Beginning and End

[Eruhen]

Anyone else noticed how much the beginning and end of Arda are so much like the Creation and the Apocalypse? Now I know that everyone is going to say that "Tolkien hated allegory" and all that crap, but the account of the Ainulindale and the second Prophecy of Mandos also sound like all the accounts of the beginning and end in all the monotheistic religions.

For those who haven't read 'The Lost Road' (I'm assuming that everyone who will respond has read the Ainulindale), here it is:

"Thus spake Mandos in prophecy, when the Gods sat in judgement in Valinor, and the rumour of his words was whispered among all the Elves of the West. When the world is old and the Powers grow weary, then Morgoth, seeing that the guard sleepeth, shall come back through the Door of Night out of the Timeless Void; and he shall destroy the Sun and Moon. But Eärendil shall descend upon him as a white and searing flame and drive him from the airs. Then shall the Last Battle be gathered on the fields of Valinor. In that day Tulkas shall strive with Morgoth, and on his right hand shall be Eönwë, and on his left Túrin Turambar, son of Húrin, coming from the halls of Mandos; and the black sword of Túrin shall deal unto Morgoth his death and final end; and so shall the children of Húrin and all Men be avenged.

Thereafter shall Earth be broken and re-made, and the Silmarils shall be recovered out of Air and Earth and Sea; for Eärendil shall descend and surrender that flame which he hath had in keeping. Then Fëanor shall take the Three Jewels and bear them to Yavanna Palúrien; and she shall break them and with their fire rekindle the Two Trees, and a great light shall come forth. And the Mountains of Valinor shall be leveled, so that the Light shall go out over all the world. In that light the Gods will grow young again, and the Elves awake and all their dead arise, and the purpose of Ilúvatar be fulfilled concerning them. But of Men in that day the prophecy of Mandos doth not speak, and no Man it names, save, Túrin only, and to him a place is given among the sons of the Valar.

Now I'm ready for everyone to disagree with me, but, hey, that's what the Downs are for, huh? I've said my piece.