Abstract
In this chapter, Coutras explores the relationship between myth and truth in Tolkien’s creative imagination. For Tolkien, the beauty present in pagan myth is reflective of a transcendental reality. From the viewpoint of beauty, Coutras expounds upon Tolkien’s well-known concepts of “eucatastrophe” and “sub-creation,” drawing out their theological implications. For Tolkien, his legends were thoroughly religious, but this did not imply allegory or evangelism. Rather, the theology of his legendarium is implicit while remaining holistic.
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© 2016 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s)
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Coutras, L. (2016). Primary Truth. In: Tolkien’s Theology of Beauty. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-55345-4_3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-55345-4_3
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Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, New York
Print ISBN: 978-1-137-55344-7
Online ISBN: 978-1-137-55345-4
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