[NazgulNumberTen]

i don't think tolkien was depressed, just realistic. in his works, he showed the full spectre of mankind, our attributes were reflected in every character, from the valar to the ents. death is a part of life, and an important one at that. it adds to the depth and tone of the story. tolkien had seen much death in his life, and it deeply afected him. there is optimisim in lotr however. out of each death life begins anew, and dispite every setback and mornfull moment good things emerge.