I haven't actually tried it, as I just now thought about "what would I use", but I think I might be tempted to go with something in PbtA family of games to try and capture the feel of LotR. Somewhere in between Dungeon World and Sagas of the Icelanders is what I'm looking for. I think the focus on character decision making is right for LotR and the historical material that inspired it. This quote from Faramir covers what I am talking about:
“We are truth-speakers, we men of Gondor. We boast seldom, and then perform, or die in the attempt.
That focus on deeds and oaths and whatnot is key. Specifically for the men in the story and that's where I'd start when looking for the right feels. The flip side is Sauron and Ring, the primary horror of which is that they corrupt and cause men to forswear their oaths and responsibilities. Madness, ruin and fall in Tolkien is all linked closely to oaths and 'right action'.
“We are truth-speakers, we men of Gondor. We boast seldom, and then perform, or die in the attempt.
That focus on deeds and oaths and whatnot is key. Specifically for the men in the story and that's where I'd start when looking for the right feels. The flip side is Sauron and Ring, the primary horror of which is that they corrupt and cause men to forswear their oaths and responsibilities. Madness, ruin and fall in Tolkien is all linked closely to oaths and 'right action'.