5 Fascinating Facts About Tolkien That Every Fan Should Know
JRR Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit , not only revolutionized fantasy literature, but also left a cultural legacy that continues to inspire millions. His work is full of depth, mythology and detail, the fruit of his amazing creative mind. Today on Swords and More , we will explore five curiosities about this literary genius that will surely surprise you.
1. He was a Master of Languages
Tolkien was not only a writer; he was also a brilliant philologist and expert on ancient languages. Over the course of his life, he learned more than 20 languages, including Finnish, Gothic, Old Norse, and Welsh. This love of languages led him to create entire languages for his works, such as Elvish Quenya and Sindarin. These were not just made-up words, but languages with grammar, phonetics, and extensive vocabularies. Can you imagine reading poetry in Elvish? For Tolkien, it was an everyday occurrence.
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2. The First World War Influenced His Work
Although his fantastical narrative seems far removed from reality, Tolkien was deeply inspired by his personal experiences. During the First World War, he served in the trenches, experiencing horrors that marked his life. The camaraderie of the hobbits and the devastation of Mordor can be interpreted as echoes of those dark years. He even claimed that the desolate landscapes he described in The Lord of the Rings were born from his experiences on the battlefields.
This sword of King Theoden is so cool!
3. He was an Exceptional Perfectionist
Tolkien's thoroughness as a writer is unmatched. The Lord of the Rings took over 12 years to complete, due to his obsession with detail. Even when the book was nearly finished, he was constantly checking maps, names, and plot lines to make sure everything made sense. His perfectionism resulted in a universe so realistic that many fans feel like they could walk through Middle Earth.
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4. He Didn't Like His Work Compared to Allegories
Although many critics and readers interpret The Lord of the Rings as an allegory for historical events such as World War II, Tolkien always rejected that idea. He insisted that his work was a stand-alone story, with its own themes and meanings. According to him, any similarity to real-world events was purely coincidental. However, the universal struggle between good and evil remains a theme that everyone can relate to.
Anduril Sword from The Lord of the Rings!
Despite having created an epic world full of heroic battles, Tolkien led a quiet life. He was passionate about gardening and loved spending time with his family. He also enjoyed long walks in the English countryside, which inspired the idyllic landscapes of the Shire. In addition, he had a group of writer friends, known as "The Inklings", among whom CS Lewis, author of The Chronicles of Narnia , stood out.
Which of these curiosities surprised you the most? Leave us your comments and, if you love Middle Earth as much as we do, don't forget to explore our collection of swords and accessories inspired by this incredible universe!
