"... Ryken shows how profoundly Tolkien's imagination was shaped by Jesus Christ himself, revealing the rich theological insights we can receive from the great tales if we are attentive to them. This book is a treat, filled with surprises." – Tim Keller How can we grasp the significance of what Jesus Christ did for us? Might literature help us as we seek to understand the Christian faith? J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings has generated much discussion about the relationship between Christianity and literature. It is well known that Tolkien disliked allegory. Yet he acknowledged that his work is imbued with Christian symbolism and meaning. Based on the inaugural Hansen Lecture delivered by Philip Ryken, this volume mines the riches of Tolkien's theological imagination. In the characters of Gandalf, Frodo, and Aragorn, Ryken hears echoes of the threefold office of Christ―his prophetic, priestly, and royal roles. Guided by Ryken, readers will discover that they can learn much about the one who is the true prophet, priest, and king through Tolkien's imaginative storytelling. About the Series The Hansen Series celebrates the literary and spiritual contributions of seven British authors whose works have captivated readers across generations: Owen Barfield, G. K. Chesterton, C. S. Lewis, George MacDonald, Dorothy L. Sayers, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Charles Williams. These seven authors were all deeply involved in the friendships and intellectual exchanges that shaped the Inklings, a mid-twentieth-century group of Christian writers and thinkers in Oxford, England. This series invites readers to deepen their engagement with these timeless voices and their enduring influence on literature, faith, and the life of the imagination. "J. R. R. Tolkien wrote that what he called the 'story-germ,' the shape of a fictional narrative, grows from an author's experience in unpredictable ways. Tolkien was a deeply devout Christian who knew the Bible well. He insisted that he did not write in order to 'make a point,' and certainly not to express doctrine in allegorical dress. Yet Phil Ryken shows how profoundly Tolkien's imagination was shaped by Jesus Christ himself, revealing the rich theological insights we can receive from the great tales if we are attentive to them. This book is a treat, filled with surprises." -- Tim Keller, pastor emeritus, Redeemer Presbyterian Churches of New York City "In The Messiah Comes to Middle-Earth , Philip Ryken develops the notion that the presence of Christ in The Lord of the Rings follows a traditional tripartite form: prophet, priest, and king. Showing particularly how Tolkien develops this form through Gandalf, Frodo, and Aragorn, Ryken adeptly demonstrates that a knowledge of theology and Middle-Earth mutually illuminate Tolkien's texts. The plausibility of the book's thesis is also enhanced through responses from other notable scholars, including Sandra Richter, Jennifer Powell McNutt, and William Struthers. This book is recommended for all who wish to enhance their understanding of the Christian theology that undergirds the entertaining fantasy of Tolkien's Middle-Earth." -- Gregory Maillet, professor of English, Crandall University "Ryken draws from biblical studies, theology, and literature in a wonderfully integrated way: the result is abundant insight into Tolkien's Christian imagination. Erudite and still approachable, thoughtful and yet fun to read, far-ranging and deeply edifying. I am thrilled to recommend it." -- Diana Pavlac Glyer, professor of English at Azusa Pacific University and author of Bandersnatch and The Company They Keep "Phil Ryken not only draws upon a wealth of Tolkien scholarship, he adds some marvelous insights of his own into the spiritual and theological dynamics at play in Middle-Earth. And then he uses all of this to provide us with much wisdom about the kind of leadership that can honor the prophetic, priestly, and kingly work of Jesus Christ." -- Richard J. Mouw, president emeritus, professor of faith and public life, Fuller Theological Seminary "Phil Ryken brings his creative genius to bear on the beautiful work of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings . Utilizing the threefold office of prophet, priest, and king, Dr. Ryken invites us to see in Gandalf (prophet), Frodo (priest), and Aragorn (king) image bearers like ourselves, who, in facing the haunting realities of their own existence, draw us into a deeper understanding and reflection on our own life with God. Utilizing his own mastery of English literature combined with his wide access to and conversation with the best of biblical scholarship, Phil has crafted a real treasure that will both nourish and inspire you. Enjoy the read." -- Gayle D. Beebe, president, Westmont College "Ryken effectively draws out Tolkien's subtle use of Christ's threefold office (prophet, priest, king) by filtering his argument not only through the best of Tolkien scholarship but through the Old Testamen