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Warfare History

Lost Generation: 15 Ways J.R.R. Tolkien’s Novels Reveal The Tragedy of WWI

Darren April 22, 2026 8 min

14. Critique of Leadership and Authority

14. Critique of Leadership and Authority
Tolkien’s characters embody the perils of unchecked power and the need for wise leadership.

Tolkien subtly critiques reckless leaders like Denethor and Saruman, reflecting wartime frustration with military and political command. These characters’ failures highlight the dangers of absolute power and the importance of wisdom and humility in leadership. For a deeper analysis of Tolkien’s exploration of power and its perils, refer to the article “The Ring and the Rings” in The New Yorker.

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Darren

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