J.R.R. Tolkien's Motivation Behind Writing The Silmarillion: An Insight into His Creative Process

Many deep-seated beliefs and unspoken arguments can arise when discussing the creative process and the original motivations of renowned authors. Recently, I found myself in a heated debate over a specific plot point in The Silmarillion. This led me to reflect on J.R.R. Tolkien's original intentions behind his vast and intricate legendarium. Did he write the Silmarillion primarily for the sake of sharing it with the world, or was it purely a personal endeavor?

Writing as a Distractor

One of the most compelling arguments for the personal nature of Tolkien's writing is the fact that he began many of his foundational texts, including the version that became the Silmarillion, as a means to divert his mind from the tumultuous experiences of World War I. This idea resonates with many artists throughout history who find solace in their craft during challenging periods of their lives.

Driven by Artistic Expression

Central to almost every great piece of art is the fundamental drive to express oneself. Tolkien, like many creators before him, was compelled to put his inner world onto paper. It wasn't about fame or profit. It was about creating a tangible narrative to give form and substance to his most profound thoughts and feelings.

Works such as William Blake's poetry and prose served a similar purpose. They were not just for the world to consume but rather tools for personal understanding and conveyance of complex emotions and ideas. Similarly, for Tolkien, The Silmarillion was a means to articulate his vision of the world and his place within it. It was a mythic narrative that gave shape and meaning to his life.

A Personal and Unending Work

For Tolkien, the process of writing the Silmarillion was not a one-off project. He continued to work on it throughout his life, making continuous alterations and updates. It was only in 1950 that he made an attempt to get Sir Stanley Unwin to consider publishing the work in conjunction with The Lord of the Rings. Both publishers rejected the idea, so Tolkien submitted The Lord of the Rings alone to Allen Unwin. Thankfully, Sir Stanley was patient and believed in Tolkien's work, even if it was a slow and meticulous process.

Even after the success of The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien did not abandon his efforts on the Silmarillion. He kept working on it, frequently making changes and trying to perfect it. He considered it his most important work, but the ongoing nature of his revisions suggests a deep personal investment beyond mere publication. The passing of his beloved wife Edith and his declining health only further contributed to the incomplete nature of the work, which still remains a testament to his enduring creative vision.

Conclusion: A Personal Quest for Meaning

In essence, J.R.R. Tolkien wrote the Silmarillion for himself. It was a personal quest to understand and express the intricacies of his inner world. While it may have become a beloved work of fiction, it began as a deeply personal and creative endeavor. From the distractions of wartime to the enduring pursuit of meaning, Tolkien's effort to perfect The Silmarillion highlights the power of art as a conduit for expressing one's innermost thoughts and feelings.