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Literary Devices
Definition of Allusion
In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to other literary works, famous individuals, historical events, or philosophical ideas... read full definition
In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to other literary works, famous individuals... read full definition
In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to... read full definition
Key Examples in The Fellowship of the Ring
Book 2, Chapter 2
Explanation and Analysis—Weregild:
Tolkien alludes to the ancient Germanic concept of "weregild" (often translated as "man price" or "blood money") in a scene in which Elrond explains the history of The One Ring to the council in Rivendell:
"Alas! yes," said Elrond. "Isildur took it, as should not have been. It should have been cast then into Orodruin’s fire nigh at hand where it was made. But few marked what Isildur did. He alone stood by his father in that last mortal contest; and by Gil-galad only Círdan stood, and I. But Isildur would not listen to our counsel.
‘“This I will have as weregild for my father, and my brother,'” he said; and therefore whether we would or no, he took it to treasure it."
Related Themes:
Book 2, Chapter 4
Explanation and Analysis—Will-o’-the-wisp:
Tolkien alludes to will-o'-the-wisps, creatures in British folklore, in a scene in which the Fellowship follows Gandalf through the dark and dangerous mines of Moria:
Unlock with LitCharts A+For eight dark hours, not counting two brief halts, they marched on; and they met no danger, and heard nothing, and saw nothing but the faint gleam of the wizard’s light, bobbing like a will-o’-the-wisp in front of them. The passage they had chosen wound steadily upwards. As far as they could judge it went in great mounting curves, and as it rose it grew loftier and wider. There were now no openings to other galleries or tunnels on either side [...] Evidently they had struck what once had been an important road.
