Like so many of the mythological characters he created, J.R.R. Tolkien lived a life destined to “kindle a new light” in the world amid sacrifice, trial, and persecution. On page 10, guest contributor and Tolkien expert Giuseppe Pezzini explains how the British author created a uniquely Catholic work not by using religious symbolism or teaching moral lessons, but by creating a narrative in which faith in a divine plan leads to the ultimate victory. On page 14, Sophia Buono writes about a new biopic film on Tolkien’s life and its missed opportunity to depict the Catholic writer’s most important source of inspiration.