Tolkien's Ordinary Virtues

by Mark Eddy Smith

"I will take the Ring, though I do not know the way." --Frodo Baggins, at the council of Elrond "The mere recollection of [this phrase] can move me to tears. I have been reading this tale since I was twelve years old, taking it from my shelf every year or so and returning to Middle-earth . . . . As I get older, and learn more of what sort of person I am, and continue sojourning to the rich soil of the Shire and the high towers of Minas Tirith, I discover that many of my notions of what is good and right and noble in this world have their source in that one." - from the introduction The Lord of the Rings offers us the essential lessons in living. Here we discover ordinary virtues, like generosity, pity, hospitality and rest. We meet extraordinary people, like Bilbo, Gandalf, Tom Bombadil and Glorfindel. We learn about the roots of destruction in pride and betrayal. And we find the ingredients for success, such as community and sacrifice. Each of us-even the most simple-is called to a journey. We may be asked to leave behind everything we have grown dependent on. And when this is the case, the tale of Frodo and his friends offers hope that we will be given the strength and the help we need to overcome every obstacle and defeat every foe. This book will help you find the way. "Writing in graceful, easy prose, Smith invites us to admire Tolkien not only for the epic scope of his imagination but also for the depth of his spiritual insight." David C. Downing, professor of English at Elizabethtown College and author of Planets in Peril and The Most Reluctant Convert "Mark Eddy Smith's gentle account of Tolkien's ordinary virtues gets to the very quick of the great storyteller's vision." Colin Duriez, author of Tolkien and the Lord of the Rings and The Inkings Handbook

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Religion, Audiobook, Christianity, Theology, Literary Criticism

156 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 21, 2001

Reviews

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why is it that The Lord of the Rings continues to inspire and fascinate generations of readers? I think it is because it mirrors elements of a much larger story- the spiritual story of God and his Creation. In this book, we explore different themes found in LotR and see how the virtues of the characters originate (as do all good things) in the virtues of God.

This book is full of absolutely incredible commentary on LotR! It really dives deep into the parallels and origins and themes and connecting threads throughout the story. There are so many marvelous insights into the characters and their individual journeys and how their personalities change and develop.

The virtues that are explored are:
Simplicity
Generosity
Friendship
Hospitality
Faith
Perspective
Community
Sacrifice
Wonder
Temptation
Failure
Atonement
Suffering
Resurrection
Humility
Providence
Trust
Trustworthiness
Wisdom
Hope
Imagination
Submission
Stewardship
Courage
Mirth
Foolishness
Perseverance
Celebration
Justice
Love

Some of these might not seem like virtues on the surface, but when you dive into the hidden meanings and analyze the surrounding context, it becomes clear that even "foolishness" has its place with "wisdom" in a virtuous life.
It's very inspiring, because the author always brings it around to how we can apply these moral lessons to our own lives, to help us endure and thrive and find meaning in our own story.

I really like the way this book is organized. It follows the timeline of the story, starting in the Shire with Bilbo's birthday party all the way to Frodo's last journey into the West. In each chapter we see a prime example of that particular virtue, highlighted at that point in the story. Of course there are examples of that virtue elsewhere in the story, which are also mentioned, but the biggest archetype of that particular virtue is found at Bilbo's birthday, or in Moria, or at Helm's Deep. So the chapters lead us along the timeline of the story in a natural way, broken up into sections according to the books in the trilogy.

This book highlights that no one can have virtue in and of themselves. Even the characters in LotR look to higher powers to aid them when they feel helpless to have any courage or virtue by themselves. Multiple times characters in dire situations call out to "Elbereth Gilthoniel" for supernatural help from beyond the world. And in the same way, we are all incapable of any virtuous behavior or thought, unless we rely on the source of all virtue, God.

I love that this book emphasizes that stories can inspire us to achieve great things and be better people. Christ used stories to teach his disciples. Samwise Gamgee, a humble gardener, is inspired to do great deeds because of stories he has heard about elves and grand adventures. He and Frodo imagine that they themselves are in their own glorious story, and they wonder how it will end and whether they will be remembered as great heroes. Similarly, LotR inspires us to look at our own lives as part of the larger story of God's creation, and hope that we will be remembered as virtuous and heroic. Like Boromir, we can try to make it an ending worthy of a song.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A thought-provoking look at the virtues within Tolkien's LoTR books (the title really spells it out for you). While not everything outlined was groundbreaking, there were a few things that despite multiple readings and much analysis of the text, I had never really thought about (where does Gandalf actually live? Is he just a constant wanderer and couch crasher?), and it is a worthwhile read for those tidbits alone. I would recommend reading the Tolkien books before reading this, but it is certainly an introductory and accessible text which does not require an advanced degree to understand or appreciate.

