The Emblems of Religion don't belong ... or do they? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Mithalwen · 04-06-2005, 01:49 PM

While I basically agree with Formendacil, I would make a caveat only because of his choice of vocab.... emblems would be incoherent but symbolism does slip in. However only in that certain things have a certain "obvious" symbolism that have been utilised by Christianity but equally also by other belief systems. For example trees have a role in Christian symbolism but are not an exclusively Christian emblem and so it does not jar that The White Tree is symbolic of the rejuvenation of Gondor. Hope this makes sense - I know what I mean but I am not sure I am conveying it.

04-06-2005, 01:49 PM	#5
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,463	While I basically agree with Formendacil, I would make a caveat only because of his choice of vocab.... emblems would be incoherent but symbolism does slip in. However only in that certain things have a certain "obvious" symbolism that have been utilised by Christianity but equally also by other belief systems. For example trees have a role in Christian symbolism but are not an exclusively Christian emblem and so it does not jar that The White Tree is symbolic of the rejuvenation of Gondor. Hope this makes sense - I know what I mean but I am not sure I am conveying it. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace