Please don’t forget to ‘like’ and leave a comment (however short), as it REALLY helps promote the channel. My other channel, Great ART Explained can be found here - www.youtube.com/@GreatArtExplained- thanks so much for your amazing support - James
TT is a garbage dump for ADHD, "instant gratification" addicts. I *really* hate the idea of continuing to bother uploading any videos about my books to TT. Huge waste of resources. Besides, I think my YT videos present plenty of materials so that people learn at least a little about DD1-6.
Bookpilled is another excellent channel if you're into scifi. His presentation is no nonsense and the way he describes writing styles is so good. Highly recommended
“To understand the people you must understand the language.” So true! You’ll understand why the Dutch are so direct once you learn their language. They’re just so used to being so literal and using as few words as possible. Some examples: Skunk - “stinky animal” Gloves - “hand shoes” Potato - “earth apple” Vacuum - “dust sucker” Santa Klaus - “Christmas man” etc. Now that I think of it, the Indonesians also like to shorten their words. It’s definitely the Dutch influence 😂
One thing you can learn about the Japanese from their language is their passion for indirection. E.g., passive voice is often preferred to active voice, in direct contrast to English, and there are SO many ways (I can think of 4 or 5 offhand) to say something indirectly. In fact, I was told once by a professor of Classical Japanese literature that in the Tale of Genji, the monolithic work that exemplifies the writing of the Heian Period (approx. 750-1185 AD), you can go 3 pages without having a single direct reference to anything or anyone. I could go on and on about how this informs the culture.
Beautiful. I had no idea of the significance or content of this work when I borrowed it at the local library at the age of 14. It truly changed how I looked at the world, and I've read it whole or in part dozens of times since,
Apart from only Crime and Punishment, Lord of the Rings (and entire Tolkien legendarium really) are my most favourite books. They aren't just books, they are massive part of my life and I believe my character. Thank you for thoughtful, deep analysis of this masterpiece.
Thank you for posting this comment. I have read Crime and Punishment for the first time just over a year ago and, my god! I was absolutely floored by that book! The ability for anyone, let alone someone from the 19th century, to be able to put into words such emotional and psychological complexity in a way that is not too terribly difficult to follow is astounding!!!
@@mipsungvuclam You said it perfectly, it's an absolute masterpiece. I read it fairly young first time, and every time I've read it again I found new layers of the story and understood it better. That's what makes it so incredible personally, perception of the book changes as you change and grow as a reader.
Your video is surely one of the best analyses, not only of the work, but also of JRR Tolkien's motives. Remarkably well-documented, and fascinating from start to finish. Congratulations, and thanks for sharing.
Bless this creator. Between this channel and their Great Art Explained, I've managed to help a lot of my friends and coworkers either understand my love for many different works from many different artists and/or help them discover artists that they appreciate themselves. The stories of Tolkien, along with how they were completed, shared, and expanded upon, are EASILY some of the most special and impactful stories ever told (imo) Thank you for all the great work! Apologies for crazy long comment
The LotR trilogy, both in writing and on screen, is incredible. And there is no shortage of excellent analyses, comments, ruminations... ... yet they must all bow to this new video essay - THE ONE ANALYSIS
I love that you pointed out Tolkien’s early influence by George MacDonald and Andrew Lang! You can absolutely see the stylistic influence if you’re looking for it.
Comparing lotr film scenes with footage from WWI was a brilliant choice, I've been thinking about the parallels for a while, but seeing it in film madenit much more visceral. Incredible video as always!
Many aspects of the story have potential real-life inspirations. I've always suspected that the eagles represented the United States, with their preferred isolation but helping when the need is dire. The Hobbits being the everyday English citizen. The races of men being the countries who have been at war for a long time and appear large and scary to young men just entering the war. So many potential influences.
I'm so lucky to have scrolled to you and your lovely new piece! I'm watching now, and shall watch again with my husband this evening! 😊 My Dad gave me this Immense Series for my 11th birthday... The gorgeous hardcover, boxed set was daunting in and of itself, but I dove right into JRR's Grand Adventure! It transitioned me from Narnia to understanding our real History. You present things beautifully. I share your brilliance with people I think will appreciate you. This goes to my Dad, for sure! THANK YOU! ❤
What a beautiful comment :) The work you do allows me to connect with the things that I find most interesting. As someone with ADHD, reading Tolkien’s work has always been my dream but I just can’t seem to sit through the whole thing. Thank you for making such interesting and meaningful content, I hope this channel sees the same success as your other one. Good luck James!
I first read the Lord of the Rings at the age of 11 quite by accident (I stumbled on a copy of the Fellowship of the Ring that was published by HarperCollins under the Collins Modern Classic series) and it left a profound impact on my grasp and appreciation for language to this very day.
