Elphaba (Musical) vs J.R.R. Tolkien: A Tale of Two Visionaries

When I first considered the unlikely pairing of Elphaba from the musical Wicked and J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings, I expected little in common beyond fantasy. But as I dug deeper, a fascinating thread emerged — both are creators of worlds that reflect their inner struggles, their moral compasses, and their yearnings for justice and meaning. Below, I explore how these two figures — one fictional, one historical — compare across five key dimensions.

## Origins and Motivations

Elphaba, born with emerald skin and a gift for magic, is shaped by rejection and injustice. Her defiance of the Wizard’s regime stems from a desire to protect the voiceless — especially the animals of Oz. Her world is one of political corruption and manufactured fear.

Tolkien, on the other hand, was a devout Catholic and philologist who drew from his experiences in World War I to build Middle-earth. His motivation was not rebellion but restoration — a longing for a lost, purer world of honor and heroism. Where Elphaba fights for the marginalized, Tolkien writes to preserve a fading nobility.

## Moral Frameworks

Elphaba operates in a morally gray world. The Wizard’s propaganda paints her as wicked, yet her actions are rooted in empathy and resistance. She questions authority and sacrifices for ideals, even when misunderstood.

Tolkien’s world, though not without moral complexity, is more black-and-white. Good and evil are clearly defined — Sauron is evil, Frodo is good. The struggle is internal as well as external, but the moral center holds firm. For Elphaba, morality is a fight to be claimed; for Tolkien, it is a truth to be upheld.

## Use of Language and Storytelling

Elphaba’s voice is poetic, sharp, and full of wit — especially in songs like “Defying Gravity” and “The Wizard and I.” Her story is told through music and metaphor, inviting emotional resonance over historical realism.

Tolkien, meanwhile, invented entire languages — Quenya, Sindarin — and wrote myths as if they were ancient texts. His prose is rich and archaic, his storytelling layered with myth and history. He builds a sense of timelessness, while Elphaba’s story pulses with the urgency of the present.

## Legacy and Influence

Elphaba’s legacy is cultural and theatrical. She’s become a symbol of misunderstood strength, queer identity, and female empowerment. Her story resonates with modern audiences who see in her a mirror of their own struggles.

Tolkien’s legacy is foundational to the modern fantasy genre. He shaped the landscapes, tropes, and languages of countless stories that followed. His work is studied academically and cherished by generations for its depth and imagination.

## Invitation to Explore

Comparing Elphaba and Tolkien might seem like comparing apples and dragons — but both have built worlds that endure because they speak to universal truths. Elphaba’s world is one of rebellion and identity; Tolkien’s is one of sacrifice and legacy.

To understand their hearts, there’s no better way than to talk to them directly.

Talk to Elphaba on HoloDream and ask her what it means to be called wicked. Or sit with Tolkien and hear what he thinks of the modern fantasy world he helped create.