The Evolution of Tolkien's Mythology: A Study of the History of Middle-earth

Critical Explorations in Science Fiction and Fantasy #7

by Elizabeth A. Whittingham

The History of Middle-earth traces the evolution of J.R.R. Tolkien's literary world, stories, and characters from their earliest written forms to the final revisions Tolkien penned shortly before his death in 1973. Published posthumously by Tolkien's son Christopher, the detailed 12-volume work allows readers to follow the development of the texts that eventually became Tolkien's classics. This work provides a thorough study of Tolkien's life and influences through an analysis of The History of Middle-earth. It begins with a brief biography and an analysis of the major influences in Tolkien's life. Following chapters deal with elements common to Tolkien's popular works, including the cosmogony, theogony, cosmology, metaphysics, and eschatology of Middle-earth. The study also reviews some of the myths with which Tolkien was most familiar?Greek, Roman, Finnish, and Norse?and reveals the often overlapping relationship between mythology, biblical stories, and Tolkien's popular works.

Genres: Nonfiction

232 pages, Paperback

First published September 24, 2007

Reviews

[Marko Vasić · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an remarkable textbook concerning the nascence of all pivotal phases of Tolkien’s mythology: cosmogony, theogony, cosmology, metaphysics and eschatology. I daresay that is perfect guide to the readers that haven’t yet dare to step into the twelve tomes of “The History of Middle-Earth” and fancy to scrutinise merely facts regarding the mythology but not the “The Lord of the Rings” history, as well as Tolkien’s researchers (in which I reckon myself) and scholars. Considering that I’ve previously read all parts of “The History of the Middle-Earth” concerning the history of The Silmarillion, this book was an excellent matter to refresh some “silenced” data. Content is quite dense, condensed on scarcely 200 pages, yet comprehensive and well organised into six parts: Influences in Tolkien’s Life, Tolkien’s Mythology of Creation, Tolkien’s Mythology of Divine Beings, The Physical World of Middle-earth and of Ea, Death and Immortality among Elves and Men, The Last Days of Middle-earth. Hence, the author discussed and compared the parts of Tolkien’s mythology with its match in Greek, Roman, Celtic, Norse and Finnish mythologies which is paramount for complete understanding of some universal mythological elements. The special chapter was dedicated to the death and resurrection of the Elven souls and Elven matrimonial matters as was enclosed in Morgoth's Ring, and even discussed Dagor Dagorath battle. Of uttermost importance is cross-referencing with all paramount textbooks that are discussing the same matter (The Road to Middle-earth: How J. R. R. Tolkien created a new mythology, J.R.R. Tolkien: Author of the Century, Interrupted Music: The Making of Tolkien's Mythology, Tolkien: Man and Myth: A Literary Life etc.). Nonetheless Tolkien tales are full of inconsistencies (as well as in many aforementioned mythologies), interruptions, incompatibilities and many were abandoned never to be finished, Tolkien managed, to create unique, recognisable and original secondary world as he intended to. If one remembers how Tolkien’s lifeway was uneven, turbulent and precarious, it is quite clear why his tales are enshrouded with grim, gloomy atmosphere, yet with a scarce beams of uttermost hope that will prevail at length. The only complaint is excessive repetition of some parts previously discussed, but that can be useful to fortify the knowledge of that matter.

[Mary Foxe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skimmed.

[Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you like reading college papers, complete with in-text citations, this is the book for you. But if you're looking for Tolkien scholarly writing that holds your interest, you'd best keep looking.