Hobbit Virtues: Rediscovering J. R. R. Tolkien's Ethics from The Lord of the Rings

by Christopher A. Snyder

A response to our fractured political discourse, Hobbit Virtues speaks to the importance of “virtue ethics” by examining the fiction of J. R. R. Tolkien—with particular attention to his hobbits.Tolkien’s works resonate with so many readers in part because Bilbo, Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin demonstrate Classical, Judeo-Christian, Medieval, and even Hindu and Confucian virtues. Tolkien ennobles the small, the humble, and the marginalized in his Middle-earth writings and presents leaders who are hesitant to exercise power, are courteous, and value wisdom and learning. Each chapter in Hobbit Virtues consists of a wide-ranging discussion of a single virtue, exemplified by a character in Middle-earth, explaining its philosophical or theological roots and how the virtue is still relevant in a modern democracy. It will also include appendices where readers can find passages in Tolkien’s and Lewis’s works that discuss virtue ethics, and a glossary of virtues from ancient to modern, East to West. Tolkien’s readers come from many different religious and secular backgrounds and the pleasure and profundity of Hobbit Virtues is that mutual respect for public virtues is, especially now, necessary for a well-functioning pluralistic society.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Personal Development, Theology

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 4, 2020

Reviews

[Hope Garmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This year spontaneously became the year of Tolkien. After finishing the Silmarillion and the biography by Humphrey Carpenter I had planned to read On the Shoulders of Hobbits by Louis Markos. I saw Hobbit Virtues at my library and decided to grab it instead, and so glad I did.

First, this is not a Christian theology book. I'm only saying that so someone didn't go into it expecting something it isn't. Snyder takes from multiple theologies and people groups and uses excerpts from countless religious and philosophical doctrine in order to support the importance of the virtues he writes about. That being said, it's rare to see someone juggle so many different religious teachings with equal deference. Especially when it came to Biblical Scripture and tenants, his respect and straightforward explanations of Christian theology was greater even than many who stand in the pulpit. Considering the importance of Tolkien's faith in regards to his writings I appreciated the care Snyder took.

In our society it's easy to focus on the current trends of self and social betterment, concentrating on very specific causes, movements, or charitable outreaches that help us feel as if we're doing "our part". Not that's there's anything necessarily wrong with that, but we have the tendency to get bored and look for the next "new thing". Instead Snyder focuses on virtues that have been discussed and exalted since the beginning of time. Virtues that, if we allow and dedicate ourselves to, will permeate through every facet of our life. This is a book I would recommend reading slowly, and preferably with a friend to discuss after.

[Bethany Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely excellent philosophical analysis of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, and a challenge to the reader of both the stories and this book to bring the traditional and needed virtues of society and of these beloved stories into our lives and our modern world. This is the kind of book that I wanted to dive into in my college philosophy class! I highly recommend this to all, especially those who also adore the beloved creatures we know as Hobbits.

[Stephen Bedard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not so much an investigation of the virtues presented in the Hobbit and LOTR but rather using Tolkien to illustrate the classic virtues. A great read for anyone interested in either Tolkien or ethics.

[Tleary · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of this book is very good, but the author defines virtue in such a broad way, including such “virtues” as fellowship, good food, and long country walks, that the effect is meandering and repetitive. The best part of it is probably the appendices in the back, which I have used as a reference quite a bit.

[Jamie Reeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good book. Adds some interesting stuff to the LOTR series.

[Zak Schmoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent read. Many people have talked about the virtues on display in Tolkien's work, but I found this book particularly comprehensive. Snyder argues that Tolkien can be used as a guide to rediscover the language of virtue ethics, so he might take a traditional virtue such as courage and trace it through Eastern and Western culture before showing how it applies in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

[Glynda the Good Witch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hobbit Virtues provides a crash-course in philosophy and theology through the lens of some of film and literature's most beloved and relatable heroes. It's a rewarding read for anyone looking for a model of life that values laughter, drinking, eating, and stories, held in conjunction with (instead of opposition to) loftier, sober virtues like mercy and courage. The author presents a call to action to invest in ancient ethics to work towards unity and goodness in a polarized modern world.

[Jonathon Henry Rusche · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very helpful and insightful, though not infallible. I think overall it highlights what the Professor would value in his heroes, but I do think there were many moments of repetition. Still, if you're a fan of the Legendarium and desire to grow in knowledge and virtue using our favorite hobbits, this is a great book to read

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book, a lot of philosophy and sometimes it's weird to have comparaison with such event as the 911 attack. A good book for someone who do not get enough hobbit material in his life

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big fan of Tolkien, big fan of virtue ethics. I dug this book. Makes me wanna re-read The Hobbit and LOTR.

[Sarah Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

if I were to write a book, I’d write this one