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These parallels [or more tangible symbols] to be discussed, may or may not have been deliberately written into Tolkien's story, but they certainly flow from " certain religious ideas ".
" Theologically I imagine the picture [ed - story] to be less dissonant from what some [including myself] believe to be the truth. But since I have written a tale, which is built on or out of certain 'religous' ideas, but is NOT an allegory of them..." [Letters p.283].
These 'religious' ideas and parallels are in the story, but not as direct metaphors. It is important not to be univocal; i.e. not to be too literal or expect exact reflection of these when looking at Tolkien's works or writing. But they are there in essence.
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