“Beyond Hope He Saved Us”: Trinitarian Analogies in The Lord of the Rings

Abstract

ALTHOUGH THE THEOLOGICAL UNDERPINNINGS of his Middle Earth involve mythology of his own devising, J. R. R. Tolkien in The Lord of Rings makes use of Trinitarian analogies that lie at heart of medieval Catholic views of structure of world. The novel's three books correspond to theological virtues of faith, hope, and love, providing structure that supports redemptive sacrifices of main characters. At deeper level, these main characters, Aragorn, Gandalf, and Frodo, embody qualities of three persons of Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. An examination of these characters in light of Trinitarian analogies reveals essential Catholicism that lies at heart of Tolkien's novel. Although Tolkien specifically rejects any attempt to read The Lord of Rings as allegorical, he also unequivocally states that it is a fundamentally religious and Catholic work. (1) Rather than including specific doctrines or theologies, he declares that the religious element is absorbed into story. (2) In reflecting on Tolkien's Catholic imagination, Thomas Smith observes that Tolkien's belief hold[s] that there is an ongoing relationship between God and world, wherein divine abundance at heart of Trinity sustains and is manifest in order and beauty and goodness of cosmos around us. To look at world through this lens entails believing that everything and everyone we encounter is vehicle or go-between for divine presence. (3) One way we can discern this absorbed religious element and manifestation of Trinity in world is in Tolkien's use of threefold structures at various levels of narrative. At most obvious level, story is trilogy, divided into three volumes. Each volume has its own name and theme, but, like Holy Trinity, they are of one essence. The first book, The Fellowship of Ring, centers on development of small community of nine walkers who will support Frodo in his quest to destroy ring. Faith is theological virtue that underlies this book and is at heart of fellowship. This community begins with four hobbits, who are bound together by family ties and/or long years of affiliation. Although Frodo intends initially to set off with only his servant Sam as companion, when his younger cousins declare their intentions to accompany him, he accepts their offer, even while expressing his reluctance to lead them into danger. When he first realizes that they have been conspiring to discover his plans, he asserts, it does not seem can trust anyone. (4) Merry's response indicates trust that is foundation of their fellowship: You can trust us to stick to through thick and thin--to bitter end. And can trust us to keep any secret of yours--closer than keep it yourself. But cannot trust us to let face trouble alone and go off without word. We are your friends, Frodo ... We are horribly afraid--but we are coming with you (103). To best of their ability hobbits remain faithful to that declaration, and their faithfulness is nucleus of fellowship that is built up through rest of first book. The first outsider to join their fellowship is Aragorn in his persona as Strider. When Frodo first sees him in inn, he is suspicious of Strider's rough outward appearance and cryptic comments. In their first encounter Frodo felt far from comfortable under stare of those keen eyes (153), and later Strider himself says, I have rather rascally look, have not? (161). The hobbits respond cautiously to his advice and offer of guidance. Strider agrees to answer their questions, but he wonders why should believe my story, if do not trust me already? (163). The arrival of Gandalf's letter affirms Strider's identity, although Sam remains skeptical. Frodo declares, I believed that were friend before letter came (168), and trust begins to build between them. …