Themes of Tolkien's Work

[Rich H]

It isn't just about how characters/people behave, it's how the world 'behaves' through the themes outlined within this thread. That's what sets Tolkien and Middle-earth apart from (most) other fantasies; the world and land itself is a character, just as important as Aragorn, Gandalf, Frodo or any other character.

[Glorelendil]

It isn't just about how characters/people behave, it's how the world 'behaves' through the themes outlined within this thread. That's what sets Tolkien and Middle-earth apart from (most) other fantasies; the world and land itself is a character, just as important as Aragorn, Gandalf, Frodo or any other character.

Well said.

Tolkien's world has a delightful ability for seemingly unrelated events to eventually tie together. There is little "coincidence" in Middle-earth, yet remarkably improbable yet mundane events lead to momentous conclusions. The butterflies seem to know just how to flap their wings to deposit hurricanes where they are most needed, in the nick of time.