Quote Originally Posted by afuturestrader View Post
As the West celebrates the Resurrection - the East using an older calendar does so at the end of the month - many here chose to use the argumentation of choice of school children - mockery.

Personally, I have no idea if the symbol in question represents paganism, satanism or nothing at all. But placing the oldest symbol of Lucifer on or over a cross is bound to raise eyebrows. Unless of course
the serpent is placed underneath the Cross (better yet, a Crucifix) accurately representing what historically happened.

LOTRO's main strengths are its world class story, lore and world building. It has always been my impression these elements are why most remaining players are here. I find the game is much more enjoyable
as one further understands the meaning behind LOTR. Some of the responses suggest a lack of any understanding what the story is really all about.

Mr. Tolkien was a Christian. The religion he practiced would today be called Traditional Roman Catholicism. No Traditional Catholic I have ever met - and I know many - would approve of the symbol in question. Nor
would they white wash the topic as a nothing burger. Nor mock the one who raised questions.

Paganism, occultism and satanism are a serious business and should not be taken lightly. There is a reason the Old Testament Jews had to go to the pagan Romans to get their killing done.

For those who might like to learn more about the symbolism behind LOTR a large number of resources exist. One good starting place might be to search for Joseph Pearce in reference to Lord of the Rings.
Hope that helps some.

The symbol raised by the OP is out of character for LOTR whether placed in LOTRO innocuously or not.
Err... apart from how TharbadThief appears to be absolutely right about this being taken from Fullmetal Alchemist, the symbols used were lifted from real-world alchemical tradition and while that means they're occult (in the sense of 'hidden knowledge), the medieval mindset could be rather convoluted and alchemy was not only accepted but had philosophical connections with Christianity. Both the crucified serpent and the pentagram have appeared in Christian symbolism and religious art; the serpent comes from a Bible reference (I could quote you chapter and verse) so I think you and the OP need a reality check.