Tolkien's Timeless Influence: Myth, Morality, and Critique of Modernity

June 23, 2025
Tolkien's Timeless Influence: Myth, Morality, and Critique of Modernity
  • The narrative also delves into Tolkien's philosophical perspective on history, illustrating a world in transition where the conflict between good and evil primarily occurs within individuals rather than societal structures.

  • The spiritual and ethical dimensions of Tolkien's work are significant, emphasizing themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and moral realities that resonate deeply with readers.

  • Despite facing modern cultural challenges, Tolkien's literary contributions have demonstrated remarkable durability, continuing to attract a wide audience and suggesting enduring relevance in contemporary society.

  • This reflection also commemorates the late Professor Virgil Nemoianu, a respected literary critic and scholar who made significant contributions to the study of Tolkien's work.

  • Nemoianu, born in 1940 in Romania, earned his Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of California, San Diego, and later taught at various prestigious universities.

  • The profound impact of J.R.R. Tolkien's works resonates with humanity's thirst for mythical imagery and religious values, particularly in the 20th and 21st centuries.

  • Tolkien's writings are complex, featuring a reinvention of mythology and political allegories in The Lord of the Rings that reflect distributist ideals, standing in opposition to socialism and large-scale capitalism.

  • His portrayal of a harmonious society in the Shire suggests a preference for small property ownership and a divinely linked monarchy, contrasting sharply with totalitarianism.

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The Great Tolkien

The Imaginative Conservative • Jun 23, 2025

The Great Tolkien

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