J R R Tolkien
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
Full Name and Common Aliases
J.R.R. Tolkien was born as John Ronald Reuel Tolkien on January 3, 1892, in Bloemfontein, South Africa. He is commonly known by his initials J.R.R. or affectionately referred to as Professor Tolkien.
Birth and Death Dates
January 3, 1892 – September 2, 1973
Nationality and Profession(s)
British author, philologist, university professor, and scholar of English language and literature
Early Life and Background
Tolkien's early life was marked by tragedy. His father, Arthur Tolkien, a British bank manager, died when John was just four years old. His mother, Mabel Tolkien, converted to Catholicism, which would later influence his writing. The family moved frequently due to financial constraints, eventually settling in England.
Tolkien developed a love for languages at an early age, learning Latin and Greek while still a child. He attended King Edward's School in Birmingham, where he met his lifelong friend Geoffrey Bache Smith. This friendship and shared interest in languages would later shape his writing style.
Major Accomplishments
Tolkien's academic achievements are impressive:
Studied English Language and Literature at Exeter College, Oxford
Graduated with first-class honors in 1915
Served as a lieutenant in World War I, where he was wounded twice and mentioned in dispatches for bravery
Lectured on Beowulf and other Old English texts at the University of Leeds
Notable Works or Actions
Tolkien's most notable works include:
The Hobbit (1937): a fantasy novel that sets the stage for his Middle-earth stories
The Lord of the Rings trilogy (1954-1955): an epic high fantasy series consisting of The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King
The Silmarillion: an incomplete work on the history of Middle-earth and its peoplesImpact and Legacy
Tolkien's impact on literature is immense:
His world-building and creation of Middle-earth have influenced countless authors, including C.S. Lewis and George R.R. Martin
The Lord of the Rings has been translated into over 50 languages and sold more than 150 million copies worldwide
Tolkien's writing has also inspired numerous adaptations, including films, stage productions, and video games
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Tolkien's quotes are often cited for their insight into his creative process and philosophical perspectives:
> "Even the smallest person can change the course of the future."
>
> "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."
His love for languages, world-building, and storytelling has captivated audiences worldwide. As a scholar, author, and professor, Tolkien's legacy continues to inspire new generations of writers, artists, and thinkers.
Tolkien's impact on popular culture extends beyond literature; his influence can be seen in music, art, and film as well.
His work remains widely quoted and remembered for its enduring themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the struggle between good and evil.
Quotes by J R R Tolkien
You asked for a brief sketch of my stuff that is connected with my imaginary world. It is difficult to say anything without saying too much: the attempt to say a few words opens a floodgate of excitement, the egoist and the artist at once desires to say how the stuff has grown, what it is like, and what he thinks he means, or is trying to represent by it all."-JRR Tolkien, 1951
What has it got in its pocketses?" The sound came hissing louder and sharper, and as he looked towards it, to his alarm Bilbo now saw two small points of light peering at him. As suspicion grew in Gollum's mind, the light of his eyes burnt with a pale flame.
No, sweet one. See, my precious: if we has it, then we can escape, even from Him, eh? Perhaps we grow very strong, stronger than Wraiths. Lord Smeagol? Gollum the Great? The Gollum! Eat fish every day, three times a day, fresh forum the sea. Most precious Gollum! Must have it...
Non puoi passare - disse. Gli Orchi tacquero, e si fece un silenzio di morte - Sono un servitore del Fuoco Segreto, e reggo la fiamma di Anor. Non puoi passare. A nulla ti servirà il fuoco oscuro, fiamma di Udùn. Torna nell'Ombra! Non puoi passare
Even the good plans of wise wizards like Gandalf and of good friends like Elrond go astray sometimes when you are off on dangerous adventures over the Edge of the Wild, and Gandalf was a wise enough wizard to know it.
He loved mountains, or he had loved the thought of them marching on the edge of stories brought from far away; but now he was borne down by the insupportable weight of Middle-earth. He longed to shut out the immensity in a quiet room by a fire.
He knew that all the hazards and perils were now drawing together to a point: the next day would be a day of doom, the day of final effort or disaster, the last gasp.
...and for a great deal it seemed good to him, for in the music there were no flaws.