25 years on from The Fellowship of the Ring, why does Tolkien’s Middle-earth still captivate millions?

Esther spoke to theologian and Tolkien scholar David Rowe about the Christian ideas woven into Tolkien’s world. They discuss the story’s ‘ugly duckling’ nature, how The Lord of the Rings can accompany and enrich faith, and why he believes the author is “one of the greatest writers of goodness”.

Released on 14 Jul 2026