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 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) 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)