Christianity and Tolkien

[Rhod the Red]

I did not go on with this sequel, for I wished first to complete and set in order the mythology and legends of the Elder Days, which had been taking shape for some years. I desired to do this for my own satisfaction, and had little hope that other people would be interested in this work, especially since it was primarily linguistic in inspiration and was begun to provide the necessary background of history for Elvish tongues.

As for any inner meaning or 'message', it has in the intention of this author none. It is neither allegorical nor topical

Other arrangements could be devised according to the tastes or views of those who like allegory or topical reference. I cordially dislike allegory in all its manifestations,

I much prefer history, true or feigned, with its varies applicability to the thought and experience of readers, I think many confuse 'applicability' with 'allegory'; but the one resides in the freedom of the reader, and the other in the purposed domination of the author.

- Tolkien, Forward to the Second Edition, The Lord of the Rings