Fascinating Details About J.R.R. Tolkien's Life and His Literary Influences

Many aspects of J.R.R. Tolkien's life are revealed through the writings of his son Christopher Tolkien, who has shared insights into his father's creativity and daily life. This detail is especially valuable, as it provides a glimpse into the personality and background of the man behind the beloved works of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Additionally, Marquette University Library's Department of Special Collections in Milwaukee, WI houses a wealth of Tolkien's manuscripts and personal letters, including correspondence with family, colleagues, and friends. This year, some of these precious writings will be on public display on March 22 and September 20, at 7 pm, offering an extraordinary opportunity for enthusiasts of Tolkien's works to explore his creative thought process and historical context.

Life Experiences Reflected in his Writing

It is widely accepted that an author's life experiences significantly influence their work. Many of the things I have learned about Tolkien are indeed contained in the writings of his son, Christopher Tolkien, who highlights the father-son relationship and the writing process. However, I believe that the idea that none of Tolkien's life experiences reflected in his works is absurd. His unique personal background undoubtedly shaped his literary creations, as seen in the detailed portrayal of his fictional world.

Remarkable Early Years

Tolkien was born in South Africa to English parents, but he likely did not remember much of the country, as he was a small child when they moved to England. An orphan at a young age, he was raised in a series of orphanages, after his family rejected him and his younger brother because they were Catholics in an Anglican country. This experience influenced his later works, as is evident in the portrayal of characters and their experiences in Middle-earth.

Despite the rejection by his family, Tolkien met Edith Bratt when he was 16. His father's priest forbade him to see her, a restriction that led him to wait until he was an adult to marry her. Tolkien and Edith shared a deep love, evident in their correspondence, which is preserved in Marquette University Library.

Early Literary Influences

Tolkien's early life and interests were shaped by his love for literature and languages. One of his early influences was the poet Francis Thompson. Francis is known for his spiritual poetry, which Tolkien found fascinating. For example, Tolkien was particularly intrigued by Thompson's reference to a language that had not yet been created by Francis. This revelation inspired Tolkien to delve deeper into language creation, leading to the development of Quenya, an elvish language featured in his works.

Quenya and Mistress of Vision

One notable example of this inspiration is the poem Mistress of Vision, where the use of the word "Luthany" in Quenya not only added depth to the poem but also changed its interpretation. "Luthany" means "Justice" in Quenya, and the breakdown of the word demonstrates the meaning: Lungra- ‘weigh hang heavy' Luntha – ‘balance weigh' Luthang – ‘scales'

This layered meaning in the poem enhances the theme of justice, with its mention of a blindfolded figure holding scales and a sword, implying an unbiased judgment. The connections to Rome and Nineveh further illustrate the depth of Tolkien's linguistic and thematic inspirations.

Research and Language Creation

Tolkien's work in language creation was not merely a casual pursuit. He conducted extensive research, drawing from classical and religious texts, and his findings inevitably filtered into his writing. His meticulous approach to language, such as the creation of the words "lungra," "luntha," and "luthang", demonstrates his dedication to authenticity and the importance of language in storytelling.

Conclusion

In conclusion, J.R.R. Tolkien's life was rich with experiences that significantly influenced his literary works. From his early years in South Africa and his experiences as an orphan, to his marriage to Edith and his inspiration from Francis Thompson, his life story forms a fascinating tapestry that is woven into the rich narrative of Middle-earth. These details provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the man behind the myth, making his works even more awe-inspiring and relatable.