2014

Mythology in the Lord of

the Rings
BY KIRSTEN SMITH
ENGL 002
Mythology in the Lord of the Rings Kirsten Smith
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Introduction:
As Frodo and Sam journey across the dangerous Middle Earth to a dark place where they
have ever only heard about, I look to my cousin as we also journey to a place we have never
been: college. People who have never watched the Lord of the Rings trilogy always ask me, as a
dedicated fanatic, why I like a movie that is so unrealistic? I find this often asked question to be a
reoccurring annoyance asked by those who do not wish to look beyond appearances and discover
the true meaning and purpose. Watching the Lord of the Rings as a young child even I could
understand the emotions being portrayed by the protagonist. The unrealistic characters and
setting did not take away from the natural human emotions you experience every day. The
purpose of the books and later movies was to provide Europe with a mythology. In 1937, J.R.R.
Tolkien attempted to create a history for Europe and his people where good overcomes evil,
mirroring the same struggles they were experiencing with World War Two. Tolkien incorporated
so many modern parallels that scholars spend their lives researching to understand the authors
intent behind every object or scene. This is what makes the Lord of the Rings trilogy so
fascinating for so many people, it reflects their own personal struggles and as you grow you can
always find something else that holds meaning pertinent to you.
I have been watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy since I was a child and Peter Jackson
captivated my family with his ability to appeal to every age of person, but it was not until I was
older that I took interest in the making of Middle Earth, the Elvish languages, and how the Dark
Lord Sauron gained his power. Reading books like The Hobbit, a prequel to the Lord of the
Rings, and The Silmarillion helped me and many others expand our knowledge about the world
Tolkien created and it was fascinating to see the vast wealth of information he put into his
novels. After J.R.R. Tolkiens death his son, Christopher Tolkien, has organized, completed, and
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published some of his fathers work helping to continue and protect his legacy. (Downes 2012)
Yet, I cannot help but question what influenced J.R.R. Tolkien in the making of Middle Earth
and why is mythology still important to a lot of people in our modern society. I first must look at
the history and setting of Europe while Tolkien was writing his books. Some people (fans,
scholars, theologians, pastors) disagree on what ideologies Tolkien incorporated into Middle
Earth, and the two main competing beliefs are Christianity and Scandinavian or Norse pagan
theology, of course there are many others. Although Tolkien was introduced to many different
religions and read many classic stories, like Beowulf, throughout his education, the most
influential part of his culture was Christianity. I believe that, though not intentionally, Tolkien
implicitly incorporated a lot Christian symbolism in his books. Also, the popularity of the Lord
of the Rings trilogy has made mythology a popular topic and one I want to explore the
importance of.
Literary Review:
There are important terms to remember that I have discovered throughout my research and taken
the liberty to define. They are all related to the topic discussed and will better clarify the
following conversation. All of the terms listed have detailed definitions from reputable sources
which are listed in my bibliography.
Myth: A myth is a traditional story, often placed in historical context, which explains a practice,
belief, or a natural and social phenomenon for a group of people. Myths are fictitious stories,
written and spoken, that can describe or explain a societies cultural attributes. They often reveal
greater truths and teach valuable lessons. They are sometimes believed by groups of people but
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are normally exaggerated idealized conceptions of people or things. Myths can contain persons
with supernatural abilities or describe a cultures early history.
The Silmarillion: the Silmarillion is a novel written by J.R.R. Tolkien and finished by his son.
Christopher Tolkien. This book was written after The Hobbit and before the Lord of the Rings. It
held extensive knowledge about the creation of Middle Earth. It is considered a mythopoeic
piece and proof of modern mythology.
Mythopoeic Mythopoeic is a term in modern literature and film that describes an
authors creation of a fictional mythology. This was used promptly after J.R.R. Tolkiens
release of the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. Works of mythopoeia are also known as
fantasy or science fiction.
Monogenism: Monogenism is the theory of common descent, the idea that the human race all
originated from one place and one person. This is a common belief among many religions
including, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam where man originates from Adam. In the world of
science and mythology this is an ideology that can be supported by the proof of mapping and
comparing different mythologies around the world. There are many similarities between ancient
folklore, even from places geographically isolated from one another. (Farrand 1904)
Norse Mythology: Nordic mythology also known as Scandinavian mythology, is a very
influential part of Tolkiens Middle Earth. This pagan myth has many famous deities still talked
about today including, Thor and Odin. Runes, language, names of people and swords, and battles
