This might disappoint you somewhat, but I have to say my interest in Tolkien has faded dramatically over the years. His language skills are amazing, his story good and fascinating, but... he has a very Judeo-Christian perspective, and his use of mythical creatures is very... ignorant.
In this quote, Varg Vikernes reflects on his evolving view of J.R.R. Tolkien's works, particularly his interest in Tolkien’s writing, which he admits has faded dramatically over the years. While acknowledging Tolkien's amazing language skills and the fascinating nature of his stories, Vikernes expresses his disappointment with some aspects of Tolkien’s worldview, specifically his Judeo-Christian perspective. Vikernes critiques this perspective as limiting and argues that Tolkien’s use of mythical creatures reflects a certain level of ignorance about non-Christian mythologies.
Vikernes is pointing out what he sees as a narrow, Westernized approach to myth and fantasy, shaped by Christian values and concepts, which he feels fails to capture the depth of other cultural or pagan mythologies. This critique of Tolkien’s work reflects Vikernes’ own interest in Nordic and pagan traditions, which he often contrasts with mainstream Christian influences. His dissatisfaction stems from the belief that Tolkien’s portrayal of mythological beings and themes does not reflect a broader or more authentic understanding of myth.
The origin of this quote likely comes from Vikernes' long-standing views on culture and religion, particularly his rejection of mainstream Christianity and his advocacy for ancient Nordic traditions. As a Norwegian musician and writer, Vikernes has often expressed controversial opinions on topics ranging from music to politics, and his critique of Tolkien aligns with his broader philosophical stance on mythology and history.
Ultimately, Vikernes’ statement underscores a philosophical and cultural divergence in his interpretation of myth. While he acknowledges Tolkien’s technical talents, he is critical of what he perceives as a cultural bias in Tolkien’s work, which he believes is overly influenced by Christian ideals. This perspective highlights how literature can be interpreted in many ways, depending on the reader's worldview and cultural background.
Ttrinhduong
I can see how someone deeply rooted in European paganism might take issue with Tolkien's Christian themes, but calling his use of mythical creatures 'ignorant' seems extreme. What alternative interpretation does Vikernes prefer? And more importantly, does every reader need to share the author's worldview to find meaning in their stories? This quote opens up a larger debate about cultural ownership of mythology and the role of belief systems in fantasy literature.
UGUser Google
This comment kind of surprises me. If Tolkien’s stories and languages are so well-crafted, doesn’t that show a deep understanding of mythology and culture, even if filtered through a Christian lens? Maybe Vikernes’ critique is more about ideological disagreement than literary merit. Can you really judge a fantasy author's use of mythology solely by how faithfully they align with ancient traditions? Isn’t reinterpretation part of the genre’s evolution?
LNNgoc Loan Nguyen
Varg Vikernes’ view here feels very loaded, especially when he accuses Tolkien of 'ignorance' regarding mythical creatures. I’m curious—what exactly does Vikernes believe Tolkien got wrong? Is it the blending of mythologies? The moral structure? I’d love to know more about his specific objections. It’s a bold claim to critique someone so widely respected for their mythological world-building. This makes me want to compare Tolkien’s sources to Vikernes’ expectations.
GDGold D.dragon
This quote raises a question I've wrestled with: can we separate a creator’s worldview from their art? Vikernes clearly takes issue with Tolkien’s Judeo-Christian perspective, but isn’t that perspective part of what makes Tolkien’s work unique? I wonder how much of our appreciation for fantasy should be based on cultural fidelity versus narrative creativity. Should mythological reinterpretation be seen as ignorance or simply artistic liberty?
LDLoi Do
I find it really interesting that someone can appreciate Tolkien’s craftsmanship but still criticize the mythological interpretations. Do you think Vikernes is being too harsh in calling his use of mythical creatures 'ignorant'? I wonder if it's more about differing cultural lenses—maybe Tolkien's interpretations reflect his own background rather than an objective misunderstanding. Can a writer use mythology in personal or symbolic ways without being considered 'ignorant' of its origins?