As a writer working on my own massive epic world, this video is invaluable. To hear Tolkien's own words on writing and his thoughts on his work are an incredible source of inspiration. Thank you so much, GBE!
I watched your latest Great Books Explained on Tolkein. I can never believe all the outstanding footage you find. Your videos are much better than the BBC are producing these days. Your summarising of the thematic plot of TLOTR as a person of no abilities on a quest to destroy the thing that would give them great power, was really revelatory. I enjoy how you deconstruct the life and work, re-grounding it into the human and all these roads of life that end up in the work. Tracing that dotted connection of experiences is really important in how we think of art, especially in an era of AI. Regarding reliigion, I personally believe it's impossible not to make a religious work of art. One can always identify a religion in a work of art. I think you have to choose one, there's no atheist work. You have to be a conscious critic to dissect it from the work. I'm glad I've never been in a war, but the way it affects artists is very fascinating to me. Not only writers, or painters like Goya, but Elvis and Jimi Hendrix went to war, those experiences of life at its extremes and the courage to be there and the empathy for humanity under such extremes don't leave a person. It's also the wars of one's lifetime. I started writing essay books about wars of my time during the pandemic and still do to help world-view/world building as a writer. I recently bought a couple of books of war poetry and it's fascinating to see the change in how people write about it. Still, Ancient Greece wasn't only Homer, but had Archilochus and Tyrteaus. But above all Thucycides whose perception of humanity I think is even greater than Dostoevsky's. Looking forward to your next video
I admit I had this more as background noise as I was drifting in and out of sleep (I woke up too early, lol), so I wasn’t fully paying attention, but from what I did hear…… wow! For one, you did an incredible job, and for two…. I’m just continuing to develop a deeper appreciation for Tolkien everyday! Hearing him read the books, speaking the languages of the world, yet speaking with the right accents and still speaking confidently and powerfully! Incredible And near the beginning you pointed out Tolkien finding a “lost paradise” in an old corn mill amongst other things near his home, while he was in poverty….. that’s kinda how I’ve been lately I’ve been going on a lot of hikes, and my favorite thing is when I discover an old building or something, that’s hidden in the woods. That to me is far more worth it than a lot of things money can buy
Thank you once again for yet another thoughtful, thorough, yet concise gem. You cover books and art that I sometimes struggle with, yet each time I come away satisfied, as if eaten a very good meal. Keep up the fantastic work ❤
I would like to extend my gratitude to the author of the video for your excellent work. Through your videos, you have opened a whole new world of art for me. I have watched all the videos on your main channel and I am truly inspired by your work. I admire "The Lord of the Rings" and have read it twice, but there were some details that you mentioned that I was unaware of. Your insights into the story and the characters have been very interesting and insightful. Please continue creating more videos like this! I rarely leave comments on videos, but I have done it here because yours are of such high quality. Your work is truly exceptional and I look forward to seeing more from you in the future.
OMG. That is a legend in itself. I read it back in the 60's when I was a child. Then I read the Hobbit. I wanted so badly to be an elf then no matter the long defeat.
Thank you for this review of the lord of the rings. I felt that I not only learned much about lord of the the ring trillogy but of tolkien and his times and the creation of the books. As a dedicated and compulsive reader I so enjoy and learn from your chanel. Looking foward for more books
This is lovely! I was waiting for the world-building to be discussed. In a world where so much creativity is being outsourced to AI or is subjugated by productivity, Tolkien takes the time to create a thoughtful and enduring work rooted in human experience. Thank you for this timely essay!
Thank you! It is so refreshing to watch a video that treats The Lord of the Rings as literature and not just source material for DND. As always, you are insightful.
I did the same, from age about 10 or 11 (1978) to sometime in the 90s...I still reread parts of it often. Recently I read the whole thing aloud to my husband, who'd never read it.
Oh my! That was so interesting and refreshing! As an avid reader of Tolkien for years, it might not add me new information, but certainly it is the first time I encounter the thoughts and conclusions one might extract by reading LOTR and then engaging its themes and patterns through the life and times of the author all in one place in such a way. Well thought and well put!
Thank you for this video! It has helped me gain an appreciation for the last part of the book (the return to the Shire), which I always thought was overly long and unnecessary. I now realise that there is more to it than meets the eye.
@@GreatArtExplained fantastic piece, mate! i love visiting oxford, and i definitely learned a few new things about the lore in this video. as always, excellent research, narration and presentation!
