JRR Tolkien: 9 Facts About The Lord of the Rings Author

J.R.R. Tolkien, the renowned author of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit,” led an intriguing life filled with many surprising facts. Here are 9 of them:

1) Philologist by Trade:

Tolkien was a philologist, specializing in the study of languages. His deep knowledge of languages, especially Old English, Middle English, and Old Norse, greatly influenced the creation of the various languages in his fictional works.

2) Creator of Languages

Tolkien didn’t just create fictional worlds; he also constructed entire languages. The most famous are Elvish languages like Quenya and Sindarin. He designed them with intricate grammar and vocabulary.

3) Inspired by His Experiences

His experiences in World War I, particularly his time in the trenches, greatly influenced the somber and war-torn themes in his books.

4) Dedicated Father

Tolkien was a devoted father of four children. He often created stories and illustrations for them, some of which would later become part of his legendarium.

5) Academic Career

Tolkien was a respected academic. He held the Rawlinson and Bosworth Professorship of Anglo-Saxon at the University of Oxford and was a noted expert in Beowulf.

6) Close Friendship with C.S. Lewis

Tolkien had a close friendship with fellow author C.S. Lewis. They were both members of a literary group called The Inklings and often discussed their works with each other.

7) Religious Influence

Tolkien was a devout Roman Catholic, and his faith had a significant impact on his writings. The themes of good versus evil and the idea of providence are evident in his works.

8) Slow Writer

Tolkien was known for his meticulous writing style. He spent over a decade writing “The Lord of the Rings” and constantly revised and expanded his fictional world.

9) Posthumous Publications

After his death, Tolkien’s son Christopher published several works based on his father’s notes and unfinished manuscripts. Notable among these is “The Silmarillion,” which delves into the mythology of Middle-earth.

J.R.R. Tolkien’s rich and multifaceted life, filled with linguistic expertise, academic accomplishments, and creative brilliance, continues to captivate readers and scholars alike, making him a legendary figure in the world of fantasy literature.