How Tolkien’s faith informed his art.

The piece makes a good point regarding the earthiness of Tolkien hobbit protagonists, who love their simple joys. In a story filled with powerful kings, warriors and wizards, the greatest heroes are the small, humble, rustic folk.

The respect Tolkien pays to to the hobbits, the many examples of courage and principles he ascribes to them, shows how art can serve to reinforce positive cultural values without becoming sanctimonious.