J.R.R. Tolkien's Sanctifying Myth: Understanding Middle-earth is a book by Bradley J. Birzer, proposing that the most foundational meaning of The Lord of the Rings was unknown by J.R.R. Tolkien's common readership. It discusses Christian symbolism and matters "permeating" Tolkien's Middle-earth writings. Featuring a foreword by Joseph Pearce, it was published originally in 2003 by ISI Books and reissued in 2023 with a new author's introduction.
- "“A small knowledge of history,” Tolkien once wrote, “depresses one with the sense of the everlasting weight of human iniquity.” As Birzer demonstrates, Tolkien’s recognition of evil became mythologically manifest in the guise of Ringwraiths, Orcs, Sauron, and other dark beings. But Tolkien was ultimately optimistic: even weak, bumbling hobbits and humans, as long as they cling to the Good, can finally prevail. Bradley Birzer has performed a great service in elucidating Tolkien’s powerful moral vision."
- —The publisher
External links[]
See also[]
- Understanding The Lord of the Rings
- The Philosophy of Tolkien
- The Gospel According to Tolkien: Visions of the Kingdom in Middle-earth
- The Good News of the Return of the King: The Gospel of Middle-earth
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