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As with "Lord of the Rings," I found the absence of faith in God from the narrative context creates a sense of existential despair that is not overcome by the feel-good "happy ending." No matter how noble the pagans, all endings are death and damnation without the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ. And yes, I get all the typology and symbolism ... but that doesn't still doesn't fill the gaping hole in the milieu, in my opinion.

Tolkien occasionally tips his hand:

"And before the Sun had fallen far from the noon out of the East there came a great Eagle flying, and he bore tidings beyond hope from the Lords of the West, crying:

'Sing now ye people of Minas Anor

for the realm of Sauron is ended for ever

and the Dark Tower is thrown down.

Sing and rejoice, ye people of the Tower of Guard

for your watch hath not been in vain,

and the Black Gate is broken,

and your King hath passed through,

and he is victorious.

Sing and be glad, all ye children of the West

for your King shall come again,

and he shall dwell among you,

all the days of your life.

And the Tree that was withered shall be renewed,

and he shall plant it in the high places,

and the City shall be blessed.

Sing all ye people!"

Sauron fell on March 25th, which is the old English date of the Crucifixion, and also the date of the Annunciation.