In November 2023, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni inaugurated an exhibition on J.R.R. Tolkien at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Rome, a project organized by her Ministry of Culture. This initiative sparked interest, especially considering Meloni’s long-standing view of “The Lord of the Rings” as a “sacred text.” Over time, this beloved fantasy trilogy has transformed into a political catechism for the Italian far-right.
The Beginning: A Troubled Association
The Italian edition of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ was first published in 1970, featuring a prologue by philosopher Elémire Zolla. He framed the narrative as an allegory of “pure” communities under threat from foreign invaders. This interpretation resonated with the youth of the Italian Social Movement (MSI), a party formed in 1946 by Mussolini’s former allies. Marco Tarchi, a far-right youth leader, praised the text in 1975, noting its appeal to young conservatives specifically because it sidestepped the baggage of fascism.
Redefining Identity
In a bid to reshape their identity, the MSI sought fresh symbols in a culturally dominant leftist landscape. The fantastical universe that Tolkien created allowed them to craft a political identity steeped in values like virtue and anti-modernity, reminiscent of ideas espoused by Julius Evola, an ultra-nationalist philosopher advocating a racial hierarchy.
The Hobbit Camps: A Cult-like Gatherings
In 1977, the MSI organized “Hobbit Camps,” resembling folk music festivals while also functioning as recruitment depots. Attendees, typically young men, donned Celtic cross bracelets to affiliate themselves visually with the Tolkien mythos. The gatherings introduced an emotional appeal, drawing comparisons between themselves and the conservative, tradition-bound hobbits. The camp festivities included music by the group Compagnia dell’Anello, which celebrated a nostalgic European identity.
Meloni’s Early Engagement with Tolkien
Giorgia Meloni, born in 1977, was too young to partake in the initial Hobbit Camps but participated in a revival event in 1993. As a youth activist, she adopted Tolkien-themed identities, infiltrating high schools to connect with young voters. In her autobiography ‘Io sono Giorgia,’ she recalls her admiration for Samwise Gamgee, the unassuming hobbit who proves essential to Frodo’s quest, likening this to the significance of ordinary people in transformative roles.
‘Sacred Text’ and Political Resurgence
Meloni’s reverence for Tolkien remains unabated. She calls ‘The Lord of the Rings’ a “sacred text,” positing that Tolkien encapsulates fundamental conservative beliefs. Following her election victory, her sister celebrated with a letter rich in Tolkien references, further highlighting the intermingling of fantasy and political sentiment. Notably, a rally introduced her amid a dramatic recreation of characters from the series, solidifying her ties to this cultural touchstone.
Controversies and Critiques
Meloni’s political festival, named Atreju after a hero from ‘The NeverEnding Story,’ illustrates her wider resonance with fantastic narratives. However, the recent Tolkien exhibition attracted criticism regarding its funding and the apparent conflict of interest for a government with connections to post-fascism. Critics argue that using Tolkien’s work as a political tool raises ethical questions.
Nuances in Interpretation
Not every analyst believes Tolkien’s influence is as pivotal to Meloni’s brand of far-right politics as others suggest. Political scientist Piero Ignazi highlights that the Hobbit Camps were minor MSI events and posits that Meloni’s focus on Tolkien reflects a strategy to present herself as a more approachable leader compared to her contemporaries.
Is Tolkien a Right-Wing Icon?
While the far-right appropriates ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ one must note that Tolkien’s work emerged during the rise of fascism, and he refused requests to publish his works in Nazi Germany. His disdain for totalitarian ideologies indicates a likely distaste for their interpretative spins on his narratives. Nevertheless, his tales continue to resonate with various movements worldwide, finding utility even within Silicon Valley’s technocratic right, where they seek to legitimize privatization and centralized power through epic storytelling.