[Laurel Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much of what Smith has to say was obvious to me but well stated, and it is always good to find people who agree with me.

[SheriC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this an interesting addition to the Tolkien (critiques? reviews? literary examinations?) I've read. Certainly it sheds some light on what might have been the author's intent, writing from the foundation of his catholic faith.

Mostly, I enjoyed revisiting the themes, morals, and characters that make up the LotR series that I fell in love with as a child and have carried with me through my adult life.

Audiobook, from the Audible Plus catalog, with an outstanding narration from Simon Vance.

[Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best kind of Tolkien analysis that I think there can be. There's no attempt to allegorize Tolkien (allegory being something Tolkien was expressly not fond of). There's no attempt to try and use life in Middle-Earth to prove some already established point. Mark Eddy Smith rather draws out what Tolkien called "applicability", seemingly plucking the fruit with which Tolkien's work is already heavy laden. I might have a few quibbles with a few faults that the author connected to a couple characters, but those quibbles are so minor that they aren't worth pointing out. If you love Lord of the Rings, then you'll really enjoy this walk through various virtues and how the author points where various characters in Middle-Earth embody those virtues as they struggle, fall, find help unexpected, grow, and lay before us hopes for our own lives when we have a task laid on us. [My closing caveat would be this: to get the most out of this book, it's probably important to have read through the trilogy a few times and be familiar with its characters and the flow of the narrative.]

[Moriah Leech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not as good as "Walking with Frodo" or "Walking with Bilbo", but very very good! This is geared to fans of the books, and doesn't really include anything about the movies, which is actually a very good thing for fans of the books. Particularly "older" fans. (People who read and loved the books before the movies came out.) If you love the books, you will enjoy this one as well.

[Darryl Friesen · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Love is the ultimate source of healing, and the reason we need to be healed is so that we can learn to love better.”

I used this book as a daily devotional for the month of July, which is convenient because it has 30 chapters, discussing 30 different virtues from the story and characters of LOTR that can be explored and meditated on.

Very thoughtfully and lovingly written. Smith’s interaction with the novel evidences clearly how his own life and faith have been impacted by Tolkien’s work, and is thus a highly invitational and moving reflection, compelling the reader to pursue the same!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this little book was somewhat akin to having a book club discussion on the Lord of the Rings with Christian friends. Although each brief chapter focuses on a particular virtue, the book's organization is chronological according to the trilogy. Thus, it can also serve as a reminder of the story's outline and where certain details fit.

Like a book club, the discussion here is more organic than comprehensive. Smith shares insights he has had from multiple readings of the books, but the contents are by no means an exhaustive catalog of virtues in Tolkien's works. (How could that even be done, of course?) Some of those insights will strike a particular reader as patently obvious, but others will undoubtedly enlighten mind and life.

I would not call this a must-read companion to Tolkien, but it is thoughtful enough to be worthwhile if one happens to pick it up. And if nothing else, it is likely to inspire the urge to re-read the masterful tales of Middle Earth, which is a very good thing indeed.

[Kathleen Kline · Rating 3 out of 5]

After listening to the audio book, I am actually considering re-reading the Lord of the Rings. However, if I do, I'm sure it won't be for a long time.

[Nathan Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a classic example of a secondary work whose whole reason for being depends on the primary existence and popularity of an existing work, namely the Lord of the Rings.  The author has clearly read the Lord of the Rings multiple times and views it as a worthwhile book in ethical instruction, and this book has the added benefit of being far shorter than the book it happens to be about, making this a comparatively easy book to read for those who are interested in the Lord of the Rings and also have an interest in defending and (hopefully) exhibiting some of the virtues described in the volume and portrayed by various characters in the Lord of the Rings.  The fact that Tolkien was such an openly Christian writer who was interested in exploring the implications of his faith on his fantasy world makes it particularly obvious that this book would be dealing with virtues that were intentionally rather than accidentally being presented in the work.  A reader who wants to see the virtues exhibited by the characters within Lord of the Rings can be sure that this book presents what Tolkien put into his books.

