Biblical Allusions Within The Lord of the Rings
by Anthony S. Burdge

There have been many interpretations, many commentaries on or about the works of JRR Tolkien. Every year there are new studies done on these works. Scholars the world over finds new meaning within these timeless classics. The Lord of The Rings is one such work that is rich in meaning and symbology. Utilizing his vast knowledge of Old and New Testament lore as well as Nordic myth, the Lord of the Rings was born. I am not the first to find these aspects of this knowledge nor the last. Presented here are two such items that come from the Old and New Testaments.

"Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horseman.' Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak went back to its place. The Egyptians were fleeing toward it, and the Lord swept them into the sea. The water flowed back and covered the chariots and the horsemen?" (Exodus 14:26-28)

This excerpt from the book of Exodus is the climax of the Israelites crossing the Sea. The Egyptians gave chase and lost their lives. This is one of the most memorable moments of this book of the Bible; the Israelites saved as they go on to follow Moses to Sinai. In a brilliant reproduction of this scene, Professor Tolkien conveys its same definition in the Fellowship of the Ring. "At that moment there came a roar and a rushing: a noise of the loud waters rolling many stones. Dimly Frodo saw the river below him rise and down along its course there came a plumed cavalry of waves. White flames seemed to Frodo to flicker on their crests and he half Fancied that he saw water white riders upon white horses with frothing Manes. The three Riders that were still in the midst of the Ford were Overwhelmed: They disappeared, buried under angry foam" (FOTRpg286).

Later in Book two of the Fellowship of the Ring we are told by Gandalf who was responsible for the scene at the river Bruinen. It was Elrond who controlled the waves as he added a little touch of his own.

The idea of safety and escape from oppression from the book of Exodus plays a significant role in Frodos escape from the Black Riders. Had he not escaped, without the help of Elrond and Gandalf, he would have succumbed and become as forsaken as the Black Riders themselves. The Israelites without the help of G-d and Moses would have surely perished as well.

Next we turn to another memorable scene. We all remember the famous scene between Gandalf the Grey confronting the Balrog of Moria. A classic battle of good versus evil, in order for the fellowship to continue the quest Gandalf knew he had to face the Balrog. Facing this danger was an inevitability in the continuation of the quest; Gandalf fell to the depths of Moria, the Balrog with him. Now what is not known at this point is he truly dead (Gandalf that is)? And if so who or what granted his resurrection. Before I answer that let us read of his return and understand its reflection in the Bible.

After spotting an old man in rags the three travelers thinking it was Saruman, beared their weapons and watched as he climbed atop a rock.

"The old man was too quick for him. He sprang to his feet and leaped to the top of a large rock. There he stood, grown suddenly tall, towering above them. His hood and his grey rags were flung away. His white garments shone?.They all gazed at him. His hair was white as snow in the sunshine; and gleaming white was his robe; the eyes under deep brows were bright, piercing as the rays of the sun; power was in his hand. Between wonder, joy, and fear they stood and found no words to say." (The Two Towers pg. 124-125)

This marvelous scene of Gandalf?s return is filled with illusions of his majesty and power, an awe-inspiring scene it must have been for Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas. There have been many papers and commentaries of how he returned after his fall with the Balrog of Moria. Many of us may already know though that Gandalf was a Maia, an angelic being, clothed in mortal flesh. He is then subject to the sufferings of all mortals, even death. For the Christian this is akin to their Patriarch Jesus Christ, who after suffering on the cross, died and was resurrected. In the Bible Jesus' return is not filled with the glowing and light that Gandalf had shining about him, though the similarity lies with him not being recognized.

"Thinking he was the gardener, she said, 'Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him and I will get him.' Jesus said to her, 'Mary' She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, 'Rabboni', (which Means teacher.)" This scene is after Mary Magdalene enters the tomb and finds two angels in shining white sitting where Jesus' body had been. It is the opposite with Gandalf's return, the three friends recognized him but he did not remember who he had been till they had said his name. In the opinion of this author Tolkien combined the angels shining whiteness and Mary lack of recognition into Gandalf's return. Many Bible's will portray Jesus' return with a sort of radiant aura as seen on many TV shows. Here we are given portions of Gandalf's return in the New Testament. The tomb has the radiance and Jesus walks about unrecognized.

There are many more similarities within the Lord of the Rings, many hints of myth, legend and gospel. I have only just touched the surface of these topics. Perhaps that is the appeal, besides being great stories, that Tolkien has, his works are rich of allegories and hints of our own reality. Whether you are Jewish, Christian or learned in ancient myth one can see all of these elements in play within these works. As fans we should appreciate the effort and level of knowledge that went into these works. Or we can always believe Tolkien's claim, that he was just a translator of an old, ancient work.