num_pages: 240
description: While the success of J. R. R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings is remarkable, it's certainly no mystery. In a culture where truth is relative and morality is viewed as "old-fashioned," we eagerly welcome the message of these tales: we have free will, our choices matter, and truth can be known. Matthew Dickerson investigates the importance of free will and moral choices in Tolkien's Middle Earth, where moral victory, rather than military success, is the "real" story. He explores Christian themes throughout, including salvation, grace, and judgment. Following Gandalf will delight veteran Tolkien fans and offer new fans an impressive introduction to his major works. Engaging and theologically thought-provoking, it will interest pastors, students, seminarians, and layreaders.
language: English
title: Following Gandalf: Epic Battles and Moral Victory in The Lord of the Rings
titlecomplete: Following Gandalf: Epic Battles and Moral Victory in The Lord of the Rings
genres: Christian, Literary Criticism, Spirituality, Philosophy, Religion, Nonfiction, Mythology, Christianity, Literature
ratings_count: 420
awards: awardedAt: 1104566400000
name: Mythopoeic Scholarship Award
category: Inklings Studies
publisher: Brazos Press