Tolkein is a very well known author, mainly for his highly popular Lord of the Rings Trilogy and prequel the The Hobbit. Many people have speculated why these four books are so popular.
Some say it is because Tolkein understands the inner turmoil of man and the lust for power. Others say it is because Tolkein has portrayed what is happening in the world today. Still others say that it is we like a small hero, and yet others say we like mystery in our adventure others say it is because we like to see good win and some say it is beacause we like a long book. I think that the reason so many people have enjoyed Tolkein's books is because he was a Christian and it shows through in his work.
Frodo unselfishly gives himself for the good of the rest of Middle Earth. Samwise goes with Frodo, helps him, and keeps him going to the very end. Frodo also meets some fair weather friends. Gollum appears to help them but the whole time is plotting to take the ring from Frodo after he has been eaten by Shelob. Boromier tries to take the ring from Frodo appearing to be doing it for good, but Frodo knows better, he knows that men are easily corrupted.
This is part of Tolkein's genius. He makes us look at ourselves through the eyes of hobbits. Hobbits are small people that just like to mind their own business. They are not like many people today that like to pry into things that they need not know and see and hear things that they shouldn't. Hobbits like to grow things and be merry. The world of Men is very much the opposite. Men like to build machines of war and tear down the trees and the plants. Hobbits have pure hearts. They are less likely to fall prey to the power of the ring. This is why Elrond agreed to let Frodo take the ring. Men are easily deceived. They lust for power and strength. The ring drives many men mad with want of the power it holds.
That is how the Nazgul were formed. Nine kings of men brought under the power of Sauron in the Second Age. They were his servants. Just as a man might become if he trusts himself instead of God. He will become like the Nazgul neither living nor dead. To Hobbits our troubles seem minor not because they are so much better then us but because they see things more as they are then as they appear to be. They see the world through a less clouded glass. Hobbits see weakness where we could never imagine it.
That is Tolkein's genius. He gave the ring of power to the smallest and what appeared to be the weakest creature in all of Middle Earth but really he gave it to the wisest if not always the smartest creature.
