“Red Indians Are Better”: Indigeneity, Race, And Representation in Tolkien’s Middle-Earth
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Literature and Languages
Date of Award
8-14-2024
Abstract
This thesis sheds light on overlooked Native American sources within J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium, aiming to address critical gaps in existing Tolkien scholarship. At its core, this study challenges the dominant Eurocentric narrative by exploring the influence of Native American sources on Tolkien's works and critically examining the racial dynamics present therein. It draws upon the works of prominent Tolkienists like John Garth and Tom Shippey to explore the Native American sources that influenced Tolkien's creative process, and engages with indigenous scholars such as Roger Echo-Hawk to discuss the pervasive colonialist undertones in Tolkien's works and their impact on modern fantasy. The methodology involves close readings of key passages and characters in Tolkien’s works, with a focus on identifying implicit biases and stereotypes, as well as their cultural contexts. Additionally, the study delves into the cinematic adaptations of Tolkien's works, particularly exploring how the recent Rings of Power series serves as a response to the racial hierarchy found in Tolkien’s works.
Advisor
Rebecca Rowe
Subject Categories
Arts and Humanities | English Language and Literature
Recommended Citation
Beronio, Bianca L., "“Red Indians Are Better”: Indigeneity, Race, And Representation in Tolkien’s Middle-Earth" (2024). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 1212.
https://digitalcommons.tamuc.edu/etd/1212
