[Joy]

Bethberry,thank you for you comments. They are greatly appreciated. I agree that Allegory is not what Tolkein meant when he wrote the books, though, as he said, it is applicable to each person on their own level. Each person can deduce a meaning related to where they are in live, according to their personal set of standards. This is why Lord of the Rings is universally accepted.

As a Christian, I will see ideals and seniments that reflect the Christian life. Though, I do not go as far as saying Gandalf=Jesus. Some one who is Muslim, will probably see Muslim tentents throughout the work.