Indeed, Tolkien's use of mythic elements is surpassed, perhaps, only by his knowledge of them. A great deal of the ME culture, peoples, and particularly names, were influenced by Norse Mythology. Turin and Siegfried (better known as Sigurd in Norse mythology--try the Volsunga Saga for the complete tale) is a likely parallel. In addition to this nearly all the names of the dwarves in the Hobbit, as well as some of the few named in the LOTR are taken directly from the Poetic Edda. In fact, the name Gandalf is also taken directly from this work. If you are interested try looking at the Poetic Edda, Prose Edda and the Volsunga Saga. Drop me a line if you want more leads. . .

Beren (Keith Kelly)