Here's an important Tolkien quote that I think deserves to be kept in mind when discussing allegory:
Quote:
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Other arrangements could be devised according to the tastes or views of those who like allegory or topical reference. But I cordially dislike allegory in all its manifestations, and always have done so since I grew old and wary enough to detect its presence. I much prefer history, true or feigned, with its varied applicability to the thought and experience of readers. I think that many confuse 'applicability' with 'allegory'; but the one resides in the freedom of the reader, and the other in the purposed domination of the auther.
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Without having read Birzer, I made the connection between the Secret Fire and the Holy Spirit independently, based on the applicability of the symbol of the Secret Fire to my religious beliefs and my freedom as a reader.
Has Tolkien purposely integrated Christian aspects into his works? Of course he has ... "consciously so in the revision."
Has Tolkien also drawn elements from pagan mythology into his works? Of course he has ... before coming across a post where
Child of the 7th Age mentions the similarity between Tolkien's Elves and Elves of Celtic legend, I made the same connection myself, having picked up a book on Irish fairy tales during a trip to Ireland in 1991. (I speak just enough Gaelic to order apple pie ... "Bewollum piog ul!" [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] ) My interpretation of Tolkien's Elves bearing an uncanny resemblance to Irish Elves was based on the applicability of the similarities between the texts and my freedom as a reader.
Has Tolkien also drawn from Norse legend? As a matter of fact, he's used the names of my actual ancestors for his main characters. Yep, historical record (the proof of which I posted in another thread and am willing to provide to anyone who missed it and is still curious) documents the existence of Gandolf and Frodo (the spelling found for my particular ancestor may've actually been Frodi or Frothi, if I recall.) On my last visit home for the Thanksgiving holidays, I was shown the latest documentation, and was amused to see the "Hobbit name" of Odo also comes from Scandinavia.
* ALERT, GOING OFF ON A TANGENT TO MUSE ON TOLKIEN'S FURTHER (quite non-allegorical) INSPIRATIONS: * The other odd thing is that the genealogical lines of the other ethnicities in my blood can be more clearly traced to their origins, much like Elves and Dwarves. My Scandinavian roots however, end earlier on if I recall in an obscurity strangely reminiscent of the vagueness surrounding the origins of Hobbits, because if you go back far enough, you end up being descended from legendary figures whom people nowadays regard as mythical or fictional.
Gandalf the Grey
[ December 09, 2002: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]