Yeah, Loki is right up my alley. I also like searching for "gods of mischief" in folk lore, such as Puss in Boots.

My last post mentioning Anne Rice's novel had me doing some wikisearching and I just found out that not long ago she converted to the Roman Catholic faith and essentially disowned every vampire novel she ever wrote, as if to insinuate that she sinned by writing them! This is horible! Is someone paying her to say this? How can you diss years of artistic expression. AGH! Now, admittedly my Anne Rice phase disappeared when I parted ways with adolescence but this is still very disappointing to me. Really, I'm speechless.

Sorry to hear about what you went through with your parents for reading Joseph Campbell. I can't quite relate since I was raised sans religion (thank God, heh). I wouldn't ever wish to trample on anyone's beliefs but I remember as a boy visiting other family member's homes and to be brutally honest the ones with all the crucifixes and nativity scenes, etc., really left me feeling uneasy. I think it's all about one's view point and associations.

Anyway, all that aside, I get what you mean about Tolkien's unconscious parallels. I don't think even the best intentioned writer can avoid it, and that's fine. It's great, actually, IMO, because you can learn about the person (even after they've passed away). IMO, when we talk about the notion of a spirit or a soul I think they can be found in the works of writers. I was a huge fan of Roger Zelazny, still am, during high school and yearned to meet the man. Alas, he died in the 90's and I always revisit his novels and feel I learn a little bit about the man I'll never get to meet.

Anyway, the Frodo and Sam connection to Tolkien's experiences with the war are certain, but I think readers can apply the theme to other aspects of their life. The greater theme there being simply: relentless struggle.