I believe that it's an allegory

Rating: 6/10 (22 March 2019)

In allegories, one must be careful to not seek for parallels in all aspects of the story. I believe that the message is simply this: The corruption of nature begets the destruction of man. Man must endeavor to prevent the corruption of nature. I could be wrong, though this seems the most likely interpretation. If there is more, then the rest is inconsequential, when compared to the primary meaning. Plot holes exist because it's all about the message. Thought provoking, and mildly entertaining.