Which Writers Had the Greatest Influence on JRR Tolkien

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, the renowned author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, was profoundly influenced by a wide array of writers and literary traditions. This detailed exploration delves into the key figures that shaped his unique writing style and the rich, immersive worlds he created.

William Morris and World-Building

One of the most significant influences on Tolkien was William Morris. Morris’s literary works, particularly his fantasy novel The Well at the World’s End, inspired Tolkien’s approach to world-building. Tolkien was fascinated by the combined elements of mythology, history, and philosophy in Morris’s writings. This influence can be seen in the meticulous creation of Middle-earth with its intricate geography, culture, and mythical history in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

George MacDonald and Fantasy Genre

Another influential figure was George MacDonald. His fairy tales and fantasy works, such as Phantastes and The Princess and the Goblin, played a vital role in Tolkien’s understanding of fantasy as a genre. These stories instilled in Tolkien a sense of the fantastical and the sublime, which are reflected in the magical and ethereal landscapes of Middle-earth. Furthermore, MacDonald’s use of myth and religious themes in his works resonated with Tolkien’s own beliefs and creative vision.

E.R. Eddison and Epic Scale

E.R. Eddison is known for his epic style and elaborate language in The Worm Ouroboros. This work had a significant impact on Tolkien’s own writing style and approach to epic storytelling. Tolkien admired Eddison’s intricate detailing and grand narrative, which are evident in the expansive settings and complex characters of The Lord of the Rings.

The Old English Poets and Narrative Structures

The Old English Poets, whose works include Beowulf and The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, were instrumental in shaping Tolkien’s understanding of language, narrative structure, and themes of heroism and mythology. Beowulf, in particular, provided a rich source of heroic tales that inspired Tolkien’s creation of hobbits, elves, and other heroic characters in Middle-earth. The epic structure and rich thematic content of these works resonate throughout Tolkien’s legendarium.

The Norse Mythology and Mythology

Norse Mythology, as recorded in the Edda and other sagas, provided a wealth of mythological material that Tolkien integrated into his own legendarium. The influence of Norse mythology is particularly evident in the characterization of dragons, wizards, and other fantastical creatures in Middle-earth. This mythology also contributed to the elevated and mythical quality of Tolkien’s storytelling.

C.S. Lewis and Mutual Influence

C.S. Lewis, while more of a contemporary, had a significant impact on Tolkien. Their works, particularly C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, shared common themes such as myth and faith. Both authors engaged with the concept of a ‘cosmic battle’ between good and evil, which is a recurring theme in their writings. The mutual admiration and intellectual exchange between Tolkien and Lewis added depth to their literary output.

Classical Literature and Epic Storytelling

The classical literature of Homer and Virgil also influenced Tolkien’s epic storytelling. The grand quests, heroic journeys, and themes of fate in works like The Iliad and The Aeneid can be found in Tolkien’s narratives. These ancient epics provided a framework for the epic scale and grandeur of The Lord of the Rings.

Secular and Religious Folklore

Folklore and Fairy Tales from various European traditions contributed to Tolkien’s understanding of myth and narrative structure. The tales of giants, dwarves, and elves provided rich cultural context that Tolkien wove into his own stories. This blend of folklore with his imaginative creations resulted in a unique and multifaceted literary universe.

Conclusion

In summary, the combination of these influences helped shape Tolkien’s distinctive style and the rich, immersive worlds he created. His works, especially The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, stand as a testament to the interplay between these varied literary traditions and his own creative genius.