Original Sin in Arda - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

doug*platypus · 01-11-2003, 10:16 PM

The comparisons between Christian doctrine and the world of Arda with regard to Original Sin seem to fall short in one very important respect. Whereas the Original Sin of Adam paved the way for Christ to become the path to salvation for all humans, there does not seem to be a convincing Christ figure in Middle-Earth. I have seen the arguments for both Frodo and Gandalf as this figure both come under heavy fire and not stand up as a result.

Did Tolkien intend for his invented world to blend in seamlessly with his real, Christian world, and Christ to atone for the sins of Melkor or Fëanor? I find this unlikely - it is rubbing out the line between his fiction and his reality, which I don't believe The Professor would have done. I don't think he ever entertained the notion of his invented world being real, in spite of its incredible authenticity.

So does Original Sin not need a redeeming Christ-figure for it to happen? Or is there, quite simply no Original Sin in Arda?

01-11-2003, 10:16 PM	#14
doug*platypus Delver in the Deep Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Aotearoa Posts: 960	The comparisons between Christian doctrine and the world of Arda with regard to Original Sin seem to fall short in one very important respect. Whereas the Original Sin of Adam paved the way for Christ to become the path to salvation for all humans, there does not seem to be a convincing Christ figure in Middle-Earth. I have seen the arguments for both Frodo and Gandalf as this figure both come under heavy fire and not stand up as a result. Did Tolkien intend for his invented world to blend in seamlessly with his real, Christian world, and Christ to atone for the sins of Melkor or Fëanor? I find this unlikely - it is rubbing out the line between his fiction and his reality, which I don't believe The Professor would have done. I don't think he ever entertained the notion of his invented world being real, in spite of its incredible authenticity. So does Original Sin not need a redeeming Christ-figure for it to happen? Or is there, quite simply no Original Sin in Arda? __________________ But Gwindor answered: 'The doom lies in yourself, not in your name'.