Why is it that <i>The Lord of the Rings</i> continues to inspire and fascinate generations of readers? I think it is because it mirrors elements of a much larger story- the spiritual story of God and his Creation. In this book, we explore different themes found in LotR and see how the virtues of the characters originate (as do all good things) in the virtues of God.

This book is full of absolutely incredible commentary on LotR! It really dives deep into the parallels and origins and themes and connecting threads throughout the story.  There are so many marvelous insights into the characters and their individual journeys and how their personalities change and develop. 

The virtues that are explored are: 
Simplicity
Generosity
Friendship
Hospitality
Faith
Perspective
Community
Sacrifice
Wonder
Temptation
Failure
Atonement
Suffering
Resurrection
Humility
Providence
Trust
Trustworthiness
Wisdom
Hope
Imagination
Submission
Stewardship
Courage
Mirth
Foolishness
Perseverance
Celebration
Justice
Love

Some of these might not seem like virtues on the surface, but when you dive into the hidden meanings and analyze the surrounding context, it becomes clear that even "foolishness" has its place with "wisdom" in a virtuous life. 
It's very inspiring, because the author always brings it around to how we can apply these moral lessons to our own lives, to help us endure and thrive and find meaning in our own story. 

I really like the way this book is organized. It follows the timeline of the story, starting in the Shire with Bilbo's birthday party all the way to Frodo's last journey into the West. In each chapter we see a prime example of that particular virtue, highlighted at that point in the story. Of course there are examples of that virtue elsewhere in the story, which are also mentioned, but the biggest archetype of that particular virtue is found at Bilbo's birthday, or in Moria, or at Helm's Deep. So the chapters lead us along the timeline of the story in a natural way, broken up into sections according to the books in the trilogy.

This book highlights that no one can have virtue in and of themselves. Even the characters in LotR look to higher powers to aid them when they feel helpless to have any courage or virtue by themselves. Multiple times characters in dire situations call out to "Elbereth Gilthoniel" for supernatural help from beyond the world. And in the same way, we are all incapable of any virtuous behavior or thought, unless we rely on the source of all virtue, God.

I love that this book emphasizes that stories can inspire us to achieve great things and be better people. Christ used stories to teach his disciples. Samwise Gamgee, a humble gardener, is inspired to do great deeds because of stories he has heard about elves and grand adventures. He and Frodo imagine that they themselves are in their own glorious story, and they wonder how it will end and whether they will be remembered as great heroes. Similarly, LotR inspires us to look at our own lives as part of the larger story of God's creation, and hope that we will be remembered as virtuous and heroic. Like Boromir, we can try to make it an ending worthy of a song.