This month we will be giving away a “Finnian and the Seven Mountains” starter package, featuring all the current issues of our most popular series! This includes: Finnian and the Seven Mountains Issue #1 Finnian and the Seven Mountains Issue #2 Finnian and the Seven Mountains Issue #3 The Last Monks of Skellig Michael All publications […]
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Based on the principles of Christian typology found in Tolkien’s epic Lord of the Rings saga, unlike a direct allegory, one character can be a type of multiple Biblical figures. Frodo’s loyal companion Samwise Gamgee, for example, serves as an image both of St. John the Beloved Disciple and Simon of Cyrene. Conversely, one figure from salvation
Lessons from Denethor’s fall into despair Read More »
It is easy to assume that great power, intelligence, or holiness will be accompanied by obvious outward signs, or come from family or educational backgrounds that predict success. However, some of our culture’s favorite stories point to the truth that this is not always the case. Star Wars: A New Hope opens with Luke Skywalker
Star Wars, Superman, and how God uses the humble to save the world Read More »
Most comic book fans are aware that for decades the symbol on Superman’s chest has been considered much more than a stylized “S.” It is a Kryptonian symbol, specifically the family crest of the House of El and, as such, represents Clark Kent/Kal-El’s Kryptonian heritage. This idea was probably cemented in the public consciousness by
Superman and the power of symbols to give hope Read More »
Coronaviruses are a specific group of viral diseases that target animals. However, a handful of these have been known to be transmittable to humans. Among them is COVID-19, a recent discovery. The whole premise of this other-worldly order (or disorder) which the pandemic has caused feels like it came straight from a sci-fi thriller. Only
Coronavirus, ‘Planet of the Apes’, and acts of mercy Read More »
J.R.R. Tolkien’s influence on pop-culture has had an enduring legacy ever since The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings were published. The universal (Catholic) messages found in Tolkien’s stories make them appealing to all people, no matter their belief system. In one of the most obscure (and hilarious..though also embarrassing) moments of pop-culture, actor Leonard Nimoy, most well-known
Need a laugh? Watch Leonard Nimoy sing “The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins” Read More »
President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “The only thing you have to fear is fear itself.” He told the American public during arguably the worst crisis in United States history—World War II. The current coronavirus pandemic may end up being worse when it is all said and done. Panic shopping, school, municipal, and state closures across
What ‘The Flash’ can teach us about fear, death and faith in the unknown Read More »
Several years ago, a fantastic audio recording of the New Testament was released that featured an entire cast of talented actors. It included Sean Astin (Samwise Gamgee) as well as John Rhys-Davies (Gimli), both well-known for their roles in the Lord of the Rings series. Astin narrates the Gospel of Matthew and John Rhys-Davies introduces the
Watch Sean Astin (Samwise Gamgee) read the Gospel of Matthew Read More »
On March 19th we celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph, protector of the Church, patron saint of workers and the foster father of Jesus. When we consider the responsibilities of fatherhood, and of foster fatherhood in particular, we see similarities between the great St. Joseph and the fictional character Uncle Ben Parker from the Spider-Man
St. Joseph, Ben Parker and the Virtue of Silence Read More »
Perhaps the most pivotal yet unsung hero of The Lord of the Rings is a little fellow by the name of Samwise Gamgee. He is the fast friend, follower, and supporter of Frodo Baggins, aiding him in the vocation of the Ring’s destruction. Upon deeper examination of the characters and their functions in the Tolkien
What Samwise Gamgee teaches us about courage, friendship and endurance Read More »
