::Having now read Poul Anderson's book, I'm even less convinced. It seems influenced by Tolkien (or at least has the same sources!!!). It refers to Mirkwood and wargs. And "Middle World". It has anachronistic tobacco, a riddle contest, a monster turning into stone when the sun rises, references to werebears, and a character called "Frodoart". The only dungeon crawl sequence is the brief excursion through a troll's hole. Unlike Tolkien and D&D;, the story does not separate itself from the world of Northern European legend which is its inspiration.