Blog: 5 Things we can Learn from Tolkien

This week is Tolkien week, which was first started in 1978 by the American Tolkien Society and starts with September 22, ending after one calendar week. That’s why this week will be for the most part Tolkien-themed, except for Friday’s post. So, let’s talk about five things we can learn from Tolkien’s work.

#1: Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely.

Whether it be the good guys or the bad guys, power corrupts. Tolkien understood this well, having lived through two world wars and having had a position over others, a job he described as, “The most improper job of any man…is bossing other men. Not one in a million is fit for it, and least of all those who seek the opportunity.” Thus, it’s natural that this theme was explored throughout his legendarium. 

Sauron didn’t start off as a bad guy in the beginnings of Tolkien’s legendarium. He wanted the world to be perfect, but in doing so, he needed power. So, when Melkor offered him power, he accepted it and when Melkor was defeated, Sauron took the reins, though his original plan had begun being corrupted until he became like Melkor. Later, power would corrupt or threaten to corrupt others in the form of the Ring. When Isildur got it, he was quickly corrupted by it; Frodo struggled to fight against it; and Boromir was quickly drawn to it. When Frodo offered it to Gandalf, Gandalf quickly refused because had he taken it, he would’ve become an even more terrifying force than Sauron.

#2: Enjoy the Simple Things of Life.

Tolkien’s most famous characters are his hobbits, the short little dudes who live in nice homes underground. When describing hobbits, Tolkien said, “Hobbits are an unobtrusive but very ancient people, more numerous formerly than they are today; for they love peace and quiet and good tilled earth: a well-ordered and well-farmed countryside was their favorite haunt.” The hobbits represent the everyman of Middle-Earth. They live their lives according to their truisms, are very laidback and down-to-earth, pointing back to a simpler time. In today’s world of constant distractions, over-consumerism, and stress, the hobbits are an important reminder to enjoy the simple things.

#3: Good is not Lost.

In the words of Samwise Gamgee, “There’s some good in this world Mr. Frodo, and it’s worth fighting for.” Need I say more?

#4: Evil can only Corrupt.

Evil can’t create anything new. It can only take what’s good completely corrupt it. When we remember that when evil happens, we can remember that there is nothing new under the sun.

#5: Gold Isn’t Everything.

In Tolkien’s words, “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” Money is helpful and we need it, but a constant pursuit of it can often lead to strife. Don’t focus on hoarding money and things, and enjoy what you have.

Until next time,

M.J.