Christian imagery—that's an interesting idea. Several Tolkien characters are given god-like powers, which character would you say is closest to a creator in the Judeo-Christian sense—the Father person in the Triune Godhead?

I'm guessing that Gandalf would be regarded as a “Christ” figure because of his entry into the netherworld at the hands of the balrog and his subsequent reappearance in a glorified form.

      - Mark