Was J.R.R. Tolkiens Inspiration Uniquely Influenced by a Tragic Background?

The Mysterious Roots of J.R.R. Tolkien's Imagination

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, the eminent author of "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings," was indeed influenced by a web of complex personal and historical factors. While his works are often seen as a rich tapestry of fantasy, his life and experiences provided a unique backdrop that contributed to the creation of Middle-earth and its inhabitants.

Tragic Early Life and the Call of the Wild

At an early age, Tolkien's life was a series of significant and often heartbreaking events. Born in South Africa, he frequently trekked through the old, ruined, and pre-war British Empire-occupied regions. However, his journey back home to London brought not just a transition but a moment of profound loss. His father, Arthur Tolkien, died even though his mother, merely a few years in, was still alive. The orphanage where Tolkien was sent was no mere institution but an environment reminiscent of the pre-war barracks where young adventurers could find inspiration.

Childhood Rituals and Early Influences

During his time in the army barracks, Tolkien and his companions had a routine that matched the schedules of hobbits in Middle-earth: 5 AM, 6 AM, 7 AM, 3rd breakfast, morning tea, elevanzies, afternoon tea, dinner, and late supper. This structured life provided a foundation for the meticulous world-building in "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings." Moreover, their adventures in studying plants and history hinted at a similar curiosity in exploring the past.

Advanced Studies and the Archaeological Aspect

Before the war, Tolkien was deeply engaged in the study of ancient history. His interest in archaeological findings was driven by the belief that major earth events such as floods and avalanches could reveal much about the past. During the war, Tolkien faced a shrapnel wound from testing army cannons, which marked a significant turning point in his life. He continued his work, delving into the history of the 4.5 million-year-old Earth, expanding his understanding of human cranial changes and the existence of magical beings like elves and goblins, all of which would later find their way into his literature.

Radios, Languages, and the Journey of Discovery

By the mid-1920s, Tolkien had transitioned from a battlefield to the realm of language and literature. The advent of radio allowed him to witness the evolution of the English language, particularly its shifts influenced by Germanic languages. This interest led him to master various versions of Beowulf, an epic work that encapsulated the cultural history of Northern Europe. His detailed study of these texts formed the basis for his own creation, culminating in the intricate Silmarillion.

Family and the Beginning of Middle-earth

In 1932, as he was halfway through writing the Silmarillion, Tolkien began to incorporate his own family into the narrative as "lords of sleep," sexuality, river nymphs, and mountain spirits. This creative venture led to a profoundly personal connection with his work. In 1935, when a friend asked him about the spirit that corrupts people, Tolkien, not knowing how to bring the character into his Lord of the Rings story, accidentally crafted the necessary evil with the Ring of Power and introduced the dark spirit into his tale, culminating in "The Fellowship of the Ring" in 1937.

Tolkien's family and their experiences became a source of inspiration, enriching his works with a depth that resonated with readers worldwide. His tragic background, combined with his love for history, archaelogy, and language, laid the foundation for one of the most beloved legends in literature.