I am glad you bring up both tolkien's Catholicism and environmentalism, as I feel ether one is left out when people talk about Tolkien. Catholic theology and philosophy does played a influence, especially seeing evil as not destructive to other, but to oneself, similar how evil is seen in Dante inferno(a very Catholic). Despite sauron, melkor and their forces being really powerful, they destroy themselves in the sense of they looker more distorted and at times become a twist version of themselves, while also hating themselves. Also the Lord of rings views fate and desnity is similar to Christianity. With his environmental stuff. It very obvious with his epilogue chapter or rather the story "the scouring of the shire" where Tolkien being his most personal on seeing 20th century industrialized and it effects. Lord of the rings became really popular in 1960s and 1970s in American both due to expanding outside UK and the growing green mommvent. During the 1960s and 1970s the green mommvent was growing as people saw the negative effect of industrialization with many environmental laws being passed during the 1970s. Although that audience was more progressives and liberal(and at times socialist) then Toliken. Many of Tolkien passage of the destruction of environmental hit many people who also seen the destructive of many ecosystems and negative affect. So Tolkien also help made environmentalism literature that you see more sci-fi.
Thanks for the comment - I really wanted to explore his Catholicism - it was so important - interesting that his “green” credentials were from a fairly conservative viewpoint
His childhood and religion is covered in the Oxford University TH-cam video, which I'm sure you have seen, but others may not have, if they want to learn more about the exceptional man behind the stories. th-cam.com/video/_u8HwsASlvg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=EKHPgIKXrV1YbmnX
Love your content on art recently made a trip to the MET and really enjoyed it thanks to your video's on art. Was even able to give my friends on the trip with me a lens to view the art from your videos to make it enjoyable.
This sounds odd as I think of it before saying it, but anyhow: I just imagined for a few moments that society is like it was in the Renaissance and I (and other viewers) are like a privileged prince who is fortunate enough to have a personal tutor- who is you- the consummate tutor, learned in all subjects and a joy to listen to. Odd- I said as much- but an enjoyable daydream. I appreciate you and your excellent work, sir. Every video whether it's literature or art is fascinating and enthralling.
Tolkien was the one who made that original art?? It was so fundamental to the way we saw it. The maps! And I'm happy to be reminded of George MacDonald. I have not read his work in many years, so it is a good time to rediscover him.
A great analysis of the books which pretty much defined fantasy in the second half of the 20 century. When I was a lad in the mid-80s the local bookshop had whole shelves of fantasy all of which involved long journeys across imagined landscapes in some struggle by mere mortals against ultimate evil. They pretty much all came in trilogies as well. I particularly appreciated the comparison of Frodo's and Sam's travels through Mordor and the battle of the Somme. Very well done. Thank you.
Fantastic! My favorite book explained so well. (The only book in the great books explained series of which I already knew 90%+ of the video content. I’ve read up on Tolkien extensively to understand the work better) 😊 Again thank you for this. I’m loving the content of both your channels.
I learned a lot about one of my favourite book series, thanks. I read it to my kids when they were around 8 and they loved that fantasy world and I believe it helped them do so well in courses that involved imagination during their schooling
This is a lovely biography of Tolkien, but it warrants saying that he would have abhorred this approach being described as "the Lord of the Rings explained." He firmly wished for people to evaluate and analyze his works internally without attempts to project his life onto the text; those are all what the novel meant to him, but he believed that each reader should be free to interpret and apply the themes and narratives of the story to their own lives and through their own experiences. He believed that the text was worth engaging of it's own merit, and I personally agree.
These are video essays and I never claim to give any definitive explanation, just give context to the period and the author, allowing people to make their own minds up. For any author/artist to claim that their life experiences had no bearing on their artistic output - is I’m afraid, just not true. I’m just laying out possibilities.
@@greatbooksexplained371 I understand where you are coming from, and I don't mean to say that it has no merit or that his biography is irrelevant (certainly his experiences shaped his values as his values shaped his writing). I certainly don't mean to dismiss your excellent work in this video, and I hope that is not the impression my comment gives. I still think his intent as an author to disappear as much as possible from the narrative is worth mentioning because he spent so much time in revision deliberately excising anything that didn't have an in-narrative justification for being written.
I can't believe I didn't think of it but I thought of Charles dickens. And also a contemporary of Tolkien in my opinion is c.s. Lewis. Keep up the good work on both channels!
Watching and listening to the stories behind some great works really made my day. Too bad this generation will never appreciate the simple life of reading a book while sipping tea or coffee.
The Hobbit and LOTR are my two favorite novels of all time, and I hold Tolkien and his books very deeply to my heart. Thank you for this outstanding video on such a legendary and wonderful author and his equally-legendary and wonderful corpus of literature.
