82 THE FAITHFUL READER not remove all connection between Tolkien’s fictional world and our own: “That there is no allegory,” he wrote, “does not, of course, say there is no applicability. There always is.” The devoutness of Tolkien’s faith and intention that his work be “consonant with Christian thought and belief ” have naturally led to strong theological associations. Many have compared the image of Galadriel to that of the Virgin Mary. Yet Tolkien always remained aloof from toostrong an association between the two figures. Responding by letter to such a suggestion, he acknowledged an influence, but made it clear that the details do not correspond: “I was particularly interested in your remarks about Galadriel…..I think it is true that I owe much of this character to Christian and Catholic teaching and imagination about Mary, but actually Galadriel was a penitent: in her youth a leader of the rebellion against the Valar (the angelic guardians).” This disobedience is in stark contrast to the obedience of Mary: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Yet both examples are morally applicable to our own lives. Do we submit to God’s will with a quiet heart, or do we, in our pride, prefer our own way? Tolkien’s world is undeniably a moral world. It is, like ours, one in which rebellion has disfigured creation and a call to repentance and return to obedience has been sounded. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). What will be our answer?
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM4ODY=