Brief Overview of the Book
The Return of the King concludes the epic tale of The Lord of the Rings. It follows the final stages of the battle against Sauron and the destruction of the One Ring. Aragorn assumes his role as the rightful king of Gondor, leading the forces of good in a desperate stand against Sauron’s armies. Meanwhile, Frodo and Sam endure the grueling journey into Mordor, with Gollum as their unpredictable guide. At Mount Doom, Frodo is overcome by the ring’s power but is unwittingly saved when Gollum seizes the ring and falls into the fire, destroying it. The destruction of the ring leads to Sauron’s defeat.
The book concludes with Aragorn’s coronation, the scouring of the Shire, and Frodo’s departure to the Undying Lands, leaving Sam to carry on in the Shire. Themes of sacrifice, redemption, and restoration resonate strongly, making this finale rich in Catholic symbolism.
Catholic Symbolism in The Return of the King
- Aragorn as a Christ-like King
- Aragorn’s ascension to the throne symbolizes Christ as the King of Kings. His humility, wisdom, and willingness to serve reflect Christ’s example. His journey from a ranger to the rightful king mirrors the biblical theme of the “hidden” King who is revealed in glory (Philippians 2:9-11).
- Aragorn’s healing touch, particularly when he tends to the wounded in the Houses of Healing, reflects the Messianic prophecy: “The Son of Righteousness shall rise with healing in his wings” (Malachi 4:2). His title as the “King who Returns” is a parallel to Christ’s second coming.
- The Destruction of the Ring and the Defeat of Sin
- The One Ring’s destruction at Mount Doom symbolizes the ultimate defeat of sin and evil. Frodo, despite his noble intentions, succumbs to the ring’s power, showing humanity’s frailty and the impossibility of defeating sin without grace.
- Gollum’s accidental role in destroying the ring emphasizes God’s providence, demonstrating that even the most unlikely individuals and circumstances can serve a greater purpose.
- The Undying Lands and the Beatific Vision
- Frodo’s departure to the Undying Lands mirrors the Catholic concept of the beatific vision—the ultimate union with God in heaven. Frodo, having borne the physical and spiritual wounds of his journey, finds peace and healing, much like the soul entering eternal rest after its earthly trials (Revelation 21:4).
- Sam as the Ideal Christian Disciple
- Sam’s selfless devotion to Frodo mirrors the Christian call to serve others. His perseverance in carrying Frodo up Mount Doom, saying, “I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you,” reflects the Christian duty to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).
- Sam’s return to the Shire to live a fruitful life after the quest symbolizes the Christian vocation to live out faith in daily life after experiencing God’s grace.
- The Scouring of the Shire and the Reality of Evil
- The scouring of the Shire, where Frodo and his companions confront Saruman’s corrupting influence, serves as a reminder that evil exists even in familiar and seemingly safe places. This reflects the Catholic understanding that spiritual vigilance is necessary everywhere, as sin can creep into any aspect of life.
- Eucatastrophe: The Joyful Resolution
- Tolkien coined the term “eucatastrophe” to describe a sudden turn of events that brings great joy out of despair. The destruction of the ring, the defeat of Sauron, and the coronation of Aragorn embody this idea, paralleling the Resurrection of Christ—the ultimate eucatastrophe.
Parallels to Catholic Themes
- Sacrifice and Redemption
- Frodo’s willingness to sacrifice everything to destroy the ring mirrors Christ’s sacrifice for humanity. Though Frodo falters at the final moment, the ring is destroyed through Gollum’s actions, emphasizing that redemption is often achieved through grace rather than human effort alone.
- Hope in the Face of Despair
- The forces of Gondor and Rohan face overwhelming odds against Sauron’s armies, yet they press on in hope, trusting in a greater plan. This reflects the Catholic virtue of hope, even in the darkest times, trusting in God’s ultimate victory over evil (Romans 8:28).
- The Coronation of Aragorn and the Restoration of Order
- Aragorn’s coronation signifies the restoration of rightful order, akin to Christ’s reign as King. His role as a unifying figure for Gondor and Rohan reflects the Catholic understanding of Christ as the head of the Church, bringing peace and harmony.
- Mary as Queen of Heaven: Parallels in Éowyn and Arwen
- Éowyn, who defeats the Witch-king, represents the strength and dignity of those who place their trust in God, much like the Virgin Mary’s role in defeating evil (Genesis 3:15). Arwen, as Aragorn’s queen, reflects Mary’s role as the Queen of Heaven, offering grace and support to the faithful.
- The Journey Home and Sanctification
- The hobbits’ return to the Shire, marked by their transformed character and wisdom, reflects the Christian journey of sanctification. They bring back what they have learned to renew their home, just as Christians are called to bring their faith into the world.
Conclusion
The Return of the King masterfully weaves Catholic themes into its narrative, presenting a vision of hope, redemption, and divine providence. Through characters like Aragorn, Frodo, and Sam, Tolkien illustrates the call to faith, courage, and selflessness. The ultimate victory over Sauron reminds readers of Christ’s triumph over sin and death, while the journey to the Undying Lands offers a glimpse of eternal life.
Tolkien’s work is not just a story of adventure but a profound exploration of Catholic truths, resonating with believers and non-believers alike.