What would Frodo do?

With the amazingly successful film adaptations of the epic trilogy The Lord of the Rings securing yet another generation of fans, J.R.R. Tolkien's original literature has shifted from the escapist realm of geeks and academics to the glittering mainstream. Part of a series that entertains and educates (but don't tell), The Lord of the Rings and Philosophy: One Book to Rule Them All, is a collection of essays addressing the pressing questions which arise from the legendary Middle Earth and its magical inhabitants. Does power corrupt? Is technology evil? What could be better than some nice pipeweed and beer?

Gregory Bassham, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at King's College, and Eric Bronson of Berkeley College, were teamed with their colleague William Irwin, the former editor of a series of books about the philosophy behind popular movies and TV shows. The scholars, having edited and contributed to the book, explained the thought behind it at the Harvard Coop on Nov. 21.

The work is the product of seventeen academics and Tolkien enthusiasts. Far from being the dry dissertations of scholars, these essays are an attempt to bring philosophical questions to the modern conscious via this especially well-known fantasy. Bronson remarked that their "ultimate" goal would be to "bring philosophy back to popular culture, back to where it began."

Bassham and the other scholars hope to dispel the myths that simply dismiss The Lord of the Rings and the world of Middle Earth as "escapist fantasy." Instead, the series of essays explores the sweeping, timeless epic as one that "deals with the perennials of human existence." The trilogy truly is a phenomenon: since its publication it has continued to sell millions of copies and has been chosen as the greatest book of the twentieth century several times over.

This continued significance deserves explanation, which is stated in the book's introduction, "Lord of the Rings for Smart People." The effort is an attempt to remind modern culture of where philosophy began and how it continues to affect society.

The themes used by Tolkien are have resounded with readers of all kinds. Fans of his work span the world, of all ages, nations, and socio-economic groups. Tolkien societies abound, and the phrase, "Frodo lives!" is one that has become commonplace. The interpretations of Tolkein's messages explore Middle Earth with a probing eye, discovering connections that are inherent in all philosophical thought.

During the book reading, Bassham spoke of other magic rings with powers similar to those of the one ring. Plato's Republic, which focuses on the question of why one should lead a moral life, features a dialogue with Glaucon where he introduces the concept of a "magic ring." The two debate the moral implications of wielding it.

Wagner composed an opera about a ring which would grant gold and subsequently cause destruction to those who choose to use it. These connections and allusions are all a part of the educational aspect of the work; Bronson explained, "We want people to read and enjoy and not realize that they are actually learning Plato."

What would Frodo do? The academics illuminate the philosophical elements of Tolkien's epic of good and evil with keen wit and sharp understanding. The Lord of the Rings and Philosophy: One Book to Rule Them All succeeds in its ambition, with the articles reflecting both scholarly and cultural interest. Though Tolkien was infamous for his devout denial of allegorical elements in The Lord of the Rings, these intellectual essays provide the perfect medium for debate. As Bronson noted, "Tolkien would hate all of this, which of course is why it is so fun."