The Lord of the Rings films

Frodo (sorrowfully): I wish the Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.

Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides the will of evil. Bilbo was meant to find the Ring, in which case you also were meant to have it. And that is an encouraging thought...

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The Lord of the Rings films are often cited as containing a great many Judeo/Christian symbols in the story they tell, and I wanted to explore them with others who are much more knowledgeable than myself.

I feel like the various races in the story are themselves representative of different aspects of Judeo/Christian mythology. For example, to me, the Hobbits represent human potential and hope

The most compelling parallel I've read about between LotR and Christianity is a post I read that compared Frodo, not to Christ, as I expected, but to Job. In general, however, I think I'm a little skeptical about direct parallels ... I think there are themes that connect LotR with Christian ideas, but I don't think the characters and/or races are meant to be representative of specific figures. I'm open to being convinced, however. :)

Originally Posted by Elen0Sila

The most compelling parallel I've read about between LotR and Christianity is a post I read that compared Frodo, not to Christ, as I expected, but to Job.

Yeah, because although the ring does indeed end-up getting destroyed, it is only by a twist of luck; Frodo (and even Sam) otherwise succumb to its powers.

Originally Posted by Elen0Sila

In general, however, I think I'm a little skeptical about direct parallels ... I think there are themes that connect LotR with Christian ideas, but I don't think the characters and/or races are meant to be representative of specific figures.

I