Man behind the Mythology

[Bêthberry]

We likely are all aware of Tolkien's adamant denial in the Forward that LotR is an allegory. Yet, yet, in a draft of an undated letter, Tolkien does say what LotR is an allegory of.

What is that?

[Mariska Greenleaf]

I believe Tolkien thought of it more as an allegory of the human race, saying:

.I’ve always been impressed that we’re here surviving because of the indomitable courage of quite small people against impossible odds: jungles, volcanoes, wild beasts... they struggle on, almost blindly in a way" (Interview by Dennis Gerrolt; it was first broadcast in January 1971 on BBC Radio 4 program "Now Read On…").

But I'm nog sure since you are referring to the letters. Maybe you are looking for another answer...

[Bêthberry]

You are correct, Mariska; I am looking for a different answer.

Tolkien uses the word allegory in his draft, first to deny what LotR is an allegory of. He then states what it is of.

There's two end prepositions, which I am proud of.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Ending a post with a preposition is something up with which I will not put!

[Bêthberry]

A hint, a hint for an answer to come up with?

This was a letter written in the month of "shoures soote", in the mid-fifties, sent to someone who appears one time only to have been written to.

*nods to Fordim and Churchill*

[Child of the 7th Age]

.......Child comes dragging in from vacation with her copy of the Letters in one hand and Canterbury Tales in the other

Bethberry,

I'll take a shot at this. There is a letter dated 10 April 1958 (lots of nice showers then!) that was sent to C. Ouboter, a Rotterdam bookseller whom Tolkien had just visited. In this letter, Tolkien first says this:

As for 'message', I have none really, if by that is meant the conscious purpose in writing The Lord of the Rings of preaching, or of delivering myself of a vision of truth esepcially revealed to me!

But he then goes on to admit that , in rereading the book, he became "aware of the dominence of the theme of Death". He observes:

But certainly Death is not an Enemy! I said, or meant to say, that the 'message' was the hideous peril of confusing true 'immortality' with limitless serial longevity. Freedom from Time, and clinging to Time. The confusion is the work of the Enemy, and one of the chief causes of human disaster.

Is this what you had in mind?

~Child

[Bêthberry]

Child, fascinating that Tolkien mentions the theme of death in your 1958 letter, for he does as well in the letter I am thinking of.

Tolkien uses the word 'allegory' in that letter.

Welcome back!