Origins of Iluvatar - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Gwaihir the Windlord · 10-02-2003, 01:48 AM

Man of Old Hope, the statement that the Valar/Powers/Gods of the West cannot be compared to the Gods of Olympus is not true, you know. I've debated this in at least one other thread. Of course they can be compared, as there is much that can be seen to be similar between them; that is not to say that the Valar in any way directly represent the Gods of ancient Classic heathenism.

After all, the Valar can also be compared to Angels under God -- Illuvatar, of course. You have said that you feel this to be a better comparison. Howsoever this may be, neither of them can be said rightfully to be the same as Tolkien's Valar situation. They are, after all, their own seperate thing from either old Greek/Roman mythology, or from God's Angels of Heaven.

Both comparisons can therefore be made interestingly and with value, but I would not consider one to be 'better' than the other.

10-02-2003, 01:48 AM	#21
Gwaihir the Windlord Essence of Darkness Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Evermore Posts: 1,420	Man of Old Hope, the statement that the Valar/Powers/Gods of the West cannot be compared to the Gods of Olympus is not true, you know. I've debated this in at least one other thread. Of course they can be compared, as there is much that can be seen to be similar between them; that is not to say that the Valar in any way directly represent the Gods of ancient Classic heathenism. After all, the Valar can also be compared to Angels under God -- Illuvatar, of course. You have said that you feel this to be a better comparison. Howsoever this may be, neither of them can be said rightfully to be the same as Tolkien's Valar situation. They are, after all, their own seperate thing from either old Greek/Roman mythology, or from God's Angels of Heaven. Both comparisons can therefore be made interestingly and with value, but I would not consider one to be 'better' than the other.