Tag Archives: Lord of the Rings

Returning to a Desecrated Shire

By Robin Bates | Published: November 17, 2024

Returning home after 7 weeks abroad feels like Frodo returning home to a devastated Shire.

By Robin Bates | Published: June 10, 2024

New Zealand’s famous “walking tree” brings to mind Tolkien’s Ents.

By Robin Bates | Published: April 22, 2024

House Speaker Mike Johnson had a Théoden moment when it came to Ukraine aid. I explore the parallels.

By Robin Bates | Published: April 3, 2024

Recent literature citations by opinion writers include “Lord of the Rings,” “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “The Tell-Tale Heart.”

By Robin Bates | Published: February 19, 2024

The both-siderism that equates Trump with Biden would probably equate Saruman with Gandalf.

By Robin Bates | Published: December 26, 2023

Tolkien has several versions of the poem Bilbo writes about returning home.

By Robin Bates | Published: October 3, 2023

Russia’s invading army regards certain men as expendable. I am reminded of the shrews in the “Redwall” books by Jacques.

By Robin Bates | Published: August 28, 2023

Trump’s indicted lawyers may follow the trajectory of Wormtongue in “Lord of the Rings.”

By Robin Bates | Published: September 7, 2022

While some critics, perhaps revealing their racism, are complaining about actors of color in “Ring of Power,” here’s why the casting is good.