Date Approved
2017
Degree Type
Open Access Senior Honors Thesis
Department or School
English Language and Literature
First Advisor
Elisabeth Däumer
Abstract
After surviving the trenches of World War I when many of his friends did not, Tolkien continued as the rest of the world did: moving, growing, and developing, putting the darkness of war behind. He had children, taught at the collegiate level, wrote, researched. Then another Great War knocked on the global door. His sons marched off, and Britain was again consumed. The "War to End All Wars" was repeating itself and nothing was for certain. In such extended dark times, J. R. R. Tolkien drew on what he knew-language, philology, myth, and human rights-peering back in history to the mythologies and legends of old while igniting small movements in modern thought. Arthurian, Beowulfian, African, and Egyptian myths all formed a bedrock for his Legendarium, and fantasy-fiction as we now know it was rejuvenated.Just like the artists, authors, and thinkers from the Late Medieval period, Tolkien summoned old thoughts to craft new creations that would cement themselves in history forever. This thesis will examine the roots of Tolkien's influence, seeking to observe small features and decisions he made that led to innovation still felt today, from roots in children's literature to having a closed-off creation that few could tamper with.
Recommended Citation
Meo, Dominic DiCarlo, "A merrier world:' Small renaissances engendered in J. R. R. Tolkien's Legendarium" (2017). Senior Honors Theses and Projects. 555.
https://commons.emich.edu/honors/555