Finding refuge in Middle-earth
Why we turn to Tolkien for comfort
Ever found yourself binge-watching The Lord of the Rings trilogy when you’re feeling stressed, lonely, or anxious? You're not alone. It turns out, Millennials are turning to J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic saga for comfort, and it's become a significant generational trend. Just scroll through Instagram, and you’ll see reels and memes galore celebrating this phenomenon.
Critics sometimes dismiss this indulgence in fantasy—especially if it’s The Lord of the Rings—as mere escapism. But think about it. Isn’t it a bit odd that a story about confronting evil and the horrors of war can be so comforting? Then again, maybe not.
Catholic author, Stratford Caldecott, offers this profound insight: good fantasy isn’t an escape from reality but an escape into reality. He explains, “It is the world of the everyday—boring, banal, dull, meaningless—that is the prison from which this kind of fantasy seeks to liberate us, not by distracting us from the real but by showing us the deeper patterns and meanings that lie concealed within it.”
It may seem paradoxical that so many find solace in grim tales, but if you delve into the Christian theology woven throughout Tolkien’s narrative, the paradox begins to make sense. Our world is undeniably awful at times, filled with violence, privation, loneliness, heartbreak, and confusion. We don’t need stories that deny this reality; we crave tales that offer comfort in the midst of it through depictions of fellowship, deep friendships, clear moral lines, and heroes who are genuinely good.
Good fantasy isn’t an escape FROM reality, it’s an escape INTO reality.
When I talk to people about The Lord of the Rings, it’s fascinating to see which characters strike a chord. Men often relate to Aragorn, the hidden king, or Faramir, whose nobility, wisdom, and strength are at times concealed by his humility. Women especially appreciate the male heroes who are classically masculine but feel safe. These men are strong and capable, but they will not hurt you.
We don’t yearn for these qualities in vain. All the virtues we admire in Tolkien’s fantasy characters are embodied in the very real person of Jesus Christ. He’s the true King who waited in the wilderness, His divine nature often concealed by His humility. He’s the Lion of Judah we can approach without fear because we are of His kingdom.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
It’s heartening that a generation finds solace in the “deeper patterns and meanings” of Christianity hidden within the fantasy world of Middle-earth. For me, diving into The Lord of the Rings was the first step on my path to the Cross as an adolescent. Hopefully for others, it’s also the beginning of a journey towards faith, hope, and redemption.
“A day may come …. But it is not this day!” Words needed when we face tough times.
". . . good fantasy isn’t an escape from reality but an escape into reality."
Completely agree. Think of how we're all so wrapped up in the daily hand-to-mouth struggles of our existence, yearning for magic and miracles--completely oblivious (well, except you) of the magic and miracles displayed in the night sky above us, which we a part of.