Unpacking J.R.R. Tolkien's inspiration behind Middle Earth, his Christian worldview, and the influence of Catholicism on his life. Exploring the origins of 'The Hobbit' and its connection to 'The Lord of the Rings'. Analyzing Tolkien's early academic career and his friendship with C.S. Lewis. Discussing the significance of the Eucharist in Tolkien's life and its influence on his writing. Delving into the parallel between Jesus washing his disciples' feet and Tolkien's emphasis on selfless service. Examining the relation between Tolkien's stories and his Christianity and reflecting on old tales and a plea for support.
Tolkien's works introduced a new form of storytelling that combined fairy tales with real-life, showcasing ordinary heroes achieving extraordinary feats.
Tolkien's works, though not explicitly Christian, contain deep theological themes and reflect his belief in the overarching epic of Christianity.
Tolkien's personal life, experiences, and friendships, as well as his love for pagan myths, greatly influenced his writing, emphasizing the importance of humility, unlikely heroes, and the power of good.
Deep dives
The Influence of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings
J.R.R. Tolkien wrote The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings not for adults, but for his children, and their success launched the genre of fantasy fiction. These books introduced a new form of storytelling that bridged the gap between fairy tales and normal life, portraying ordinary heroes, like the humble hobbits, who accomplish extraordinary feats. Their journey through Middle-earth, filled with themes of courage, humility, and the triumph of good over evil, captivated readers and became influential in shaping the fantasy genre.
Tolkien's Christian Universe
While The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are not explicitly Christian narratives, they are written from within a Christian worldview. Tolkien believed that all truly good stories, including myths, pointed to the overarching epic of Christianity, depicting the fall of humanity, the redemption offered by unseen forces, and the battle between good and evil. Through his works, Tolkien sought to capture a sense of the truly real, conveying deep theological themes in a mythical and imaginative way.
Tolkien's Life and Literary Influence
Tolkien's personal life and experiences greatly influenced his writing. His early life was marked by dependence, as he relied on family support and his mother's influence. World War I and World War II had profound effects on him, and his hatred for war and violence is reflected in his works. Tolkien's friendship with C.S. Lewis, their discussions on mythology and literature, and their shared interest in the connection between imagination and reason also shaped his writing. Overall, Tolkien's works reflect the importance of humility, unlikely heroes, and the power of good amidst the darkness.
Tolkien's Mythology for England
Tolkien's Middle-earth serves as a mythology for England before Christianity, presenting a world imbued with a divine sense of beauty and goodness. Although there are minimal religious practices depicted, the underlying myths of creation in the Silmarillion and the worship of angelic figures by the elves provide a connection to Christian ideals. Tolkien's love for pagan myths is justified by the idea that Christianity makes paganism safe to explore and incorporates truth found in various religious traditions.
The Power of Fairy Tales
Tolkien's views on fairy tales center around their ability to transport readers to an enchanted world and then bring them back with a deeper understanding of reality. By escaping into the realm of fairy, readers can temporarily escape death and the harshness of modernity. Fairy tales also restore a sense of wonder to ordinary things, evoking a joyful turn or happy ending that gives a fleeting glimpse of a reality beyond our own. These tales, while incorporating elements of danger and darkness, ultimately defy universal final defeat and offer a profound sense of hope and joy.
J.R.R. Tolkien needs no introduction. The Oxford Philology Professor who would go on to create the world of Middle Earth is rightly hailed as one of the greatest writers of all time. In this episode, we unpack the inspiration behind his work, meet the people who helped him along the way, and examine the faith that drove him to create the world of The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, and more.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode