A British university professor is drawing criticism after accusing J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings of promoting colonial imagery and racial bias. The course, titled “Imagining ‘Britain’: Decolonising Tolkien”, is being taught at the University of Nottingham by historian Onyeka Nubia. The class explores “race and mythology” in Tolkien’s work, framing certain characters and cultures as symbols of British imperialism.
The professor claims that the portrayal of the Haradrim, Easterlings, and other “dark” races as enemies—while the morally upright characters are predominantly white and Western—reflects “ethnic chauvinism.” Students are asked to examine the series through the lens of post-colonial theory and to question the racial assumptions built into the fantasy genre.
Tolkien fans and scholars have pushed back, pointing to the author’s known rejection of racism and his deep-rooted Christian worldview. They argue that the moral clarity in Tolkien’s universe—good versus evil, sacrifice over power—transcends modern political narratives. Others warn that reducing classic literature to ideological critiques undermines its broader cultural and literary value.
This controversy is the latest in a growing trend across Western universities to reframe classic texts through progressive frameworks. While academic exploration is vital, critics say this approach often injects modern politics into works that were never intended as allegories for colonialism or race.
