It’s safe to say that everyone in our generation is at least familiar with the Lord of the Rings. Many of us have more than likely seen the movies at least a couple times, while that smaller percentage remains of those who have actually read the beloved trilogy by Tolkien. There is much controversy over the trilogy about what the underlying themes are. Some of which that have been passed around are that the trilogy looks at WWII in a different light, while others look at LOTR through a more Christian perspective.

One of the biggest contributing facts to support the Christian theme is that Professor Tolkien is a professed Christian. Though his books do not bare the same resemblance to a Christian theme as The Chronicles of Narnia series does, there certainly is some resemblance that can be found. However, there are three characters specifically that can be said to be symbols of Christ in the trilogy.

At first glance, Gandalf appears to be the Christ-like hero of the story, and a similarity can be found in that, like Jesus, Gandalf has many names that each has a unique meaning. However, Gandalf himself says that he did not know he was coming back to fulfill the task before the fellowship. Christ-like values are seen in his character though when the fellowship was in the Mines of Moria that coincides with John 15:13, which states, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

The second character to be looked at is Aragorn. Aragorn, son of Arathorn, Isildur’s heir, was a true warrior, and is quickly informs the readers that he is the future king of Gondor. Like Christ, Aragorn was a rightful king of a nation that current possessed no king. Another parallel can be found in the trilogy that Aragorn was a character that had no kind of physical attractiveness. This parallel can be found in Isaiah 53:2b, which says, “ . . . he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.” People were drawn to Christ because of who He is, not how He looks.

The final example of Christianity in the Lord of the Rings trilogy is found in the character, Sam. Sam’s character is said to portray true Christianity. Sam is as selfless as characters come, and he remains true to that nature throughout the trilogy. Just as Sam is devoted to his master, we should be devoted to our own. He is a faithful friend and stands by Frodo, no matter what. This expresses how we as Christians should be faithful to Christ and faithful to our own friends. What kind of faith would we have if we turned our back on it in the hard times of life?

Of course, this is not a purely Christian trilogy, and there are plenty examples of how it is not. However, I focused on the Christian themes that can be found throughout the story. In looking at any story, it is possible to find Christian values, especially in looking at the battle between good and evil. Just like this story, good does win every time, and evil never truly stands a chance.