This is particularly true of Tolkien, who is most broadly known for his intricate stories. It’s so easy to put our heroes on pedestals and almost class them as super-human. This will come up again, but, as a teaser, it’s worth noting that this story would be instrumental in writing the story of Túrin Turambar, as told in The Silmarillion and The Children of Hurin. He doesn’t go into more detail here, but this would become The Story of Kullervo, which unfortunately wouldn’t be published until 2015. He found far less enjoyment in an obligatory visit with the Rector, “which was very boring.” Furthermore, Tolkien recounts, “His wife is really appalling! I got away as soon as possible and fled back in the rain to my books.” Oh Tolkien, I can always relate to that impulse!įinally, Tolkien mentions that he is working on turning making a short story out of the Kalevala, the great Finnish epic compiled in the 19th century. He was forbidden from doing work on the Sabbath and attended High Mass, which he enjoyed. Fortunately, he was able to spend much of this time reading. It had been particularly rainy the last few days, including during his drills, so it “took ages” to clean his rifle. He apologizes for being so busy lately and recounts some of the things that have been taking up his time. Summary: Tolkien had recently received a letter from Edith and was returning the favor.

You can read the full original letter in Tolkien’s glorious handwriting here.Background: Tolkien was engaged to Edith, in his final year as an undergraduate at Oxford, and in the University Officers’ Training Corps in preparation for joining the army. The correct pronunciation is therefore Tolkeen, with the accent on the ‘o’ (as in doll). It’s a form of the German word toll-kühn and should properly be spelt Tol(l)kichin.

My name’s German in origin, though in this anglicized form it has been in England some 200 years (and has emigrated to America) but it remains very unusual. English or Welsh ‘myths’ alas nothing remains, and of ancient legends very little. But most specially to those of England and Wales (for Gaelic of Ireland and Scotland I have no great liking). But there is no ‘invention’ in the void, and naturally in digested form I am indebted to the myths and legends of literature. It’s not consciously based on anything but a complete ‘invention,’ like the supposed Elvish languages. I hope to retain your approbation to the end of the work. Earle, Thank you for your kind and appreciative letter.

The letter, which is dated April 12, 1956, is a response to a fan, and discusses both his inspiration for The Lord of the Rings universe and a little bit of history about his own name:ĭear Mr. Tolkien is currently up for auction, with bidding beginning at $5,000, if you’ve got that kind of cash lying around.

The letters of jrr tolkien