“You Shall Not Be Indoctrinated”: Information Dissemination and Propaganda in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings (1954)

Abstract

This thesis paper studies in what manner information circulates in Middle Earth and to what extent The Lord of the Rings trilogy presents propaganda to both its central characters and to readers through the character of Gandalf. It discusses the manner in which information spreads in Tolkien’s fictional world in order to establish how propaganda is disseminated. It focuses on the character of Gandalf and how his role as mentor enables him to persuade and manipulate both other characters and readers. Information spreads slowly and through a limited number of ways in Middle Earth. Characters and readers mainly receive information through word-of-mouth news, though magical tools of communication are used occasionally. Gandalf’s authoritative mode of storytelling is intended to persuade characters and readers of the status quo, resulting in a fixed history. The absence of the perspective of the “enemy” allows the books to influence the reader. Additionally, Gandalf’s ties to a mystical institution, a group of gods called “the Valar”, suggests the existence and sanctioning of systemic propaganda. By sanctioning Gandalf’s propaganda, this thesis argues that the books imply propaganda is necessary in order to defeat evil.