Gandalf the Grey has many Christ like attributes that make him such a powerful character. Gandalf has distinctive features about him, he has followers and is well respected by them, continuously tries to do good and save people, brings about awe,wonder, and has “magical” abilities. During the journey the fellowship travels through the mines, when they come across a bridge where a devil like creature named Balrog appears. Ensuring that the others get to safety, Gandalf faces the beast in battle, and falls of the cliff, in a self sacrifice, leading the others to believe that he has died. However, this causes Gandalf to be resurrected and come back as a white wizard; a more powerful and apotheosized version of himself. this is a parallel to Jesus’s self sacrifice in dying for the peoples sins and then on the third day rising again.
Frodo Baggins is comparable to Christ’s suffering along his journey. They both have fate thrust upon them and when given a choice they decide to stay on the path fate has already started to map out. Both have to carry heavy burdens, Frodo: the ring and Christ: the cross. Both accept and follow through with their immensely selfless acts, even though the consequences are sever. Christ’s being his own life, Frodo’s being his life of peace in the shire. Christ did this to save the people from sin and help mankind. Frodo carries the ring for so long to protect the people who inhabit the earth and save them from evil.
Samwise Gamgee, a quiet hobbit who at the beginning of the story was just Frodo’s gardener. To most this occupation seems to have no significance in the story, however this is the first glimpse of Samwise’s personality. He tends to the garden and helps beautiful things grow. Samwise instantly tends to Frodo’s needs, putting his fears behind him and only concentrating on whats good for Frodo. This is similar to Christ’s aspects of serving, both sacrifice their lives to aid in building of a brighter future for their people.
Another Biblical figure Samwise can relate to is Barnabas. “ Sam is the encourager, who quietly encouraged Paul in his epic journeys”. (The Fellowship of the Ring: J.R.R.Tolkien, Catholicism and the use of allegory).
Aragorn is able to heal the sick, this being just like Jesus could. He also lived a relatively humble young life, until greatness was thrust upon him. Aragorn was the rightful king of Gondor, and after some time he stepped up and filled the role. With the ring being destroyed he was able to make peace with the connecting lands and bring back a manageable environment. Aragorn relates to the “second coming” and person able to take the evil from the land a restore it to its former glory.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”-Philippians 4:13 (The Bible Gateway). Many characters throughout the Lord Of the Rings novels displays characteristics similar to those of Christ. These strong four characters: Gandalf, Frodo, Samwise, and Aragorn all display pieces of Christ.