As I sat down with J.R.R. Tolkien, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and excitement. He was a literary giant, known for creating one of the most beloved and enduring fantasy worlds in literature. With his iconic works such as “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings,” Tolkien had captured the hearts and imaginations of readers around the world. And now, here I was, about to interview the man behind the magic.
J.R.R. Tolkien was an English writer, poet, and professor, best known for his high fantasy works, particularly “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Born in South Africa in 1892, Tolkien spent much of his childhood in England, where his love for languages and mythology began to take root. As a philologist and academic, he specialized in Old English and medieval literature, which heavily influenced his own fictional world-building. Tolkien’s richly detailed and immersive stories have captivated readers for decades, earning him a lasting legacy as one of the most beloved and influential fantasy authors of all time.
10 Thought-Provoking Questions with J.R.R. Tolkien
1. Can you provide ten The Silmarillion by J. R. R. Tolkien quotes to our readers?
The Silmarillion quotes as follows:
a. “A star shines on the hour of our meeting.”
b. “It is not our part to master all the tides of the world, but to do what is in us for the succour of those years wherein we are set, uprooting the evil in the fields that we know, so that those who live after may have clean earth to till. What weather they shall have is not ours to rule.”
c. “And those that he loved, he loved till the end of his days.”
d. “Death is just another path, one that we all must take.”
e. “The world is indeed full of peril, and in it, there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater.”
f. “His crown shall be upholden, his throne shall endure, his men shall multiply, peace shall wax great, and his power shall be increased and shall endure for ever.”
g. “She should never have agreed to come to a place with such an ominous name to begin with.”
h. “The Doom of the World Will Flame in Time.”
i. “In place of the Dark Lord you will set up a Queen. And I shall not be dark, but beautiful and terrible as the Morning and the Night! Fair as the Sea and the Sun and the Snow upon the Mountain! Dreadful as the Storm and the Lightning! Stronger than the foundations of the earth. All shall love me and despair!”
j. “It is said by the Eldar that in water there lives yet the echo of the Music of the Ainur more than in any substance that is in this Earth; and many of the Children of Ilúvatar hearken still unsated to the voices of the Sea, and yet know not for what they listen.”
2.”The Silmarillion” is a vast and intricate work that spans ages of Middle-earth’s history. What inspired you to create such a detailed mythology for the world of Arda?
I would answer that the inspiration for creating such a detailed mythology for the world of Arda comes from my deep love of language, history, and mythology. Drawing upon my background as a philologist and my fascination with creating intricate and interconnected worlds, I was inspired to craft a mythology that would serve as the foundation for the stories of Middle-earth. By developing the complex history, languages, and cultures of Arda, I aimed to enrich the narratives of my books and create a sense of depth and realism that would resonate with readers. Ultimately, my goal was to build a cohesive and immersive world that would allow readers to explore and experience the wonders and complexities of Middle-earth in a way that felt authentic and compelling.
3.The themes of creation, destiny, free will, and the struggle between good and evil are central to “The Silmarillion.” How did you approach exploring these profound themes through the stories of the Valar, Elves, Men, and other beings in your mythology?
I would answer by saying that exploring these profound themes in “The Silmarillion” was essential to creating a rich and complex mythology. I approached these themes by intertwining the stories of the Valar, Elves, Men, and other beings in a way that highlighted the importance of creation, destiny, free will, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Through the interactions and choices of these beings, I was able to delve into the complexities of existence and the consequences of individual actions. By showcasing how these themes played out on a grand scale within my mythology, I aimed to create a reflection of the moral and spiritual struggles that we as humans face in our own lives.
4.The characters in “The Silmarillion” are both heroic and tragic, with complex motivations and relationships. How did you go about developing the diverse cast of characters that populate your mythic world?
I focused on creating a rich and intricate tapestry of characters by drawing inspiration from various mythologies, historical figures, and personal experiences. Each character was carefully crafted with their own unique motivations, strengths, flaws, and relationships in order to reflect the complexities of the human experience. I drew upon archetypal themes such as love, loyalty, sacrifice, and betrayal to add depth to the characters and their interactions. Additionally, I paid close attention to the interconnectedness of the characters and their roles within the larger framework of the mythic world, ensuring that each individual played a significant part in shaping the overarching narrative. Ultimately, through meticulous planning and attention to detail, I aimed to create a diverse and multi-dimensional cast of characters that resonated with readers on a profound and emotional level.
5.The world-building in “The Silmarillion” is incredibly detailed, with languages, cultures, and histories that feel fully realized. Can you discuss your process for creating the languages of Middle-earth and weaving them into the narrative?
