The Mystic Initiations of Gandalf

Abstract

Though Tolkien has long stated that the Lord of the Rings has no underlying messages and is meant only to be read and enjoyed, this author seeks to prove that there is a theme of initiation and growth throughout the story. The author claims that there is a lot of unconscious symbology, starting with the nine travelers set from Rivendell, representing the five kingdoms of nature - elves being nature, dwarves being mineral, hobbits being the animal, the men being the human, led by Gandalf the initiate. Gandalf's battle with the Balrog was, to this author's claim, a projection of his own psyche as he emerged “naked and alone” on the mountain top.