J.R.R. Tolkien Crafted a World That Changed Literature

Evan Swensen
September 16, 2024

J.R.R. Tolkien said, “I wisely started with a map, and made the story fit.” This simple but profound quote encapsulates his masterful approach to storytelling. By beginning with a map, Tolkien didn’t just shape his stories; he created an entire world where geography, culture, and myth were inseparable from the characters’ fates. His words remind us of the transformative power of writing—how it can build worlds, shape minds, and alter the course of culture.

Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit have become literary icons, not only for their complex characters and epic plots but also for the intricately built world of Middle-earth. His quote, “I wisely started with a map, and made the story fit,” perfectly captures the deliberate nature of his world-building. Tolkien, a philologist and academic, knew that a world had to feel as real as its people. Geography wasn’t just a backdrop for his stories; it was a living, breathing force driving the narrative, making his fiction resonate deeply with readers.

Tolkien’s early life was not without struggle. Born in 1892 in South Africa, he lost his father at a young age. By the time he was 12, his mother had also passed away, leaving him an orphan. His youth was marked by displacement and loss, themes that echo through his works. The hardships he faced shaped the landscapes of his imagination. Middle-earth, with its battles between good and evil, light and darkness, reflects a personal quest to find meaning in a world often beset by tragedy.

During World War I, Tolkien served as a lieutenant in the Lancashire Fusiliers, where he witnessed the horrors of the Battle of the Somme. The war deeply affected him, and those experiences seeped into his writing. In The Lord of the Rings, the devastation of war is palpable, from the desolate lands of Mordor to the courage of individuals like Frodo Baggins, who persevere against overwhelming odds. Tolkien once reflected on how war influenced his work, saying, “By 1918, all but one of my close friends were dead.” Writing became his way of processing trauma, and his characters’ struggles mirrored his inner battles.

Another phase of Tolkien’s life was his relationship with fellow writers in the literary group The Inklings, including C.S. Lewis. The Inklings provided a sense of camaraderie and intellectual stimulation, with the members often reading and critiquing each other’s work. It was in these meetings, in Oxford’s cozy pubs and rooms filled with cigarette smoke and ideas, that Tolkien found the encouragement to continue writing what would become The Lord of the Rings.

His friendship with C.S. Lewis, the author of The Chronicles of Narnia, was particularly significant. Lewis championed Tolkien’s works and encouraged him to publish The Hobbit, initially written as a children’s story. Their relationship, however, wasn’t without tension. Tolkien, a devout Roman Catholic, was disappointed when Lewis, after converting to Christianity, didn’t adopt Catholicism. Despite their religious differences, their friendship remained central to Tolkien’s development as an author, and his time with The Inklings helped him solidify the themes and characters that define his works.

Tolkien’s influence extends far beyond the realm of literature. His works have shaped modern fantasy as we know it. Before The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, fantasy literature was considered a niche genre, often relegated to the realm of children’s stories. Tolkien brought depth, language, and gravitas to fantasy, making it a legitimate form of storytelling for adults. His works have influenced countless authors, from George R.R. Martin to J.K. Rowling.

But Tolkien’s impact isn’t limited to the literary world. His stories resonate with universal themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the struggle between good and evil. The concept of “fellowship” in The Lord of the Rings—where characters from different backgrounds come together to fight a common enemy—has been referenced in political and social contexts, often symbolizing unity in the face of division.

Tolkien’s legacy lies not only in his ability to tell a good story but in the depth and intricacy of the world he created. His writing was transformative, showing readers that imagination and language could build entire worlds. The very map that Tolkien began with ensured that Middle-earth wasn’t just a fantasy realm; it was a place that felt real, with languages, histories, and cultures that rivaled our own.

Aspiring writers can learn much from Tolkien’s process. His meticulous attention to detail, his ability to weave personal struggles into epic tales, and his commitment to crafting stories reflecting the complexity of human experience set him apart. Writing, as Tolkien showed us, isn’t just about putting words on a page—it’s about building worlds.

Tolkien’s works continue to inspire readers and writers alike. His careful world-building, emotional depth, and timeless themes are a powerful reminder of the potential of the written word. Explore his works further and consider the impact of your writing. Every word has the power to shape the world around you, just as Tolkien’s did with Middle-earth.

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