LOTR:Allegory or Just Good Fantasy?

[Mirkgirl]

Whether or not he knew it, Tolkien was probably subconsciously influenced by the Bible and other creation myths he had heard.

Whether or not I know it, I'm subconsciously influenced by everythingI've ever heard of - myths, hystory, literature, quotes, discussions, movies, even stupid chats... everything is somewhere in my brain and my brain is working with it

Whether or not Tolkein knew it, writing of big spiders he was remembering some man's /most likely female/ reactions on little spiders, for example...