BIBLICAL SYMBOL OF LIGHT IN J.R.R. TOLKIEN'S NOVELS SILMARILLION AND THE LORD OF THE RINGS
/BIBLICKÝ SYMBOL SVETLA V SILMARILLIONE A PÁNOVI PRSTEŇOV J.R.R. TOLKIENA/

Veronika BEŽILOVÁ

assistant professor, Faculty of Arts, University of Prešov, Ul. 17. novembra č.1, 080 78 Prešov, Slovakia, veronika.bezilova@unipo.sk, ORCID: 0009-0003-3904-8140

Pavol HRABOVECKÝ

assistant professor, Faculty of theology, Catholic University in Ruzomberok, Hlavná 89, 04121 Košice, Slovakia, 00421556836121, pavol.hrabovecky@ku.sk, ORCID: 0000-0002-7719-9842

Abstract

The present paper focuses on the symbol of light in the works of J. R. R. Tolkien, The Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings. The first part of the paper is dedicated to a brief introduction of the author of the selected works. This is followed by an analysis of the symbol of light as such and then examines the symbol of light in the selected works. The next part of the thesis compares the symbol of light in the creation of the world (the Biblical narrative) with the creation of Tolkien's world (Middle-earth). The analysis has shown the potential of the selected works in the teaching process and therefore further research is recommended in the practical use of non-religious literature in religious education classes.

Keywords

Tolkien, symbol, light, creation, Silmarillion, The Lord of the Rings

SUMMARY

Literature is an essential part of human perception; it contains a multitude of symbols through which the reader can often better perceive the world around them. Literature is also an essential part of human personality development and represents a natural source of information. Literature and stories in general carry a lot of positives and have a great potential in the teaching process as well, so this feature of them should not go unnoticed in the teaching of religious education. Religion itself is composed of symbols and many spiritual terms can be explained to pupils thanks to symbols.  The works of J.R.R. R.R. Tolkien's works offer many symbols that can be linked to Biblical symbols. However, it is important to note that the symbols in his works are not exclusively biblical symbols. Working with non-religious literature, specifically in religious education classes, can also bring about a change in the mindset and attitudes of students. Light in the works of J.R.R Tolkien is a symbol that can be used in religious education classes across the whole education system, as it is a suitable tool to connect the visible with the spiritual. The analysis of the selected works provides a suitable basis for further research into the practical use of the symbol of light in the teaching process. The Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings represent a rich source of symbols, especially the symbol of light. Both selected works contain many passages which point to the importance of light as well as to the hope that light represents.

(Language: slovak)

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