The Creative Process of J.R.R. Tolkien: A Look into his Mythology and Language Inventions
Summary
In this article, we delve into the creative process of J.R.R. Tolkien, exploring his love for inventing languages and his early mythology period. We also discuss how Tolkien’s mythology influenced his popular works such as The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
Table of Contents
- The Early Mythological Period
- The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings
- The Creation of a Mythology for England
- The Ainur and Valar
- The Conflict and Primary Plot Line
- The Integration of Old Mythology with New Story
- The Children of Iluvatar
The Early Mythological Period
J.R.R. Tolkien’s early mythological period involved writing ancient myths to explain the origins of things. He began writing The Hobbit as a story for his kids, which was later published and became a huge success. The elves in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings were borrowed from Tolkien’s early mythology.
The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings
Tolkien began writing The Hobbit as a story for his kids, which was later published and became a huge success. The elves in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings were borrowed from Tolkien’s early mythology.
The Creation of a Mythology for England
Tolkien created a mythology for England, focusing on the history of the elves and their division into those who stayed in Middle-earth and those who went to Valinor. The central drama of the early mythology was the wars between the high elves who returned to Middle-earth and the go, Morgoth.
The Ainur and Valar
Tolkien needed to create a world before he could write about the elves, so he invented a higher mythology involving a pantheon of gods. The world was created through the music of the Ainu, a group of spiritual beings who were companions of Iluvatar, the creator god. Some of the Ainu decided to enter the world and shape its history, becoming the Vala, the primary gods of Tolkien’s mythology. There are also minor spirits called Maia.
The Conflict and Primary Plot Line
The conflict between the Valar and Melkor, and later between the elves and Melkor, is the primary plot line. In The Hobbit, Tom Bombadil is a strange character who is one of the Ainu, and his wife Goldberry is the daughter of the river.
The Integration of Old Mythology with New Story
The integration of the old mythology with the new story introduced the wizards, who are powerful but lesser spirits, and Gandalf becomes the centerpiece. His primary role is to inspire hope in people.
The Children of Iluvatar
Elves and men are called the children of Iluvatar, and the primary difference between them is longevity. Elves age very slowly, but their life is coterminous with the earth, while humans only live a short time in Arda before their spirits depart.
Conclusion
J.R.R. Tolkien’s creative process involved inventing languages and creating a mythology for England that influenced his popular works such as The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. His early mythology period involved writing ancient myths to explain the origins of things, which he later connected to his popular works. The integration of the old mythology with the new story introduced the wizards, who are powerful but lesser spirits, and Gandalf becomes the centerpiece. The conflict between the Valar and Melkor, and later between the elves and Melkor, is the primary plot line.
