By setting Middle Earth in a pre-Christian stage, Tolkien could not include a true 'fullness of time' event that effectually makes everything sad untrue, let alone an actual 'eschaton.' So the literary Christ figures (Frodo, Aragorn, Gandalf) stay typological, rather than allegorical. The lovely places like Menegroth, Rivendell, or the Shire can't be the new creation. They are more like the oaks of Mamre or Bethel or Eschol. They still need to be saved, and perhaps also to be forfeited by the hero.
It's a gray, sad morning here at my house. Thanks for the little glimpse of beauty and wisdom.
You're so welcome! Thanks for the kind feedback and for reading
By setting Middle Earth in a pre-Christian stage, Tolkien could not include a true 'fullness of time' event that effectually makes everything sad untrue, let alone an actual 'eschaton.' So the literary Christ figures (Frodo, Aragorn, Gandalf) stay typological, rather than allegorical. The lovely places like Menegroth, Rivendell, or the Shire can't be the new creation. They are more like the oaks of Mamre or Bethel or Eschol. They still need to be saved, and perhaps also to be forfeited by the hero.
I love this distinction between allegorical and typological that you draw in light of the pre-Christian, pre-Incarnation status of Middle-earth.
Insightful and beautifully written, as always 😊
Thank you so much!
Beautifully worded. Can’t wait for the next instalment this week.
Thank you!
I'd completely missed or forgotten this statement Frodo made so early on, thanks for pointing it out Josh!
You're welcome! It was something I'd not picked up on before either, so I was glad to share it!