J. R. R. Tolkien, the brilliant mind behind The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit, has left an indelible mark on the world of fantasy literature. He’s often described as the grandfather of fantasy, and he really was a most remarkable character. Many people adore his books and know his name, but actually know very little about him.
A Family of Four
Tolkien and his wife Edith had four children: John Francis Reuel Tolkien (1917), Michael Hilary Reuel Tolkien (1920), Christopher John Reuel Tolkien (1924), and Priscilla Mary Anne Reuel Tolkien (1929).
Cadet at King George V’s Coronation
While studying at King Edward’s School, Tolkien was one of the cadets who lined the route for King George V’s coronation.
Home-Schooled by His Mother
Tolkien’s mother, Mabel, took charge of his education, teaching him at home. He quickly showed talent in art, botany, and especially languages.
Edith’s Dance by the Riverbank
One day in Kingston Upon Hull, Edith danced by a riverbank, inspiring Tolkien to create the romantic encounter between Beren and Lúthien, two of his most beloved characters.
World War I Service
During World War I, Tolkien served as a signal officer. He suffered from trench foot several times and eventually returned to England in 1916.
Inspiration from Bag End
During his travels around England with his mother and brother, Tolkien found inspiration at his aunt Jane’s farm, Bag End—a name that fans will recognize from his famous books.
Queen Elizabeth II’s Honor
In 1972, Tolkien was honored by Queen Elizabeth II with the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
A Tea-Loving Club at Uni
At university, Tolkien joined the Tea Club and Barrovian Society (T.C.B.S.), a group of friends who shared a love for drinking tea, both at school and in the library.
Swiss Landscapes Shaped Middle-earth
Tolkien’s travels through Switzerland left a lasting impression, inspiring the landscapes Bilbo traverses over the Misty Mountains in The Hobbit, published on September 21, 1937.
Devout in His Faith
Tolkien was a committed Roman Catholic, a faith that influenced much of his life and writings.
Tolkien’s Full Name and Birthplace
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, better known as J. R. R. Tolkien, was born on January 3, 1892, in Bloemfontein, Orange Free State, South Africa.
Writing in Recovery
While recovering from the horrors of the Somme in Staffordshire, Tolkien began writing The Book of Lost Tales, which laid the groundwork for his future stories.
The Spider Bite That Sparked Imagination
As a child in South Africa, Tolkien was bitten by a baboon spider. Many speculate that this early encounter with a spider might have influenced the giant spiders in his later works.
Tolkien Reading Day
In 2003, March 25th was officially designated as Tolkien Reading Day, encouraging fans to celebrate and explore his works in schools around the world.
A Potential Codebreaker in WWII
During World War II, Tolkien was considered for a role as a codebreaker, though he ultimately didn’t take up the position.
Graduating with Honors from Oxford
Tolkien graduated from Exeter College, Oxford, earning a first-class honors degree in English Language and Literature.
A Younger Brother Named Hilary
Tolkien wasn’t an only child. He had a younger brother named Hilary Arthur Reuel Tolkien.
Christopher Tolkien’s Contributions
After his father’s death, Christopher Tolkien worked tirelessly to publish many of his father’s unfinished manuscripts, including The Silmarillion in 1977.
The Price of a First Edition
A first edition of the first print run of The Hobbit is exceedingly rare and can fetch over an astounding £230,000. While that’s a huge sum, I think, if I had a bottomless bank account, I could see myself collecting first editions of my favorite works, including this one.
Languages
Tolkien’s fascination with languages led him to create his first fictional language, Naffarin, as a young boy. Tolkien’s linguistic prowess was astonishing. He mastered numerous languages, including Danish, Dutch, French, German, Gothic, Greek, Italian, Latin, Lombardic, Middle and Old English, Old Norse, Norwegian, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Swedish, Welsh, and Medieval Welsh. He also invented at least 15 full languages and dialects, each complete with grammar and extensive vocabulary.
A Peaceful Passing in Oxford
Tolkien passed away on September 2, 1973, in Oxford, England, where he spent much of his later life.
Tolkien’s Time at Northmoor Road
Tolkien wrote The Hobbit (1937), The Fellowship of the Ring (1954), and The Two Towers (1954) while residing at 20 Northmoor Road in North Oxford.
Marriage to Edith Mary Bratt
In 1916, Tolkien married Edith Mary Bratt, a relationship that deeply influenced his life and work. His beautiful wife was his inspiration for Luthien, the Daughter of Flowers. On their grave, you’ll find the names Luthien for Edith and Beren for John.
Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
