Professor J.R.R Tolkien, author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, has been described as an anarcho-monarchist, and he incorporated those political ideals into Middle-earth. Among them was his stance against coercion.

“The story is cast in terms of a good side, and a bad side, beauty against ruthless ugliness, tyranny against Kingship, moderated freedom with consent against compulsion.” -J. R. R. Tolkien, “Letter 144” Tolkien wrote, “The supremely bad motive [is] domination of others’ free wills.” Tolkien’s heroes were the free peoples—those who follow Eru’s design. Eru, the god of Middle-earth, chose not to coerce his creation but allows free will. The Istari, or wizards (angelic beings), were sent to help the free peoples but not to “rule the wills of men and elves.” …

Power was centralized in these rulers who desired all Middle-earth to be under authoritarian control. Industry efficiency, militarization, and slavery were all common forces under the Shadow. Everything was directed to benefit the ruler. The rulers desired control of others and would achieve this by any means, whether military, ring, deception or otherwise.

Renowned Professor J.R.R. Tolkien’s libertarian world is attractive to readers who seek an escape from the coercive governmental systems of the modern world. His portrayal of a libertarian free people versus evil totalitarian and centralized systems paints a clear picture of good versus evil within a political context, revealing to the reader that we are in need of a new direction.

We all—wizards, hobbits, dwarves, and men—deserve to be governed as we wish and not forced to comply with a government against our own will.