Here are some examples:
* The One Ring: The entire story of *The Lord of the Rings* hinges on the Ring's corrupting influence. It fuels the greed and ambition of Gollum, Sauron, and even some of the hobbits at times. While Tolkien emphasizes the Ring's power over the will, it's clearly rooted in the desire for power and control.
* The Dwarves: Tolkien portrays dwarves as a race obsessed with wealth and possessions. This is shown in their relentless pursuit of gold and gems, often leading to conflict and destruction. The greed of the dwarves in *The Hobbit* is a key motivator in the story.
* The Ents: While the Ents are not driven by greed in the traditional sense, their love of trees and forests borders on possessiveness. They are reluctant to act against the Orcs, who are destroying their domain, because they fear losing the ancient trees. This can be interpreted as a form of attachment and greed for the status quo.
* The Men of Gondor: Although not the primary focus, there are hints of greed within Gondor's leadership. For instance, their reluctance to aid Rohan in the early battles of *The Lord of the Rings* can be seen as a reflection of their desire to protect their own kingdom and resources.
However, Tolkien was careful to avoid simplistic portrayals of greed. He presents it as a complex human flaw that can be overcome through acts of selflessness and courage. This is evident in the struggle of Frodo Baggins, who resists the Ring's temptations, even when it promises him immense power.
Ultimately, Tolkien uses the theme of greed to illustrate the corrupting influence of power and materialism. He warns against the dangers of succumbing to such desires and emphasizes the importance of resisting temptation for the greater good.