@@greatbooksexplained371 Loved it!!! I first discovered LOTR when I was laid up with an appendectomy. I’ve been hooked ever since. Your videos are incredible, and you’ve introduced me to art, books, and cities I’ve known where there, but never bothered to learn about. Thank you so much for doing what you do! 🥳
The Lord of the Rings is the only book which I have read over three times, outside of the Bible. It’s crazy how each additional reading gives me a new level of insights and understanding of the people described.
That's so great to hear. I know friends who read the book once a year...a sort of pilgrimage. There's a certain peace that comes from immersing oneself in Tolkien's world
Since I haven't consumed any form (Movies/Books) of this great epic (apart from occasional memes), I will not watch the video yet, fearing any major spoilers. But I am here to comment and like regardless, just for the algorithm! I want more people to realize how amazing this channel really is!
Beautifully done. I really love that you used so much of the man's own words, too. Always loved the language aspect of these books - and the way it FELT like reading an epic of the "old world." Maybe someday I'll manage to get my own fantasy world half as well built as Middle Earth!
Loving your book channel very much. Very good work. Love learning more about literature and the history behind it. I hope you can make an episode of Frank Herbert’s Dune series ☺️
03:30 "Tolkien had invented a whole new genre: The Fantasy Novel". Well, sorry to say that it was invented by William Morris, who also wrote high fantasy novels (The Well at the World's End, The House of the Wolfings etc.). We know that Tolkien read Morris, because he requested Morris' books be included in his college's library. Tolkien also "borrowed" some of his place names from Morris, for example Mirkwood . I am a great admirer of Tolkien, but when people call him the father of fantasy, I always say "But William Morris was the grandfather!"
Please don’t forget to ‘like’ and leave a comment (however short), as it REALLY helps promote the channel. My other channel, Great ART Explained can be found here - www.youtube.com/@GreatArtExplained- thanks so much for your amazing support - James
The link seems to be broken
However short
@@SuperKaljothanks for letting me know - it’s fixed now
This is a great thing you've done, I didn't know a lot of this about J.R.R. Tolkien
You did a magnificant essay on Lee Miller but couldn't find it when I looked again. Was it removed? I usually watch your videos multiple times.
It's so refreshing to see a still active non-booktok-esque literature channel
I had to google "Booktok" 😱
This is by far the best book channel on BookTube ❤
@@seriouslywhatever1031 Oh thank you!
TT is a garbage dump for ADHD, "instant gratification" addicts. I *really* hate the idea of continuing to bother uploading any videos about my books to TT. Huge waste of resources. Besides, I think my YT videos present plenty of materials so that people learn at least a little about DD1-6.
Bookpilled is another excellent channel if you're into scifi. His presentation is no nonsense and the way he describes writing styles is so good. Highly recommended
33 minutes of my life just wonderfully sorted, as always thank you!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
“To understand the people you must understand the language.”
So true! You’ll understand why the Dutch are so direct once you learn their language. They’re just so used to being so literal and using as few words as possible. Some examples:
Skunk - “stinky animal”
Gloves - “hand shoes”
Potato - “earth apple”
Vacuum - “dust sucker”
Santa Klaus - “Christmas man” etc.
Now that I think of it, the Indonesians also like to shorten their words. It’s definitely the Dutch influence 😂
One thing you can learn about the Japanese from their language is their passion for indirection. E.g., passive voice is often preferred to active voice, in direct contrast to English, and there are SO many ways (I can think of 4 or 5 offhand) to say something indirectly.
In fact, I was told once by a professor of Classical Japanese literature that in the Tale of Genji, the monolithic work that exemplifies the writing of the Heian Period (approx. 750-1185 AD), you can go 3 pages without having a single direct reference to anything or anyone.
I could go on and on about how this informs the culture.
This is the same case with German
why are germans so long if germany was once called dutchland then?
Beautiful. I had no idea of the significance or content of this work when I borrowed it at the local library at the age of 14. It truly changed how I looked at the world, and I've read it whole or in part dozens of times since,
Apart from only Crime and Punishment, Lord of the Rings (and entire Tolkien legendarium really) are my most favourite books. They aren't just books, they are massive part of my life and I believe my character. Thank you for thoughtful, deep analysis of this masterpiece.
Thanks for the great comment! James
Thank you for posting this comment. I have read Crime and Punishment for the first time just over a year ago and, my god! I was absolutely floored by that book! The ability for anyone, let alone someone from the 19th century, to be able to put into words such emotional and psychological complexity in a way that is not too terribly difficult to follow is astounding!!!
@@mipsungvuclam You said it perfectly, it's an absolute masterpiece. I read it fairly young first time, and every time I've read it again I found new layers of the story and understood it better. That's what makes it so incredible personally, perception of the book changes as you change and grow as a reader.
@@zlatan_2197 I can imagine. And I am looking forward to when the time is right to pick it up again!
