The issue at hand concerned an all powerful Ring, crafted anciently by the Dark Lord. Found accidentally years earlier by Bilbo, another hobbit, the Ring was so evil that it corrupted all who came in contact with it, and threatened the destruction of all Middle Earth.

After much discussion about possible political solutions, the Council concluded that the only answer was to destroy the Ring by returning it to the fiery volcanic Mount Doom where it had originated. Since only the little hobbit people seemed innocent enough to withstand its powers, the council chose Frodo to carry out this dangerous mission.

So Frodo, together with Gandalf the wizard and a handful of his other friends, formed the “Fellowship of the Ring”, and set out on an unforgettable adventure which would change their lives forever.

Since its creation decades ago, this literary masterpiece has grown in popularity, because it speaks of how ordinary, humble people emerge victorious in the lifelong, epic struggle between good and evil on the earth. Although this book is about a fictional world, it is built on truths that orient us in our own world.

We each have our own journey that we must complete, with our own trials, dangers, and monsters to conquer. This book is an invitation to The Fellowship of the King, which, unlike Frodo’s forlorn little group, will never be disbanded.

At dinner tables throughout history, even since the beginning, families have told stories to their children, and to their children’s children, again and again, generation to generation. What is it about these writings that has such an enduring, spell-binding effect?

The answer is epic literature, which is defined as “heroic”, “in an elevated style, intended to improve morals, and inspire a love of virtue.”

With Tolkien’s epic hero Frodo, we can stand “on a wet floor of polished stone, the doorstep, as it were. In front a thin veil of water was hung. The level shafts of the setting sun behind beat upon it, and the red light was broken into many flickering beams of ever-changing colour. It was as if they stood at [a] window. . .curtained with threaded jewels of silver and gold, and ruby, sapphire and amethyst, all kindled with an unconsuming fire.” (Lord of the Rings, p.659)

This “elevated style”, with its poetry and exalted diction, is the stuff epic literature is made of. Not only Tolkien’s superb novel, not just fantasy, but also, and especially, the Bible. The pure Word of God, unrevised, undiluted, is the finest, most beautiful epic literature ever written.

Sacred literature is the “doorstep” of the King. The Spirit which we invite to light up our understanding, is the “window.” At the Fellowship of the King, you have come to the right place— to be fed or to ask directions— and you will never be turned away.