The Origins of Trolls in Tolkien’s World: A Seemingly Sporadic Legacy

In the intricate tapestry of J.R.R. Tolkien's imaginative world, the origins of various creatures are as much a source of fascination as they are enigma. One such creature, the troll, has long captivated readers, much like the orc and the elf. Interestingly, trolls are presented in_xor_ternary_a way that leaves much to the imagination, and this article delves into the varying conceptions of these creatures within Tolkien's writings.

Tolkien's Speculations

As early as 1943, in Letter 153, Tolkien grapples with the question of trolls' origins, expressing uncertainty and a preference for leaving certain aspects mysterious. He muses, through the wise tree-trolls, or Ents, that Trolls were made in mockery of Ents, which could explain why they seem so different in physical form. The Ents' wistful and somewhat wistfully grumpy speculation seems to stem from a parallel or a parody of their own existence, playing a playful 'mockery'.

Counterfeits and Nature

In the same letter, Tolkien further posits that trolls are counterfeits, but of what, he does not offer a definitive answer. Instead, he draws parallels with reality, suggesting that his fictional world is as imperfect and unsatisfactorily explained as the real one. This approach blends philosophical insight with creative restraint, reflecting the complexity of creation and sub-creation.

No Clear Lineage

The lack of a clear lineage for trolls in Tolkien's world is a notable omission. In several instances, Tolkien hints at the possibility of an orcish origin for trolls. According to Tolkien, orcs were originally twisted versions of elves, which means any deviation from this twisted lineage could have resulted in trolls. However, Tolkien's evolving ideas about orcs—moving away from the belief that they were elvish in origin—introduces further ambiguity.

Ents as a Model

Ents, who are perhaps the most enigmatic of Tolkien's creations, are portrayed as wise and ancient beings who serve as guardians of the natural world. In a few of Tolkien's letters, Ents are described as three to four hundred feet tall. Treebeard even speculates that trolls might have been originally similar to ents but were bred for a different purpose. The idea of creating a breed of beings has precedence in Tolkien's mythology, with orcs being the most prominent example. Treebeard's conjecture that trolls were created in mockery of ents aligns with the idea of playful creation and intentional misrepresentation.

A Flawed Narrator?

It is often said that Treebeard, as a character, is flawed and not to be completely trusted. In his speculation that Sauron made trolls in mockery of ents, one might see a hint of this flaw. Similarly, the assertion that orcs were originally elves relies on earlier versions of Tolkien's mythology and later backpedaling. Sauron's efforts to breed trolls, including his creation of a sunlight-tolerant troll shortly before his fall, suggest that these efforts were ongoing and perhaps less successful than intended.

Philosophical Musings

Through these musings, Tolkien reflects on the limits of creation. His characters often grapple with questions about the nature of evil, wickedness, and the role of a higher power in the world. Tolkien's approach to trolls and other creatures embodies this philosophical complexity, leaving readers to ponder the intricacies of his world.

In conclusion, the origins of trolls in Tolkien's world remain a point of intrigue and speculation. Whether they were created in mockery of ents, counterfeits of something unknown, or simply a misunderstood and manipulated race, their origins continue to captivate fans of Tolkien's mythology. Whether Sauron's attempts to breed trolls were successful or misguided, they serve as a reminder of the complex and often flawed nature of creation in Tolkien's imagination.