the desired end: victory for the West, and defeat of the Dark Tower and its allies.

What an incredible story.

[ericgatera]

This is fantastic. I have learned a bunch. I didn't even noticed that the new adaptation was inviting us to touch darkness. I didn't quite understand why many people were against it but now I do, I have been too much conditioned by the world of Game of Thrones philosophy that I missed to see evil when it was expressed in the Rings of Power. Thanks again.

[archeryandoutdoors]

I think Tolkien's philosophy unpacked here is also clearly seen in Star Wars, specifically, when Obi-wan tells Anakin "Your anger and your lust for power have already done that. You have allowed this Dark Lord to twist your mind until now . . . until now you have become the very thing you swore to destroy."

Just as IP is describing in this video about Sauron or Saruman, Anakin starts off wanting a better world for his friends, to protect Padme, and to defeat the sith. In episode 2, in his conversation with Padme he hints at the idea that a person in a position of power forcing their will on people is the best way to bring peace. Of course his lust for power comes to its peak in episode 3 where Palpatine offers him power to save Padme, his friends, and to bring peace to the galaxy which he eventually gives in too and becomes Darth Vader.

[TheBestOne_hi_]

Man. The ending of “If you follow a false light, it becomes dark creature” have me chills. This is why the Devil is said to “disguise as an Angel of light”. Because he is actually darkness 😅😬 but over all, I find this really good. I actually want to use a Philosophy like this in..Many stories I want to write! Good job man!

[markalleneaton]

I'm also reminded of something Theoden said (in the books): "Oft evil will shall evil mar" - the idea that evil devours itself. You can see it in Saruman's treachery against Sauron, when in diverting Merry & Pippin from being taken to Mordor actually brings them to Treebeard (leading to the destruction of Isengard); Sauron's blindness to the plan destroy the Ring (obsessing on Minas Tirith where some "mighty one" might suddenly emerge & not guarding his own lands), and even the Orcs killing each other in Cirith Ungol (which always felt a little too convenient, but fits this sub-theme). That Gollum, a creature totally consumed by his own lust for the Ring, inadvertently destroys the very thing he loves along with himself, makes sense within the reality of Providence.

[FlyleafDreamleaf]

As for Eowyn she is able to face the Witch King because of her love for Theoden King. And Merry aids her because of his love for her and the King.

[RMarshall]

The best commentary I've heard on the difference between Tolkien's vision and tat of the Rings of Power. It couldn't be clearer!

[jeremybeavon]

Only 5 minutes in and this is already more entertaining than the rings of power. 😀

[Topg]

Wow. I never thought of LOTR this way. I thought the ring represented drugs or sin. This definitely puts things in perspective. If you think about this, some of Tolkien perspective have truth in it. In many of the wars of the 20th century, people sought power for good. However, once power was achieved it corrupted people.

[galaxyofreesesking]

Wow! You changed my mind about a problem I was struggling with for my whole life. I'm too naïve... I have talents that I've used to channel my frustrations and issues with this problem, but the answer was right in front of me. I just didn't want to look at it. I thought I could create fictional characters who dominate powerful enemies through the desire for will to power. "The ends justify the means", as the saying goes. I've been trying to sort this out for years -- but it turns out, no they don't.

I've even asked myself the question "can the world be saved at the cost of my own salvation?" Terrible way to go about it, as the only escape I could think of was becoming an Ubermensch. I thought I could emulate this through my characters, who I made to be deeply flawed. But I was sorely wrong. Thank you a lot for posting this. I have some thinking to do!

[AlixPrappas]

Wow Michael. That Tolkinian response you created at the end of the video was powerful. It no only conveyed his philosophy you were illuminating, but confirmed its truth by showing the coherence between the physical and spiritual realms in the description you gave.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.

Also, thank you for helping me build the humility to return to the Lord to discover what my role is. I neglect prayer and time with him to hear his small voice, because I get the sense that what he wants of me, my role, is not what my ego wants for me. It is especially hard because everything in our culture say “forge your own path. Be the master of your destiny. Choose who you want to be.” This exploration of Tolkien’s work and philosophy resonates. I need to go to Him to be reminded of the role He has called me to.

May the Lord bless and protect you and your family Michael. And may he use you mightily for his kingdom, those still lost, and his glory.