J. R. R. Tolkien: How the First World War influenced the creation of "The Lord of the Rings"

In 1968, JRR Tolkien shared with the BBC his experiences during the First World War and how they influenced the creation of his epic fantasy novel The Lord of the Rings.

Profound impact of the war on Tolkien's work

Tolkien said that the war left an indelible mark on his life, influencing the themes to which he repeatedly returned in his work. "Dirt, chaos and death" - these are the words he used to describe his experience on the Western Front.

Inspiration for the creation of the world of Middle-earth

The landscapes that Tolkien saw during the war inspired him to create descriptions of Mordor in The Lord of the Rings. He emphasized that the war was not an allegory for his novel, but its influence can be found in the details of the plots and images.

"Human stories are always about one thing - about death. The inevitability of death, " said Tolkien, explaining that this was one of the key themes of his work.

Loss of close friends and its reflection in the novel

Tolkien's personal experience, including the loss of two of his closest friends on the Somme, was reflected in the inseparable bond between the characters of the novel, Frodo and Sam. This relationship is reminiscent of the friendship formed between soldiers during the war.

Returning home is a new challenge for veterans

The sense of disorientation upon returning home that many soldiers experienced after the war was captured by Tolkien in the scene of the hobbits' return to the Shire. Their world has changed significantly, and they could never be the same again.

"This isn't just a fun adventure story. It's a reflection on how war and trauma change people forever, " Tolkien concluded.

Editor: Emiliia Morozova