[goldwine]

I agree with Mr. Underhill. I can see those characteristics of Gandalf as being Christlike. The sacrificial theme of the book relates well to scripture, too. The characters each had a role to play, mostly sacrificing their own well-being to fulfill the larger purpose of their lives. Just as God created us as individuals, distinctly different and with a purpose for our lives, so do the characters in LOTR. As stated, because Tolkien was a Christian his life could not be separate from his writing even unconsiously it had to seep through.