Fascist Fantasy: Tolkien and Italian Nazis
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The original cover art for the first volume edition of Lord of the Rings, published by George Allen & Unwin, illustrated by Pauline Baynes
If you’ve ever read a book in your life, then you’ve probably heard of J.R.R. Tolkien, author of the Lord of the Rings (LotR) and The Hobbit Novels. While Tolkien openly denied any relationship between the series’ contents and his own experiences in the World Wars, he had been equally vocal about his personal opinions regarding the politics of his time. In one famous example, he rejected an opportunity to have LotR translated into German when the German publishing house requested proof of his genealogy in accordance with Third Reich Law and did so with quite a backhanded letter. Despite Tolkien’s well-documented disdain for Naziism, a great deal of far-right—especially young conservative—groups across Europe have triumphed his work as an icon of their values. Nowhere does this phenomenon shine more menacingly than in Italy, where fascist and neo-Nazi groups big and small find themselves deeply rooted in the fandom of his fantasy literature, even and perhaps especially when the writer of that literature both literally and narratively condemns their beliefs.
Italian Nazi Tolkienites
The far-right in Italy has seen an upsurge in organized rallies and political power, especially with the election of prime-minister Giorgia Meloni, who’s party is deeply rooted in neo-fascism and who’s personal tastes are deeply rooted in Middle Earth. There was even an exhibit on Tolkien’s work put hastily together in Rome’s National Galley of Art to honour the new prime minister. Meloni has been uncharacteristically vocal about her love of Tolkien’s work. She’s even gone as far as claiming she thinks of it like more of a manifesto than a work of fiction. The capacity of the Italian prime minister to conflate her real-world political agenda with the events of a magic fantasy war echoes a troubling pattern in Nationalist Populism; the love for a made-up, once-upon-a-time version of their country before it was perverted by progress.
Italy has a more storied history connecting Tolkien with fascism than just the 2022 election. As far back as 1977, the Italian “new right” was organizing “Hobbit Camps” over the weekend to celebrate their love of LotR and of an idealistic fascism that opposed both the communist left and capitalist right. Interestingly, one of the primary drivers behind this “third way” of fascism was Italian political philosopher Julius Evola. A proud espouser of Traditionalism, Evola sought to spread his image of an idea, uncorrupted world through myth, arts and literature. This isn’t too far removed from Tolkien’s own mission to provide England with a mythology of its own.
This banner from camp hoBbit reads “European youth fight against,” “communist subversion” and “capitalist slavery.” Photo Courtesy of Marina Simeone.
What exactly caused Europe’s far-right bend to attach itself to the works of fantasy and Tolkien in particular is the subject of debate. Some political scholars and laypersons alike argue that neo-fascists will appreciate any media that depicts them as violent and scary, no matter how openly that book, movie, show or video game portrays them as evil, the enemy and ultimately losing. Others have posited that Naziism is a belief only truly popular with those who already lack the critical thinking skills to properly absorb any lessons taught to them by literature. After all, if these people were open to new ideas or arguments, they probably wouldn’t be Nazis.
The Link to Middle Earth
But what’s the real reason behind the surge to the right claiming the work of a man who openly refuted them as an icon? According to the painstaking work of Italian journalist John Last, the truth is very complicated. It’s easy to read a story like LotR and see its message about kindness and love triumphing over evildoers. But modern-day fascists believe they see a deeper meaning behind the swords and sorcery; one of society’s natural state being perverted by progress. The Neo-fascist Traditionalism left behind by Evola finds a kindred spirit in the medieval setting, one that supporters believe shows an ideal form of society being rescued from savage, coloured brutes by the fair-skinned people of higher kingdoms.
Textual examples like Aragorn’s claim to the throne being based on divine lineage and Mordor (the enemy nation) building factories and industrializing paint a picture of traditionalist ideals; one where things were as they should be and shouldn’t be changed. Plenty of critics have had plenty to say about how Tolkien’s original texts portray a sort of racial essentialism even back when he was alive. Meanwhile others argue that his outdated attitudes reflect the time he lived through, where Race was still believed to be a scientifically grounded concept. Regardless, even unintentionally depicting a social decline through racial mixing still gives plenty of fuel for the aspiring nazi’s fire.
Tolkien’s True Message
So, what’s the takeaway here? Was Tolkien secretly a fascist all along? Or is the far-right trying to rip away and pervert a leftist manifesto? Neither. The truth is that LotR, as beloved as it is, is simply not that deep. Tolkien was a man at war seeking to tell a story, and he ultimately told one about how war is wasteful, destructive and foolish and how the power of love and friendship will allow any hero of any size to conquer the darkness. It’s important in today’s world to be a dreamer but letting the content of a fantasy story dictate your worldview is foolhardy no matter what that view ends up being. Ultimately, learning the lesson of your favourite story also requires you to draw the line between it and reality.
Gaelen Guymer writes expository fantasy books for troubled teens and troubled adults alike. He is currently enrolled in a professional writing program at Algonquin College’s school of media and the arts, located in Ontario, with a specialty in narrative fiction and its influence on the psyche. Before he began writing seriously, Guymer volunteered his time with local Ontario counselling services for 2SLBGTQIA+ youth before turning his experience into literary work.
