Quote by J.R.R. Tolkien: “I cordially dislike allegory in all its manifestations, and always have done so since I grew old and wary enough to detect its presence.”

Tolkien clearly states his strong aversion to allegory, emphasizing his preference for applicability over direct symbolic representation in his works. This offers crucial insight into his creative philosophy and narrative approach.

Stated in the Foreword to *The Lord of the Rings*, published shortly after World War II, this was a direct address to readers who sought allegorical meanings in his work, particularly regarding the recent global conflicts. He aimed to redirect interpretation towards 'applicability'.

English writer, poet, philologist, and academic, best known as the author of the high fantasy works The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. He served as the Rawlinson and Bosworth Professor of Anglo-Saxon at the University of Oxford.