Why do we study J.R.R. Tolkien?
J.R.R Tolkien is considered the father of modern fantasy; he has been described as a creator alongside an established author. It is important to study Tolkien as he was a revolutionary for the world of literature. J.R.R. Tolkien did not come from money in any way, but he had a very unique and, at times, tragic childhood. His work represents this with his incredible imagination fueled by real-life experiences.
Early life
At age four, J.R.R. Tolkien lost his father, followed by an abrupt move to Birmingham, England, from his hometown of Bloemfontein, South Africa. Eight years later, his mother died of type one diabetes. These experiences, while tragic, are said to have shaped Tolkien into the person he has become. After becoming an orphan, Tolkien was taken in by a priest who would become an almost father figure throughout the rest of his life. Many believe Tolkien’s broken yet kind upbringing was a significant source of inspiration and creativity throughout his books.
His books and inspiration
Tolkien is now considered the "father" of realistic and modern fantasy, as although he was not the creator of the genre, he brought an entirely new perspective to the genre through his work.
Tolkien created a legendarium, a fictional mythology about the remote past of Earth, of which Middle-earth, in particular, is the main stage. Parts of his legendarium are The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. (J.R.R Tolkien, Tolkien Gateway)
Tolkien has written hundreds of books throughout his life. Still, the most mentionable are The Lord of the Rings seriesl, The Hobbit and The Silmarillion. He has sold over 150 million copies of The Lord of the Rings alone! Although Tolkiens' books are said to be otherworldly, he took many experiences from reality to further advance his creativity when creating these alternate realities. Such as his time in the war, his early years in Africa, and his time in the English countryside.
Works Cited
Doughan, David, et al. “Biography – The Tolkien Society.” The Tolkien Society, https://www.tolkiensociety.org/author/biography/. Accessed 17 September 2023.
“J.R.R. Tolkien.” Tolkien Gateway, https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/J.R.R._Tolkien. Accessed 17 September 2023.
“Tolkien's early years | About J.R.R. Tolkien.” Birmingham City Council, https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/50166/j_r_r_tolkien/1584/about_jrr_tolkien. Accessed 17 September 2023.