The Birth of Middle-earth: J.R.R. Tolkien's Inspiration Behind The Lord of the Rings

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, etched in the annals of literature, is the creator of one of the most beloved fantasy universes: Middle-earth. When did he begin writing the epic trilogy that has captured the hearts of millions, and what inspired him to write such masterpieces?

The Genesis of The Lord of the Rings

The movie Tolkien offers a glimpse into the inspiration behind the creation of Middle-earth, revealing that Tolkien drew his sustenance from a tight-knit group of artists and his relationship with Edith Bratt, his former lover who became his lifelong wife. Tolkien started the trilogy during the 1940s, with the manuscripts being completed in the early 1950s. Despite the initial success of 'The Hobbit' in 1937, a second Hobbit book was not his primary inspiration. Rather, he was laying the groundwork for a much grander project.

The Larger Mythological Project

Tolkien’s idea was far more significant than a mere sequel to 'The Hobbit.' He aimed to create his own mythology, roughly equivalent to the Greek myths but rooted in the folklores, ancient literature, and his personal experiences. This cosmic tale began before his Hobbit stories and even before the First World War, starting in 1914 to 1917. The initial title of this project was 'The Book of Lost Tales,' which eventually evolved into 'The Silmarillion.'

The Silmarillion's Concepts

Tolkien's mythology included a universe filled with ancient heroes and mythical locations. Key concepts included the creation of the world, the battles between the good and evil Valar and Morgoth, the emergence of Elves and Men, and the legendary tales of characters such as F?anor, Beren, Túrin, Tuor, and E?rendil. Additionally, Tolkien delved into the legends of a Sunken Land, Númenor, perhaps bearing a resemblance to an Atlantean theme. His publishers pushed for a second Hobbit story, leading to what we now recognize as 'The Lord of the Rings,' a trilogy that incorporates the grand mythology of 'The Silmarillion.'

The Influence of Tolkien’s Life and Medieval Literature

Studded with autobiography, 'The Lord of the Rings' is more than just a fantastical endeavor. Tolkien drew heavily from his life experiences, including his love for nature, his marriage to Edith, and his reminiscences of childhood. His deep love for the English countryside and its mythology are threads woven throughout the narrative. Moreover, Tolkien was a philologist and expert in languages, including Old English. His specialization as a university professor in Old English literature and his profound understanding of texts like 'Beowulf' and 'The Wanderer' enriched the world of Middle-earth. 'The Lord of the Rings' can be seen as a linguistic and literary encyclopedic narrative, heavily influenced by Medieval literature and mythology.

Medieval Literary Inspiration

'The Lord of the Rings' is a M?bius strip of literary influences, drawing from a rich medieval heritage. From Old English poetry to Anglo-Saxon literature, Tolkien submerged himself in the history and legends of North-Western Europe, Byzantium, and even the Carolingian era. The themes of nature versus modernization, heroism, and the power of storytelling are deeply rooted in Middle-earth. This literary tapestry creates a rich, immersive world that bridges the past and present, inviting readers to explore the depths of Middle-earth and its profound philosophical, moral, and historical underpinnings.