Tolkien's Ordinary Virtues

“As I get older and learn more of what sort of person I am, and continue sojourning to the rich soil of the Shire and the high tower of Minas Tirith, I discover that many of my notions of what is good and right and noble in this world have their source in that one.”—from the author

The Lord of the Rings offers us essential lessons in living. Here we discover ordinary virtues like generosity, pity, hospitality and rest. We meet extraordinary people like Bilbo, Gandolf, Tom Bombadil and Glorfindel. We learn about the roots of destruction in pride and betrayal. And we find the ingredients for success, such as community and sacrifice.

Each of us, even the most simple, is called to a journey. We may be asked to leave behind everything we have grown dependent on. And when this is the case, the tale of Frodo and his friends offers hope that we will be given the strength and the help we need to overcome every obstacle and defeat every foe. This book will help you find the way.

1. Introduction
2. Part One
3. Two
4. Three
5. Four
6. Five
7. Part Two
8. Seven
9. Eight
10. Nine
11. Ten
12. Eleven
13. Part Three
14. Thirteen
15. Fourteen
16. Fifteen
17. Sixteen
18. Part Four
19. Eighteen
20. Nineteen
21. Twenty
22. Twenty-One
23. Part Five
24. Twenty-Three
25. Twenty-Four
26. Twenty-Five
27. Twenty-Six
28. Part Six
29. Twenty-Eight
30. Twenty-Nine
31. Thirty
32. Conclusion