The Lord of the Rings: Intersectionality between Theology and Ecocriticism in Middle-Earth

Abstract

This paper explores the intersection of theology and ecocriticism in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, examining how the narrative frames the relationship between the divine, humanity, and the natural world. Nature in Middle-Earth is not merely a backdrop but a central, animate force intertwined with the moral and spiritual fabric of its cultures. Drawing from Christian philosophy, particularly the concept of stewardship, this study analyzes Tolkien’s portrayal of harmonious coexistence between humans and non-human entities—trees, animals, and landscapes imbued with spirit and agency. It contrasts these depictions with the destructive exploitation exemplified by Saruman, whose mechanistic worldview severs his sacred bond with nature, leading to environmental and spiritual decay. Engaging with ecocritical theory, particularly the works of Timothy Morton and Chris Brawley, this paper argues that Tolkien’s mythos offers a model of ecocentric stewardship grounded in reverence and humility. Through fantasy’s subversive lens, The Lord of the Rings challenges anthropocentric worldviews, inviting readers to reconsider their relationship with the environment as one of kinship rather than dominion.