Today, Explained

What the right gets wrong about Tolkien

74 snips
Sep 12, 2025
Constance Grady, a Senior correspondent at Vox, and David French, a New York Times columnist, dive into the cultural appropriation of J.R.R. Tolkien's work by far-right groups. They discuss how Tolkien's depictions of good and evil have been misinterpreted in today's politics. The conversation highlights the moral complexities within Tolkien's narratives, contrasting them with modern ideologies. They also explore the themes of power, the critique of corrupt means, and the true essence of Tolkien's message about compassion and beauty.
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INSIGHT

Post‑9/11 Resonance

  • The Lord of the Rings resonated after 9/11 because it framed a clear battle of good versus evil that matched national sentiment.
  • Audiences and critics read the films as timely war stories reflecting the war-on-terror mindset.
INSIGHT

Tolkien's Anti‑War Thread

  • Earlier readings emphasized Tolkien as an anti‑war author exploring the trauma and cost of conflict.
  • The ring often read as a metaphor for atomic power and the corruption inherent in using absolute weapons.
INSIGHT

Right's Tolkien Appropriation

  • Prominent figures on the new right cite Tolkien and name companies after his elements, showing cultural influence.
  • David French argues they misread Tolkien by embracing domination rather than rejecting the will to power.
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