Nielsen, MelindaBaker, Hudson2021-08-242021-08-2420212021-08-24https://hdl.handle.net/2104/11524J.R.R. Tolkien says that the “real theme” of The Lord of the Rings is “about something much more permanent and difficult” than the desire for power; namely, “Death and Immortality.” In this thesis I explore the similarity between two accounts of death in Tolkien’s works and those of two Catholic theologians: Ambrose of Milan and Thomas Aquinas. In doing so, I argue that the Elvish account correlates strongly with the theology of Ambrose, whereas the conception espoused by Men resembles the theology of Aquinas. Finally, I propose that these two accounts in Tolkien’s works are synthesized in the story of Aragorn and Arwen to form a complete conception of death, one which merits serious attention within Catholic theology on death.en-USBaylor University projects are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.Death.Dying.Tolkien.St Ambrose.Thomas Aquinas.The Lord of the RingsThesisWorldwide access.Access changed 1/9/24.