J. R. R. Tolkien central role in Wagner's opera. Tolkien also acknowledged several non-Germanic influences or sources for some of his stories and ideas. Sophocles' play "Oedipus Rex" he cited as inspiring elements of "The Silmarillion" and "The Children of Húrin". In addition, Tolkien first read William Forsell Kirby's translation of the Finnish national epic, the "Kalevala", while attending King Edward's School. He described its character of Väinämöinen as one of his influences for Gandalf the Grey. The "Kalevala"'s antihero Kullervo was further described as an inspiration for Túrin Turambar. Dimitra Fimi, Douglas A. Anderson, John Garth, and many other prominent Tolkien scholars believe
R. J.'s Latest Arrival R. J.'s Latest Arrival R. J.'s Latest Arrival was an American R&B, dance, and soul music band from Detroit, Michigan, United States, who formed in the late 1970s and reached the peak of their popularity in the mid-1980s. They released their debut self-titled debut album in 1979. In 1984, they scored one of their first big hits with "Shackles," featured on their "Harmony" album. Drummer Rudy "Famous" Maldonado left the band during The Shackles Tour in 1984, although he was featured in the video for the follow-up single, "Harmony." The group scored their biggest hit single in 1988 with "Off