This book is a short one at less than 150 pages but has 30 chapters and is divided into six parts based on the six parts of the Lord of the Rings.  After acknowledgements and an introduction, this book begins with a discussion of five virtues that can be found in the first part of the Fellowship of the Ring (I), namely the simplicity of hobbits (1), the generosity of Bilbo (2), the friendship of Merry, Pippin, Frodo, and Sam (3), the hospitality shown to the hobbits as they begin their quest (4), and the faith shown by Frodo (5).  After that there are six virtues demonstrated in the second half of Fellowship of the ring (II), namely perspective (6), community (7), sacrifice (8), wonder (9), temptation (10), and failure (11), the last two of which are somewhat surprising to think about in the context of virtue.  The third part of the book then looks at the virtues of atonement (12), suffering (13), resurrection (14), humility (15), and providence (16) that can be found in the first half of The Two Towers (III).  After that comes a discussion of the virtues of  trust (17), trustworthiness (18), wisdom (19), hope (20), and imagination (21) that can be seen in the second half of the Two Towers (IV).  The virtuous views of submission (22), stewardship (23), courage (24), mirth (25), and foolishness (26) are discussed for the first half of The Return Of The King (V).  Finally, the book ends with a discussion of perseverance (27), celebration (28), justice (29), and love (30) are explored for the second half of The Return Of The King (VI), after which there is a conclusion and bibliography.

Is this book an enjoyable one?  That depends.  Potential readers would do best to consider whether they have already read Lord of the Rings and appreciate Tolkien's Christian worldview.  If they have an interest in exploring some of the elements of Tolkien's work and have an interest in virtue, this book is one that will likely be appreciated.  It is a short book that for some readers (especially those who are knowledgeable about the Lord of the Rings already) will be quick to read and will also provide some thoughtful material on virtue as it is presented in Tolkien's writings.  Virtue is one of those subjects it is far easier to read about (and read about) than it is to practice, and that is something that has to be admitted when one praises works on virtue as this one is.  Still, it is unlikely that people will be virtuous unless they see some sort of examples of virtue in their reading whose behaviors they can model their own after, and so books like this are practical to the extent in which they encourage others to practice the virtues contained in this book. Hopefully that is the case here.

[E.F. Buckles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started following an account called "Tea with Tolkien" a couple months ago and she recommended this book as a good read for people who, like herself (and myself) share Tolkien's Christian beliefs. Much to my delight, my library had it on audio, so I decided to read it during my Tolkien reading month of September.

Now, I will admit that this wasn't an earth-shaking read for me *personally*. I've been a fan of Tolkien and LOTR for almost 10 years now, so pretty much all of the conclusions the author draws are things I've already thought of myself. However, it is nice to be reminded of these spiritual truths that LOTR represents and which cause me to love it, and return to it to be uplifted by it again and again. And for someone new to a love of LOTR, or someone who wonders, "why do people love it so much and act like it changed their lives," well, this book will definitely answer that for you!

All of that is to say that I think this book is very well written and thought through. I completely agree with the author on all the spiritual themes he spots in LOTR. These very themes are the ones that touch me so deeply and uplift me year after year, reminding me of the transformative power of my faith that I've held long before discovering these books. Honestly, there are times that I feel God used Tolkien pen, knowing that these words, these characters, these themes, would touch so many lives all over the world, for decades to come, in a way that ultimately points to Him, albeit, indirectly.

So, whether you want to be reminded of the themes you love and were already aware were present in LOTR, or you're wanting to much dig deeper into a story you enjoy, or even if you've never read LOTR and always wondered "what's the fuss all about", this book is for you.

Content advisory:
Squeaky clean. The only thing I thought parents or guardians might wish to be aware of is that the author, while discussing human weaknesses, mentions that he smokes, but he fully acknowledges it as a problem and looks to God to help him with all of his flaws.

[Arthur · Rating 2 out of 5]

A three hour unabridged audiobook.

Note: I wasn't very interested in the premise of this book to begin with. So that should be considered when reading this review.

So the author looked at the religious themes of LOTR, the undercurrents. Perhaps one can even say the subliminal messaging. It came across to me as a thesis paper being read aloud.

Some of the examples were basic, who doesn't think of Gandalf as seemingly dying, descending into the depths of the earth (hell) for a time, and then resurrecting as being akin to Jesus Christ? Others were more complex. But I suppose my thought is that if you take a long enough book you can find plenty of different ways to interpret its events. And that obviously even the authors will sometimes say you're looking for messages that weren't intentionally placed there.

