Abstract:
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien has become an iconic model of fantasy literature as well as a beloved tale that touches readers' hearts. Yet, few readers understand the Catholic foundation upon which this epic work was written. The Lord of the Rings has played an important role in the formation of my faith as a Catholic. By exploring the presence of five Catholic values embedded in Tolkien's literature, I hope that others will come to appreciate the beauty of this connection and possibly become interested in the Catholic way of life.
*Please Note: A large number of quotations and references come from the text of The Lord of the Rings, which is traditionally divided into three parts. To aid in the reader's understanding, these references will be cited according to the specific part from which they come as follows:
FOTR = The Fellowship of the Ring TT = The Two Towers ROTK = The Return of the King
