Remembering Tolkien, the British literary icon who redefined the fantasy genre

Middle-earth: A literary sanctuary

In the midst of the horrors of WWI, Tolkien crafted a rich fantasy world known as Middle-earth, which served as the setting for his most famous works. Many critics have noted that his experiences in the trenches and his desire to escape the grim reality of war motivated him to create that realm of hobbits, elves, dwarves, and the Dark Lord Sauron.

Some viewed it as an allegory of the war itself, striving to associate each character and race with real-world leaders and nations. However, Tolkien himself rejected this interpretation, insisting that he did not favour allegorical stories.

His passion lay in storytelling, narration, and the creation of worlds and myths, each with its own history, culture, and language. He believed that allegorical tales could constrain imagination and the moral dimension of a story. Hence, he preferred to treat his novels as fully independent worlds.

These epic realms evolved into the narrative tapestries of "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogies, and the enchanting chronicles of "The Silmarillion." Together, they were famously labelled "Tolkien's Legendarium" – a treasure trove of mythic sagas crafted by Tolkien.

Narrating for children and the cosmos

Tolkien recounts that he was labouring through the taxing chore of grading students' papers when a wind of inspiration hit him. He wrote on the blank canvas: "In a hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit."  And thus began the voyage to the world of that hobbit, to explore what he was and the enigma of the hole where he lived.

When Tolkien finished the first draft — complete with rudimentary hand-drawn illustrations — he read the story to his children. When Susan Dagnall, a staff member at the publishing house Allen & Unwin, read the manuscript, she swiftly presented it to her director, Stanley Unwin, who read it to his 10-year-old son, Rayner.

In 1937, the novel was unveiled to the world.

"The Hobbit" is set in "Middle-earth" and serves as a prequel to Tolkien's magnum opus, "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. The novel follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins — a simple hobbit leading an ordinary life that suddenly takes an unexpected turn.

The wizard Gandalf and a group of dwarves enlist him in their mission to reclaim their ancestral treasure from the dragon Smaug, deep within the Lonely Mountain's heart.

Initially hesitant, Bilbo joins their ranks, embarking on an epic quest that transforms him from an unsure hobbit into a wise and resolute traveller. Throughout this grand adventure, we meet all kinds of dwarves, elves, humans, imps, spiders, eagles, wolves, sorcerers, orcs, and a plethora of beings and creatures that defy the boundaries of imagination.

Amidst the tapestry of this intricately woven narrative, we venture into a realm where bravery is birthed from uncertainty, alliances form in the crucible of adversity, and a hobbit's journey becomes an embodiment of transformation and self-discovery.

For all his passion for epics, myths, and folklore, Tolkien recognised Britain's want for comprehensive and rich legends like the ancient Greek and Norse mythologies.

So he decided to craft a new legendary genre with his novels, in a bid to bridge this gap in British mythology, which he believed plays an essential role in the cultural identity of the land and its historical consciousness.

Tolkien's aim was for these tales to become deeply rooted in Britain's literary traditions, so he drew from the abundant wellsprings of Norse sagas, ancient English poetry, and Arthurian legends to meticulously sculpt his unique legends.

"The Lord of the Rings": Crystallisation of contemporary fantasy standards

The epic trilogy of "The Lord of the Rings" stands as the paramount and most influential work of contemporary fantasy in the 20th century. The three novels are often published within a single volume. 

"The Fellowship of the Ring" (1954): The first book of the series introduces us to the central characters as they embark on their epic quest. Hobbit Frodo Baggins and his companions journey to destroy the One Ring, a malevolent artefact that must not fall into the hands of the Dark Lord Sauron, lest he rule the world. This tale unfolds in the realm of Middle-earth.

"The Two Towers" (1954): In the second book, Frodo and Sam continue their mythical journey toward Mount Doom to destroy the Ring amid the wars and conflicts of Middle-earth. New characters, diverse beings, and unending wonders expand the narrative's scope, illustrating Tolkien's mastery of storytelling.

"The Return of the King" (1955): The final volume gathers all characters toward the climactic, legendary conclusion. Frodo's mission to destroy the One Ring reaches its pivotal moment, unveiling the ultimate fates of the characters and the destiny of the entire Middle-earth.

The dilemma of good and evil, and moral consequences

Through "The Lord of the Rings," J.R.R. Tolkien forged an epic masterpiece that redefined modern fantasy.

As the dichotomy of good and evil unfolds, the trilogy delves into profound themes like the corruption of power, the eternal struggle between good and evil, heroism, and the consequences of choices and free will.

