The Historical Figures of Middle-earth

[Úlairi]

On a lighter note I was wondering what historical figures Tolkien may have drawn inspiration from in the development of the characters of the peoples of Middle-earth.

Which characters and historical figures do you consider to be comparable? And why?

You can also make comparisons to mythological characters (e.g. Achilles, Hector and from various other mythologies).

Firstly, I'd have to say Ar-Pharazôn and Alexander the Great - both arguably the most powerful Men that walked the face of the earth. Both were Kings of the most powerful nation at the time and both eventually considered themselves to transcend even the gods.

I've always thought of Gandalf to be similar to Aristotle (and thus potentially there is also a comparison of Alexander the Great to Aragorn) as they were teachers of powerful and great pupils (Gandalf/Aragorn - Aristotle/Alexander the Great) and in a sense were the wisest of all people (Socrates could be compared to Gandalf here also).

Elendil and Noah (and I believe Tolkien made this comparison somewhere) as they both escape a Great Deluge with their families as they remained faithful to (G)od.

Túrin Turambar is extremely similar to Oedipus as he marries a member of his own family and his banishment is in many (literary) ways similar to that of Túrin's fate. This therefore entials that Niënor is comparable to Jocasta.

I've always considered Tom Bombadil to be none other than the author himself (which is relatively obvious and for obvious reasons).

Gríma Wormtongue has similar characeristics and history that of Rasputin who was rumoured to have infiltrated the Russian Royal Family (the Romanov's) and to have usurped the mind of the King thus having enormous political influence. King Theoden could, based on this connection, be compared to Tsarevich Alexei Romanov; however, he overcame Wormtongue in the end.

Well, I must be gone (it's Ash Wednesday) but there are a myriad of different connection that can be made even to modern figures today.

I'll be interested to see what comparisons people come up with!

Cheers,

Úlairi.

 

[Tyelkormo]

Túrin Turambar is extremely similar to Oedipus as he marries a member of his own family and his banishment is in many (literary) ways similar to that of Túrin's fate. This therefore entials that Niënor is comparable to Jocasta.

Aside from the fact that Oedipus is mythological, I always found it curious that Tolkien mentions Oedipus in that context, since the parallels with Kullervo, which he also mentions, are much stronger.

 

[Illuin]

Túrin Turambar is extremely similar to Oedipus

since the parallels with Kullervo, which he also mentions, are much stronger.

Historical figures?

Are you also allowing myth to myth comparisons?

 

[Walter]

Of course there are some allusions to historical events and figures in Tolkien's legendarium, but mostly we find allusions to other - let's say: "historical" - myths.

Aside from what T. himself reveals in his essays and letters and the hint's in Carpenter's biography, quite a few authors have been dedicating entire books to detecting - or constructing - parallels to other myths and figures. One could find these books galore during the hype created by the films.

Many of the books issued in this period are poorly researched and/or carelessly written, some seem to have an agenda, but all tried to get a piece of the big cake. But of course the interest in the films spurred also quite some serious Tolkien-research.

Worthwhile reads on the issue above all, are - IMO - the books of T. Shippey and of V. Flieger. Especially Shippey's first book gives great insight to what extent T. has been influenced by - or borrowed from - "historical myths"...

 

[Úlairi]

Is there no-one else? *echo*

Cheers,

Úlairi.

 

[The Tall Hobbit]

Aragorn and Gandalf = Arthur and Merlin?

The rest of the fellowship = Arthur's knights?

Fourth Age Gondor = Camelot?

 

[Mike]

Well, if we extend this to historical events, I think we can compare the siege of Minas Tirith to the Siege of Vienna by the Ottoman Empire, complete with a great "Battle of the Pelennor Fields" cavalry charge by Polish Hussars that lifts the siege. With slight changes, of course...Theoden and Jan Sobieski don't really make a clean comparison.

 

[Sulimo]

Great topic Ulairi. I have not thought as much about historical characters as I have about mythological characters.

For instance there is a lot of evidence showing that Turin is quite likely a blending of two different mythologies. Sigurd the dragon slayer from the Norse myth the Volsunga Saga, and Kellervo from the Finnish Kalevala. Who seduces his sister without knowing its his sister she commits suicide, and he as a result throws himself upon his blade.

If you are interested in checking out these sources of insperiation for Tolkien I highly recommend checking out some Norse mythology. I think it would surprise you. Here is another one, hopefully, to whet your appetite.

Ragnarok:
Hemidallr will destroy Bifrost the Rainbow bridge, and he and Surt the Fire Giant of Muspellheim will hurtle down in a torrent of flames together into the abyss.

Hmmm sound anything like the fight on the bridge of Khazad-Dum. Have fun!