Minor details and other books (or "I think I've seen this before...")

[Lhunardawen]

I've been wanting to start this thread for the longest time but haven't found the courage nor the confidence to do so...*sheepish grin*

I have read Dante's Inferno for my English class and, in my amazement, there were two things that are in some way similar to some things else that I have read in LotR. In the book's Canto IV, there was mentioned "a Citadel with seven towering battlements." Translator John Ciardi offered an interpretation that this Citadel represented philosophy; that is, Human Reason without the light of God. The Citadel was found somewhere near the Limbo, the place where Virtuous Pagans and Unbaptized Children were situated. These people were not at all very sinful, but they were not cleansed of the Original Sin born by all from Adam and Eve's fall...and thus they were given no place in Heaven.

Now what does the Citadel remind you of? Minas Tirith! And the people of the City were known to be learned in lore, some in healing, still others in something else...all definitely using their human reason. But I was not able to find any connection to the "without the light of God" part. Unless they have forgotten Eru in the Third Age! (But then, that's another story...)

Another one is found in Canto VII, which tells of the punishment for the Sullen: they were found beneath the marsh of Styx (I guess not to be confused with the river in Greek mythology). How about the Dead Marshes? That has been the final resting place of "Elves and Men and Orcses," as Gollum had said, when a great battle happened long ago.

The idea is that we find minor details in Tolkien's books that are closely similar to something we have read in other books, or vice versa. Please bear in mind that this thread is not supposed to be a list; discussions of discoveries are highly encouraged, if not required. As for my examples above, any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks a lot, everyone.