Characters embodying the forces of good, such as Frodo, Sam, Aragorn, and Gandalf, stand in stark contrast to the personifications of evil in Sauron and his minions. The narrative delves into the moral choices of individuals in the face of evil, and the repercussions of these choices.

The One Ring itself serves as a vivid symbol of the corrupting influence of power. Its dark powers render all those who hold it susceptible to its allure, twisting their morals and making them slaves to its insidious pull.

The unbreakable bond between Frodo and Sam underscores friendship, loyalty, and the immense strength of these noble human qualities even in the darkest of circumstances.

The trilogy also encapsulates heroism in its grandest forms, from the epic valour displayed by Aragorn and Legolas to the humble daily heroism exhibited by ordinary characters.

Nature, industrialisation, and other themes

The serene countryside of the Shire — a bastion of tranquillity and contemplation — is starkly juxtaposed with the dark and industrialised land of Mordor, a clear commentary on the destructive forces of technology, insatiable greed, and rampant industrialisation.

Tolkien, the consummate storyteller, delves beyond simplistic characterisations and deeply grasps the capacity for forgiveness, tolerance, and the importance of extending mercy even to those who commit heinous deeds. A shining example of this virtue is seen in the character of Gollum.

Moreover, the characters exhibit agency and free will, shaping their destinies regardless of seemingly predetermined events. Cultural and racial diversity in Middle-earth manifests through its myriad races, cultures, and languages.

Self-denial for the greater good is an overarching theme in the trilogy as exemplified through the sacrifices made by the characters, reinforcing the idea that personal losses pale in comparison to the pursuit of a noble cause.

The notion of change and growth through experiences is also a profound element of the story, epitomised by the character of Bilbo who evolves with each new choice, culminating in his decision to leave the Shire to confront his destiny head-on.

The Silmarillion: The chronicles of creation

Following Tolkien's passing, his son, Christopher Tolkien, took on the monumental task of editing and publishing his father's works.

In 1977, the fantastical masterpiece "The Silmarillion" was unveiled — the fruit of four years of meticulous compilation and editing. It comprises several stories, each unveiling different facets of Middle-earth's history, myths, and crucial events in its formation.

The non-linear storyline is divided into sections:

1. "Ainulindalë" delves into the creation of the world at the hands of Eru Ilúvatar, where the singing and music of the Ainur help shape this world, transforming the thoughts of Ilúvatar into magnificent melodies. The disruptive Melkor, who later becomes the Dark Lord Morgoth, introduces discord into this singing and music, giving rise to conflicts and disturbances.

2. "Valaquenta" serves as an introduction to understanding the beings of the Valar and the assisting beings of the Maiar, the powerful entities that shape the world and steer its destiny.

3. In "Quenta Silmarillion," the largest section of the book, multiple stories unfold. There's the theft of the Silmarils, the jewels that Morgoth seeks to put his hands on at any price. Beren (a human) and Lúthien (an Elven princess) embark on a journey to reclaim one of these jewels from Morgoth's crown; a tale of love and sacrifice that serves as the core of the novel.

There's also the story of the downfall of Númenor, a catastrophic event that leads to the destruction of the island kingdom due to its people's corruption. The War of the Jewels narrates Morgoth's defeat after a series of battles against various races in Middle-earth.

Then comes Akallabêth (the Downfall of Númenor), chronicling the sinking of Númenor and the survival of the faithful. Finally, there's the story of the Rings of Power and the Third Age, which provides a background on these rings, including the One Ring, the central element in "The Lord of the Rings."

This monumental work, guided by Christopher Tolkien's dedication, has allowed readers and Tolkien enthusiasts to explore the vast lore left behind by the masterful author. Despite initial apprehensions from publishers who feared the audience would not tolerate Christopher's work, the outcome has been astonishing.

Every 25th of March, "Tolkien Reading Day" is celebrated by fans worldwide, commemorating the defeat of Sauron in "The Lord of the Rings." 

The impact of this fantasy series has been awe-inspiring. Selling over 150 million copies and translated into more than 40 languages globally, it reigns as a cultural phenomenon.

The trilogy's film adaptations by Peter Jackson, released between 2001 and 2003, grossed nearly $3bn, having a lasting impact on cinematic history. Amazon acquired the rights to produce a television series based on the franchise in 2017, to be streamed on their platform, Amazon Prime.

What began as a happenstance — a simple sentence written in a challenging moment, accompanied by bedtime tales and drawings for Tolkien's children — evolved into more than just a British legend: it became a cosmic legend, laying the cornerstones of modern fantasy for the entire world.