Incarnation in Middle Earth
J.R.R. Tolkien disliked allegory. However, he did acknowledge that myths had applicability that could not be ignored. He also felt, in creating his own, that he could not write anything that would contradict Scripture. While not wanting overt religious references in his works, he could not overlook the reality of a Creator, a fallen world, and a Divine plan. Tolkien said his tales of Middle Earth were of a pre-Christian era, but that could not negate the need for a Redeemer. In a scene which was published posthumously with some of his notes, the elven king Finrod Felagund (Galadriel's brother), ages before the War of the Ring, was discussing this with the wise woman Andreth. Matthew Dickerson refers to this scene in his book "Following Gandalf":
"Andreth mentions an old belief that one day Ilúvatar [God] himself will enter into his creation: 'They say that the One will himself enter into Arda [Earth], and heal Men and all the Marring from the beginning to the end' (MR, p.321)....Finrod believes that such an incarnation is actually the only hope that Men and Elves have for the healing of the hurts of Morgoth [satan]. Thus Finrod concludes:
'If Eru wished to do this, I do not doubt that he would find a way, though I cannot foresee it. For, as it seems to me, even if He in Himself were to enter it, He must still remain also as He is: the Author without. And yet, Andreth, to speak with humility, I cannot conceive how else this healing could be achieved. Since Eru will surely not suffer Melkor to turn the world to his own will and to triumph in the end. Yet there is no power conceivable greater than Melkor save Eru only. Therefore Eru, if He will not relinquish His work to Melkor, who must else proceed to mastery, then Eru must come in to conquer him...if any remedy for [Melkor's evil] is to be found, ere all is ended, any new light to oppose the shadow, or any medicine for the wounds: then it must, I deem, come from without.' (MR, p. 322)"
[MR - Morgoth's Ring: The Later Silmarillion, Part One Volume 10, by J.R.R. Tolkien]
"Andreth mentions an old belief that one day Ilúvatar [God] himself will enter into his creation: 'They say that the One will himself enter into Arda [Earth], and heal Men and all the Marring from the beginning to the end' (MR, p.321)....Finrod believes that such an incarnation is actually the only hope that Men and Elves have for the healing of the hurts of Morgoth [satan]. Thus Finrod concludes:
'If Eru wished to do this, I do not doubt that he would find a way, though I cannot foresee it. For, as it seems to me, even if He in Himself were to enter it, He must still remain also as He is: the Author without. And yet, Andreth, to speak with humility, I cannot conceive how else this healing could be achieved. Since Eru will surely not suffer Melkor to turn the world to his own will and to triumph in the end. Yet there is no power conceivable greater than Melkor save Eru only. Therefore Eru, if He will not relinquish His work to Melkor, who must else proceed to mastery, then Eru must come in to conquer him...if any remedy for [Melkor's evil] is to be found, ere all is ended, any new light to oppose the shadow, or any medicine for the wounds: then it must, I deem, come from without.' (MR, p. 322)"
[MR - Morgoth's Ring: The Later Silmarillion, Part One Volume 10, by J.R.R. Tolkien]
posted by melilotnfosco | 8:14 PM
2 Comments:
"He also felt, in creating his own, that he could not write anything that would contradict Scripture."
To me this is one of the greatest "proofs" that he was a believer. Yes, I know he made it very plain elsewhere, but to not even be able to fantasize about a world where God does not exist shows that in his heart of hearts he believed it to be an impossibility.
Interesting stuff...
oh thank you! you totally made my day by commenting on this. i understand why people don't comment on my tolkien things sometimes, but i always wish there was someone out there who would. so thank you! :)
and yes, you make an excellent point, too. :)
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