I'm just wondering...... (Tolkien religion) - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Lord of Angmar · 01-01-2004, 10:33 PM

It is my understanding that a religion is based upon the belief in, worship of, reverence for, and adherence to the laws of, a deity or "God" figure. Since the stories of Middle-earth and Arda written by J.R.R. Tolkien are works of fiction, it would be a stretch for anyone to claim any major aspect of the work as grounds for religious practice. To say that you believe in the Valar or the Music of the Ainur is in a sense to embrace the idea that perhaps the Lord of the Rings, the Silmarillion and Professor Tolkien's related works are in fact the word of a God or deity, an enlightened figure or messenger of God. I am sure Tolkien would find any notion that he was one of the above not only untrue, but blasphemous, and any interpretation of his major works as anything more than epic fiction (albeit with a good deal of underlying morality and arguably, unconsciously inserted ideology) would be a disservice to the Professor.

01-01-2004, 10:33 PM	#21
Lord of Angmar Tyrannus Incorporalis Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: the North Posts: 833	It is my understanding that a religion is based upon the belief in, worship of, reverence for, and adherence to the laws of, a deity or "God" figure. Since the stories of Middle-earth and Arda written by J.R.R. Tolkien are works of fiction, it would be a stretch for anyone to claim any major aspect of the work as grounds for religious practice. To say that you believe in the Valar or the Music of the Ainur is in a sense to embrace the idea that perhaps the Lord of the Rings, the Silmarillion and Professor Tolkien's related works are in fact the word of a God or deity, an enlightened figure or messenger of God. I am sure Tolkien would find any notion that he was one of the above not only untrue, but blasphemous, and any interpretation of his major works as anything more than epic fiction (albeit with a good deal of underlying morality and arguably, unconsciously inserted ideology) would be a disservice to the Professor. __________________ ...where the instrument of intelligence is added to brute power and evil will, mankind is powerless in its own defence.