Was Tulkas in Tolkien's Legendarium Inspired by the Legend of Hercules?

For many scholars and fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, the character Tulkas is often thought to be based on the powerful Norse god Thor, Thor/Tulkas: A Nordic God Turned Pure Angel. However, it is equally compelling to explore the possibility that Thor/Tulkas might also be linked to the legendary hero Hercules. This comparison delves into the origins, traits, and possible inspirations behind these two mighty figures, drawing parallels and insights from ancient and modern mythologies.

Thor/Tulkas: A Nordic God Turned Pure Angel

Tulkas, the mighty warrior in Tolkien's Middle-earth, can indeed be seen as a reimagined version of Thor from Norse mythology. Tolkien's reworking of Norse mythology often involved aligning it with Christian ideals, which is evident in the character of Tulkas. In contrast to the original Norse gods who possess human-like flaws and are not wholly pure, Tulkas is a ldquo;cleaned uprdquo; version, embodying complete goodness and strength without the typical human defects one might find in gods of Greek and Norse pantheons.

Thor, the thunder god in Norse myths, is known for his immense strength, courage, and love for combat. These traits are mirrored in Tulkas, who is described as having powerful physical prowess and a passion for strength contests. However, Thor is also portrayed as a simpleton, often portrayed in a comical light, with a temper that can be destructive, unthinking, and primal. In contrast, Tulkas lacks the sharp intellect and strategic thinking that Thor exhibits. It is speculated that giving Tulkas a hammer, similar to Thor's, would have been an overstep given Tulkas's more harmonized and pure nature.

The Similarities Between Tulkas and Hercules

The similarities between Tulkas and Hercules are valid, warranting a thorough exploration. Both are super-strong figures from different mythologies and can be traced back to the Indo-European heritage. Just as Thor and Hercules share many common aspects, they may represent an original concept from ancient civilizations that evolved in distant cultures. However, it is important to note that while Tolkien drew heavily from Northern mythology, he was also greatly influenced by the classic works of the Greek and Roman traditions.

Heracles (Hercules in Latin) is a mythological figure known for his incredible strength and athletic prowess, but he is also a demigod, a hybrid of human and god. Tulkas, on the other hand, is a full-fledged god in Tolkien's legendarium, embodying purity and strength without the moral ambiguities and vices often seen in Greek deities. This purity in Tulkas aligns more closely with the idea of Angelic beings in Christian theology.

Norse Mythology and its Influence

The Norse god Thor is a more likely source, but it is important to consider the broader influence of Greek and Roman myths as well. Hercules, a legendary hero in Greek mythology, is a prominent figure in many of Tolkien's works. The idea of a super-strong mortal gaining divine powers is a common theme in these myths and could have influenced Tulkas's character. Additionally, Manwe (an angelic figure in Tolkien's legendarium), shares many traits with Odin, the chief god in Norse mythology, highlighting the overlapping influences from ancient traditions.

Overall, while Tulkas and Hercules share similarities, the differences in their origins and character traits reflect the distinct cultural and mythological contexts from which they originate. This exploration reveals the complexity and depth of Tolkien's creation, drawing from a rich tapestry of ancient mythologies and aligning them with his philosophies and theological beliefs.