are all reminiscent of the Norse mythology. J.R.R. Tolkien studied many different mythologies
and classic literatures and may have implicitly added them in his own world. (Wettstein 2002)
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Greek Mythology: The ancient Greeks believed in a pagan theology that worshipped many Gods
and demi-Gods. There are a large collection of narratives and pieces of art that depict the many
heroic stories that mirror those found in Lord of the Rings. Tolkien studied the works of Homer,
the Iliad and The Odyssey, and it is apparent that they were incorporated into Tolkiens literature.
(Newman 2005)
Symbolism: Symbolism is commonly used in literature to add depth and meaning to one object
or phrase. Symbolism is used throughout the Lord of the Rings and one object can represent a
greater idea or meaning. The one ring in the Lord of the Rings is thought to be symbolic for
many things depending on interpretation, such as evil.
Allegory: An allegorical piece of literature is similar to symbolism except it is an entire
poem, story, or picture that represents something else. Usually it is a moral or political
meaning that is being symbolized. There is debate whether the Lord of the Rings is an
allegory, but Tolkien has stated that he didnt plan for it to be and his books shouldnt be
read that way. (Thomas W. Smith 2005)
Implicit: An implicit idea is not openly or plainly expressed but rather implied or hinted at. The
Lord of the Rings is thought by many people to be a religious work but nowhere in the literature
is it explicitly to be.
Parallels: This term is used in my research paper to illustrate the similarities between ideas,
mythologies, and languages that correspond with the Lord of the Rings. Scholars study Tolkiens
work to find corresponding themes between other mythological worlds and religions. Even
pastors in churches try to use these parallels to appeal to their congregation and use these hit
movies as a way to connect with the audience. (Katie February 21, 2004)
Mythology in the Lord of the Rings Kirsten Smith
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Entering the Conversation:
The Lord of the Rings has sparked a new interest in the study of mythology. J.R.R.
Tolkien created an amazing world that was influenced by many religions, cultures, languages,
and mythologies all studied by Tolkien at some point. There have been many studies about how
Tolkien used Nordic mythology in his work. J.S. Ryan wrote that the uses of riddles, talismanic
battle-cries, charms and incantations, efficacious names for weapons and horses, courtly
addresses, parleys, defiances, curses, magical songs, exhortations to valor, and the slimy speech
of treachery were to be heroic and evocative. (Ryan 1966) This may be true, but I believe that
the Lord of the Rings is a religious work, although not explicitly. Tolkiens history in the
Catholic Church has made his masterpiece a sermon in many churches across America. The
storys monotheistic nature makes it easy to apply to the Christian faith. Although Greek and
Nordic mythological elements may be present it does not hold the same weight as the underlying
Christian theme. Tolkien has also admitted that his work, unintentionally, has a lot of Catholic
influence. (Thomas W. Smith 2006) People would argue that the story as no religious nature at
all, because throughout Frodo and Sams journey there were no mention of God or any religious
ceremonies or offerings. This was explained well by Willis B. Glover, who understood the story
took place before Christ so there would not be any Christians in the story because Christianity
did not exist before Christ. There is only the idea among the character that they are simply a
small piece in a much larger game and this can be seen in all throughout the novels and in the
third movie. Pippin and Gandalf are sitting and waiting for their assumed death, but Gandalf
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assures Pippin that this is not the end but only the beginning. He tells Pippin that beautiful white
sandy beaches await him on the other side.(Jackson) Glover also suggests that the idea of Middle
Earth beginning as pure and good and being corrupted by evil, for example Sauron was corrupted
by evil (similar to Lucifer a fallen angel) as more evidence of the Christian faith. (Glover 1971)
So What?
The question I want to conclude with is: what does mythology, fantasy fiction, mean to
us? Historically mythology is important because it can tell so much about the foundation of a
culture, its values and morals. But mythology can be used in science as well. How is it that
myths from two opposite sides of the globe have similar plots and meanings? This can add to the
belief in monogenism. (Farrand 1904) Two geographically isolated cultures can have parallels in
social characteristics represented in myths because as some point in time they came from the
same place and people. Mythology can also be used to understand the human psyche. By
studying the human characteristics within the myths of different societies you can compare and
contrast the differences and similarities. Mythology is important for sciences such as ethnology,
comparative psychology, and anthropology. Tolkiens contemporary mythology is just as
important as the classical tales of antiquity. His stories show the morals and values of our time
and the influence of Christianity in the West. Mythologies broad reach into other fields of
science should make it easier for teachers to incorporate it into the curriculum making it a topic
that holds importance in modern society. (Grace P. Smith 1918)



