In this literary podcast episode, we are discussing J.R.R. Tolkien’s immense influence on the high fantasy genre. As we wrap up our coverage of high fantasy this month, we recognize that it’s impossible to talk about the genre without examining Tolkien’s foundational work. We acknowledge that while fantasy existed before Tolkien, he created one of the most elaborate and expansive fictional universes that continues to shape the genre today.
Note
The following is an editorialized transcript of our weekly literary podcast. If you would like to listen to the podcast, click the play button above orlisten on your favorite platform with the links below.
Tolkien’s World & Characters
We note that Tolkien’s work goes far beyond just The Lord of the Rings, encompassing a vast mythology and invented languages. We recognize the challenge of covering Tolkien’s entire body of work in a single discussion, given its scope and complexity. Rather than focusing solely on the popular film adaptations, we aim to examine Tolkien’s original written works and their lasting impact.
We highlight some key aspects of Tolkien’s writing and world-building:
- The Hobbit was originally written as a children’s book and published in 1937. We contrast this with the later film adaptations that expanded the story significantly.
- Tolkien drew inspiration from historical sources and mythology, including the Old English epic poem Beowulf. We note similarities between Beowulf and elements of The Hobbit, like the dragon Smaug.
- Tolkien created his own languages, with Elvish being reminiscent of Old English.
- He wrote other stories beyond The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, like Beren and Lúthien, which drew from classical romance tales.
- Tolkien established many fantasy races and creatures that have become staples of the genre, like elves, dwarves, orcs, and hobbits.
We discuss Tolkien’s portrayal of female characters, noting that while his works reflect some societal norms of his time, he generally showed respect for women in his writing. We highlight examples like Arwen, who was reportedly inspired by Tolkien’s wife, and Éowyn, who defies expectations to play a crucial role in battle.
We emphasize that a key theme in Tolkien’s work is that courage and heart matter more than size, strength, or gender when it comes to making a difference in the world. This is exemplified by characters like the hobbits and Éowyn.
A Lasting Legacy
We reflect on Tolkien’s enduring influence, noting how many elements he popularized continue to recur in modern fantasy works. However, we also observe that some aspects, like orcs, are so closely associated with Tolkien’s universe that other authors tend to avoid using them directly.
In discussing Tolkien’s work, we aim to balance appreciation for his contributions to the genre with recognition of the historical context in which he wrote. We acknowledge both the progressive elements of his writing for its time and areas where it reflected contemporary societal norms.
We note the differences between Tolkien’s original writings and later adaptations, particularly the Peter Jackson films. While recognizing the entertainment value of the adaptations, we also mention that some purists, including Tolkien’s son Christopher, have been critical of how they expanded or altered the original stories.
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Overall, our discussion emphasizes Tolkien’s pivotal role in shaping the high fantasy genre, his meticulous world-building, and the enduring themes and character archetypes he established. We recognize that studying Tolkien’s work opens up a vast field of analysis, from linguistic influences to mythological parallels, demonstrating the depth and complexity of his literary universe.
Strong Female Characters
We highlight the importance of strong female characters in Tolkien’s work, such as Éowyn and Galadriel. We note how Éowyn’s character, particularly in the film adaptations, represents female empowerment by defying expectations and playing a crucial role in battle. We discuss how Galadriel, despite her power, recognizes her own potential for corruption, demonstrating that no character is infallible.
We draw parallels between Tolkien’s characters and those in more recent fantasy works. For example, we compare Gandalf’s refusal to take the One Ring to Dumbledore’s reluctance to hold positions of power in the Harry Potter series. We note how these characters’ awareness of their own weaknesses has become a common trope in fantasy literature.
We examine the recurring theme of seemingly unremarkable characters who come from remarkable lineages, comparing Éowyn to characters like Feyre from A Court of Thorns and Roses and Violet from Fourth Wing. We discuss how this trope has evolved in modern fantasy, particularly in works by female authors.
We reflect on the increasing prominence of female authors in the fantasy genre, noting that women now dominate bestseller lists and social media recommendations. We consider how this shift has impacted the representation of female characters and themes in fantasy literature.
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Heroes & Villains
We briefly touch on the portrayal of villains in Tolkien’s work and how this has influenced modern fantasy. We note that while Tolkien’s villains often had simplistic motivations like world domination, modern fantasy tends to feature more complex antagonists with relatable or understandable motivations.
We discuss the enduring popularity of Tolkien’s work and its adaptations, including the Rings of Power series and the upcoming remastered versions of the Lord of the Rings films. We consider how nostalgia and familiarity drive the continued exploration of established fantasy universes like Middle-earth and Westeros from Game of Thrones.
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Final Thoughts
Throughout our discussion, we emphasize how Tolkien’s work laid the foundation for many common elements in modern fantasy, from character archetypes to thematic explorations of power and corruption. We recognize that while fantasy has evolved significantly since Tolkien’s time, his influence remains evident in much of the genre’s current offerings.
We conclude by inviting further thoughts on how Tolkien’s pre-established stories and characters continue to shape modern fantasy literature, acknowledging the ongoing impact of his work on the genre.
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