The only reason I gave this an "okay" rating was because it gave me a more in depth understanding of the contributions of Merry and Pippin to the fellowship. I had previously thought their moment of shining were at the end of the third book, in the Shire. But now I see they were instrumental to the fall of Isengard, and with major events around Eowyn, and Faramir.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great analysis! It just makes me also very aware that it's been way too long ago that I last read the Lord of the Rings, plus that I probably read it when my English was not actually good enough to fully understand it.

I should read the Lord of the Rings again soon!

[Neil R. Coulter · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my students read and loved this book, so I wanted to check it out, too. For me, it was fine. I think it is a good book for someone who is beginning to think deeply about The Lord of the Rings after a second or third re-read. Mark Eddy Smith traces character developments and actions through a series of thirty brief devotional meditations on virtues that (more or less) follow the order of the story (one “part” of the book for each of the six books in LOTR). These are the virtues:

—Simplicity
—Generosity
—Friendship
—Hospitality
—Faith
—Perspective
—Community
—Sacrifice
—Wonder
—Temptation
—Failure
—Atonement
—Suffering
—Resurrection
—Humility
—Providence
—Trust
—Trustworthiness
—Wisdom
—Hope
—Imagination
—Submission
—Stewardship
—Courage
—Mirth
—Foolishness
—Perseverance
—Celebration
—Justice
—Love

If you’re familiar with LOTR, you can probably imagine some of the moments that Smith references for most of those virtues. This is less a book that teaches me something new about Tolkien, and more like a conversation with a friend who shares my obsession with Tolkien. So it’s fun, but not essential for a Tolkien bookshelf.

I listened to the audio version (which is also how my student primarily engaged with it), and I don’t think that’s the best way to read this one. It would be better as a guide for daily meditation, taking one short chapter each day. As I listened to it, one chapter started blending in with the next, and I sometimes zoned out because it all started sounding the same. Simon Vance, one of my favorite audiobook narrators, reads this one, but it’s a little odd to hear him this time, because I’m used to hearing him tackle much weightier material (he’s excellent with Man’s Search for Meaning and Dune, for example). But I was grateful that it’s free on Hoopla, where you too can try it out if you’d like to ponder what LOTR says about virtues we should all value and pursue.

[Arne Teigland]

Oh, what a book! Anyone who loves Tolkien's work should read (or listen, as I did) to this one. I'm strongly tempted to put aside other reading to do "Hobbit" and "Rings" again with reference back to this title now and then.

[Alex Fulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

SOO GOOD! Must read, Tolkien lovers 💕

[Silmaril Chick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written and thoughtful take on Tolkien’s works.

[Ada Tarcau · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a beautiful, wholesome read. I was transported back into the beloved world of Tolkien. It was as if I was talking with an ardent lover of Lord of the Rings about places and deeds and gems that overwhelmed us, that brought tears into our eyes, that we delighted in while reading this exquisite treasured story.
I really liked that the author chose to structure the exploration of virtues maintaining the chronology of the trilogy, it really flows so smooth, it's a great way to revisit the story.
If anything, this book gives you an irresistible urge to reread the books and actually to cover all the stories of Middle-earth as soon as possible.


Simplicity
Generosity
Friendship
Hospitality
Faith
Perspective
Community
Sacrifice
Wonder
Temptation
Failure
Atonement
Suffering
Resurrection
Humility
Providence
Trust
Trustworthiness
Wisdom
Hope
Imagination
Submission
Stewardship
Courage
Mirth
Foolishness
Perseverance
Celebration
Justice
Love

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a couple of other books about Tolkien from a faith perspective, but didn't care for them all that much. The austere Catholicism that imbues his work almost imperceptibly was not well-served by the others' overt evangelical Protestantism, although I certainly have no objection to the latter as a thing in itself.

This book is insightful and strikes just the right note, in my view. Eddy devotes different chapters to spiritual virtues such as generosity and sacrifice, introducing the occasional biblical quotation alongside a discussion of how various characters put them into action. The parallels are gently drawn out from within the story itself; they do not feel imposed by the author's agenda.

The book is short, the audiobook about three hours. That it merited a very elegant reading by Simon Vance demonstrates its quality. I am listening to it for a second time.

[Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Smith shows how the actions of Tolkien's characters exhibit common virtues that we all should strive to develop. Some of these virtues I had found myself, others add more meaning to the Tolkien's masterpiece.

I have long struggled to articulate why I despise Peter Jackson's movies. This book has given me the means to do so. Like Mark Smith when I was young I recognized something of the Bible in Tolkien's work--especially after I read the Silmarillion. These books have become a part of me and have great meaning for me. Peter Jackson's changes to the story strip The Lord of the Rings of that meaning until all that is left is a hollow Dungeons-and-Dragonsesque caricature of the original.

[Regitze Xenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

2018: I would probably have given this easy guide to the many theme's in LotR 5 stars if not for the many religious comparisons.

2021:
It's been 3 years since I read this book and I don't remember it very well, so I might be misremembering what I thought back then.

But I do think my review is badly worded. What I really felt was lacking was an awareness of the author's own biases when he was analysing the book.

I agree with you that it is not something to ignore or dismiss, I have no intention to. But I have definitely also read better analyses of the religious and spiritual elements in LotR than this one.

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short little book pointing out some of the themes that lie embedded in the story but are too easily missed or not thought upon distinctly. When my children first read the series I'll certainly use this little book to aid good conversation about it.

It could have said a good bit more, all the same. Perhaps the book I got recently, 'The Philosophy of Tolkien', will build on what Eddy has said.

Liked it.

[Lizzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not religious so I didn't pay much attention to the religious and biblical references, I just enjoyed the discussions about the characters in Lord of the Rings and their flaws and virtues and relationship to each other. The book is laid out nicely, making its way through each part of LotR chronologically, discussing themes such as courage, forgiveness, humility, friendship, love, joy/mirth. It made me want to reread LotR again already!

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a Christian, but I found this a really interesting insight into how Tolkein is received by Christians. It was a really interesting in-depth study into some of the Biblical features of the texts, especially the idea of the many 'Christ-like' figures in the Fellowship. I would recommend for Tolkein fans and scholars.

[Aaron W. Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book is a gem! Loved every page.

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It is through suffering that we learn who we really are."

Tolkien's Ordinary Virtues by Mark Eddy Smith

Like every book I've ever read that expored and searched the meanings inside The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, this inspired novel left me more in love with my beloved "nonfiction" books and more awed and with a deeper love and adoration for my beautiful Hobbits and others within these pages.

It also made me homesick for the Shire and lonely for the companion ship of four of the most loyal, funny, lovely souls I have ever met within any book I have ever read.
I loved this deeper look and comparison to Christianity that Mark took with LOTR.

I especially loved this quote. It perfectly sums up LOTR.

"Hope is not a feeling it is a choice, and even in the midst of despair, we can choose to carry on. There is no greater hope than that."

Tolkien's Ordinary Virtues by Mark Eddy Smith

I will definitely recommend this book to any and all who love Tolkien.

[Adam Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome little book on the spiritual correlations between the LoRT and the Christian life. Tolkien was immensely deep, and this books explores a little of that depth.

My four big takeaways:

1. Gandalf, while immensely powerful, always refers to others with respect- as friends. (Even his horse.)

2. The part on courage was great- courage as all of the other virtues pushed to the stress point

3. The comparison between Sam and Gollum- they are very different, yet also very similar. Both have a devotion to Frodo, both struggle with inner voices of discouragement. Their difference comes in their responses to those voices. 🤯

4. Some books have a character that represents Christ. In LoTR, there are many. From Gandalf, in his power, to Aragorn as king, to Sam as friend, to Frodo in destroying evil. All of us are, in the manner that God has for us, to represent Christ. No one is insignificant. We all have a part to play and a purpose in the kingdom of God.

[Drew Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and simple.

I’ve spent decades enjoying the Lord of the Rings, yet even so I was met with new beauty by Smith’s reflections. My wonder and appreciation of Tolkien’s works grew by reading and reflecting on the virtues outlined. Yet even more importantly, my love for Christ and my desire to walk in step with Him using these beloved characters as examples grew.

[Aimee Potts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not Catholic, not everything aligned with my beliefs, but this was a thought provoking book. It was also enjoyable to read. The author has a very solid understanding of Tolkien lore as well as the scriptures. I now see some things about the Lord of the Rings, etc., differently than before. I want to take the time to read each chapter and think about it, to find ways to apply what I learn to my life, if I can.

[Donald Owens II · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friendly, thoughtful, and just long enough.