Mimetic Theory & Middle Earth: Untangling Desire in Tolkien’s Legendarium by Matthew Distefano

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Mimetic Theory & Middle-earth: Untangling Desire in Tolkien’s Legendarium, by long-time author Matthew J. Distefano, delves deeply into J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, using René Girard’s mimetic theory as the primary lens through which to view the good professor’s legendary texts. Exploring the influence of imitative desire on iconic heroes such as Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, and the wizard Gandalf, as well as infamous villains like Melkor, Sauron, and Saruman, this timely philosophical follow-up enriches our understanding of both literature and the human condition by shedding light on the connections between imitation, rivalry, and transcendence, ultimately leaving readers with a sense of hope, rather than despair.