[Kransha]

Not necessarily a mythological reference to support your view but...

-There is an experimental project in the works of the U.S. Military that has devised the plans for a Prototype Hovercraft known as Project Shadowfax. Makes sense, don't it?
-There is also a small chain of jewelery stores called Gimli's. Again, sensible.
-There is a prominent archery training association known as Bows of Greenleaf

That sort of contributes to the point of Tolkein's strories becoming household words, bordering actual mythology in their fame and acclaim. An interesting thought, indeed.