Tolkien’s Legendarium: A Catholic Perspective and Biblical Connections

In his rich and extensive legendarium, J.R.R. Tolkien created a parallel world, Middle-earth, which many readers believe closely mirrors our own. This parallel world is not merely an imaginative construction but a carefully crafted mythology that intertwines with and parallels certain elements of the Bible. We will delve into how these stories interconnect, particularly focusing on the figure of Melkor/Morgoth and his relation to biblical figures such as Satan and the fall of man.

Connecting Middle-earth to Our World

For readers familiar with Tolkien's letters, it is clear that he intended Middle-earth to be an alternate pre-history of our world. In his legendarium, Tolkien provides various hints to this connection. For example, in The Hobbit, the narration attributes the invention of golf to a hobbit warrior, linking it to our own historical context. Similarly, in The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien humorously credits orcs with inventing modern weaponry, further blurring the lines between his imagined world and our own.

Middle-earth as a Factual Pre-History

These details are crucial for understanding how Tolkien's legendarium fits into our world. In his preface to The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien explains that the map he includes is set in a world so ancient that all previous shapes have changed. This blurs the line between the imagined past and our own history, suggesting that Middle-earth's events could be real or at least mirrored events in our world.

Interconnections with Biblical Figures

One of the most discussed correlations in Tolkien's legendarium is the relationship between Melkor/Morgoth and biblical figures. In Christian theology, Satan is often considered a fallen angel, leading some to speculate about Melkor's role in Tolkien's world. Let's explore this in more detail.

Melkor as the “Satan-figure”

In his letters, Tolkien explicitly describes Melkor/Morgoth as the "Satan-figure" of Middle-earth. However, there are significant differences between Melkor and Satan as portrayed in the Bible. According to Tolkien, Melkor fell before the creation of humanity, and his actions have so deeply tainted the world that even inanimate objects like trees can become evil. This makes the world of Middle-earth a more bleak and arduous place for humanity. As Tolkien writes in Letter 212, where he discusses the literary implications of Satan and Morgoth, the primary difference is that Melkor's actions had long-lasting consequences that affected all of Middle-earth.

The Snake in the Garden of Eden

Another intriguing connection is the figure of Melkor as he relates to the serpent in the Garden of Eden. Some readers have speculated whether Melkor might represent the serpent, which enticed Eve to disobey God. Tolkien himself did not explicitly make this connection, but the parallels are striking. Both the serpent and Melkor bring about the downfall of humanity, although their motivations and circumstances differ. Melkor's actions are rooted in his own pride and desire for power, while the serpent's actions may be more complex and motivated by a desire to protect or exploit.

Understanding Tolkien's Intentions

Tolkien was deeply influenced by Catholic theology and appreciated the power of religious themes in literature. However, he was unequivocally against allegory. In many letters, he expresses his dislike for the idea that his works should be seen as overtly allegorical. He believed that the stories could have broader meanings but should not be forced into rigid interpretative categories.

Tolkien's intention was to create a fictional pre-history that incorporated broader themes and mythological elements, rather than making direct parallels with biblical stories. The details of Middle-earth, including the characters and events, were meant to be rich in symbolism and meaning, allowing readers to find their own interpretations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there are rich connections between Tolkien's Legendarium and the Bible, these should be approached with a nuanced and open-minded perspective. Tolkien created a world that invites deep reflection and interpretation, blending myth, history, and theology in a way that both correlates and differs from our world and the biblical narrative.

Key Takeaways

Middle-earth can be seen as an alternate pre-history of our world, with details mirroring our history. Melkor/Morgoth is considered the "Satan-figure" in Tolkien's legendarium, with distinct differences from the biblical Satan. The serpent from the Garden of Eden may be seen as an analogy for Melkor, representing the role of deception and temptation.

References

Tolkien, J.R.R., The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by Humphrey Carpenter, George Allen Unwin, 1981.

Tolkien, J.R.R., The Silmarillion, Edited by Christopher Tolkien, George Allen Unwin, 1977.

Earl Wajenberg, The Lord of the Rings and the Bible, Catholic University of America Press, 2000.

Jim Pickering, Peoples of Middle-earth: A Study of Character and Setting in J.R.R. Tolkien's Legendarium, Delmar Publishers, 1997.