Mythology in the Lord of the Rings Kirsten Smith
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Annotated Bibliography

Jackson, Peter. "TheLord of the Rings: Return of the King" Recorded December 01 2003.
Wingnut Productions. DVD

Katie, Zezima. The New York Times Company, "Religion Journal; Frodo's Quest Inspires a
Search for Allegory." Last modified February 21, 2004. Accessed March 1, 2014.
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/21/us/religion-journal-frodo-s-quest-inspires-a-search-
for allegory.html.
In this New York Times article the author writes about the growing popularity of the
Lord of the Rings films. As the Lord of the Rings audience grows and diversifies the more
articles and publications can be found about J.R.R Tolkien. Tolkien was born into a Christian
family and was raised by a Catholic priest. It is thought by some scholars that the Lord of the
Rings has religious undertones, explicit and implicit. Many forums and web discussions have
debated the legitimacy of this belief but because of Tolkiens religious background it is easy to
assume that he might have intentionally, or unintentionally, used Christian symbolism or story
structure while writing the Lord of the Rings series. There are also people who think that the
books resemble more closely to pagan theology. This is an interesting issue concerning
theologians across the globe. Some pastors are using the movies to their advantage to teach
Christian lessons in their sermons. Though some parallels can be drawn between Christian
doctrine and scenes in the books, most of the religious symbolism lies slightly below the surface,
never so overt as to distract from the story. (Katie February 21, 2004) J.R.R. Tolkien
successfully attracted a large audience without excluding any groups of people.

Lawrence, Downes. The New York Times Company, "An Unexpected Journey: Hobbits in the
Heartland." Last modified December 08, 2012. Accessed March 1, 2014.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/09/opinion/sunday/hobbits-in-the
heartland.html?ref=jrrtolkien&_r=0.
Thanks to the cinematic genius of Peter Jackson the Lord of the Rings trilogy has become
a world phenomenon. But before the movies and internet people didnt have the easy access they
do now to the heaping amounts of information J.R.R. Tolkien created. Even with all of the
technological advances the Tolkien collection gathered at Marquette University will sustain the
world of fantasy for generations to come. When Tolkien was writing about Middle Earth it was a
thought process very different than other authors alike. Tolkiens story developed as he wrote,
unlike his good friend, C.S. Lewis, who created the world in his mind first, then illustrated it
later in words. The heaps of drafts and manuscripts now fill the Marquette Library. The many
maps, alphabets, and glossaries are proof of the great accomplishment to the world of writing
J.R.R. Tolkiens works are.


Mythology in the Lord of the Rings Kirsten Smith
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Martin, Wettstein. "Norse Elements in the work of J.R.R. Tolkien." working paper.,
Academia, 2002. Academia
http://www.academia.edu/228734/Norse_Elements_in_the_work_of_J.R.R._Tolkien.
In this academic essay, Martin Wettstein tries to illustrate the many Norse elements that
Tolkien incorporated in his books. Norse mythology can be seen throughout the entire story of
Middle Earth. It is revealed the immense amount of knowledge Tolkien had acquired from
studying many languages and folk tales of Europe. Martin creates a list of objects, people, and
places that resemble the Nordic mythology. The list includes explanations of the importance this
resemblance plays in Tolkiens novels. Martin includes pictures of runes that are similar to those
of Nordic legend and this makes it easy to compare the similarities and differences found
between the two mythologies. One important piece of evidence of Nordic Mythology found in
the Lord of the Rings is the ring of power. Nordic mythology has important rings that represent
power as well and Odin, of Norse mythology often compared to Gandalf, had a very powerful
Ring yet not as powerful as the ring of Power in the Lord of the Rings.

Bryan, Griffin. "Why Mythology is still Important."Parma Observer. .
http://parmaobserver.com/read/2013/02/01/why-mythology-is-still-important-today
(accessed March 28, 2014).
Mythology has been a literature instrument of the human race for centuries, but as
television and technology replaces books and oral stories where does mythology fit in. Bryan
Griffin, a freelance writer and journalist from Cleveland State University, reasons that myth will
always be important in our history and is still important today. Myth is the foundation of many
religions and cultures around the world. Myths will explain the morals and values of a society.
Griffin argues that contemporary mythology can be found in comic books and fantasy fiction,
like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. It is the story of good versus evil and the occasional
supernatural powers of a seemingly ordinary guy. Most of all, Griffin believes that mythology, or
storytelling, is an important part of human interaction and will always have a place in society,
whether it be in a comic book, on the television screen, or a simple bed-time story to your
children.

J.K., Newman. "J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings": A Classical Perspective." Illinois
Classical Studies. (2005): (229-247).
http://www.jstor.org/stable/pdfplus/10.2307/23065305.pdf?acceptTC=true (accessed
March 28, 2014).
In this academic journal, J.K. Newman attempts to use comparative literature to
Tolkiens Lord of the Rings and classic literature. The author wants to know how the Tolkien
epic fits into classical literature and does it belong with classical literature. Newman compares
the Lord of the Rings to classical works such as the Odyssey or works of Shakespeare.