Your video is surely one of the best analyses, not only of the work, but also of JRR Tolkien's motives.
Remarkably well-documented, and fascinating from start to finish. Congratulations, and thanks for sharing.
What a blessing this channel is. Thank you for this video.
I am in awe. This Video should win an Emmy
Bless this creator. Between this channel and their Great Art Explained, I've managed to help a lot of my friends and coworkers either understand my love for many different works from many different artists and/or help them discover artists that they appreciate themselves.
The stories of Tolkien, along with how they were completed, shared, and expanded upon, are EASILY some of the most special and impactful stories ever told (imo)
Thank you for all the great work!
Apologies for crazy long comment
Sometimes, nice comments like this come at exactly the right time - thank you 🙏
The LotR trilogy, both in writing and on screen, is incredible. And there is no shortage of excellent analyses, comments, ruminations...
... yet they must all bow to this new video essay - THE ONE ANALYSIS
Amazing he didn't write it all in Elvish.
I love that you pointed out Tolkien’s early influence by George MacDonald and Andrew Lang! You can absolutely see the stylistic influence if you’re looking for it.
Read it back in 1975 as a teen and I was forever changed. Thank you for great review
A great introduction into Tolkien and very well produced at that. Hats off to the writer and the editor!
Thank you 🙏
Comparing lotr film scenes with footage from WWI was a brilliant choice, I've been thinking about the parallels for a while, but seeing it in film madenit much more visceral. Incredible video as always!
Glad you liked it! Much appreciated!
Many aspects of the story have potential real-life inspirations. I've always suspected that the eagles represented the United States, with their preferred isolation but helping when the need is dire. The Hobbits being the everyday English citizen. The races of men being the countries who have been at war for a long time and appear large and scary to young men just entering the war. So many potential influences.
The pessimist sees difficulties in every opportunity. The optimist finds opportunities in any difficulty."
And both perspectives are vitally necessary for a fully-rounded perspective.
Shared with my husband who is a fan of LoTR and Tolkien in general. Thank you for these wonderful videos. Mesmerizing!
Glad you like them!
I'm so lucky to have scrolled to you and your lovely new piece! I'm watching now, and shall watch again with my husband this evening! 😊
My Dad gave me this Immense Series for my 11th birthday... The gorgeous hardcover, boxed set was daunting in and of itself, but I dove right into JRR's Grand Adventure! It transitioned me from Narnia to understanding our real History.
You present things beautifully. I share your brilliance with people I think will appreciate you. This goes to my Dad, for sure! THANK YOU! ❤
Thanks - I hope your dad enjoys it!
Sometimes I feel that one must be worthy to read works of such great minds !
You ARE worthy
What a beautiful comment :) The work you do allows me to connect with the things that I find most interesting. As someone with ADHD, reading Tolkien’s work has always been my dream but I just can’t seem to sit through the whole thing. Thank you for making such interesting and meaningful content, I hope this channel sees the same success as your other one.
Good luck James!
Have you considered that reading such works might just exactly be how one becomes 'worthy'? ❤
It is by the very act of reading that you join the ranks of the worthy.
Wonderful to see great art explains narrative story telling push into literature. Seriously a match made in heaven
Wow, thank you! 🙏
Enjoyed every second of this video. Thank you from Iran.
I first read the Lord of the Rings at the age of 11 quite by accident (I stumbled on a copy of the Fellowship of the Ring that was published by HarperCollins under the Collins Modern Classic series) and it left a profound impact on my grasp and appreciation for language to this very day.
As a writer working on my own massive epic world, this video is invaluable. To hear Tolkien's own words on writing and his thoughts on his work are an incredible source of inspiration. Thank you so much, GBE!
