Literature
Why J.R.R. Tolkien Never Published The Silmarillion in His Lifetime
Why J.R.R. Tolkien Never Published The Silmarillion in His Lifetime
J.R.R. Tolkien, the acclaimed author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, left behind an extensive and intricate universe that extends well beyond the pages of his famous trilogy. His earlier work, The Silmarillion, is a rich tapestry of mythology and history, yet it was not published during his lifetime. This article explores the reasons behind this decision and delves into the complexities surrounding Tolkien's failed attempts to bring his creation to the public.
Complexity and Incompletion
One of the primary reasons why Tolkien did not publish The Silmarillion is its overwhelming complexity. The work encompasses intricate mythologies, detailed histories, and a diverse array of languages. Tolkien spent decades developing these elements, but he never felt that the work was entirely complete or polished enough for publication. His attention to detail and his unwavering pursuit of perfection often led him to constantly revise and refine his narrative, making it challenging to finalize.
Focus on Other Works
During his lifetime, Tolkien's main focus was on The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. These works gained significant attention and success, which may have displaced his attention from completing The Silmarillion. The commercial and critical success of his latter works might have made him feel that other projects had taken precedence.
Editorial Challenges
Tolkien faced numerous challenges when it came to presenting The Silmarillion. He envisioned it as a mythology that could be compelling and accessible to a modern audience. However, he struggled with how to structure the narrative and the format of the work. The fluidity of his storytelling style and the rich tapestry of characters and events posed significant editorial difficulties. Tolkien's preference for intricate details and a narrative that flowed seamlessly might have contributed to these challenges.
Desire for Posthumous Publication
Tolkien expressed a strong desire for The Silmarillion to be published after his death. He believed that the work would be better appreciated and understood in that context. This posthumous publication allowed for a more comprehensive and polished version of the work. His son, Christopher Tolkien, played a crucial role in editing and arranging the material for publication, ensuring that the work was presented in a way that honored his father's vision.
Publication and Interpretation
Despite his efforts, Tolkien's publisher was initially only interested in The Hobbit as a sequel and not the entirety of The Silmarillion. This decision left Tolkien somewhat dismayed, as he had wished to publish The Silmarillion alongside The Lord of the Rings as part of a larger narrative called The Saga of the Three Jewels and the Rings of Power. His intention was to present a cohesive storyline that would encompass both works, but the commercial interest in The Hobbit overshadowed this vision.
Continued Work and Unfinished Projects
Even in the later years of his life, Tolkien continued to work on The Silmarillion. He made several attempts to revise and restructure the work, with the most significant revisions occurring in the early 1970s. These efforts, detailed in the Morgoth’s Ring, The War of the Jewels, and The Children of Hurin, showcase Tolkien's ongoing dedication to his creation. Despite his extensive work, he never fully finished the project to his satisfaction.
Ultimately, Tolkien's The Silmarillion was published posthumously in 1977, edited by Christopher Tolkien. This version, while more polished and comprehensive than Tolkien's earlier drafts, still reflects the extensive revisions and revaluations that Tolkien undertook throughout his life.
Understanding the reasons behind Tolkien's decision not to publish The Silmarillion in his lifetime provides valuable insights into the nature of his artistic vision and the challenges he faced in sharing it with the world. The work's posthumous publication, guided by Christopher Tolkien, ensured that J.R.R. Tolkien's universe was preserved and understood in a way that honored his father's intentions.