The Emblems of Religion don't belong ... or do they?

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Originally Posted by bilbo_baggins

I wonder whether or not Tolkien wanted his world to map out exactly. ?? Is his world supposed to be completely as realistic as some hold our world to be? The intermediary groups need not have corrolaries in the 'real' (is it real?) world.

His writings aren't history?

And though it seems that men did not hold the Istari in highest regard, those few like Aragorn or Legolas or Elrond did bow and give him some trifle of obeisance did they not?

Surely. And less lofty citizens such as B. Butterbur held them in esteem too. But there seems to me a difference in reverence. And don't angels declare themselves as messengers of God whereas the Istari were not to be as open about their purpose (though Gandalf dropped a hint to Denethor). Plus the Valar sent the Istari, not Iluvatar. But I quibble.

And, since we do seem to be discussing, there are mentions of intermediary beings. Can you not recall, if you are as knowledgeable as you seem to be in Christian and para-Christian history and ancient theologies, the angelic men of the Nephilim? The Giants of Gaza? Goliath, and the sons of Anak? Thats a little of the track of this discussion, though.

Interesting. But I would first ask if we've ever found any giant bones of course. Then I would ask how these beings came into...well...being.

Are we to assume that angelic beings can mate with humans? How would that be, as angels do not have physicality? I would assume that fallen angels would not have this ability at the least. If they did, then how would one be able to tell the difference between a fallen angel that took on a body and the risen Christ?

Here is a good argument regarding the same.

Tolkien, via Iluvatar, permitted Maia-elf-human hybrids.