[the guy who be short]

To deny the Christian parallels in Tolkien would be the pinnacle of foolishness. The man himself proclaimed the works as "consciously [Christian] in the revision." One of the key parts of the Bible mythos is the Fallen Angel tale, and it stands to reason that this would make it into Tolkien.

It is, however, of immense interest that the Fallen character in Tolkien is not a power, but one of the Lesser Children: Elu Thingol.

Though it seems a little unlikely at first glance, this theory has sufficient evidence to be supported by many Tolkienologists, and the evidence speaks for itself.

Firstly, let us consider Thingol's nature. He was one of the Four High Kings of the Quendi, and in a position of strength. This means he was automatically an important character, and one with potential to Fall. This is clearly signified by his ominous name - Greymantle; grey here signifies impurity.

Elwe's downfall began with the refusal of the Summons of the Valar. Though he feigned concordance with their will, his heart was set against the removal of the Quendi from the first, willing instead his own realms in Middle Earth. However, he decided to march his followers to the West nonetheless, out of desire to be removed from the other Quendi, who could rival his power.

After the march, Elwe halted in Beleriand, thinking to feign confusion and claim he was lost, when he was struck by luck. For there, he met Melian, and this was the moment of the Fall. For by his dark magic, he enticed one of the children of Eru himself, and forced himself upon her, and bound her to him. So it was that he perverted that which should have been good. Thereafter he named himself Elu, in direct mockery of Eru, and proclaimed himself Lord of Beleriand.

Elu forever sought to undo God's work, just as Satan did. He caused unrest between Quendi and Naucor, he stole, he denied aid to the needy. He even declared war upon factions of the Noldor, ambassadors of the Valar, and of Eru himself, who set foot upon the West.

Now, the startling thing is that, if the real Eru had not stepped in, Elu would have succeeded in his goals. Luckily, Eru places the Dwarves upon Arda, and Elu fell for the trap - his evil heart led to war, and the destruction of his empire. Finally he was slain, and the Eldar removed to Aman, where Eru could keep close watch over them.

So we see how Thingol represents Satan, seeking to supplant God himself, and forever scheming his overthrow. We see how he mocks the Lord, and how his black heart is the end of him. The few that go to his side - such as Melkor - also end up being destroyed and cast out of the World forever.