Buzz
The Lord of the Rings features an intricate mythology that first captivated audiences in the 1960s, long before Peter Jackson’s film adaptations introduced Middle-earth to a modern audience. This fantasy realm, with its deeply layered history and passionate fanbase, has inspired countless theories about Tolkien’s creation. Unsurprisingly, some of these theories are wildly imaginative.
10. Tom Bombadil’s True Identity: The Witch-King
Tom Bombadil is a cheerful character, yet his presence in the books often puzzles readers, while his absence from the movies frustrates many. Despite this, most agree that Bombadil is, at worst, amoral and certainly not malevolent. He rescues the hobbits from Old Man Willow, offers them shelter, and later saves them from the Barrow Wights. Throughout, he sings playful songs and roams the forest in a vibrant blue coat. Imagining him as anything other than a carefree pacifist seems far-fetched, yet one theory challenges this notion.
This theory posits that Tom Bombadil and the Witch-king of Angmar are the same entity. The argument begins with circumstantial evidence, noting they are never seen together and the timeline aligns. However, it gains traction with more compelling points. In the books, Bombadil briefly wears the ring without being affected and can see Frodo while he is invisible—traits the theorist claims align with the Witch-king’s potential interaction with the ring. Additionally, the council of Elrond’s reluctance to entrust the ring to Bombadil is cited, though their reasoning was that he would likely misplace it or disregard its significance.
The theory further suggests that Tom Bombadil, as the Witch-king, strategically placed the Barrow Wights and later removed them to aid the hobbits. However, it fails to adequately explain why the Witch-king would adopt such a benevolent and whimsical persona in his spare time.
9. The Ring Symbolizes Original Sin
Tolkien, a devout Catholic, often saw his work interpreted through a religious lens, despite his repeated insistence that his writings were not allegorical. Some Catholics argue that his faith subconsciously influenced his storytelling, or even claim—without evidence—that Tolkien admitted to crafting his work as a Catholic allegory. Among these interpretations, the ring is seen as a symbol of original sin, while Frodo is likened to a Christ-like figure. The theory also delves into the symbolism of Lembas bread, a special Elvish creation, suggesting it was intentionally designed by Tolkien to represent the Holy Eucharist.
These theories further propose that Sauron embodies a Satan-like figure in Middle-earth, with Iluvatar representing God. However, this comparison falters when considering Morgoth, Sauron’s superior, who would be a more fitting parallel to the devil in Tolkien’s universe—if such parallels were intended. While Tolkien’s Catholic faith undoubtedly influenced his worldview, he made no deliberate effort to align his mythology with specific religious doctrines or events.
8. Allegory for World War II
Tolkien consistently maintained that his works were not intended as specific allegories, leaving interpretations open to readers. Despite this, many have speculated about the inspirations behind his epic saga. While it’s well-known that Tolkien served in World War I, some argue that his series reflects that conflict, a claim he refuted. Interestingly, others believe his stories, written before much of World War II unfolded, serve as a direct allegory for that later war, even though Tolkien was no longer a young soldier at the time.
The most common comparison positions Hitler as Sauron and the Nazis as Orcs, with Saruman potentially representing Joseph Stalin—an untrustworthy ally. Ian McKellan once remarked that his own experiences in World War II bomb shelters made him wonder how such a traumatic event might have influenced Tolkien’s writing, even subconsciously.
The debate centers on whether this influence was intentional. Tolkien denied crafting deliberate allegories, but acknowledged that a writer’s experiences inevitably shape their work. While certain elements of the books may align with such theories, their validity depends on individual interpretation. Tolkien accepted that readers might see allegories in his work but objected to claims that he designed them intentionally.
7. The Eagles
A frequent critique of The Lord of the Rings films is the decision not to use the eagles to fly directly to Mordor, drop the ring, and swiftly end the quest. While this might seem like a simple solution, there are clear reasons why it wouldn’t work. For starters, it would undermine the narrative’s depth and tension. Additionally, the eagles are portrayed as autonomous beings in the books, deciding when and how to assist, making their cooperation uncertain. Moreover, Sauron’s ever-watchful eye and the presence of Nazgul on winged beasts would likely intercept any aerial approach, leaving the eagles vulnerable to Orc arrows and other threats.
A recent online theory offers a different perspective, suggesting Gandalf always planned to use the eagles but faced constant setbacks. The idea is that Gandalf aimed to reach the eagles via the least-monitored path before flying to Mordor. However, this logic falls apart, as the eagles could have simply flown to Gandalf’s group if they were willing to help. The theory also interprets Gandalf’s final words, “Fly, you fools,” as a hint to use the eagles, which seems far-fetched given the phrase’s common usage and the lack of communication between the group and the eagles.
6. Illuminati Conspiracy
Tolkien was deeply Catholic, and while he despised allegory, his faith’s influence is evident in his lore. Despite this, some theorists claim Tolkien was connected to the Illuminati, either as a willing participant or an unwitting pawn. The theorist presents “evidence” to support this claim, though it remains highly speculative.
The theorist argues that the Illuminati’s methods include programming individuals to serve their agenda, often using rings as symbols of control. In this context, the One Ring is interpreted as a tool of manipulation by shadowy forces. Additionally, the theorist points to Tolkien’s use of bloodlines, a concept supposedly significant to the Illuminati. However, this argument is weak, as bloodlines are a common theme in stories involving royalty and lineage.
