Why LOTR Is a Christmas Book…And What Makes Fiction Timeless
Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, and all the books I read in December seem extra special. A few days ago, I found myself turning for the hundredth time to J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, because when looking for special fiction, what better novel to turn to than the Father of Modern Fantasy’s masterpiece?
But wait! Doesn’t LOTR usually fall under the action and adventure genre? After all, The Return of the King is rarely seen side by side with Hallmark favorites on the TV. Yet I believe that Christmas is more than colored lights, decorated trees, and carefully wrapped presents. The holiday spirit can be seen in so much more than mistletoe and Jingle Bells. So please indulge me in this, and maybe even agree that with the right perspective, LOTR can most certainly be classified as a Christmas novel.
What Christmas is complete without gifts? Galadriel, Lady of Lorien, bestowed gifts to each member of the fellowship that they would need in the adventures ahead of them. To Frodo, she gave light from the star of Eärendil to be hope in dark places. To Sam, she gave rope to be a lifeline in times of need. In the world of the big folk (that’s us, at least to the Hobbits), the greatest gift of Christmas is Jesus, who is the Light of the World. Just as Frodo and Sam had to destroy the ring to prevent Middle Earth from being plunged into a second darkness, Jesus came to save us from the second death (see Revelation 2:11).
Christmas is a season of love and cheer…as is every day for the Hobbits in the Shire. They help remind me that great contentment is often found in the smallest comforts of life – food, family, and friends (in that order, of course).
Christmas is also a time to reflect on the passing year. Sometimes this reflection brings joy, like when Bilbo finally rests in peace at Rivendell and enjoys a life well-lived. Other times, reflection brings uncertainty and concern, such as Gandalf when he realized (almost too late) the danger of leaving the ring unguarded in Frodo’s unsuspecting care. But with reflection also comes the opportunity for unlikely courage and the resolve to tread the road before me, even when I cannot see where it leads.
Reading The Lord of the Rings at Christmas and delighting in the many wonderful parallels also brings to mind what essential literary qualities are needed to make fiction timeless. Writing styles change, words morph in their definitions, and 70 years is a long shelf-life for almost anything, let alone a best-selling novel. But deeds of valor and stories of courage are not easily forgotten, even as memories fade and heroes fade into the shadows. And LOTR certainly has those in abundance.
Each character is crafted with intentionality for the role they play; betrayal, disagreements, and foolish choices mingle with love, sacrifice, and a relentless commitment to protect each other in the face of grave danger. Laughter and tears. The cold despair of winter and the gentle joy of spring. I could go on, but with Christmas just around the corner and LOTR being a perfect Christmas novel after all, I think you should read (or reread) the book for yourself. Merry Christmas, everyone!
Do you have a favorite Christmas book? I would love to hear from you! You can email me at familyfictionsubmissions@gmail.com.
