Letter 153

The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien
Letter 153
Recipient	Peter Hastings (draft)
Date	Unsent, written September 1954 (on internal evidence 27–30 September)
Subject(s)	Middle-earth metaphysics

Letter 153 is a letter written by J.R.R. Tolkien and published in The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien.

Background

Hastings had expressed admiration for The Lord of the Rings but raised concerns about certain metaphysical elements in the story, questioning whether Tolkien had overstepped the bounds of appropriate theological speculation. Specifically, Hastings was troubled by issues such as the nature of evil in Tolkien's world, the concept of reincarnation among the Elves, and the portrayal of characters like Tom Bombadil and Sauron.

Summary

Tolkien begins by acknowledging Hastings' concerns but emphasises that The Lord of the Rings is, first and foremost, a work of literature rather than a theological treatise. He points out that the story is intended to evoke an "illusion" of history rather than to present a fully coherent metaphysical system. Tolkien suggests that while his world may seem to mirror certain aspects of our reality, it ultimately operates under its own internal rules and logic.

Sub-Creation and Reincarnation

A central theme in Tolkien's response is the concept of sub-creation, which he describes as the process by which a secondary world is created within the framework of a primary world. Tolkien argues that sub-creation allows for the exploration of possibilities beyond those known in our own reality, which is part of the creative function endowed by the "Creator". He defends the idea of Elvish reincarnation as a legitimate narrative device within the context of his fictional world, even if it might be theologically unsound in our reality.

Nature of Evil and Creation

Hastings questioned the notion of evil as a creative force, citing Treebeard's claim that the Dark Lord created the Trolls and Orcs. Tolkien clarifies that in his world, evil does not have the power to truly create but rather to corrupt and pervert what already exists; "Sauron was of course not 'evil' in origin. He was a 'spirit' corrupted by the Prime Dark Lord, the Prime sub-creative Rebel". Tolkien distinguishes between "creation", which he reserves for the act of bringing something into being from nothing (a divine prerogative), and "making", which refers to the manipulation or corruption of existing forms. Thus, in Tolkien's view, the Dark Lord's creations are not truly new beings but twisted imitations of earlier, purer forms.

Tom Bombadil and the Nature of Being

Hastings also expressed concern about the character of Tom Bombadil, particularly the description given by Goldberry, "He is." Tolkien responds by downplaying the metaphysical implications of this statement, suggesting that it is more about the mystery of identity and the nature of names rather than an assertion of divinity. He explains that Bombadil represents an embodiment of natural science; an uncorrupted, detached understanding of the world, unconcerned with power or dominion.

Biological and Practical Considerations

In addressing the biological feasibility of Elf-Human marriages ("Elves and Men are evidently in biological terms one race, or they could not breed and produce fertile offspring"), Tolkien acknowledges the complexity of the issue but he argues that within his fictional world, these unions are rare and have specific, narrative-driven consequences. He points out that the Half-elven have the unique ability to choose their fate—whether to align with the immortality of Elves or the mortality of Men; a choice that carries significant thematic weight in his legendarium.

Tolkien concludes by reiterating that The Lord of the Rings is a literary work with its own internal consistency and purpose, not a theological or philosophical treatise bound by the constraints of our primary reality. He suggests that while his sub-created world may contain elements that echo or distort theological concepts, it should be understood and appreciated as a narrative exploration rather than a doctrinal statement.