“If you really want to know what Middle-earth is based on, it’s my wonder and delight in the earth as it is, particularly the natural earth.”
- January 3, 1892 – September 2, 1973
- Born in the Orange Free State (British)
- Author, linguist
- Wrote The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and built the foundations of modern fantasy literature
Quote
“If you really want to know what Middle-earth is based on, it’s my wonder and delight in the earth as it is, particularly the natural earth.”
Explanation
In this quote, Tolkien directly connects the creation of Middle-earth to his own deep appreciation and love for the natural world. He reveals that the landscapes, environments, and the sense of awe that permeate his works are rooted in his personal wonder at the beauty and complexity of the real world. The phrase “the natural earth” suggests that Middle-earth is not just an imagined world but an extension or reflection of Earth itself—especially its wild and untamed aspects. Tolkien’s love for nature was something that profoundly shaped his writing, with his descriptions of forests, rivers, mountains, and the changing seasons often drawing directly from his own experiences in the English countryside.
Tolkien’s passion for the natural world can be seen in his frequent depictions of the landscape in his work, from the lush, rolling hills of the Shire to the vast, perilous wilderness of Mordor. These environments are not mere backdrops to the action of the story; they are imbued with symbolism and emotion, reflecting the moods, themes, and conflicts of the characters and cultures who inhabit them. His respect for nature also echoes his concern about the impact of industrialization and modernity, which he saw as forces that could despoil the land and alienate people from their connection to the earth. In a way, Middle-earth becomes both a tribute to and a preservation of the natural world as he wished to see it.
In modern times, this quote can be seen as a call to reconnect with the earth and recognize the beauty and importance of the natural world in our increasingly urbanized and technologically advanced lives. Tolkien’s writing encourages us to revere nature, not as something to be exploited, but as something to be cherished and understood. It also reflects a longing for a more harmonious relationship with the land, where human activities align with the rhythms of nature, rather than seeking to dominate or disconnect from it. In a world increasingly concerned with environmental issues and the preservation of the earth, Tolkien’s reverence for nature speaks to the timeless value of protecting and respecting the world around us.