As the creator of the languages in Middle-earth, my process was deeply rooted in my love for philology and linguistics. I carefully crafted Elvish languages such as Quenya and Sindarin, drawing inspiration from ancient languages like Finnish and Welsh. I wanted these languages to feel authentic and organic, rooted in their own histories and cultural contexts. By weaving these languages into the narrative of “The Silmarillion,” I aimed to enhance the depth and richness of the world I was creating. Each language served not only as a means of communication for the characters, but also as a reflection of their cultures, traditions, and histories. Through this meticulous attention to detail, I sought to bring Middle-earth to life in a way that felt fully realized and immersive for readers.
6.”The Silmarillion” contains elements of epic poetry, prose, and myth. How did you decide on the narrative style and structure for the book, and how did you balance the different storytelling modes throughout the work?
I chose to use a combination of epic poetry, prose, and myth to create a rich and immersive narrative that reflected the depth and complexity of the world of Middle-earth. I decided on this narrative style and structure to pay homage to the traditional storytelling methods of ancient mythologies and epics, while also allowing for a more expansive and detailed exploration of the history and mythology of my fictional world. Balancing the different storytelling modes throughout the work was a conscious effort, with each mode serving to enhance and complement the others in order to create a cohesive and multi-faceted narrative. Ultimately, I aimed to create a work that felt both timeless and timeless, drawing on various storytelling traditions to craft a tale that would resonate with readers for generations to come.
7.The concept of immortality and the longing for the Undying Lands are recurring themes in “The Silmarillion.” What significance do these themes hold in the context of the broader story and the characters’ arcs?
The concept of immortality and the longing for the Undying Lands in “The Silmarillion” are central themes that reflect the characters’ desires for a higher state of being and an escape from the hardships of mortality. The Undying Lands symbolize a paradise where immortality and peace exist, contrasting with the conflicts and limitations of the mortal world. This longing for a higher existence drives the characters’ arcs, leading them to make difficult choices and sacrifices in pursuit of this ultimate goal. The themes of immortality and the Undying Lands also highlight the broader philosophical questions of morality, fate, and the inherent desire for transcendence that underpin the entire narrative of “The Silmarillion.”
8.The conflict between Melkor (Morgoth) and the Valar drives much of the narrative in “The Silmarillion.” Can you discuss the inspiration behind the character of Melkor and the role of evil in your mythic world?
I would explain that the character of Melkor was inspired by the concept of pride and arrogance taken to extremes. I envisioned him as a fallen angel figure, renouncing the unity and harmony of the Valar in pursuit of his own power and dominion. The conflict between Melkor and the Valar represents the eternal struggle between good and evil, order and chaos in my mythic world of Arda. Evil serves as a necessary challenge for the forces of light to overcome, embodying the temptations and choices that all beings face in their own lives. Through Melkor’s actions and the consequences of his defiance, I sought to explore themes of free will, redemption, and the ultimate triumph of goodness in the face of great adversity.
9.The interconnectedness of the stories within “The Silmarillion” creates a tapestry of history and myth. How did you go about structuring the book to convey the scope and depth of your mythology?
I would answer by explaining that the structuring of “The Silmarillion” was intended to convey the vastness and complexity of my mythology. I wanted to create a tapestry of interconnected stories that would showcase the history, culture, and beliefs of my fictional world.
To achieve this, I organized the book into sections that focused on different aspects of my mythology, such as the creation of the world, the struggles of the various races, and the overarching themes of good versus evil. By weaving together these diverse narratives, I aimed to create a rich and immersive reading experience that would give readers a sense of the depth and scope of my mythos.
Ultimately, my goal was to create a cohesive and intricate world that felt alive and authentic, and I believe that the structure of “The Silmarillion” effectively conveys the richness of my mythology.
10. Can you recommend more books like The Silmarillion?
1. “The Mabinogion” translated by Charlotte Guest – This collection of Welsh myths and legends offers a similar depth of storytelling and world-building as “The Silmarillion.”
2. “The Book of Lost Tales” by J.R.R. Tolkien – This compilation of early drafts and writings by Tolkien offers a fascinating look into the development of his legendarium, much like “The Silmarillion.”
3. “The King of Elfland’s Daughter” by Lord Dunsany – This classic fantasy novel explores a mythical realm with intricate lore and rich storytelling, reminiscent of Tolkien’s work.
4. “The Earthsea Cycle” by Ursula K. Le Guin – This beloved series follows the adventures of a young wizard as he navigates a complex world filled with ancient legends and powerful magic.
5. “The Children of Hurin” by J.R.R. Tolkien – This posthumously published work delves deeper into the tragic tale of Hurin and his family, expanding upon the events mentioned in “The Silmarillion.”