Environmentalism In J. R. Tolkien's The Lord Of The Rings
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J. R. R. Tolkien's works capture a myriad of themes that are thoroughly developed throughout his meta-narrative. I contend that one cannot simply ignore the environmentalist aspects of J R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. He despaired over the reckless upheaval and destruction of nature in pursuit of gain and did not care much for technology. Tolkien allegedly loved the beauty of nature. He frequently presents a very negative image of industry and technological advancement. He expressed this sentiment through Lord of the Rings especially, but also in the legendarium surrounding Middle Earth. Tolkien's appreciation of nature and the environment is expressed clearly through his carefully selected words when describing the frequent meadows,…show more content… The Ents are meant to be sheperds of the forest; they are responsible for keeping trees safe. Treebeard and the Ents were created by Ilúvatar at Yavanna’s urging as protectors for her trees,which she prized most of all in nature: “Among these I hold trees dear. Long in the growing, swift shallthey be in the felling, and unless they pay toll with fruit upon bough little mourned in their passing…Would that the trees might speak on behalf of all things that have roots, and punish those that wrongthem!” (SL, 45). Treebeard the Ent serves as their chieftain. The Ents are not evil, they become corrupted by the evil spreading throughout the land. . Saruman has been ravaging natural resources such as trees to create armor and weapons for his orcs. Even Treebeard's home, Fanghorn Forest, was mistreated by Saruman's orcs. The Ents are roused by the mistreatment of the trees and march upon Isengard to take on Saruman. They destroy Saruman's dam in the River Isen, subsequently putting out his forging fires. I find it imperative to take note that characters who love and respect trees and nature are on the side of good; those who destroy the trees of Middle Earth to fuel the fires of industry are on the side of…show more content… His destruction of Fangorn Forest shocks Treebeard and other Ents into action. The Elves of Lórien live amongst enormous, ancient trees. Through the continued reference of industry and war as synonymous, especially in relation to Saruman and the production of his Uruk-hai army, Tolkien presents a very negative image of industry and technological advancement "we will drive the industry of war". When looking into Galadriel's mirror Frodo witnesses a polluted world of industry and factories, adding to the negative view expressed towards industry and