The Return of the King (The Lord of the Rings, #3) (1955) | How Woke Is It?

Our VerdictNot Woke

The Return of the King (The Lord of the Rings, #3)1955

In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected speech. These reviews reflect personal opinions and not statements of fact.

What We Think

A shining example of non-woke storytelling, Tolkien’s classic is rooted in genuine heroism, tradition, and myth rather than modern ideological fixations. It’s about as far from “woke” as you can get in fantasy literature.

Score Breakdown

Compromised:Narrative Integrity

Not Woke

What is this?

Tolkien’s storytelling is driven by character, myth, and moral struggle, not modern identity categories. Characters’ virtues are rooted in personality, bravery, and wisdom, not surface-level representation. There’s no sense of forced diversity here; the focus is on organic, timeless narrative arcs.

Compromised:Cultural Foundations

Not Woke

What is this?

This work reinforces tradition, valor, loyalty, family, hierarchy, and faith are central themes. Masculinity is celebrated (Aragorn, Gandalf, Sam), and cultural traditions are depicted respectfully. There's no sign of modern revisionism or subversive winks at religion or heritage; if anything, it’s a celebration of those things.

Compromised:Ideological Monoculture

Not Woke

What is this?

While evil is unambiguously villainous, a wide array of perspectives are presented: kings, commoners, women, men, and different races/species. There’s no overt mockery of traditional values nor glorification of modern ideologies, simply an earnest, mythic worldview.

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Disclaimer: In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected as a form of free speech and freedom of expression. The reviews and commentary on this site represent personal opinions and interpretations. They are not statements of fact and should not be taken as factual claims about any individual, company, or creative work.