concerning the Maia..

[Vinyacairwen]

I was looking up something about mythology, and I saw Maia listed as a Greek & Roman goddess of the Night Sky. I wonder if Tolkien knew this, since he barrowed ideas from Anglo-Saxon myth and the like? O.o

[lathspell]

It might be so for he knew lots of ancient mythology. If you look for the name 'Valar' in Greek & Roman mythology you may be more certain if JRRT did copy those names of these myths.

Can't help you any further.
greetings,
lathspell

[Starbreeze]

I didn't know that, wow, a deeper insight into Tolkien's inspiration prehaps?

[Anarya SilverBranch]

Actually I've noticed that Tolkien uses a lot of stuff from European myths and languages and such. Like the word 'Orc' is really old english for demon smilies/eek.gif. Wierd huh?

[Arwen Imladris]

Many authors, including Shakespere use(d) words and names from mythology, especially greek mythologie. Did you know that in Norse mythology, Gimli means “paradise.”? It is quite likly that Tolkien used a lot of mythologie in his books.

Quote:
'Orc' is really old english for demon

smilies/eek.gif smilies/eek.gif

[Kuruharan]

Hmm, I'd never noticed much in the way of influence from Greco-Roman myths on Tolkien's work. Northern European myths certainly, but not much from the Greeks and Romans.

Exploring the influence of Greco-Roman myth might make a good topic for a thread. smilies/smile.gif

[Vinyacairwen]

::nod:: I also heard Gimli's name meant 'star' in some language as well. I wonder which one Tolkien intended O.o.

[Thalionyulma]

It seems JRRT's works is like a "melting pot" of mythologies of Europe.