• Tolkien's Ordinary Virtues

  • Exploring the Spiritual Themes of The Lord of the Rings
  • By: Mark Eddy Smith
  • Narrated by: Simon Vance
  • Length: 2 hrs and 55 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (808 ratings)

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Tolkien's Ordinary Virtues

By: Mark Eddy Smith
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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Publisher's summary

The Lord of the Rings offers us essential lessons in living. Here we discover ordinary virtues like generosity, pity, and hospitality. We meet extraordinary people like Bilbo, Gandalf, 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 is meant to help you find the way.

©2002 Mark Eddy Smith (P)2005 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

What listeners say about Tolkien's Ordinary Virtues

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Insightful

I thought that I had picked up most of the Christian references and insights into Tolkien's amazing works, but Mark Eddy Smith has given me a whole new dimension and insight not only into "Lord of the Rings" but also into my own faith. I thoroughly recommend it!

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15 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars

The most inspirational book I've ever read

I love the movies, but I've never been s big fan of the books, still I love the way this book is pout together. 100% inspirational. if you don't like Tolkien when you start this book, you probably will after and you'll find inspiration in his stories.

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11 people found this helpful

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Excellent for life's rough roads

If you appreciate J.R.R. Tolkien, or more importantly, the everyday life values he teaches in his works, you will love Eddy Smith's book. I listened to this book on the way to work during quite a rough patch, and it really helped my perspective on the day. Definitely recommend!!

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5 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Good book made unoriginal by Christianity only ref

I was hoping that this book was more sophisticated when it referred to spirituality. The literal references to Christianity were obvious and I was hoping to see other spiritual paths / philosophies applied

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Exceeded my expectations big time!!

This is the PERFECT companion for any Tolkien reader or movie fan! ITS LIKE ADDING EXTRA FROSTING TO YOUR CAKE! Just makes LOTR even better. You’ll wanna listen over and over to take in all the wisdom... Voice is just right too, reminds me of a Bilbo :)

DOWNSIDE: doesn’t cover the hobbit which would have been great.

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4 people found this helpful

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Allegory vs. Applicability…

Tolkien despised allegory. He said as much in the beginning of the LOTR. This guy might as well have called his book “An Allegory to the Bible”! Unless you’re a Christian, avoid this. Ok at all cost. As for those who are Christian… grow a critical thinking brain please. There are other meaningful books other than the Bible.

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3 people found this helpful

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Will not disappoint!

I feel well on my way to understanding Tolkien's mind, and after reading this. 10/10

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2 people found this helpful

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Inspiring exploration of the values in Tolkien

Simon Vance is always terrific. This book was a great encouragement to live a better life and a reminder of how literature helps us to do that.

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Great analysis

This is a great analysis of the series! My only complaint is that this is only a biblical analysis when there are other inspirations for the series. I wish that these other inspirations were explored as well! Great performance

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Spiritual Review of LOR

Excellent reading and story / review. I appreciate the insight and expansion of the meaning of LOR characters, love, friendship. Thank you.

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