Motifs of Myth

[Gwaihir the Windlord]

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<img src="http://www.barrowdowns.com/images/posticons/bluepal.jpg" align=absmiddle> Re: Motifs of Myth

Just the other night, when I was reading UT, I couldn't help but think of the similarity between Ulmo, Lord of Waters, and the Greek god Poseidon (or Neptune, for those that know him by that name).

The effect was heightened by the fact that the cover illustration portrays Ulmo with fins on his shoulders and a triton, but there are other similarities as well. Of course, both are powerful kings of the sea, both command the tides, both are among the most powerful Valar or gods (Ulmo is ranked third in the Aratar, Poseidon was one of the three most powerful gods -- Zues, Hades, and Poseidon) and both dwell almost alone.

I believe that this was intentional. After all, Tolkien insisted that his world developed into the modern world.

Usually keeping a lookout over http://pub24.ezboard.com/bmountgundabadMount Gundabad</a> and http://www.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi The Barrowdowns</a> Middle-Earth Discussion Boards</p>