18 Lord of the Rings Facts to Expand Your Tolkien Knowledge
Welcome, brave adventurers, to a realm filled with myth, legend, and enchantment! J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth has captured the hearts and minds of countless fans across the globe, but even the most die-hard enthusiasts may not know some of these hidden treasures. From the origins of the One Ring to the inspiration behind the Balrog, we've delved deep into the mines of Moria to bring you 18 lesser-known facts about the world of Middle-earth.
So, grab your trusty walking stick and join us on this journey to uncover the secrets of Tolkien's magical universe!
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1
Precious
The "One Ring" was inspired by the cursed ring from the Norse Völsunga saga and the German epic poem Nibelungenlied. Both tales feature a powerful ring that brings great misfortune to its wearers, much like the One Ring's corrupting influence in Tolkien's stories.
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2
A mythological past
Middle-earth is set in our world, with Tolkien considering it a mythological past of Earth. This allowed him to draw inspiration from various mythologies and real-world histories to create a rich and complex world that felt familiar yet fantastical.
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3
The Shire's calendar
The Shire's calendar closely resembles our lunar calendar, with 12 months and 30 days each. This connection to our world's timekeeping further grounds Middle-earth in a sense of reality, making it more relatable to readers.
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4
Epic battle
The Battle of the Five Armies was inspired by the historical Battle of the Catalaunian Fields. Tolkien's knowledge of history allowed him to create a gripping and realistic battle scene, with tactical decisions and dramatic moments that keep readers enthralled.
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5
Respect the trees
The Ents were created in response to Shakespeare's walking, talking trees in Macbeth. Tolkien felt that living, sentient trees deserved more respect and agency, leading to the creation of the wise and powerful Ents.
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6
A linguistic master
Tolkien crafted multiple languages for Middle-earth's races, including Elvish, Dwarvish, and Black Speech. His linguistic expertise and passion for language led him to create intricate and fully-realized languages, each with its own grammar and vocabulary.
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7
The horrors of war
Tolkien began crafting the world of Middle-earth in 1917 while recovering from trench fever during World War I. The horrors of the war influenced his writing, with themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the struggle between good and evil present throughout his works.
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8
Man of faith
Tolkien's Catholic faith had a significant impact on the themes and symbols in his stories. Concepts of sin, redemption, and the battle between good and evil are all present, reflecting his beliefs and adding depth to the narrative.
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9
A world between worlds
The name "Middle-earth" originates from the Old English word "middangeard," which refers to the human-inhabited world. This term connects the fantastical realm with our own world, making it more accessible and familiar to readers.
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10
Unique and personal experience
Tolkien admitted to disliking allegory and preferred readers to find their own meaning in his work. This openness allows for diverse interpretations and connections, giving each reader a unique and personal experience with the stories.
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11
Eärendil
Eärendil the Mariner's character was inspired by the Old English poem "Christ I." This connection to ancient literature and mythology lends depth and complexity to the character, making him a memorable part of the Middle-earth saga.
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12
A formidable enemy
The term "orc" is derived from the Old English word "orcneas," referring to evil spirits and demons. This etymology emphasizes the dark and malevolent nature of these creatures, making them a formidable enemy in Middle-earth.
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13
Flat earth
Tolkien originally intended for Middle-earth to have a "flat" world design, with a literal edge to the world. However, as his stories evolved, so did the geography, eventually becoming a more familiar, spherical world.
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14
English landscapes
The geography of Middle-earth is heavily influenced by Tolkien's love for the English countryside and landscapes. His appreciation for nature is evident in the lush and vivid descriptions of the various regions of Middle-earth.
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15
Poor Smeagol
Gollum's character was inspired by a combination of the Old English epic Beowulf and the Jewish Golem legend. These influences contribute to the character's tragic and complex nature, making Gollum one of the most compelling figures in the Middle-earth saga.
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16
Real-life romance
The story of Beren and Lúthien was inspired by Tolkien's love for his wife, Edith. Their real-life romance served as the foundation for this epic tale of love and sacrifice, making it one of the most poignant and heartfelt stories in the Middle-earth canon.
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17
You shall not pass!
The Balrog, a menacing and powerful creature, was inspired by the fire demon Surtur from Norse mythology. This fearsome influence helped Tolkien to craft a formidable and awe-inspiring antagonist, raising the stakes and tension in his stories.
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18
Tales of rejection
Tolkien's Middle-earth stories were initially rejected by several publishers before finally being published. Despite early setbacks, the stories went on to become beloved classics, inspiring generations of readers and writers alike. The persistence and passion Tolkien demonstrated in the face of rejection ultimately paid off, proving that even the most epic of tales can have humble beginnings.
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