J.R.R.Tolkien and the Concept of Medievalism - Essay Example

(YOUR (THE Tolkien and the Concept of Medievalism The fantasy writings of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien are one of the many literary classic pieces that show how medievalism influenced the general mood and character of the author’s works. Medieval values and traits are rich within the each of the tales and adventures that Tolkien has written particularly The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit. In the author’s three-part epic, Tolkien shares to his readers the magic of the fantasy world where elves, dwarves and men live together. Also, Tolkien unleashes the colourful interplay of monsters and mythical creatures unto his epic. The author’s mixture was indeed flawless because he had created a just mixture of childhood fantasy and a doze of mature epic. He retains the aura of seriousness within his works and puts the readers into a portal back into the past. With this general trait present in Tolkien’s pieces, medievalism is an ever prevailing concept that functioned as a huge influence to the author’s style of writing. In The Hobbit and in The Lord of the Rings epic, medievalism has evident marks in Tolkien’s imagined world. These marks can be seen in the epic’s characters, settings and the general flow of events of the storyline. The characters in both the Hobbit and in the Lord of the Rings trilogy present a very medieval mood. The most notable characters that exemplify medievalism in the Hobbit are Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf the Grey. Both along with twelve dwarf lords embark on a dangerous journey within the depths of the Lonely Mountains. The very notion of adventure is a medieval concept itself. As the story develops, Bilbo Baggins showcases several acts of heroism and bravery; one would be when he saves the group of dwarves from the giant spiders and from the dungeon of the wood-elves. Indeed, Bilbo’s character has the innate characteristic of chivalry as he wields his skill in order to put his companions out of danger. Chivalry, one that medieval knights posses, is incorporated unto the person that is Bilbo. In this sense, Bilbo is like a knight who saves the needy from outright danger. It is the same in the case of Gandalf the Grey - the wizard saves their group from a horde of goblins and trolls (The Hobbit). Both Bilbo and Gandalf are perfect examples of knights inserted into the context of Tolkien’s tales. They function as the bringers of salvation, the hint of light amidst the darkness. Their skills and their strong devotion and compassion for those who need them make them the “knight in shining armour” as what most fairytales depict. Chivalry is the main concept which makes The Hobbit a medieval piece. As what was explained earlier, adventurism is another key concept why The Hobbit is medieval in its traits. The primary setting of the story is based upon the elvish and the dwarvish realms of Middle Earth. The characters embark on a journey based on the geographical settings of Tolkien’s imagined world thus, their quest causes the build-up of the story’s adrenaline which creates an exciting pace where the protagonists combat mythical creatures and monsters, especially in their hurdle with Smaug – the dragon in the Misty Mountains. Along the way, Gandalf the Grey discovers his sword, Glamdring, and Bilbo finds the One Ring in an accidental skirmish with the goblins (The Hobbit). From what is shown above, the setting of the story gives way to the medieval aspect of The Hobbit. Like most medieval stories, heroes embark on tiresome quests and encounter hurdles of unfathomable danger which, in the end, the hero gives justice to his own skill and reputation. The notion of adventure and the setting of the story are partners which make a good medieval story (Bennet and Hollister). Indeed, The Hobbit clearly lives up to medievalism because the characters exhibit chivalry in their quest amongst the dangerous mountains of Middle Earth. Amongst all of Tolkien’s fantasy works, it is the Lord of the Rings trilogy that solidifies the medieval influence in his fiction. The clarity if chivalry is dominant within every character of the trilogy. One perfect example of a chivalrous character is Aragorn, the king of Gondor. Although exiled as a mere ranger of the forests, his passion and his skill did him well in order to reconnect with his fate and become the awaited king of men in the time where the evil of Sauron shrouds Middle Earth. Along with Aragorn are the eight chosen individuals who had been tasked into a quest to destroy the One Ring in Mordor and defeat the evil forever. The other eight, who completes the Fellowship of the Ring, exhibit the same chivalrous traits like Aragorn. This bravery in heart, skill in combat and pure passion is presented in every skirmish that the Fellowship encounters in the duration of their quest (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy). Tolkien had created this sense of “Arthurian” knights in the quest for the One Ring’s destruction - Frodo as the ring bearer and his knights as his protectors. In every aspect of the trilogy, Frodo is always the one who is saved by his loyal companions in the Fellowship. The very core of loyalty and chivalry are depicted in Tolkien’s epic, thus making the trilogy a good example of medievalist tale. Like The Hobbit, the concept of adventurism is obviously a key factor in order for the trilogy to fulfill its epic story. The geographical construct of Middle Earth is a major aspect in the story’s turn of events. From the Shire, to the Weathertop, to Gondor, Rohan and finally in Mordor, the Lord of the Rings trilogy shows how the evil corrupts each city and how the characters react to this in order to fulfill their quest. To add to this, a very medieval concept in the trilogy is the presence of warring states within Middle Earth. The battles that shape Tolkien’s imagined world is similar to the historical reality of warring kingdoms in Europe during the 11th to the 15th centuries. A perfect example of a medieval state is the city of Edoras in Rohan. The very presence of the Rohirrim, the elite horse lords of the land, depicts a very medieval influence in the author’s works. The characterization of the kingdoms, the weaponry and the political system of the varying realms in Middle Earth are all medieval inspired (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy). Both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy exhibit very similar medieval traits. One is the concept of chivalry amongst the protagonists. Another is the concept of adventurism which makes the works of Tolkien epic classics. Ultimately, Tolkien had constructed his imagined world – a world where his works are based - upon the designs of a medieval environment. The proliferation of kingdoms and mystical realms and the endless battles between warring states and armies are all traits of medievalism which are contained within the works of Tolkien (Bennet and Hollister). Works Cited Bennet, Judith and Clive Warren Hollister. Medieval Europe: A Short History. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2002. Print. Tolkien, John Ronald Reuel. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Series. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2002. Print. _______________________. The Hobbit. London: George Allen and Unwin, 1937. Print. Read More