I watched your latest Great Books Explained on Tolkein. I can never believe all the outstanding footage you find. Your videos are much better than the BBC are producing these days. Your summarising of the thematic plot of TLOTR as a person of no abilities on a quest to destroy the thing that would give them great power, was really revelatory. I enjoy how you deconstruct the life and work, re-grounding it into the human and all these roads of life that end up in the work. Tracing that dotted connection of experiences is really important in how we think of art, especially in an era of AI. Regarding reliigion, I personally believe it's impossible not to make a religious work of art. One can always identify a religion in a work of art. I think you have to choose one, there's no atheist work. You have to be a conscious critic to dissect it from the work. I'm glad I've never been in a war, but the way it affects artists is very fascinating to me. Not only writers, or painters like Goya, but Elvis and Jimi Hendrix went to war, those experiences of life at its extremes and the courage to be there and the empathy for humanity under such extremes don't leave a person. It's also the wars of one's lifetime. I started writing essay books about wars of my time during the pandemic and still do to help world-view/world building as a writer. I recently bought a couple of books of war poetry and it's fascinating to see the change in how people write about it. Still, Ancient Greece wasn't only Homer, but had Archilochus and Tyrteaus. But above all Thucycides whose perception of humanity I think is even greater than Dostoevsky's. Looking forward to your next video
I admit I had this more as background noise as I was drifting in and out of sleep (I woke up too early, lol), so I wasn’t fully paying attention, but from what I did hear…… wow! For one, you did an incredible job, and for two…. I’m just continuing to develop a deeper appreciation for Tolkien everyday! Hearing him read the books, speaking the languages of the world, yet speaking with the right accents and still speaking confidently and powerfully! Incredible
And near the beginning you pointed out Tolkien finding a “lost paradise” in an old corn mill amongst other things near his home, while he was in poverty….. that’s kinda how I’ve been lately
I’ve been going on a lot of hikes, and my favorite thing is when I discover an old building or something, that’s hidden in the woods. That to me is far more worth it than a lot of things money can buy
really effective in the connections you draw among Tolkien's life, the world he lived in, his creative work, and his influence. thank you.
Thank you once again for yet another thoughtful, thorough, yet concise gem. You cover books and art that I sometimes struggle with, yet each time I come away satisfied, as if eaten a very good meal. Keep up the fantastic work ❤
thank you! 🙏
I would like to extend my gratitude to the author of the video for your excellent work. Through your videos, you have opened a whole new world of art for me. I have watched all the videos on your main channel and I am truly inspired by your work. I admire "The Lord of the Rings" and have read it twice, but there were some details that you mentioned that I was unaware of. Your insights into the story and the characters have been very interesting and insightful. Please continue creating more videos like this! I rarely leave comments on videos, but I have done it here because yours are of such high quality. Your work is truly exceptional and I look forward to seeing more from you in the future.
The giving up of power is, after all, what the Gospel is all about. LOTRs embodies this, does not symbolize this. Great commentary. thank you.
Good point thanks 🙏
I love Tolkien’s Legendarium. Thank you so much for sharing your insightful analysis.
Proper stuff. Great to have found your channel. Excited to watch this full vid. Thank you!
Awesome, thank you! 🙏
I read the whole book over a weekend holed up in my room in halls at Uni. Thank you for this fabulous insight into Tolkien and his book. Brilliance!
OMG. That is a legend in itself. I read it back in the 60's when I was a child. Then I read the Hobbit. I wanted so badly to be an elf then no matter the long defeat.
Thank you for this review of the lord of the rings. I felt that I not only learned much about lord of the the ring trillogy but of tolkien and his times and the creation of the books. As a dedicated and compulsive reader I so enjoy and learn from your chanel. Looking foward for more books
Thanks for the comment!
This is lovely! I was waiting for the world-building to be discussed. In a world where so much creativity is being outsourced to AI or is subjugated by productivity, Tolkien takes the time to create a thoughtful and enduring work rooted in human experience. Thank you for this timely essay!
Thank you! It is so refreshing to watch a video that treats The Lord of the Rings as literature and not just source material for DND. As always, you are insightful.
The quality of this channel is amazing ❤
Thank you so much 😀
Great videos, congrats and thank you! No doubt I'll recommend your entire work on TH-cam to my students in my ESL classes.
Thanks 🙏
From age 12 (1972), I read the trilogy every year till the movies came out. Tolkien shaped my life views forever.
I did the same, from age about 10 or 11 (1978) to sometime in the 90s...I still reread parts of it often. Recently I read the whole thing aloud to my husband, who'd never read it.
It is not a trilogy
This has to become the highest watched videos on the channel
I didn't know the idea behind LOTR inspired by Tolkien's war experience. Thank you for the refreshing perspective.
I’ve only seen the movies but after watching your video I’m compelled to read these great works of literature.
Great video. Always good to see literature situated in a time and place like this
Thanks james
Oh my! That was so interesting and refreshing!
As an avid reader of Tolkien for years, it might not add me new information, but certainly it is the first time I encounter the thoughts and conclusions one might extract by reading LOTR and then engaging its themes and patterns through the life and times of the author all in one place in such a way.
Well thought and well put!
Thank you for this video! It has helped me gain an appreciation for the last part of the book (the return to the Shire), which I always thought was overly long and unnecessary. I now realise that there is more to it than meets the eye.
i'm not really into this franchise, but i can't wait to tuck into this video!
I hope you find it useful!
@@GreatArtExplained fantastic piece, mate! i love visiting oxford, and i definitely learned a few new things about the lore in this video. as always, excellent research, narration and presentation!
Thank you for your accuracy and command of the spoken language. Much appreciated.