Glover, Willis B. "The Christian Character of Tolkien's Invented World." Criticism. no. 1
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(1971): (39-53). http://www.jstor.org/stable/pdfplus/10.2307/23098981.pdf (accessed
March 28, 2014).
This is the Christian outlook of the Lord of the Rings, by Willis Glover. Early after the
making and release of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, the novels came under scrutiny by some of
the Christian community who could not recognize any form of religion in the books. They were
wrong for doing so, and J.R.R. Tolkien has stated many times that he is a Christian man that
grew up in the Catholic Church and so Christianity was a major, perhaps largest, influence when
creating this new world. Though probably less-marked than its counterpart series created by C.S.
Lewis, the Lord of the Ring trilogy has many Christian symbols. The story, however, takes place
before Christ, so to look for Christian characters is impossible considering Christianity did not
exist until Christ. There are major themes like good overcoming evil, monotheism, the power of
hope of a promise land, and how the beginning there was only good that would be corrupted
by evil which is reminiscent of Christian theology. Glover states that the Christian influence is
not explicit but that does not mean it doesnt exist in Middle Earth.

Ryan, J.S. "German Mythology Applied. The Extension of the Literary Folk
Memory." Folklore. no. 1 (1966): (45-59). http://www.jstor.org/stable/1258920 .
(accessed
March 29, 2014).
Like many other scholars, J.S. Ryan has noticed many of the Germanic qualities of J.R.R.
Tolkiens world. Ryan understands that though influenced by many other mythologies,
languages, and religions, Lord of the Rings uses riddles, talismanic battle-cries, charms and
incantations, efficacious names for weapons and horses, courtly addresses, parleys, defiances,
curses, magical songs, exhortations to valor, and the slimy speech of treachery to be heroic and
evocative. Ryan wants to highlight a part of the story which is more elusive to other readers and
scholars, which is Tolkiens language and diction. Ryan also mentions the similarities between
the Norse mythology and Tolkiens, as did Martin Wettstein in his essay. The importance of
Tolkiens use of Germanic words, phrases, and poems is

Smith, Grace P. "Vitalizing Mythology." The Classical Journal. no. 2 (1918): (128-131).
http://www.jstor.org/stable/3288070 . (accessed March 29, 2014).
In this journal article, Grace P. Smith takes the standpoint of a teacher. Smith is looking
for ways to get students to understand the importance of mythology in ways that apply to their
everyday lives. In a changing world, myth and folk lore seem like a distant archaic past that has
no place in modern society and this mindset is what prohibits many students from taking
mythology seriously. Smith wants to supplement the textbook with new teaching methods that
will give the student a more practical use of mythology. It is common knowledge that myth is
important culturally and historically and even for anthropological research but how can it be used
by the student? Smith suggests some few ways that a teacher might make Greek mythology
important to students of different interests, like forming parallels between the literature and their
Mythology in the Lord of the Rings Kirsten Smith
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everyday lives. The Greek character, Heracles, paralleled with todays football player for his
athleticism and Demeter was paralleled with a mother figure.

Farrand, Livingston. "The Significance of Mythology and Tradition." The Journal of American
Folklore. no. 64 (1904): (14-22). http://www.jstor.org/stable/533983 . (accessed March
29,
2014).
This is another journal, presented by the world of science rather than the teachers
perspective, about how mythology can be useful. Farrand tries to defend his field of study, which
hardly gets any recognition from other researchers, and prove that mythology has a place among
the top dogs. Farrand states that mythology is linked to the development of human culture, so
most important to the closely related fields of ethnology and comparative psychology. He
believes that mythologies greatest gift to offer is the answer to monogenism and polygenism. He
explains the importance of mythology for many ethnologists and other fields of science who try
to map the similarities between cultures, or try to prove the idea of every human and culture
originating from the same place. This is the major part of mythology where it can be most seen
the similarities between cultures. Mythology has linked civilizations from completely different
sides of the globe

Smith, Thomas W. "Tolkien's Catholic Imagination: Mediation and Tradition." Religion and
Literature. no. 2 (2006): (73-100).
There is another view of Tolkiens use of Christianity in Lord of the Rings. It is known
that there are no explicit Christian references within Tolkiens story so it is hard to see the
underlying themes. Yet if you read the story, allegorically or specifically look for the Christian
symbolism, themes, or narrative structure you might be able to find something (though Tolkien
explicitly tells you not to read the books like that in his Foreword). Tolkien was not fond of
reading a literature piece just to understand what influenced it into being. When creating the
Lord of the Rings he intentionally left all of his references to different myths and religions alone
because they were unintentional but a part of his natural way of thinking and writing. Thomas
Smith notes that artists and writers like Tolkien see the world through a different lens because
that is the effect religion has on the human psyche. Smith goes on to say that Tolkien wouldnt
like an allegorical book because that put limits on the readers imagination and imposes the
authors beliefs. Smiths overall question is how do Tolkiens beliefs illuminate the story and
make it a best seller around the world?