Wanna play a game of chess?

[Aiwendil]

Aiwendil, I still think it wasn't! Don't try and sway my opinions, it just doesn't work!

Well, there's actually a quote in Letters saying that Middle-earth is supposed to be the ancient history of our own world; and I don't know of any evidence to the contrary, though there is a good deal more to back up the Letters. I'm at school and without Letters at the moment, but next week I'll be home and could provide the quote if you like. If this doesn't sway your opinion, I suppose nothing will.