Interview with Dr Holly Ordway

J.R.R. Tolkien, best known for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, was not just a fantasy writer but a deeply intellectual and devout Catholic whose worldview permeated his stories. In this insightful conversation with Dr. Holly Ordway, a leading Tolkien scholar and author of Tolkien’s Faith: A Spiritual Biography and Tolkien’s Modern Readings, we explore Tolkien’s literary influences, his nuanced relationship with allegory, his views on technology, and his place in Catholic thought. For the full interview please find it here:

Tolkien’s famous statement that The Lord of the Rings is a “fundamentally religious and Catholic work” was not a call for direct allegory, but rather an affirmation that Christian themes naturally shaped his writing. He despised forced allegorization, particularly attempts to map his works onto World War II, but his narratives are deeply imbued with ideas of providence, sacrifice, and redemption. His portrayal of mortality as the “gift of men” in Middle-earth, though seemingly at odds with traditional Christian doctrine, serves as a philosophical reflection on the meaning of death and eternal life.

Dr. Ordway also highlights how Tolkien’s love for medieval literature and philology informed his world-building, and how his readings of both ancient and modern texts contributed to his unique literary style. Contrary to the stereotype of Tolkien as a reactionary opposed to modernity, he was highly engaged with contemporary literature and even enjoyed science fiction. His perspective on technology was not one of outright rejection but of moral responsibility—questioning how industrialization and technological advances impact the natural world and human dignity.

Tolkien’s Catholic faith was central to his life, with the Eucharist holding a special place in his devotion. While he struggled with some aspects of Vatican II, particularly the transition from Latin to English in the Mass, he remained a faithful and obedient Catholic. His emphasis on obedience, reverence for tradition, and love for the sacraments reflect his deeply rooted spirituality, which subtly manifests in his writing—such as the Eucharistic symbolism of the Elven waybread, Lembas.

In discussing Tolkien’s legacy, Dr. Ordway also addresses misinterpretations of his work, particularly claims that his writings support far-right ideologies. She emphasizes that Tolkien rejected nationalism and racism, vocally opposed fascism and apartheid, and championed a deeply humane, moral vision rooted in Christian principles.

For those looking to begin their Tolkien journey, Dr. Ordway recommends starting with The Hobbit before moving on to The Lord of the Rings. For deeper insights into his philosophy and literary genius, she highlights Leaf by Niggle, a short but profound allegory on creativity and divine grace.

This conversation offers a fresh perspective on Tolkien—not just as a fantasy writer but as a thinker, a Christian, and a literary craftsman whose work continues to inspire and challenge readers today. Make sure to go check out the full interview with Dr Holly Ordway if you have the time.

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