Chapter 1: The Early Encounter

My introduction to J. R. R. Tolkien's works was profoundly transformative. At just eight years old, I found myself in an intensive care unit following a brain stem stroke that left me unable to move or communicate. In that vulnerable state, I discovered The Hobbit through a personal cassette player. The vivid sounds of goblin songs and the antics of stone trolls still evoke a sense of discomfort for me. However, what resonates most is Tolkien's exploration of bravery and courage.

“At this point, Bilbo hesitated. Continuing from there was the most courageous thing he ever did. The remarkable events that followed paled in comparison. His true battle occurred in the tunnel, long before he faced the immense danger that awaited.”

Bilbo Baggins experiences numerous heroic moments throughout the story, yet Tolkien emphasizes Bilbo's moment of hesitation before entering the mountain as his most courageous act. Overcoming an abstract fear, Bilbo chooses to prioritize the well-being of his companions over his own trepidation, despite not having faced the dragon directly.

The universe of The Hobbit feels dynamic and alive, drawing readers on an adventure that continually pushes them beyond their comfort zones. Tolkien enhances this sense of movement through the names he assigns to locations. Initially, we encounter straightforward names like ‘the Shire’ and ‘the Old Forest.’ As the journey progresses, the names become increasingly descriptive, evolving into enchanting titles like Rivendell and the Misty Mountains. As we venture even further, we encounter more exotic names such as Mirkwood, derived from the Old Norse term Myrkviðr, meaning ‘dark boundary forest.’

Ultimately, what makes The Hobbit significant to me is not merely its story or Tolkien's prose but the experience of embarking on a journey. It embodies the feeling of insignificance in an expansive world, grappling with fear yet choosing to persevere.

Tolkien was not merely an author; he was a respected academic and philology professor at Oxford University. This background equipped him to decipher the mythologies of various civilizations, which greatly influenced his own myth-making. Even before the publication of The Hobbit, he began crafting what would later become The Silmarillion, a foundational mythology for his universe. This depth of history contributes to the authenticity of Middle-earth.

Arguably, Tolkien's most significant work is The Lord of the Rings, which adopts a far more epic tone, with passages that feel more mythological than narrative.

“Éomer charged forward, the white mane on his helmet billowing in the wind, while the front of the first éored surged like a wave crashing against the shore. Yet, Théoden could not be caught. He seemed almost supernatural, as if the ancestral battle-fury coursed through him, bearing him upon Snowmane like an ancient god. His golden shield gleamed, reminiscent of the Sun, and the grass blazed green beneath the hooves of his steed.”

This prose style, with its mythic quality, is not easily replicated. Tolkien's mastery over myth is rare. Phrases like ‘and lo’ echo ancient mythic and biblical texts, and Tolkien employs them with such sincerity that they resonate powerfully. When Aragorn, in The Two Towers, opts to rescue Merry and Pippin instead of pursuing Frodo and Sam to Mount Doom, we accept his choice without question, as if transported to a world where the struggle between good and evil is clear-cut, valuing honor and morality above all.

Hope is a vital emotion, a fundamental aspect of humanity, and The Lord of the Rings captures this sentiment more than any other book I've encountered.

Tolkien achieves this in various ways, such as juxtaposing high-tension scenes with moments of calm. The harrowing escape from the mines of Moria is balanced by the serene beauty of Lothlórien. As the narrative unfolds, the tension and relief escalate, immersing readers further into the tale. Additionally, Tolkien's introduction of certain characters enhances this experience. Tom Bombadil, an ancient and powerful figure, is introduced through a chance encounter in the Old Forest, but he plays no further role in the story. Similarly, Glorfindel, an elf-lord met on the way to Rivendell, also has a limited presence despite his importance in Tolkien’s universe.

The ability of The Lord of the Rings to evoke feelings of hope stems from its portrayal of dread. Early in The Fellowship of the Ring, Gandalf engages in a poignant dialogue with Frodo.

“‘I wish this did not have to happen in my time,’ Frodo lamented.

‘So do I,’ replied Gandalf, ‘and so does everyone who lives to witness such times. But that is not for us to decide. All we can do is choose how to use the time we have.’”

This exchange sets the stage for a series of high-stakes chapters as the group navigates their journey from the Shire to Rivendell. In ‘The Council of Elrond,’ readers are faced with a wealth of information that feels overwhelming yet is crucial to the plot. They discuss the gravity of their undertaking, acknowledging its seemingly hopeless nature, but ultimately resolve to proceed. This theme of fighting the long defeat—an ongoing struggle against evil, where each victory is followed by the return of darkness—is a recurring motif in Tolkien's work.

The concept of the long defeat complements another of Tolkien's narrative devices: the eucatastrophe, which represents a sudden, joyful turn in the storyline. A notable example is during the Battle of Helm’s Deep, when Gandalf's unexpected arrival transforms despair into triumph.

Tolkien's writings have profoundly influenced me. He taught me the significance of fantasy narratives. While they may surface as tales of dragon-slaying or reclaiming lost realms, they delve deeper, emphasizing the importance of resilience, the courage to face fears, and the determination to continue despite uncertainty.

Chapter 2: Insights from Tolkien's Influence

Exploring the profound lessons from Tolkien's narratives offers a deeper understanding of hope and courage.

This video discusses five essential tips to emulate Tolkien’s writing style, providing insights into the techniques that make his storytelling so impactful.

This video delves into the rich mythology that inspired Tolkien, revealing the influences that shaped his legendary works.