Letter 156

The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien
Letter 156
Recipient	Robert Murray (unsent)
Date	4 November 1954
Subject(s)	Response to comments on The Lord of the Rings and Gandalf, with a summary of the mythology of Middle-earth

Letter 156 is a letter written by J.R.R. Tolkien and published in The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien.

Summary

The letter addressed criticisms and insights Murray had shared with Tolkien, providing a detailed explanation of the thematic and mythological elements within the story, particularly concerning the character Gandalf and the broader theological and mythological framework of Tolkien's legendarium.

Smeagol's Character Development

Tolkien acknowledges that the character of Smeagol was not fully developed at the beginning of his writing process but he believes that Smeagol's final characterisation was always implicit in the story. He notes, "No, 'Smeagol' was not, of course, fully envisaged at first, but I believe his character was implicit, and merely needed attention."

Gandalf's Return

Tolkien responds to a criticism of Gandalf's return in The Two Towers, which had been described by some as "cheating". He agrees that there is a narrative flaw in how Gandalf's return is presented, attributing it to the "compulsions of narrative technique". He admits that while Gandalf's return is a "defect" it was necessary for the narrative's progression. He explains; "He must return at that point, and such explanations of his survival as are explicitly set out must be given there – but the narrative is urgent, and must not be held up for elaborate discussions".

The Nature of the Istari

Tolkien clarifies that Gandalf's death and subsequent return were not merely symbolic but involved a genuine transformation. He asserts, "Gandalf really 'died' and was changed: for that seems to me the only real cheating, to represent anything that can be called 'death' as making no difference". Gandalf's return as 'the White' represents an enhancement of his power and wisdom, marking a clear distinction from his former self.

He describes Gandalf as an incarnate angel, specifically a messenger, sent by the Lords of the West to Middle-earth. He elaborates that the Istari, including Gandalf, were sent not to dominate or display overwhelming power but to guide and inspire the free peoples of Middle-earth to resist Sauron with their own strength. "They thus appeared as 'old' sage figures", emphasising their limited use of power.

The Role of Divine Authority

Tolkien touches on the divine authority behind Gandalf's mission, contrasting it with Saruman's failure. Gandalf's sacrifice on the bridge of Khazad-dûm, where he faced the Balrog, was a test that he alone among the Istari passed. Tolkien explains that this act of self-sacrifice was a key moment in Gandalf's journey, showing his conformity to the rules established by higher powers; "He was handing over to the Authority that ordained the Rules, and giving up personal hope of success".

He notes that even his "angelic" characters, including Gandalf, do not possess complete knowledge of the future, particularly where free will is concerned. He stresses the constant temptation faced by these beings to impose their will by force, which would be contrary to their purpose. This restraint is a recurring theme in Gandalf's actions, as he operates more through guidance and teaching than through direct intervention.

Númenórean Theology

Tolkien discusses the theological background of the Númenóreans, he describes them as monotheists who had a deep connection with the Elves and knowledge of the "True God" However, their eventual downfall came from their desire for immortality, which led to their rebellion against the divine Ban that forbade them from sailing west to the Blessed Realm. This rebellion, influenced by Sauron, resulted in the catastrophic Destruction of Númenor.

The downfall of Númenor is depicted as a pivotal moment in Middle-earth's history but the Faithful Númenóreans, who remained loyal to the true teachings, escaped the destruction and established new realms in Middle-earth, such as Gondor and Arnor. These survivors carried with them a legacy of resistance to Sauron and a continued, albeit diminished, understanding of the divine. Tolkien hints that the eventual restoration of Númenórean influence in Middle-earth, particularly under Aragorn, would renew the worship of the "True God".

Tolkien concludes by reflecting on the transition from myth to history within his legendarium, indicating that while evil may arise again, it will never take the same incarnate form as in the past. He portrays the struggle against evil as more complex and nuanced, involving moral ambiguity and the interplay of different wills and desires, rather than the clear-cut battles of earlier ages.

Christopher Tolkien noted that the draft continues to discuss the istari and Gandalf, largely repeating the earlier part of this draft.