5. Gandalf Is Iluvatar
In Tolkien’s lore, Eru Iluvatar is the supreme deity who created the universe and all within it. However, not all of his creations adhered to his divine laws. Among the first beings Iluvatar created were the Ainur, angelic entities. One of them, Melkor, turned to evil and became Morgoth, as detailed in The Silmarillion. Morgoth corrupted Sauron, who, like Gandalf and Saruman, was originally a Maia—a lesser divine being. This corruption led to widespread chaos and conflict.
After Morgoth’s defeat, Sauron continued to wreak havoc. Gandalf, a Maia sent to oppose Sauron, became a pivotal figure in Middle-earth, known for his wisdom and resilience. A fan theory points to Gandalf’s declaration of wielding the “flame of Anor” during his battle with the Balrog. The theorist interprets this as a reference to the Flame Imperishable, a divine essence exclusive to Iluvatar that grants true life. Since only Iluvatar possesses this flame, the theory suggests Gandalf is, in fact, Iluvatar in disguise.
While this idea may seem far-fetched, it aligns with the concept of a deity who prefers subtle influence over direct intervention. In Christian mythology, God often works through intermediaries rather than overt actions. Similarly, the theorist proposes that Iluvatar, witnessing the rise of Morgoth and Sauron, chose to manifest as Gandalf to guide events discreetly. This theory resonates with Gandalf’s role as a wise, guiding figure who appears at crucial moments and relies on persuasion rather than force.
4. Radagast’s Hidden Significance
Radagast the Brown’s appearance in the Hobbit films sparked mixed reactions among fans. While some were thrilled to see the wizard onscreen, others argued that his minimal presence in the books made an accurate portrayal impossible. Some viewers accepted his inclusion and additional scenes but criticized Peter Jackson’s interpretation of the character as overly absurd.
Some fans theorize that Radagast’s brief mentions in the books hint at a far greater role than most realize. Despite his limited appearances, Radagast is a being of the same order as Saruman and Gandalf, renowned for his shapeshifting abilities, affinity for nature, and communication with animals. The theorist highlights Gandalf’s remark about Radagast using animals as spies to gather intelligence across Middle-earth, suggesting he may have been instrumental in summoning the eagles during critical moments.
Additionally, while Radagast rarely ventured beyond his forest home near Mirkwood, the theorist notes a scene in The Two Towers where Aragorn and his companions spot a figure near Fangorn. They initially suspect it’s Saruman, but Aragorn dismisses this, noting the figure wore a hat instead of a hood. Gandalf later denies it was him, leaving the possibility that the mysterious figure was Radagast, observing events from the shadows.
3. The Witch-King’s Demise
A notable moment in The Return of the King involves Eowyn and Merry battling the Witch-king of Angmar. Merry wounds the Witch-king, and Eowyn delivers the final blow after he declares no man can kill him. She reveals she is no man, but a woman, fulfilling the prophecy. However, some argue that Merry’s strike was the decisive action that made Eowyn’s victory possible.
Some interpret the Witch-king’s prophecy—“No man can kill him”—as excluding the entire race of men, suggesting only a non-human could sever his ties to Middle-earth. Others highlight that Merry’s blade, crafted by the men of Westernesse, was specifically designed to combat such foes. While Merry struck the initial blow, the text clearly indicates Eowyn delivered the final, decisive strike. Given Tolkien’s meticulous attention to detail, if he intended a non-human to be essential, he would have explicitly stated so.
2. The Lord of the Rings and Witchcraft Allegations
A self-proclaimed former witch turned Christian claims The Lord of the Rings is a covert occult scheme to lead the world into Satan’s grasp. The theory alleges that Tolkien’s work served as a gateway to witchcraft, fueling a “spiritual revolution.” The theorist makes peculiar assertions, such as Tolkien writing exclusively at midnight and completing his book in 13 years—a number she associates with occult symbolism.
It appears this self-proclaimed former witch either lacks genuine experience in witchcraft or hasn’t read Tolkien’s works. She mentions practicing astrology, palmistry, and numerology—none of which appear in the novels. After criticizing Christian organizations for defending “occult” works like Harry Potter and LOTR, her argument spirals into absurdity. She claims The Lord of the Rings promotes witchcraft because it depicts a battle between good and evil, with good ultimately prevailing—a concept she associates with witchcraft teachings. Her reasoning concludes that the presence of these themes in LOTR inherently endorses witchcraft.
1. Dumbledore and Grindelwald as the Blue Wizards
In addition to Gandalf, Saruman, and Radagast, two unnamed blue wizards arrived in Middle-earth around the same time. Sent to aid in the fight against Sauron, the blue wizards ventured east and vanished from the lore. Their fate remains a mystery—whether they fulfilled their mission, perished, or pursued their own agenda against Iluvatar’s will. This ambiguity has sparked wild theories, the most bizarre being that the blue wizards are Dumbledore and Grindelwald from the Harry Potter universe.
The theory suggests that Nurmengard, the prison from the Harry Potter series associated with Grindelwald, combines the names Nuremberg and Isengard. It posits that Dumbledore and Grindelwald initially faced immense temptation to act “for the greater good,” leading them down a dark path contrary to Iluvatar and the Valar’s intentions. After defeating Grindelwald and preparing the world for threats like Voldemort, Dumbledore achieved closure, explaining his readiness to face death and his absence in any posthumous returns.
