J.R.R. Tolkien's Universe: A Well-Planned Imagery or Just an Improvisation?

When it comes to creating a fictional universe, some authors seem to improvise their stories as they go, while others have meticulously planned and structured their narratives. J.R.R. Tolkien falls into the latter category, where his universe was a result of decades of laborious conceptualization. Let’s explore how he crafted his magnificent world and compare it to modern-day writers such as Stephen King.

Early Beginnings: Languages and Myths

Long before he became a professor and wrote his renowned works, J.R.R. Tolkien was already engaged in creating a complex and deep universe. He began to devise artificial languages as a schoolboy, reflecting his fascination with ancient scripts and languages. His notebooks from 1917 showcase his earliest ideas, revealing that his interest in myths and languages started from a very young age.

Tolkien’s passion for creating languages for his mythic creatures like elves and fairies led to the development of a comprehensive background for his world. His focus was on providing these creatures with rich mythologies, similar to the Norse gods. He created maps for his world, initially designed as a flat ship-like shape, which gradually evolved over time.

The Roots of LOTR and Silmarillion

Surprisingly, The Lord of the Rings (LOTR) and The Hobbit did not spring fully formed from Tolkien’s imagination. Rather, they are part of a much larger universe that Tolkien had already been developing for years. The Silmarillion, his prequel to LOTR, provides deeper insights into the origins of his world and characters.

Like many of his works, LOTR and The Hobbit began as something much smaller. The concept of the Hobbit was initially intended as a one-off story for children. However, its success and the demand for a sequel led to the creation of a more extensive version of his universe. The Silmarillion further expands this background, providing a detailed history and mythology that enriches the stories even more.

Comparison to Modern Writers: Improvisation vs. Planning

While Stephen King, a famous improvisational writer, approaches his stories with spontaneity, Tolkien’s creation feels much more solid and structured. King’s writing process is often described as a “transcription of a word-for-word stream-of-consciousness mirage,” which is in stark contrast to Tolkien’s meticulous planning.

King’s stories are typically developed in a more organic and intuitive manner, making room for numerous revisions and changes as he writes. In contrast, Tolkien had a clear vision of his world, and the stories he wrote were a direct reflection of this vision. His notebook entries, characters, and world-building spans decades, indicating a deep investment in crafting a cohesive and well-thought-out universe.

The sheer amount of material Tolkien left behind, including notes, drafts, and alternative versions, speaks volumes about his dedication to his craft. His son Christopher compiled much of this material, ensuring that it is accessible to both fans and scholars.

For Tolkien, his mythology was driven by his love for myths and a desire to create something original for his country. He felt that his native England lacked a rich tapestry of stories, and thus, he endeavored to fill that void with his own creations. His love for myths and languages is evident in the depth and complexity of his works.

Conclusion

J.R.R. Tolkien’s universe is a testament to the power of careful planning and years of dedicated work. Unlike improvisers such as Stephen King, Tolkien’s stories are the result of a meticulously crafted world that has stood the test of time. His legendarium, as seen in The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and The Silmarillion, is not just the tip of an iceberg but a vast ocean of interconnected stories and characters.