<font face="Verdana"><table><TR><TD><FONT SIZE="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Haunting Spirit
Posts: 81</TD><TD></TD></TR></TABLE>
<img src="http://www.barrowdowns.com/images/posticons/nenya.jpg" align=absmiddle> Silmarillion and the Bible
Actually, reading Tolkien's works, especially the Silmarillion, had an odd side effect for me. After re-reading the major works several times, I began to learn an appreciation for epic storytelling over enormous periods of time.
As a result, I learned how to read and appreciate the Bible better! I wonder how many people realize how similar the structure is between the Silmarillion and the Bible (particularly the old testament)?
In addition, each history ends with a well-expounded story, focusing in on a great pivotal ending point: LOTR, which focuses on the final triumph of good over Melkor & Sauron, and the New Testament which focuses on God's victory of Satan.
Even Tolkien's works of backup material, including Unfinished Tales, HoME, etc. are matched by equally compelling Biblical supporting books known as the apocrypha! I definitely owe Tolkien a debt of thanks for my passion for religion and religious history!
- Maglor
(P.S. - Maglor=The Wandering Jew? It's possible!)
</p>
|