
Artwell J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings (Part 1)
Jan 5, 2026
Delve into J.R.R. Tolkien's fascinating creative process, where language serves as the foundation of his myth-making. Discover how he evolved stories from a single thought, likened to archaeological digs revealing layers of meaning. With a love of philology and influences from works like Beowulf, Tolkien crafted immersive worlds grounded in detail and consistency. Learn about his revolutionary approach to storytelling, the balance between surprise and structure, and the nuanced relationship between fiction and truth. Explore how his Catholic beliefs subtly shaped his narratives, yet avoided overt allegory.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Language As Primary Art
- Tolkien's primary art was language, not plot or worldbuilding.
- He built Middle-earth backwards from invented tongues like Quenya to create history and people.
Begin With A Single Seed
- Start stories from a concrete sliver: a word, name, sentence, or image.
- Then chip away outward, letting questions about that seed reveal your world and plot.
Study The Past To Advance It
- Tolkien's scholarly study of myths informed but did not duplicate them.
- He aimed to modernize myth and create an English mythology for his time.











