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Kin-strife · 11-19-2001, 05:26 AM

I'm sorry, I've just noticed this Gandalf=Manwe thread and want to contribute.
I made a point before in the "image of Eru" thread that the role Gandalf plays in LotR is similar to that played by Christ in the bible. The way he came (incarnate) in a weak and humble manner to unite all people in love and understanding, the way he works without instigating fear or oppresion to alert people to the evils of the world and the way he died only to come back in greater splendour. I think that the Gandalf/Manwe thing in UT may have been influenced by Tolkiens realisation of the similarities between the two (assuming they were accidental, which I believe they were). But I don't think he meant it as a truth. Tolkiens stories are supposed to be just second handed accounts and interpretations for the most part so why not site other (slightly extreme) beliefs for a better rounded picture. I think that's all that was.

11-19-2001, 05:26 AM	#75
Kin-strife Haunting Spirit Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Dublin, Ireland Posts: 58	I'm sorry, I've just noticed this Gandalf=Manwe thread and want to contribute. I made a point before in the "image of Eru" thread that the role Gandalf plays in LotR is similar to that played by Christ in the bible. The way he came (incarnate) in a weak and humble manner to unite all people in love and understanding, the way he works without instigating fear or oppresion to alert people to the evils of the world and the way he died only to come back in greater splendour. I think that the Gandalf/Manwe thing in UT may have been influenced by Tolkiens realisation of the similarities between the two (assuming they were accidental, which I believe they were). But I don't think he meant it as a truth. Tolkiens stories are supposed to be just second handed accounts and interpretations for the most part so why not site other (slightly extreme) beliefs for a better rounded picture. I think that's all that was. __________________ "Come away, O human child!/ To the waters and the wild/With a faery hand in hand,/ For the world's more full of weeping than you can understand."