The upcoming Lego Sauron set looks incredible btw
that last quote made me sad and proud; hope I am and always will be a good friend to LOTR, great video
Excellent history and analysis! I never miss one of your videos.
I am glad you bring up both tolkien's Catholicism and environmentalism, as I feel ether one is left out when people talk about Tolkien. Catholic theology and philosophy does played a influence, especially seeing evil as not destructive to other, but to oneself, similar how evil is seen in Dante inferno(a very Catholic). Despite sauron, melkor and their forces being really powerful, they destroy themselves in the sense of they looker more distorted and at times become a twist version of themselves, while also hating themselves. Also the Lord of rings views fate and desnity is similar to Christianity.
With his environmental stuff. It very obvious with his epilogue chapter or rather the story "the scouring of the shire" where Tolkien being his most personal on seeing 20th century industrialized and it effects. Lord of the rings became really popular in 1960s and 1970s in American both due to expanding outside UK and the growing green mommvent. During the 1960s and 1970s the green mommvent was growing as people saw the negative effect of industrialization with many environmental laws being passed during the 1970s. Although that audience was more progressives and liberal(and at times socialist) then Toliken. Many of Tolkien passage of the destruction of environmental hit many people who also seen the destructive of many ecosystems and negative affect. So Tolkien also help made environmentalism literature that you see more sci-fi.
Thanks for the comment - I really wanted to explore his Catholicism - it was so important - interesting that his “green” credentials were from a fairly conservative viewpoint
His childhood and religion is covered in the Oxford University TH-cam video, which I'm sure you have seen, but others may not have, if they want to learn more about the exceptional man behind the stories.
th-cam.com/video/_u8HwsASlvg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=EKHPgIKXrV1YbmnX
Love your content on art recently made a trip to the MET and really enjoyed it thanks to your video's on art. Was even able to give my friends on the trip with me a lens to view the art from your videos to make it enjoyable.
Great to hear! Thanks 🙏
A very insightful look inside Tolkien’s mind!
The one analysis to rule them all. Beautiful and comprehensive video in so short a package. Thank you.
THIS CONTENT IS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR!!
I’m overjoyed to see this story told in such lush detail. I’d expect nothing less from such a wonderful channel
I am in awe of this video. Can't recommend it enough to my friends.
"I exposed my heart to be shot at" is such a comforting line coming from one of the greatest
Lord of the rings, one of my favorite books and movies.
This sounds odd as I think of it before saying it, but anyhow: I just imagined for a few moments that society is like it was in the Renaissance and I (and other viewers) are like a privileged prince who is fortunate enough to have a personal tutor- who is you- the consummate tutor, learned in all subjects and a joy to listen to.
Odd- I said as much- but an enjoyable daydream. I appreciate you and your excellent work, sir. Every video whether it's literature or art is fascinating and enthralling.
Tolkien was the one who made that original art?? It was so fundamental to the way we saw it. The maps! And I'm happy to be reminded of George MacDonald. I have not read his work in many years, so it is a good time to rediscover him.
That was a beautiful video. I shed a few tears at the end. Congrats.
A great analysis of the books which pretty much defined fantasy in the second half of the 20 century. When I was a lad in the mid-80s the local bookshop had whole shelves of fantasy all of which involved long journeys across imagined landscapes in some struggle by mere mortals against ultimate evil. They pretty much all came in trilogies as well.
I particularly appreciated the comparison of Frodo's and Sam's travels through Mordor and the battle of the Somme. Very well done.
Thank you.
Fantastic! My favorite book explained so well. (The only book in the great books explained series of which I already knew 90%+ of the video content. I’ve read up on Tolkien extensively to understand the work better) 😊
Again thank you for this. I’m loving the content of both your channels.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I learned a lot about one of my favourite book series, thanks. I read it to my kids when they were around 8 and they loved that fantasy world and I believe it helped them do so well in courses that involved imagination during their schooling
Thanks for uploading this was very interesting
Thanks for watching
OMG, that was amazing. Your analysis is priceless. Thanks so much for doing this.
This is a lovely biography of Tolkien, but it warrants saying that he would have abhorred this approach being described as "the Lord of the Rings explained." He firmly wished for people to evaluate and analyze his works internally without attempts to project his life onto the text; those are all what the novel meant to him, but he believed that each reader should be free to interpret and apply the themes and narratives of the story to their own lives and through their own experiences. He believed that the text was worth engaging of it's own merit, and I personally agree.
These are video essays and I never claim to give any definitive explanation, just give context to the period and the author, allowing people to make their own minds up. For any author/artist to claim that their life experiences had no bearing on their artistic output - is I’m afraid, just not true. I’m just laying out possibilities.
