What is the underlying philosophy behind J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings?

J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts and minds of generations. It is a work of fantasy that is deeply rooted in philosophy and moral values, and reflects Tolkien's Catholic faith and his experiences of war and loss.

The underlying philosophy of Lord of the Rings is that good will always triumph over evil, and that there is a natural order to the world that must be preserved. The story is a reflection of the struggle between the forces of light and dark, and the importance of maintaining hope and courage in the face of adversity.

The concept of free will and the power of individual choice are also key themes in the book. Tolkien believed that every person has the ability to choose their own path, and that it is the choices that we make that ultimately define us.

The book also touches on the idea of the corrupting influence of power and the danger of greed, as seen in the character of Gollum and the Ring itself. The Ring represents the corrupting power of greed and the lust for power, and serves as a warning against the dangers of unchecked ambition.