I just looked up the Tage festival and found another reason to go back and visit Germany.

Mordor never wins:

Though here at journey's end I lie
In darkness buried deep
Beyond all towers strong and high
Beyond all mountains steep
Above all shadows rides the Sun
And Stars for ever dwell
I will not say the Day is done
Nor bid the Stars farewell

Turin blasphemes, somewhat, so that indicates some form of religion to me on the human side, not to mention the Meneltarma of the Numenorians. The elves are also heard singing a "hymn" to Elbereth. I think that faith, to Tolkien, was so integral to his being it didn't require much explanation.

And we're stuck with Sharkey.