Tolkien was influenced in a large way by Beowulf, a Nordic story. The whole concept of Rohan is based on Saxon "warrior-code." Tolkien also studied ancient Nordic languages which is where he got the Rohirrim's language from. I see Gondor as being more Roman (though possibly Norman). The hobbits are definitely pre-industrial britain. I don't think that the elves can be placed because they are so seperate from men.
__________________
"Hasufel is his name," said Eomer."May he bear you well and to better fortune than Garulf, his late master!"
|