Whatcha Tolkien about?
J R R Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings is often interpreted as a mythic tale of good versus evil, but beneath its grand narrative lies an implicit reinforcement of colonial ideologies, social hierarchies, and the legitimacy of empire. While Tolkien was personally critical of modern colonialism, his work still reflects a worldview that aligns with traditional Western concepts of civilization, monarchy, and cultural superiority. Even though we recognise that Tolkien was a product of his time, we are amazed that he can imagine a whole other universe but cannot imagine governance of that world except through a King chosen by God. Here are some of the ways The Lord of the Rings upholds these colonial, Christian understandings of the world.
1) The "White Man’s Burden": The Elves as Civilizers of Middle-earth
From their city of “Lindon” (the fucker created a handful of languages but couldn’t find another city name?), the elves set out to educate the barbarians of Middle Earth. They do this, of course, out of their moral duty. For they are benevolent, caring, and kind, and they are here to teach them language, writing, lore, and even moral values. The elves, who were sculpted by the “Gods,” once came from across the sea from their perfect fabled lands to which they shall once again return (and maybe take a few back with them if they are good little collaborators like Frodo). I wonder if those ships headed to Valinor are laden with booty destined to go to the Royal Valanor Museum because of course these corruptible Men cannot be trusted with their valuables. As the Elves diminish, there is a deep sadness in the story, implying that without them, Middle Earth is losing its greatness. This reflects the colonial nostalgia of losing "high culture" as empires withdrew from their colonies.
2) The Good and Evil "Natives".
Tolkien’s world presents a stark contrast between those who embrace the rule of the Elves versus those who resist it. This dynamic reflects colonial narratives in which indigenous groups were either assimilated as "good natives" or demonized as "rebels." The "good" Men, like the Rohirrim and the Númenóreans, respect the Elves and work with them, while the bad Men, those who resist, are shown as being in league with Sauron. Tolkien’s description is so mind-numbingly shallow that the good Men are in the West of Middle-earth and are white knights reminiscent of Medieval Europe. The bad Men are obviously in the East and they, surprisingly, have dark skin. It would have been interesting to see the “Wild Men” depicted as indigenous people, trying to stay on their land, fighting for existence between two large empires, both fighting for complete domination of the continent. It also seems like a general Elf problem (since orcs are corrupted elves) that has been forced on to the Men, who were just minding their fucking business in Middle Earth. Maybe the elves can just fuck right off and leave us alone?
3) The Legitimacy of Kingship
Aragorn’s return to the throne is depicted as the only way to unite Men and save Middle Earth. It is no surprise to anyone that once we take a look at his heritage we find that he’s half Elf and half collaborator nobility. Gondor had decayed without a “righteous” King, and through divine mandate, can it be prosperous again. For someone as nuanced as Tolkien, who in vivid detail describes how power corrupts, to take such a position shows a real conviction in the concept of the monarchy and divine rights. He is a product of the empire, privileged and benefiting from its exploitation. That is not to say he does not see the negatives of colonialism, yet my view is that he focuses on how to alleviate the negative symptoms of empire and deeply believes in the moralistic backbone that holds the logic of this world together.
Don’t do that, and don’t be like Tolkien. Write us something that is really disruptive to the beliefs we take for granted in our modern world. Question the comfortable and make it weird!
[originally posted to Patreon on 7/3/25]
