[Calavanya]

And, yes, Bill Ferny, I agree with you that noone should be criticized for their opinion. This is a disscussion, respect each other, people. Secondly, different literature states different theories. Does it really matter which race, nation, people, whatever, have influenced Tolkien the most. He was a wide educated man, interested both in Celtic and Norse mythology, as well as Anglo-Saxon. He stated once how he wanted to create an Anglo-Saxon legend, something that would be remembered as English, as the Celts and Norse had so many. So, there are elves in many cultures, and godlike creatures and all that. I think Tolkien has created something beautiful and marvelous and I can explore it and try to enter this world, but there is more than one answer here that's correct. Tolken may have been Catholic, but he was tolerant and accepted his origins, and was interested in all other cultures without prejudice (i think).