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J.R.R. Tolkien was an English writer, poet, and philologist who is best known for his works of high fantasy, including “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. He was born in South Africa in 1892 and died in England in 1973. Tolkien was a professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford University and was a member of the literary group the Inklings, which included C.S. Lewis.
While some may have perceived Tolkien as eccentric or even crazy due to his vivid imagination and the fantastical worlds he created, it is important to note that his works were a product of his deep knowledge and love for languages and mythology. His ability to create intricate, believable worlds complete with their own languages, histories, and cultures is a testament to his genius, not a sign of madness. His works have had a profound impact on the genre of fantasy literature and continue to be celebrated for their depth, complexity, and creativity.
J.R.R. Tolkien, a devout Catholic, subtly infused his theoretical writings with his religious beliefs. His works, including “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings”, are seen as fundamentally religious and Catholic. They explore themes like good versus evil, humility over pride, and the activity of grace. Tolkien’s view of creation is reflected in his detailed narrative of the splintering of the original created light in “The Silmarillion”. Despite the Christian underpinnings, his works also contain elements of paganism and Nordic mythology, offering a broad interpretation of his enduring works. His faith guided his path as a writer, making his books what they are today.
Tolkien’s works were not initially well-received by critics, but they have since become some of the most beloved works of fantasy literature. He was not regarded as crazy by the majority of people, but rather as a brilliant and imaginative writer who created some of the most iconic characters and worlds in modern literature.
Tolkien’s legacy continues to inspire and captivate readers worldwide, making him a towering figure in the realm
of fantasy literature. Tolkien’s books have been translated into over 50 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. Here is a list of all his published works:
- Songs for the Philologist (1936)
- The Hobbit (1937)
- On Fairy-Stories (1947)
- Farmer Giles of Ham (1949)
- The Fellowship of the Ring (1954)
- The Two Towers (1954)
- The Return of the King (1955)
- The Adventures of Tom Bombadil (1961)
- The Silmarillion (1977)
- Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth (1980)
- The History of Middle-earth (1983-1996)
- Beren and Lúthien (2017)
- The Fall of Gondolin (2018)
- The Nature of Middle-earth (2021)
- The Fall of Númenor (2022)
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