Tolkein's Mythology?

Question

When Tolkein first wrote LOTR and created middle earth he strived to create an english mythology, after Henry VIII burnt almost all of the records and books in latin

But did he actually create a mythology or is it viewed upon as the book that JRR Tolkein wrote and Peter Jackson filmed.

By the way i'm talking about Middle Earth in General and not just Lord of the Rings

And also, don't start insulting the book if you don't like the books dont answer the question

Answer 1

An "english" mythology?  I wouldn't say this.  

He did create a cohesive fictional mythology, based in part on his extensive knowledge of Scandinavian, Germanic, and well English traditions.  You can see it in the nature of his dwarves and elves, the cycle of wars each destroying the world only to have it reborn, and the idea of "going into the west."

One of the beauties of his Ring cycle (yet another connection) is that like an iceberg, nine-tenths of his mythology isn't visible to the naked eye.  Anyone who has read the Silmarillion knows that Tolkien has constructed an over the top mythology, entire languages, and an extensive history.  That he didn't feel the need to shove the whole of history into the book shows a restraint rare to the average fantasy writer.

Answer 2

JRR tolkien was born on ym birth day :D

Answer 3

Tolkien actually did create a whole world of his own, complete with languages, geographical maps, and a mythological history. He's a genius. Peter Jackson just grasped some and used it for his movie.

LuthienT

Answer 4

I'm pretty sure that he created it. He did a good job huh.?

Answer 5

An interesting question!

Yes, his intent was to create a mythology, but did he actually succeed? I would say no. Going by a strict definition of mythology--"a body of folklore/myths/legends that a particular culture believes to be true and that often use the supernatural to interpret natural events and to explain the nature of the universe and humanity"--I don't think he did succeed in creating an English mythology.

However, that does not lessen the cultural impact of his creation. He founded the epic high fantasy novel and gave the genre of fantasy legitimacy. Plus, his Middle Earth is so complex and so well written that it may as well be real--it is so much more than just what is seen in the Lord of the Rings.

In Amazon.com's poll of the greatest 100 books of the millennium, Lord of the Rings took first. And this was *before* any of the movies were released.

Answer 6

You don't have an avatar. That's creepy. I don't answer questions of people without avatars.