His work: The Lord of the Rings is the greatest fantasy saga ever written. The second best-selling novel in the world. A true mythology of the 20th century. Born in Orange, in Africa, he moved to London with his parents where he became an orphan. Raised by Father Francis, John finds a mentor. The education he received made him an Oxford student with a passion for linguistics.
From this passion for ancient languages, the language of the elves was born. A language invented by the author's mind that draws its inspiration from Finnish and Nordic mythology. He developed this complex language over decades. Attracted by the literature of the Middle Ages, Tolkien read few novels and even displayed his contempt for Shakespeare.
As an adult, he naturally became Professor of Comparative Philology at Oxford University. Teacher by day, writer by night, he draws his imagination from the world around him. Tolkien is a simple man who doesn't like to travel. The landscapes of his childhood, the waterway of the university, so many places that draw the land of the hobbits and Middle-earth.
A major event created a turning point in his life, the 1st World War broke out and inflicted two years of convalescence on him. A first version of his work was created in his hospital bed: The children of Hurin. His novel The Hobbit, written for his children, catalogued him as an author of children's novels. He received awards following the book's runaway success and was compared to Lewis Carroll.
His friend C.S. Lewis was a worldwide success with his Chronicles of Narnia Seven books written in seven years. Tolkien, on the other hand, struggled to write The Lord of the Rings. The complexity of the worldbuilding combined with the perfectionism of the author requires twelve years of writing. John draws maps, and meticulously checks the coherence of his characters' movements through their adventures.
The philosophical dimension, the multiplicity of languages, the rejection of Manichaeism contribute to the realization of this complex fantasy world, where the author's imagination and real pieces of his life are mixed. Every facet of life is characterized by a people: elves are creative but reactionary, hobbits are a tribute to rural England. The praise of friendship, love and nature shape this universalist work and contribute to its planetary success.
The Lord of the Rings, darker than The Hobbit, is aimed at a more mature audience. In this way, Tolkien shows his ability to reach all audiences. Seventeen years are needed for the book to see the light of day. Tolkien changed publishing houses, refused to cut out his story and fought for the respect of his work. The novel is only a tiny part of the world imagined by the professor. The Silmarillon, a prequel to the saga, was published postpartum by his son Christopher Tolkien.
Quote: "All that is gold does not shine, not all that wanders are lost, the old that is strong does not wither, the deep roots are not reached by frost."
Martinez Iréna
Hello Irena,
During my childhood I read all Tolkein's 'Lord of the Ring' books and CS Lewis's 'Narnia' books and for me they encapsulate many many magical memories. The connection continued into later life. When I went to Oxford my favourite pub was 'Eagle and Child'. Not only was this because it was just opposite my college but also because Tolkein and Lewis used to meet there (before my time!) to discuss their work. Happy times!
Hello,
I didn't know anything about Tolkien or his work. It's a nice introduction to this author. It has aroused my interest in his work to discover his writing style and world.
Thank you for this post.
Hello Irena,
It is interesting to dive into the creation process through your write about Tolkien. Your point of view is refreshing because you propose a parallel betwen Tolkien the writer, the genious and Tolkien the simple man who doesn’t like travel while he makes travel in the imagination of millions of readers ! We can feel you are interested in the design, the structure of a work and understand how the artist is inspired.
Not particularly fan of fantasy at the base, reading your writing is the opportunity to see above the form and discover the philosophy of this writer.
Furthermore, your blog has a very beautiful aesthetic really related to your subject.
Good job !
Céline