Christopher Snyder, a professor of European history and medieval scholar, dives into the rich tapestry of virtue ethics as presented in J.R.R. Tolkien's works. He reveals how characters in 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings' embody crucial moral lessons—highlighting courage, the value of fellowship, and the simple joys of life. Snyder explores the transformation of reluctant heroes like Bilbo Baggins and contrasts the strength of hobbits' perseverance with traditional warrior valor, illustrating how these timeless themes resonate in today's world.
Tolkien's novels illustrate the virtues of courage, persistence, fellowship, and chivalry.
Merrymaking and camaraderie are considered virtues, promoting support and well-being.
Tolkien challenges traditional heroic ideals by emphasizing the value of mercy and portraying courage in ordinary individuals.
Deep dives
Texas Peat: The Bold and Balanced Sauce for Flavorful Meals
Texas Peat sauces offer a variety of bold and balanced flavors, including the original hot sauce and the hotter sauce, three times hotter than the original. Sabord by Texas Peat adds an authentic Mexican flavor, and they also offer a dust-dry seasoning that perfectly complements the original hot sauce. People enjoy using Texas Peat to add a little extra kick to their meals, whether it's on morning eggs or a hamburger. The quality and versatility of Texas Peat sauces make them a staple in many households.
Exploring Virtue Ethics Through J.R.R. Tolkien's Works
Virtue Ethics is a framework for developing character and making moral decisions. Christopher Snyder, a professor of European history and medieval scholar, explores the ideals of Virtue Ethics in J.R.R. Tolkien's novels, particularly The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Through vividly embodied characters in Middle-earth, Tolkien illustrates the virtues of courage, persistence, fellowship, and shulver. Snyder delves into how these works provide real lessons on the capacity of ordinary people to act heroically and navigate moral dilemmas. He draws connections between Virtue Ethics in Tolkien's writings and ancient philosophical traditions.
The Importance of Merrymaking and Enjoying Life
In Tolkien's writings, merrymaking, enjoying good food, and having a sense of humor are considered virtues. Tolkien himself expressed a fondness for the simple pleasures of life, like gardens and unmechanized farmlands. The act of singing, laughing, and dancing is seen as not only enjoyable but also beneficial for one's physical and emotional well-being. The fellowship and camaraderie that accompany shared meals and laughter are highly valued, allowing individuals to support and encourage one another.
Mercy as a Virtue in Tolkien's Works
Tolkien's notion of mercy challenges traditional heroic ideals. In The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, acts of mercy play a crucial role. Bilbo's decision not to kill Gollum and Frodo's repeated acts of mercy towards him showcase the importance of empathy and compassion. Tolkien's exploration of mercy emphasizes the value of restraint, empathy, and forgiveness, offering an alternative to the traditional concept of strength and power in heroism.
The Virtue of Courage in Tolkien's World
In Tolkien's works, courage is depicted as a virtue that is not limited to traditional heroes. Characters like Bilbo, Frodo, and Sam display courage despite their lack of training or physical strength. Tolkien portrays the courage of ordinary people facing daunting challenges. From crawling towards a dragon's lair to rescuing a friend amid battles and dangers, acts of courage in Tolkien's world highlight the capacity for bravery in unexpected individuals. This portrayal challenges conventional notions of heroism and presents courage as an essential virtue in the face of adversity.
Virtue ethics is an approach to life, a framework for developing character and making moral decisions. To learn about virtue ethics, you could read a philosophical treatise by Aristotle. Or, you could read a fictional novel by J.R.R Tolkien. As my guest, Christopher Snyder, observes, the ideals of virtue ethics are well illustrated in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, being vividly embodied in the characters of Middle-earth.
Chris is a professor of European history, a medieval scholar, and the author of Hobbit Virtues: Rediscovering J.R.R. Tolkien's Ethics from The Lord of the Rings. Today on the show, he shares the way Tolkien's fantasy stories provide real lessons in the capacity of ordinary people to act heroically. We discuss the courage of persistence, the importance of fellowship and how it differs from friendship, the role of merrymaking in the good life, and the value of chivalry.
