So interesting. I can’t wait for the movie to come out. I’m half Finnish and have read Finland’s epic tale, The Kalevala, the influence of some of Tolkein’s writing. This article tells some of the background and why he chose certain sections to either write about or latch onto the mood and the language. (Elvish has that Finnish cadence.)

The entire Kalevala is a pagan story until the very end, when Christianity appears and apparently changes darkness to light. I’m not surprised that Tolkein left the pagan parts out and stuck with the Christian influence throughout his works; as he would, I suppose, since one of his best friends was C.S Lewis.

At any rate, I thought you might be interested in reading this: https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-34063157

Thanks again. Well done!