Wow, I'm surprised that no one has mentioned The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever. Author Stephen Donaldson has an obvious Tolkien influence, but nonetheless makes an excellent story. The Unbeliever is a study in self-loathing.
Another great story is Watership Down by Richard Adams. A completely different kind of fantasy, but one with deep undertones of righteousness in the face of oppression.
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