@@greatbooksexplained371 I understand where you are coming from, and I don't mean to say that it has no merit or that his biography is irrelevant (certainly his experiences shaped his values as his values shaped his writing). I certainly don't mean to dismiss your excellent work in this video, and I hope that is not the impression my comment gives.
I still think his intent as an author to disappear as much as possible from the narrative is worth mentioning because he spent so much time in revision deliberately excising anything that didn't have an in-narrative justification for being written.
Kudos to both of you for keeping things rational and cordial, as is often the case with us lotr fans :)
Thank you for this very interesting video. I read Lord of the Rings when I was 17 and have never forgotten it
This is exactly what I was looking for in regards to Tolkien history
I can't believe I didn't think of it but I thought of Charles dickens. And also a contemporary of Tolkien in my opinion is c.s. Lewis. Keep up the good work on both channels!
Brilliantly done, I can’t wait for the next video
More to come!
Just outstanding! Bravo.
Thank you 🙏
Watching and listening to the stories behind some great works really made my day. Too bad this generation will never appreciate the simple life of reading a book while sipping tea or coffee.
The Hobbit and LOTR are my two favorite novels of all time, and I hold Tolkien and his books very deeply to my heart. Thank you for this outstanding video on such a legendary and wonderful author and his equally-legendary and wonderful corpus of literature.
This is one of the best videos in all the youtube library! Great job! I enjoyed this very much.
I have been waiting and watching for this video! I know it’ll be worth the wait! Thank you so much ❤
Hope you like it!
@@greatbooksexplained371 Loved it!!! I first discovered LOTR when I was laid up with an appendectomy. I’ve been hooked ever since. Your videos are incredible, and you’ve introduced me to art, books, and cities I’ve known where there, but never bothered to learn about. Thank you so much for doing what you do! 🥳
Wonderful breakdown of Tolkien. Bravo 👌. I've seen and read many doc's about Tolkien and you managed to hit some of the really salient points. 🖖😎🤘🇨🇦
This channel is superb. Such detail bravo 👏🏻
So glad you did this
Thanks for watching!
It is truly amazing that a man very much of his time created something so timeless
been a deep lore fan of the legendarium, and even i learned a thing or two from this. wonderful
Bravo. Another epic and insightful short film. Thank you.
I had been looking forward to this and you did not disappoint. Great work as always
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you. Having been brought up on the books it is good to see deeper into them.
The Lord of the Rings is the only book which I have read over three times, outside of the Bible. It’s crazy how each additional reading gives me a new level of insights and understanding of the people described.
That's so great to hear. I know friends who read the book once a year...a sort of pilgrimage. There's a certain peace that comes from immersing oneself in Tolkien's world
@@Tony_TLNTS Amen!
@@Tony_TLNTS A 95 years old Polish monk (and philosopher) once said : "Tolkien is contemplation"
:)
I just finished my 7th reading!
@@hermajesty52 wow!!!!🤩
Gracias por el vídeo fue muy interesante! Seria genial que hicieras una reseña de Narnia!
Love both of your channels! Excellent work
If I had to pick out one channel that seemed to do everything right, it’s this one (and great art, of course)
Very kind - thank you!
Since I haven't consumed any form (Movies/Books) of this great epic (apart from occasional memes), I will not watch the video yet, fearing any major spoilers. But I am here to comment and like regardless, just for the algorithm! I want more people to realize how amazing this channel really is!
Great explication. Should be required viewing for any Tolkein courses.
Beautifully done. I really love that you used so much of the man's own words, too. Always loved the language aspect of these books - and the way it FELT like reading an epic of the "old world." Maybe someday I'll manage to get my own fantasy world half as well built as Middle Earth!
A brilliant explication. Thank you for your inspired efforts.
Thank you for this great video. Love the cadence with some snippets of the story interspersed.
Another wonderful video. These are a joy to watch.
Glad you like them!
Thank you for getting to the heart of Tolkien's writing.
Loving your book channel very much. Very good work. Love learning more about literature and the history behind it. I hope you can make an episode of Frank Herbert’s Dune series ☺️
Thank you very much!
03:30 "Tolkien had invented a whole new genre: The Fantasy Novel". Well, sorry to say that it was invented by William Morris, who also wrote high fantasy novels (The Well at the World's End, The House of the Wolfings etc.). We know that Tolkien read Morris, because he requested Morris' books be included in his college's library. Tolkien also "borrowed" some of his place names from Morris, for example Mirkwood . I am a great admirer of Tolkien, but when people call him the father of fantasy, I always say "But William Morris was the grandfather!"
Some things are so influential that you have to remind yourself of it
Thanks for the great explanation. I never thought that the book and its story is loaded with historical realities.
Great video. Thanks for the deep exploration of Tolkien's life and how it influenced this masterpiece.