Biography
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, commonly known as JRR Tolkien, was an influential British writer, poet, and linguist, best known for his high fantasy works, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 3, 1892 in Bloemfontein, South Africa, Tolkien spent most of his life in England, following his father’s death in 1896. His mother, Mabel, converted to Catholicism and was a pivotal influence on his religious education. After Mabel’s death in 1904, Tolkien and his brother were sent to live with a paternal relative in Birmingham.
Tolkien received his education at the King Edward’s School, where he showed himself to be a talented student, particularly in languages. He continued his education at Oxford University, specializing in Classic Languages and English Literature.
Service in World War I and Academic Career
During World War I, Tolkien served as a lieutenant in the Lancashire Fusiliers regiment. His experiences in the war would profoundly influence his writing.
After the war, Tolkien embarked on a distinguished academic career. He worked on the Oxford Dictionary and later became a professor of English language and literature at Leeds University, and finally at Oxford University.
Masterpieces
The Hobbit
Tolkien’s literary debut, “The Hobbit”, was published in 1937. This book introduced the world to his talent for creating imaginative worlds and fictional languages. The story is an adventure that follows Bilbo Baggins, a small hobbit, on a journey through Middle-earth.
The Lord of the Rings
Then, “The Lord of the Rings”, considered his most famous work, was published in three volumes between 1954 and 1955. This trilogy delves further into the world that Tolkien had introduced in The Hobbit, developing a rich and complex mythology that has captivated generations of readers.
The Silmarillion
“The Silmarillion,” first published in 1977, is a posthumous work by J.R.R. Tolkien that delves into the rich mythology underlying “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings”. The book provides a deep dive into the creation of Middle-Earth and the First Ages of the World, events that precede those told in Tolkien’s other novels.
The Sons of Húrin
The Children of Húrin” is an epic and standalone work, although embedded in the vast mythology of Middle Earth created by J.R.R. Tolkien. This is one of the three “Great Tales” of Tolkien’s Middle Earth legend, along with “Beren and Lúthien” and “The Fall of Gondolin”.
Legacy
Tolkien passed away on September 2, 1973, but his influence endures. His works have been translated into numerous languages and have inspired a vast amount of films, TV series, artworks, and music. Although his work is best known in the fantasy genre, he was also a respected academic and a talented poet.
Tolkien’s ability to create entire worlds, with their own history, mythology, and languages, has earned him a permanent place in 20th-century literature.
The magical world of JRR Tolkien has transcended the barriers of time and culture, establishing a legacy that will remain alive in the minds and hearts of readers of all ages.
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