This project examines Tolkien's utilisation of migration in his fantasy world-building. Firstly, it explores the utilisation of Medieval tropes, themes and imagery in Middle-Earth, and how this...Show moreThis project examines Tolkien's utilisation of migration in his fantasy world-building. Firstly, it explores the utilisation of Medieval tropes, themes and imagery in Middle-Earth, and how this creates the basis for believable fictional societies. Following this, it shows how the interactions between Tolkien's societies and characters contribute to the development of Middle-Earth as a fantasy world. Finally, these insights become a lens through which to view the theme of race in Tolkien's fantasy, and show a particular conception of racial issues that repeats itself throughout Tolkien's fiction.Show less
It is believed that Tolkien's knowledge of Anglo-Saxon culture did not only inspire him to write The Lord of the Rings, but that he also reproduced the Anglo-Saxons and their warrior culture in his...Show moreIt is believed that Tolkien's knowledge of Anglo-Saxon culture did not only inspire him to write The Lord of the Rings, but that he also reproduced the Anglo-Saxons and their warrior culture in his works. However, the heroic ethos that the characters live up to in The Lord of the Rings, and in particular oath-taking, diverges intentionally from the heroic ethos and oaths of loyalty in Anglo-Saxon warrior culture. This thesis explores Tolkien’s views on and presentation of oath-making and –breaking in his trilogy of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien’s works and his representation of oaths are compared to sworn speech in the Old English poems Beowulf and The Battle of Maldon. This thesis shows that Tolkien created a heroic code that is different from the traditional Anglo-Saxon heroic ethos, one in which free will plays an important part. Tolkien made a conscious attempt to reshape the heroic code and attached other values to the oath of loyalty in The Lord of the Rings.Show less
