[ClearCase_guy]

I've always considered Tolkien's tale of Gandalf against the Balrog to be one of strong echoes of the Christian story. There is fearsome darkness and fire, but they cannot prevail against the light of the righteous in Christ:

'I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udûn. Go back to the Shadow! You cannot pass.'

[cloudmountain]

I've always considered Tolkien's tale of Gandalf against the Balrog to be one of strong echoes of the Christian story. There is fearsome darkness and fire, but they cannot prevail against the light of the righteous in Christ:

Tolkien was a practicing Catholic and his Ring trilogy WAS supposed to have religious echoes.